Education in the bag and NHL firmly in sight: That's Rio Kaiser

Saturday, 30. August 2025 |

EHC Red Bull München: “Who are you?” with Rio Kaiser – player profile

Education in the bag and NHL firmly in sight: That's Rio Kaiser“Who are you?” - the new portrait series of the Red Bulls// PORTRAIT In the new edition of “Who are you?”, we introduce you to Rio Kaiser. The defenseman, who leads our team in two categories, dreams of playing in the NHL. What is his connection to a former German singer?

Rio Kaiser should have the best overview of all Munich players. After all, the Berlin native is the tallest player in the Red Bulls' current squad at exactly 2.00 meters. What's more, at just 18 years of age, Kaiser is also the youngest professional on our team.

And yet our summer signing has already seen a lot: Berlin and Weißwasser, the Red Bull Ice Hockey Academy, Peterborough in Canada – and now Munich. “Every step has helped me progress, no matter where. I've learned lessons everywhere and had some great moments. And I've always had good coaches around me,” he sums up looking back. But first things first.

“Even today, standing on the ice is still the best feeling.”

He took his first steps on the ice at the age of five at ECC Preussen Berlin, from where he moved on to the Eisbären Juniors and then to a sports school in Berlin. “At 13, I joined the Red Bull Ice Hockey Academy,” says Kaiser. "I learned a lot there, especially at the boarding school. You have to become independent and also develop as a person. That was a big step back then," he admits.

The defenseman stayed there for three years before deciding to return to the Eisbären. He signed his first professional contract and made his debut on January 12, 2024, in an away game against the Straubing Tigers in the PENNY DEL. He also played six times in the Champions League and for the Lausitzer Füchse in the DEL2. “During my first professional steps in Berlin, I learned what it means to be a professional. That's where I saw what it takes to make it at the top.”

His father and grandfather must have been very proud of him – both of them are crazy about ice hockey. “My grandfather was still playing until recently, and he's around 70. He got me started a bit. I then went out on the ice and fell in love right away. Even today, it's still the best feeling to be out there on the ice,” he enthuses. So it was love at first sight!

Episode 7 – “Who Are You?” with Rio Kaiser

// PORTRAIT

Experiences in Canada, back to the Red Bulls

In January 2025, the youngster even ventured across the pond – straight into the Canadian Ontario Hockey League (OHL) to join the Peterborough Petes near Toronto. There, too, he was able to learn a lot in unfamiliar surroundings on another continent. “Peterborough was a very good decision, I felt very comfortable there,” says Kaiser in retrospect about his time in one of the three highest Canadian junior leagues. At the beginning, however, he had to adjust and get used to the amount of ice time. “But the coaches always gave me really good feedback,” he reports.

Nevertheless, he decided to return to Germany for the 2025/26 season. For good reasons. “I wanted to rediscover the Red Bulls organization for myself because I've always developed really well here,” explains the giant. "I also wanted to finish my business training at the academy first. I think that's really important. You should finish what you've started." Strong words from an 18-year-old who seems very mature and cheerful for his age – and congratulations on completing your training.

In Munich, he wants to continue working on his game on the ice and further develop his strengths. Kaiser describes himself as a “physical defender with a quick first pass.” Despite his physical attributes, he attaches great importance to remaining mobile and agile. Our team also has many defensive stars from whom he can learn a lot, especially when the game gets fast-paced. “The experienced players have their routine and self-confidence. But you get there when you've been around longer,” says Kaiser.

The big dream of the NHL

He already has a clear vision of the future. “To meet a woman, appreciate the little things and moments, and simply enjoy life,” he lists. That certainly sounds good.

In terms of sports, the goals he has set for himself for the coming years are just as clearly defined. Three letters are naturally at the top of the list. “Every hockey player who made the leap to the professional level at a young age will always say that they want to play in the NHL. That dream is definitely there for me,” says the left-handed shooter. “A world championship with the German national team is also a nice goal, and no one would say ‘no’ to the Olympics,” he reveals with a laugh.

After all, Kaiser has already represented his home country at the U18 and U20 World Championships. “I was allowed to be there last year. It was a great honor to play for my country,” he says of the tournament. The young DEB team celebrated staying in the top division. Other special moments for Kaiser included signing his first professional contract and moving to Canada.

One of his sporting highlights, in which he was not actively involved, also revolves around ice hockey. “I still remember the silver medal at the 2018 Olympics. I can still remember sitting in front of the TV and cheering them on.” But he also enthusiastically followed the 2014 World Cup, when Germany became world champions for the fourth time, at the age of just seven.

From “Clash Royale” to pasta and steak

Back then, the video game “Clash Royale,” which is now played on mobile phones, was unthinkable. Today, the game is one of the few things that can really upset him. “When we're on the Peloton bike, we sometimes play ‘Clash Royale.’ And when you lose, it gets pretty heated,” he reveals with a laugh. And thanks to Kaiser, we now also know what music the Red Bulls prefer to listen to in the SAP Garden's weight room. Namely rap, rock, or Canadian country songs. But of course, one style is a must for him. “In Berlin, you listen to electro,” he confirms.

In addition to good music, Kaiser likes to play PlayStation or shoot a few hoops in his free time. “I also read books from time to time, but I need to get better at that,” he admits with a smile. Is cooking now one of his hobbies? “I had my own apartment in Weißwasser when I was 16 or 17 years old. That was the first time I had to take care of myself, but I managed quite well,” he says. He has also long since identified his culinary favorites: steak, pasta, and salad. “I actually always eat quite healthily.” But every now and then, he allows himself a burger...

What his name has to do with a former German singer

Finally, there remains the question of whether his name is based on a former well-known German singer: Rio Reiser. The Berlin native had a real hit in the 1980s with “König von Deutschland” (King of Germany). And indeed: “My parents were big fans of Rio Reiser; he was an icon for the youth of that time. I think that's why they gave me that name,” he says. We have an idea for the goal song for his first goal at SAP Garden...

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