
Wednesday, 25. June 2025 | EHC Red Bull München new signing Rio Kaiser in an interview
“It still feels a bit surreal.”Interview with Rio Kaiser// INTERVIEWRio Kaiser is one of the new youngsters in our Red Bulls squad. In this interview, the defenseman talks about his time in the academy, his move to Canada, and his favorite treats.Servus Rio, as a native Berliner, you've moved from one big city to another. Have you settled in well in Munich?
Rio Kaiser: "I have to say, I've been given a really warm welcome. It's not difficult to settle in here because the city is very beautiful. I've already tried out Bavarian cuisine with the guys and our equipment manager. The SAP Garden is impressive, of course. It took me a good week to find my way around though (laughs). But it's really nice and I'm happy to be here."
Like some of your new teammates, you already know the organization a little from your time at the Red Bull Ice Hockey Academy. How do you look back on that time?
Kaiser: "I moved to Salzburg when I was 13 to attend the academy. I miss that time a little because it was really great. I was able to focus entirely on sports and school there. I had fun with my friends, and we often went into town together. Salzburg is a very beautiful city, and the academy is the best there is for developing young talent. The coaches talked a lot with each player, you felt very comfortable and grew into the different age groups. We also had a lot of away trips, which were really cool. It wasn't always easy to juggle everything with school, but I have to say I managed it quite well. I'll be taking my final exams soon, which I'm currently studying hard for."
You joined the academy when you were 13. What were your first impressions and how was it for you to have to become independent at such a young age?
Kaiser: “The academy is also a boarding school where you share a room with someone of the same age. You're on your own, you have to do your own laundry and take care of a lot of things yourself. But one thing that was particularly good there was the food in the cafeteria.”

Do you have a favorite dish from that time?
Kaiser: “In Austria, there's Kaiserschmarrn. We also had Dinkelschmarrn in the cafeteria from time to time, which was really delicious. At Christmas, there was always a chocolate fountain and burgers. The Salzburger Nockerl was also very tasty.”
How did the academy help you with your personal ice hockey planning? Did you already know back then what role you wanted to play on the ice?
Kaiser: “I knew early on that I wanted to be a defenseman. I was always the tallest kid in my class and physically the most advanced. Scoring is cool, of course, but I always enjoyed playing defense more. So I specialized in that and constantly tried to improve.”
After a few stops along the way, you're back with the Red Bulls family. How does it feel to be part of the professional team now?
Kaiser: “It's always been my dream to become a professional ice hockey player. After years of training at the academy, it still feels a bit surreal to actually be playing for the Red Bulls now.”
You made your DEL debut in the 2023/24 season with Eisbären Berlin. One of the three games was here in Munich. Do you remember it well?
Kaiser: “It was my second DEL game. I made my debut in Straubing before that. It was exciting to get a taste of professional hockey because I was only 17 years old at the time. The atmosphere in Munich, back then still in the Olympic Ice Stadium, was really cool. I can't wait for my first game at the SAP Garden.”

Despite your young age, you have already gained experience abroad during the past season. How was your time in the OHL in Canada, where you played over 20 games?
Kaiser: "I was drafted by the Peterborough Petes as an import player in 2023. My agent told me it would be a good opportunity to gain some experience. It's the best training league in the world. Of course, it was different from Salzburg, but I can only say good things about it. I got a lot of ice time and was treated fairly. I also got to live with a very nice host family, with whom I'm still in touch."
Did you notice any big differences between hockey there and here?
Kaiser: “Since the ice rink is smaller over there, the game is faster. You have to make quicker decisions, you use the boards more, you use the glass more. You always have to keep your head up, otherwise you can get hit pretty quickly. I personally had several fights, which is rather unusual in Germany. There's a rough tone there.”
So you don't shy away from physical confrontations?
Kaiser: “Not at all, I had my first fight in my second game. I wouldn't provoke it, but I wouldn't shy away from it either. But you have to be aware that it can also be dangerous.”
How would you describe your playing style as a defender?
Kaiser: “My physicality is what stands out. I try to win every tackle. I want to play a quick first pass, provide security at the back, and create offensive situations when the opportunity arises.”

What are your expectations for the new season?
Kaiser: “I will definitely try to get some ice time with the Red Bulls and earn everything step by step.”
Do you already know some of your new teammates?
Kaiser: “I already know Simon Wolf, Phillip Sinn, and Philipp Krening from the academy. We often go out for dinner and do things together. I also get on well with Brady Ferguson. I'm looking forward to getting to know the other players and building a rapport with them.”
What are your plans for the summer?
Kaiser: "I came back to Germany from Canada a few weeks ago. I was in Berlin, where I trained and spent time with family and friends. Then I went to Munich, where I visited the SAP Garden for the first time a few weeks ago. My main goal for the summer is to improve my endurance and stability, which is important at my young age. Apart from sports, there's a lot to see here in Munich and the surrounding area. I'm planning to explore the lakes with a friend."

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