Thursday, 17. September 2026 |
EHC Red Bull München: An Interview with Coach Oliver David
Oliver, we’re finally getting back to it tomorrow. Have you and the team returned well-rested—both physically and mentally—after last season?
Oliver David: “Yes . We had enough time off to recharge our batteries. Since we’ve been back together, there’s been a noticeable sense of calm within the team. During preseason, we were able to refresh our ideas, discuss new approaches, and integrate the new players. That went very well over the past six weeks.”
How would you assess the preseason in terms of the games and the team’s development?
David: “In some phases, we’ve already shown the identity we want to embody: an active, aggressive style of play with and without the puck, and the determination to impose our game on the opponent. Offensively, too, we’ve shown that we can execute a lot when we stay focused. Our record of six wins in eight games was certainly very good, but we shouldn’t overestimate the results of the preseason. History has often shown that a strong preseason is no guarantee of a successful season—and vice versa. What’s more important is where we stand compared to last season, in which areas we’ve gotten stronger, and whether we’ve continued to develop as a team. The fact that the core of the team and most of the coaching staff have stayed together provides stability and a certain sense of calm. It’s not about rebuilding, but about continuing on the path we’ve set out on. And riding the wave further.”
Can a successful preseason—and winning two minor titles—still give the team extra momentum for the start of the season?
David: “The preseason was primarily a dress rehearsal. We worked on our routines, travel logistics, and game situations. But with the start of the season, the circumstances change: there are points on the line, more pressure, different opponents, and a different assessment of our performance. Now the lights are on, and we’re starting from scratch. As Mike Tyson said: Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. Now we have to show whether we can take the punches and land the knockout blow ourselves more often.”
To kick things off, we’re facing Mannheim—of all teams—the very opponent that knocked us out in the semifinals. Does a sense of revenge play a role here?
David: “We’ve faced Mannheim frequently in the playoffs over the past few years. Many players were part of those series or have their own history with Mannheim. And the fans, of course, do too. I’m aware of the intensity and emotion of this rivalry, but I try to approach the game by focusing on what matters most. This game will serve as a barometer for what the new season might look like and what we need to do to finish ahead of Mannheim and the other top teams. But we won’t know what the game actually brings until the puck drops.”
How have the new players integrated into the team, both personally and athletically? Have they already internalized your playing philosophy and been able to put it into practice on the ice?
David: “First, I’d like to emphasize that I didn’t design our system. Our system is built on a strong foundation that was shaped primarily by Don Jackson. In hockey, it’s rather unusual for a playing philosophy to endure across multiple coaches and seasons. Our job is to build on that foundation and make targeted changes where they add value. The system is easy to understand, but not easy to execute. We want to play aggressively with and without the puck. That requires tremendous fitness, focus, and the ability to make good decisions at all times.”
And have the new players already succeeded in that?
David: “The new players have already fit in very well. On a personal level, in particular, the integration has gone very smoothly. Our experienced players and the leadership group make sure that new players are welcomed, and the whole team is open and helpful. If you’re not a ‘bad apple’ and the team comes first for you, you shouldn’t really have a hard time being accepted here. I think if you’re a hockey player, this is a great place to be (laughs).“
When you talk about the leadership group, do you mean our quintet: Patrick Hager as captain, Maxi Kastner and Ryan Murphy as home assistants, and Fabio Wagner and Brady Ferguson as away assistants?
David: “Last year, together with Christian Winkler, we put together a leadership group that represents a variety of perspectives—forwards and defensemen, German and international players, as well as experienced and new players. In addition to these five, the group includes Mathias Niederberger and, as of this summer, Dominik Kahun. Now that we’ve established this ‘team council,’ it was very important to me not to change much this year. The situation is different from last year: Back then, a large part of the team first had to integrate. Today, the players know how we work and how we want to play. And our leadership group should be given the opportunity to take on even more responsibility and continue to grow into their roles.”
Does Philipp Krening’s injury pose any challenges for you ahead of the season opener, especially with regard to the U23 rule and the resulting decisions? Even seasoned pros are likely to need a break every now and then.
David: “Our first goal is always to put together the best possible lineup for every game. As part of that, we have to decide, among other things, how many U23 players, forwards, and defensemen to field. As the season progresses, other factors come into play: injuries, illnesses, and suspensions. For the players involved, all these situations aren’t always easy. But they’re part of professional sports. Every team has more players than can be fielded in a single game. The guys shouldn’t overthink these decisions. They don’t need to put extra pressure on themselves or worry unnecessarily. In any other profession, departments are structured so that not every employee has to work every day. There are vacations and absences there, too. A day off doesn’t mean you don’t play an important role. I try to explain it to the players exactly that way and hope for a little more understanding—even though I know that athletes always want to play, while people in other professions certainly don’t want to work every day (laughs).”
Patrick Hager is certain that “the team is significantly further along than it was at this same time last year.” Is he right?
David: “I agree with Hagi 100 percent. Most of the players and the coaching staff have been working together for a year now. As a result, we’ve developed a shared rhythm. It feels like we’re picking up right where we left off after the summer break. The biggest difference lies in roster planning. Last summer, we first had to figure out which players worked well together. This year, we specifically sought out players who could fulfill certain roles and complement the existing lines. That doesn’t mean everything will automatically work out. Our goal is clear: We want to compete for the championship and win every game.”
Unlike last year, clear, well-rounded lines have already started to emerge during preseason.
David: “A good example of this is certainly the line featuring Ehliz, Kahun, and McKenna. Even back in the summer, there were plenty of signs to me that they could work very well together. Each player takes on a specific role and at the same time complements the other two. That’s how you start putting the pieces together. That was my mental homework throughout the entire summer. And for the past few weeks, we’ve been able to test how well I’ve succeeded in that. Last year, we had to experiment a lot more.”
It’s not just this lineup that’s been working well together. Still, you’ve recently tried to temper expectations—at least a little.
David: “I just want to urge a little caution. Our goal, of course, is to compete for the championship and win it. That’s perfectly clear. But you can’t always judge our work and our development over the course of the season based solely on results. What matters is whether we’re getting better week by week, staying healthy, making good decisions, and consistently executing our game plan. Berlin is a good example of how a season can change at any time. Teams can struggle for a long time and still end up being very successful. Mannheim, too, has steadily improved over several years and reached the finals last year. In ice hockey, almost any game can go either way. That’s why we have to focus on the processes. We can’t fully control the results—but we can control our own preparation and performance. Fans should therefore sometimes look at a game the way a coach does: Are we well-organized? Are we showing commitment? Are we creating the opportunities we need to win every night? If something isn’t right, we know it and work on it. But even when things are going well, we have to keep developing our game and can’t become complacent.”
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the fans before the season starts?
David: “Of course, we want to win the championship. There are new pictures hanging in the stands celebrating our club’s greatest successes, and the fans can look forward to seeing them on Friday. I think that’s a great gesture. I’m not in any of them, and neither are most of the players on our team—but I promise you, that’s a huge source of motivation. We have a squad of players who are ready to do whatever it takes to make you proud. Your support is very important—regardless of whether we win or lose. The support last year was truly amazing. Together, we want to—and can—add a new chapter to the club’s success story—and that’s why I’m incredibly excited for tomorrow’s home opener.”
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