Friday, 20. March 2026 |
EHC Red Bull München: The Open Locker Room Ahead of the 2025–26 Playoffs
Before the press representatives from TV, radio and print were allowed to talk to the players at length, the team's training session was on the agenda as usual. With the exception of the injured Mathias Niederberger, Max Daubner and Gabriel Fontaine, our entire team played an internal one-third test match in front of our guests.
Veit Oswald, who had been out for several weeks recently, was also on the ice. Although still wearing a red jersey, which warns his teammates to be careful in duels, he is getting closer to a full return to training.
Hager draws positive conclusions about the open locker room
This was followed by an open session in the team's dressing room. There, the press representatives were free to choose and vary their interview partners. "The playoffs are always a good opportunity for us and the press to open up the locker room. The representatives meet us all at once and can get all the voices they need," says captain Patrick Hager, for whom the Open Locker Room has long been routine. "Players who are otherwise not in the spotlight also get to have their say here. At the same time, we save ourselves a few appointments and can concentrate even more on ice hockey."
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A Look at the Open Locker Room Ahead of the Playoffs (March 20, 2026)
Hager: "A derby in the playoffs is always something very special"
In addition to his assessment of the event, our number 52 also provided an assessment of the upcoming quarter-final derby against ERC Ingolstadt. "A derby in the playoffs is always something very special, even if we try to prepare for it like any other game. It has a special significance for the fans in particular - so it's all the more important for us to win the series," says Hager.
The fans in turn have a special significance for our team during the playoffs: "When the atmosphere in the stadium is really good, it can influence the game. We're really lucky this season to have such great support. The SAP Garden has become a real fortress and we want to build on that in the playoffs." Hager's final view of the playoffs: "We're 100 percent ready!"
In addition to our coach Oliver David, with whom we already conducted a detailed interview on the playoffs on Thursday, Christian Winkler (Managing Director Sports Red Bull Ice Hockey) also answered questions from the press and gave his assessment of the team's form.
Winkler expects closest title fight in a long time
"We had a good main round overall, even if the start was difficult. We've gained a lot of confidence in the last few games, including against top teams. That was one of the goals of the shake-up: to bring more hunger back into the team," explains Winkler and guarantees: "The guys are highly motivated - and we want to bring that to the ice in the playoffs."
In the hottest phase of the season, Winkler expects one of the most exciting title fights in recent years. "That's to be expected. The density in the league is extremely high. Many teams are at a similar level. In the end, it's all about the little things. Maybe there will be a team that jumps on a wave and marches through - that's always possible in ice hockey. But basically, the playoffs start from scratch again," says Winkler.
Tickets for the two quarter-final home games against Ingolstadt can be booked online in the Ticket Shop.
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