Friday, 15. August 2025 | EHC Red Bull München: Dillon Heatherington “Who are you?” - Player profile
The new “sheriff” at SAP Garden: Meet Dillon Heatherington“Who are you?” - the new portrait series of the Red Bulls// PORTRAIT In our new format “Who are you?”, we met up with Dillon Heatherington in front of SAP Garden. The newcomer, who loves physical play as much as he loves wakesurfing, is set to become an X-factor in our defense.At 1.93 meters tall and weighing just under 100 kilograms, Heatherington definitely has the right dimensions for a defensive player. "I'm a kind of stay-at-home and shutdown defender," is how the Canadian describes himself. The defensive edge should therefore keep Munich's goal area clean in future and give the Red Bulls' goalies a clear view. Heatherington could also become a central building block for our team in the short-handed game.
Responsible for the house rules in the SAP Garden
Of course, this is also due to his physical style of play. The 30-year-old is there to stop the opposition's attackers. Driving checks, blocking shots: Heatherington masters the necessary showpiece disciplines. What's more, our new number 95 has developed into a real leader in recent years. In the past, Heatherington has always worn the "A" as assistant captain or even the "C" as team captain in the AHL (American Hockey League).
When the going gets tough, the defenseman doesn't shy away from potential confrontations with the opposition. After Steve Pinizzotto, the Red Bulls now have a new "sheriff" who will be responsible for the house rules in the SAP Garden in future. Heatherington was symbolically presented with his "sheriff's star" by stadium announcer Wolfgang Dittrich. A warm welcome!
Episode 5 – “Who are you?” with Dillon Heatherington
// PORTRAIT
The role his father still plays today
The summer signing was introduced to ice hockey as a child mainly through his father, who trained him himself from the age of three. “He showed me how to skate. I learned so much from him about the game, but also about life. How do you become a man and how do you become a good person? He is still my idol today,” explains Heatherington. “I also used to play hockey in the basement with my older brother and his friends. That also got me into the sport.” Incidentally, Calgary-born Heatherington tried out other sports when he was younger, including golf, baseball, soccer, and basketball. “But it was ice hockey that really got me excited. I love this game,” he enthuses,
However, he continues to follow golf. It's no coincidence that a certain event, which took place a good six years ago, has remained particularly memorable for him. “When Tiger Woods won the US Masters in 2019. With his comeback at an older age after all his injuries and what he went through in his private life – that was pretty special,” he revealed. Indeed, the former world-class golfer's Masters victory is still considered one of the greatest comebacks in sports history.
Munich—love at first sight
In his private life, Heatherington, who enjoys listening to Nickelback's “Burn it to the Ground,” finds balance to his action-packed ice hockey career by playing golf during the summer break, among other things. Wakesurfing is also one of his hobbies. This is particularly easy to do in his Canadian homeland thanks to all the picturesque lakes. He himself is usually out on the water in British Columbia.
There are also plenty of lakes in and around Munich that are just waiting to be discovered. Heatherington can already cross one typical hotspot off his "must-visit" list. "So far we've been to Marienplatz and a few restaurants. The people have been incredibly friendly and accommodating," he says, immediately impressed by his new place of residence.
Returning brings back memories
Although many things are still new to him, this is not Heatherington's first time in the Bavarian capital. "In our youth, we once had a junior tournament in the spring with our community field hockey team. We were also in Munich back then. And being out and about here now and seeing some of the sights has brought back some memories from my childhood," he explained.
Heatherington, who has come here with his Canadian girlfriend, is looking forward to his time in Munich. "First and foremost, I'm here to play ice hockey. But we also want to gain new experiences and discover everything. At the end of the season, we want to feel like locals," the giant reveals his plans with a laugh. For him, this naturally includes - how could it be otherwise - a visit to the Oktoberfest. The 30-year-old won't have to wait much longer for that anyway.
Junior World Champion with Connor McDavid
Hopefully he won't have to wait long for a championship title with the Red Bulls. In the best-case scenario, this could be the case in spring 2026. The former NHL professional (24 appearances for the Dallas Stars and Ottawa Senators) already has a lot to show for his career in this regard. He was world junior champion with Canada in 2013 and 2015 and won the Calder Cup in the AHL with the Lake Erie Monsters in 2016.
"My biggest success so far is probably the gold medal at the 2015 World Junior Championship in my home country. My family and friends were sitting in the stands. We really had an outstanding team. Connor McDavid, Sam Reinhart and Darnell Nurse were among the players," he says.
Heatherington, who played one season in the KHL for Barys Astana in the 2020/21 season, has already experienced a lot in his career. "My first professional year in Cleveland, when we won the Calder Cup, was something special. So was my first NHL game for Dallas against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who drafted me. And the draft itself was obviously a pretty special moment too." Let's hope the next very special moment comes soon. With the Red Bulls!
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