Thursday, 20. August 2026 |
Red Bulls Salute - Preview: EHC Red Bull München Kicks Off Against Salzburg
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Our team’s first test of the season ended in victory: Last Sunday, the four-time German champions defeated the Steinbach Black Wings 5–2 in Linz.
Particularly encouraging: Three of the five goals were scored by new signings. Defenseman Trevor Carrick shone with a two-goal performance, while Dominik Kahun scored the beautifully crafted opening goal—and the Red Bulls’ first of the season—in his comeback for Munich. “The lines worked well together,” said a delighted Coach Oliver David.
David was also pleased with how the Red Bulls responded in the final period after falling behind 1–2 and turned the game around with four goals in twelve minutes: “The guys wanted to win—you could tell. And we were rewarded for it. That’s an important quality.”
The Opponent
For EC Red Bull Salzburg, last season ended in the playoff quarterfinals after finishing third in the regular season. Now, with a new coach, Salzburg is looking to make another run: Former DEL player Alan Letang is tasked with leading the win2day ICE Hockey League’s record champion to its eleventh title. In their first two preseason games, they suffered losses against the Czech teams HC Motor České Budějovice (1–5) and Mountfield HK (1–2 in a shootout).
Last season, the defense—anchored by Austrian national team goalies Atte Tolvanen and David Kickert—was the team’s standout feature: Only the champion Graz99ers allowed fewer goals (104). The offense performed solidly with 163 goals. The power play had room for improvement (success rate: 15 percent).
The regular-season leading scorer was former NHL player Michael Raffl with 52 points in 45 games. Of the top five scorers, three are still playing for Salzburg this season. Travis St. Denis and Troy Bourke are no longer part of that group. Among those expected to step up is Adam Brooks, who played for Munich last season.
The Matchup
The Red Bulls are facing an opponent that bears little resemblance to the teams of previous years. That’s according to our coach, who was behind the bench for Salzburg from 2023 to 2025. “Except for Dennis Robertson, all the import players have been replaced. They also have a new coaching staff,” says David.
That has an impact: “Their playing philosophy may be similar to ours, but the changes and their new coaching staff have naturally brought their own style to the team.” One thing is certain, though: EC Red Bull Salzburg will play power-hockey and be highly motivated against our team.
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But it’s not just the matchup against Salzburg that promises top-notch hockey at the Red Bulls Salute. With EC Biel-Bienne and HC Pardubice, there are two other intriguing teams in the field.
David has also previously coached the EHC Biel-Bienne. Since January, the Swiss team has been coached by Christian Dubé. Last season, after finishing tenth in the regular season, their run ended in the pre-playoffs. Now the creative and fast-skating Biel team is looking to return to its former strength. Among the team’s key players is Finnish goaltender Harri Säteri. New additions include two players with NHL experience: defenseman Victor Söderström and forward Andrew Agozzino.
In the semifinals, Biel will face the reigning Czech champion, HC Dynamo Pardubice. The team brings two major attractions from this year’s Red Bulls Salute: the exceptional Czech forwards Roman Červenka and captain Lukáš Sedlák. “Červenka is still one of the best players in Europe—even though he’s almost as old as I am,” says 48-year-old David about the 40-year-old star forward.
David thinks highly of the Czechs in general: “Pardubice is on its way to becoming one of Europe’s top teams. They have a great roster. It’ll be fantastic for the fans to see that individual talent.” Munich’s opponent on the second day of the tournament will be decided on Friday. First, however, they’ll face off against Salzburg.
Player Spotlight
In recent years, there have been players who’ve moved from Salzburg to Munich and vice versa. One of them is Lucas Thaler. The Austrian national team forward is now on the hunt for goals for Munich and is especially looking forward to the matchup against his former club: “Playing against Salzburg is, of course, extra exciting for me. I’m looking forward to seeing the guys again, but of course we want to win the game.”
Adam Brooks headed in the opposite direction this summer after two seasons in Munich (81 DEL games, 67 points). He, too, is looking forward to the tournament: “It’s a great opportunity to show what we work toward every day. Plus, the fans will have the chance to see both Red Bull teams in a top-tier tournament. I’m looking forward to seeing many of my teammates from last year in Munich and expect a good game, especially since we play similar systems. But once we’re on the ice, there are no friends anymore.”
Facts and Figures
Munich and Salzburg have faced each other six times: The German club won three times, the Austrian club twice. One game ended 0–0. In January 2019, the teams played to a scoreless draw in Munich in the first leg of the CHL semifinals; Munich won the second leg a week later in Salzburg, 3–1. Munich won the most recent matchup a year ago at the Red Bulls Salute in the third-place game, 6–2.
Match Day Info
The Red Bulls Salute will once again take place at the KE KELIT Arena in Zell am See-Kaprun. The arena seats 2,600 spectators. For all fans who want to be there in person, tickets are still available here.
In addition, all matches of the international invitational tournament will be livestreamed on Red Bull TV —and, of course, we’ll be covering the action as usual in our live blog on our website.
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