Maximilian Kastner is moving to defense for the new season

Thursday, 25. June 2026 |

EHC Red Bull München: Maximilian Kastner to become a defenseman

Maximilian Kastner is moving to defense for the new season// StaffEHC Red Bull München is planning to have Maximilian Kastner play as a defenseman in the 2026–27 season. The Red Bulls’ longtime forward is making a permanent switch to the defense of the four-time German champions.

Last season, Kastner initially filled in on defense before the 33-year-old took on the role of defenseman more and more frequently during the decisive phase of the season. Starting with the game on October 5, 2025, against the Schwenninger Wild Wings, our club’s all-time leader in appearances played five games on defense during the regular season, followed by seven more appearances in the playoffs.

Coach Oliver David explains the decision: “Kastner showed last season that he can perform in a wide variety of situations and roles. He already played well on defense during the regular season and especially in the playoffs. He knows what it takes to win. Above all, he’s willing to give his all and always puts the team first.”

Kastner Wants to “Take Responsibility” on Defense

Kastner on his new role in the Red Bulls’ defensive lineup: “After eleven years as a forward, the switch to defense is, of course, a bit of a change. But I was able to gain some experience last season, and I’m confident that I can and will help the team there. Taking on defensive responsibilities has always been part of my game, especially during penalty kills. This new role definitely suits my strengths, especially since I bring an offensive element that benefits me in modern hockey—even on defense. I’m looking forward to this new challenge and to continuing to develop my game.”

We, too, are looking forward to our “new addition” on defense.

Current roster of EHC Red Bull Munich for the 2026–27 season:

Goaltenders (4): Antoine Bibeau (AL), Matthias Bittner, Max Bolle, Mathias Niederberger

Defensemen (9): Trevor Carrick (AL), Maximilian Daubner, Rio Kaiser, Maximilian Kastner, Lukas Klok, Ryan Murphy (AL), Ville Pokka (AL), Fabio Wagner, Moritz Warnecke

Forwards (13): Chris DeSousa (AL), Yasin Ehliz, Markus Eisenschmid, Brady Ferguson (AL), Patrick Hager, Elis Hede, Taro Hirose (AL), Dominik Kahun, Philipp Krening, Jeremy McKenna (AL), Veit Oswald, Tobias Rieder, Lucas Thaler (AL)

U21 Development Camp: Young Players Show Their Stuff in Salzburg

Young TalentWed 24.06

Lukas Klok: “That was the reason I signed with Munich”

StoriesTue 23.06

Red Bull Munich Signs Charlotte Checkers Captain Trevor Carrick

StaffWed 17.06