Monday, 09. February 2026 |
EHC Red Bull München: Yasin Ehliz and Tobi Rieder on preparations for Milan
The German national ice hockey team is currently eagerly awaiting the start of the prestigious event in winter 2026 against Denmark on Thursday (9:10 p.m. | live on Henry).
Training camp in Bolzano
Preparation began last week with a camp in Bolzano. Not only Mathias Niederberger, Fabio Wagner, and Tobias Rieder from the Red Bulls were there, but also Maxi Kastner and Yasin Ehliz. While the first three are permanent members of the German squad, our forward duo supported national coach Harold Kreis' DEB team in their preparations for the tournament.
“The camp was very good,” said Ehliz, adding: “It might have been good if we had trained and played on the smaller ice rink.” Background: According to IIHF regulations, the major international tournament in Milan will be played on a 60 x 26 meter rink, which is based on NHL dimensions.
Red Bulls impress against Italy
Last Wednesday's test match against Italy was played on a larger ice rink, with Germany winning narrowly 4-3. The Munich professionals were particularly in the spotlight. Rieder scored the opening goal, Ehliz collected two points (one goal, one assist), and defender Wagner also got on the scoresheet. Kastner also contributed an assist. This means that one of our players was involved in all four of the German team's goals.
Quelle: DEB
“We had a few intense days in Bolzano. It's always nice to start with a win in the dress rehearsal. My goal gives me confidence and momentum,” Rieder summed up afterwards.
Between training and strolling through the city
The next day, the journey continued to the Italian metropolis. The DEB team, including our five players, took up residence in Milan. In addition to training sessions, sightseeing was also on the agenda. “The days in Milan were outstanding. We also had time to see a bit of the city. Everything was very well organized,” Ehliz enthused.
“Milan was the best”
The big highlight then followed last Friday with the official opening ceremony in the evening. Led by NHL superstar Leon Draisaitl and Katharina Schmid (seven-time world champion in ski jumping) as the flag-bearing duo, Team Germany entered the legendary “San Siro” stadium. It was a truly spine-tingling moment for our guys, one they will never forget.
Quelle: DEB
“The opening ceremony and the stadium itself were outstanding. I already took part in 2018 and 2022, but Milan was the best,” said Ehliz enthusiastically. “It was impressive how everything went. The music and atmosphere were very good. These are definitely wonderful memories,” said our number 42.
Teammate Rieder agreed: “It's always a very long day, but of course it's a lot of fun. The warm-up was the highlight. Watching the whole show up close is something very special,” emphasized the Red Bulls forward.
While Ehliz and Kastner returned home the next day, things will get really serious for Niederberger, Wagner, and Rieder in a few days.
DEB games against Denmark and Latvia live at Henry's// FANS
Public training session on February 21 — all tickets sold out// NEWS
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“10 years as German champions”: This is our official third jersey.// JERSEY