Friday, 24. April 2026 |
EHC Red Bull München: Konrad Abeltshauser is leaving the Red Bulls
In sports, there are often goodbyes that really hit home. The kind you can hardly grasp and only fully realize once they’ve happened. Konrad Abeltshauser’s departure is exactly that. For more than ten years, his name has been inextricably linked to our club’s colors. As of the 2026–27 season, both sides will now go their separate ways.
Koni sagt „Servus“
// EINE NACHRICHT AN EUCH
Christian Winkler, Managing Director of Sports at Red Bull Ice Hockey, says: “It’s practically impossible to put into words what Koni has achieved for us both on and off the ice. He was a true role model for young and old alike in every situation. We can only thank him for ten years of honesty, passion, and absolute dedication. We wish him and his wonderful family continued success and a bright future.”
The Beginning of a Successful Relationship
The Bad Tölz native joined the Red Bulls in January 2016 from the Chicago Wolves (AHL) in Canada. Along with his equipment, he brought with him Bavarian joie de vivre, his unmistakable dialect, and an approachable blend of down-to-earthness and warmth. Koni, in other words—which later naturally evolved into “Kini” or “King Koni,” among other nicknames.
A special stage in his life lay ahead of him. The then 23-year-old ice hockey player, who brought his then Canadian girlfriend and now wife Erica with him to Germany, has since become a father of two.
With his open and down-to-earth manner, the original Bavarian made a name for himself in our club. It quickly became clear: Abeltshauser and Red Bull Munich? It was a perfect match - like sweet mustard on Bavarian Leberkas or like the foam on a fresh Hacker-Pschorr beer.
The tall giant was also well received by our fans: always ready for a good chat at eye level, always ready for a good anecdote with a pinch of his dry humor. And: no one wears the traditional Bavarian costume and pocket watch as stylishly as Koni!
Four championship titles and "DEL defender of the year"
But the truth of a professional ice hockey player is known to lie on the slippery surface. Here, too, the defensive edge found its place straight away. Just three months after his arrival, Abeltshauser celebrated his first title win with Red Bull Munich away at the Grizzlys Wolfsburg. Our legendary number 16 went on to win three more championships.
In total, Koni, who was named "DEL Defender of the Year" in 2017, played 571 games for our club in the German ice hockey top flight. This puts him in second place in our club's all-time ranking behind Maximilian Kastner (587 games). During this time, he collected 240 scorer points, consisting of 57 goals and 183 assists.
In addition, Abeltshauser played 63 times in the Champions League - no other player in our organization has more appearances in the top flight.
Member of Munich's quartet of successes
By the way: Only Daryl Boyle, Danny aus den Birken and Kastner were also part of all four of our title wins. It is therefore not surprising that special relationships have developed over their time together. "I don't even know EHC Red Bull Munich without Kasti, he's always been there with me. It's nice to have an old companion," said Koni in January of this year on his tenth anniversary.
His relationship with Boyle is also a very special one. “He’s still one of my closest friends today. He was there for a long time and was the face of Munich until Kasti took over. It was also nice because I grew up with him. Back then, none of us were married or had kids, and then you see the family grow. That’s just something very special,” Abeltshauser describes.
“It’s crazy when you look back”
Growing together is, in any case, a key aspect that defines the shared journey of Koni and the Red Bulls. After all, ten years ago our trophy cabinet was still empty, and the SAP Garden was unimaginable.
Both were about to change—the trophy case filled up, and we got a new home. “I was there as everything grew and as the SAP Garden came to be. A lot has really happened in those ten years; we’ve won four championships. It’s pretty amazing when you look back,” he said earlier this year.
Koni’s Top 3 Highlights
And of course, there are moments and memories that stick with you. “The third championship was a highlight for me, at home in Game 7 against Berlin. My family and all my friends were at the arena. That was, of course, incredible,” he recalled. “Another highlight was the Champions League final in Gothenburg,” Koni continues.
And number three? Definitely September 27, 2024: “The opening game at SAP Garden,” says Abeltshauser. With one small caveat: “Though I have to say that the first DEL home game against Wolfsburg was almost even more emotional because the arena was packed with our fans. You could really feel it—that was also a very special moment,” he enthuses.
The past ten years have been so much more than just a special moment with you, Koni. We’ve grown side by side and celebrated great successes. Our club has kept getting bigger—not just with you, but because of you.
PFIAT DI AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING, KONI!
First personnel decisions at Red Bull München// PERSONAL
Season closing on Saturday: stage performances, autograph session, and more// FANS
63 games of support and a new attendance record: THANK YOU, fans!// FANS