Friday, 03. July 2026 |
EHC Red Bull München: An Interview with Trevor Carrick
Hi Trevor, let’s start by switching sports: The World Cup is currently underway, including in your home country. Are you following the World Cup?
Trevor Carrick: “I’m not the biggest soccer fan, but I watched Canada’s first game live at the stadium in Toronto—it was a great experience. Canada is still in the tournament; it’s really cool to follow their journey. There’s a real buzz right now. I didn’t even know that Alphonso Davies (Canada’s captain, ed.) plays for Bayern Munich. I hope I can go to a home game with some of the guys from the team soon.”
I’m sure an opportunity will come up. But you’re still in Toronto, right?
Carrick: “Just outside the city, yes, exactly. I grew up in a small town called Stouffville before we moved near my grandpa’s maple syrup farm. When he passed away, we took over the farm. I always come home for the summer. My three brothers and my parents live on the same street.”
That sounds like a lot of family time.
Carrick: “It’s just wonderful. Summer just flies by. It’s a little shorter this year than I’m used to, because the season in Germany starts earlier than in North America. So we’re trying to spend as much time with family as possible. For a long time, I wasn’t sure what the future held for me—now we’re really looking forward to our flight to Germany at the end of July.”
You mentioned that you have three brothers. So your path to becoming a professional hockey player was pretty much set.
Carrick: “That’s right (laughs). I have two older brothers and one younger brother, and when I was growing up, two of them also started playing hockey. At first we played roller hockey, and later on my grandpa’s frozen pond. As I got older, I just stuck with it. My brother Sam still plays in the NHL for the Buffalo Sabres.”
As everyone knows, hockey players are made in the summer. How’s your training going?
Carrick: “I started a few weeks ago, but I’m not used to training this intensely so early in the summer (laughs). There are a few other players at my gym who play in Europe, too. I’m already back on the ice with a few other guys, too. Brady Austin from the Kölner Haie, for example, is there as well.”
Let’s look back at your last twelve years in North America. Did you ever think about going to Europe sooner?
Carrick: “Good question. But the simple answer is: No. My ultimate goal was always to make it to the NHL. That was my dream. But the idea of Europe has become more and more firmly planted in my mind over the last few years. As you get older, your perspective changes. You realize that it doesn’t necessarily have to be the NHL anymore.”
What appeals to you about European hockey, and specifically the PENNY DEL?
Carrick: “As I said, Europe has always seemed more fascinating to me. There aren’t as many young players anymore who are trying to make it to the NHL and bouncing back and forth between the AHL and the NHL. You have a set team from day one, there are only 52 games, and the travel is a bit more comfortable. So there were a few things that made the decision easier for me. Plus, it’s all about winning now.”
You’re considered a very offensively strong defenseman, as evidenced by your points in the AHL. What strengths do you hope to bring to the larger rink in Germany?
Carrick: “I actually don’t think I play that offensively at all (laughs). But of course, I still have my offensive skills—I like to get involved in the attack. I think my shot is my biggest strength. I try to use it as often as possible.”
But you’re also a defenseman who doesn’t shy away from one-on-one battles.
Carrick: “I just want to make it tough and annoying to play against me. I like to play physically and stand up for my teammates. I don’t know exactly what my role will be yet. But I’m open to anything.”
In addition to your impressive career in the AHL, you’ve also played in seven NHL games. Do you still remember your debut in the world’s best league?
Carrick: “Oh yeah, that was for the Carolina Hurricanes. I was actually on my way to an away game in the AHL. At the last minute, someone got sick and I got the call-up to the NHL. Carolina was playing in Washington at the time. Unfortunately, my flight was delayed, so I didn’t get there until after warm-ups. So it was a rough start (laughs). Ryan Murphy was on the team, too.”
Ryan is from Aurora, so he’s also from near Toronto. Did you guys know each other before?
Carrick: “I’ve known him for a while; we played together in Charlotte and Carolina. We even grew up together to some extent—our dads used to play against each other (laughs).”
Do you have anything else in common?
Carrick: “He’s actually only ten minutes away from me right now, but we haven’t had a chance to meet up yet (laughs). But maybe we’ll go play golf together in the next few days. Ryan was also there for me the whole time while I was thinking about coming to Europe. He raved about Munich and how much he’s enjoying his time there.”
I’m sure Antoine Bibeau and Taro Hirose could tell you the same thing. You probably know them from the AHL as well.
Carrick: “I know Antoine, yes. We were in San Jose together for a short time, then he was traded after training camp. I’ve played against him often—just like I’ve played against Taro and Chris DeSousa.”
So you’ll be seeing some familiar faces on our team. That’ll make it easier to settle in. Why did you choose the Red Bulls?
Carrick: “The organization, the city, the fans—everything I’ve heard about it just sounded amazing. And of course, the SAP Garden is incredible, too. Plus, I know that the goal is to achieve the greatest possible success every year. I want to bring the title back to Munich.”
Not just for you, but for you as a family, a new chapter in life will begin in a few weeks. What led you to make this decision together?
Carrick: “Away from hockey, for us as a family—that is, for my wife and my 16-month-old daughter—now is simply the right time to try something new and gain new experiences. Our second baby is also on the way—it’s due in January. I’ve only been to Europe once in my life and haven’t really gotten to know that part of the world yet. We’re really excited and can’t wait to move to Munich.”
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