Thursday, 06. August 2026 |
CHL home game vs. Eisbären Berlin
Eisbären Berlin and Red Bull Salzburg – there's always been a connection. Coach Pierre Pagé came to Salzburg from Berlin, later followed by Don Jackson, who in turn paved the way for Matt McIlvane (who played 14 games for Berlin in 2008/09) to join Salzburg. On the ice, the two teams faced each other three times in the European Trophy between 2011 and 2013, and last season also in the Champions Hockey League.
It was the final and decisive game against Eisbären Berlin, the one that secured the Red Bulls' qualification for the CHL playoffs in last season's regular season. After three consecutive losses, they battled back to defeat the – admittedly severely depleted – German champions 4-1, advancing to the round of 16. The Berliners then demonstrated their true potential at the end of the domestic season, clinching another championship title and continuing their years-long dominance in the DEL.
Highlights Red Bulls vs. Eisbären Berlin | 15.10.25
Berlin, the reigning champions
A glance at the statistics from recent years says it all: five championship titles in six years speak volumes. Even last season, after a slow start in the regular season, where the Berliners only qualified for the knockout round in sixth place, they dominated the playoffs, defeating Adler Mannheim 4-1 in the final. In 2022, the title went to EHC Red Bull Munich, who lost 3-1 in the final.
The Berliners have already achieved three consecutive championships from 2010 to 2013, as they did most recently from 2023 to 2026. Adler Mannheim also managed this feat from 1996 to 1999, and Red Bull Munich from 2015 to 2018. The Eisbären now have the chance to make German league history with a fourth consecutive DEL title.
Upheaval at the Eisbären
Despite successfully defending their title, the team has undergone significant changes. Perhaps the most substantial shift is taking place on the coaching staff. Successful coach Serge Aubin, who led the club to five titles in the last six years, has left the Eisbären for Bern. He has been replaced by 56-year-old Canadian Éric Dubois, who spent last season, his first in Europe, as an assistant coach with ERC Ingolstadt.
At the same time, the record DEL champions released ten players after the season ended (as of July 22nd), but also extended the contracts of 13 players. In addition, five new players have been added, bringing the current roster to 22, including 14 German players (two with dual citizenship).
Berlin has the best goal scorers
It wasn't until the 2024/25 season that the Eisbären Berlin had the DEL's top scorer in their ranks: Ty Ronning. The 28-year-old American blossomed in his second year in Berlin, tearing through the league with 37 goals in the regular season and 11 in the playoffs. And now Liam Kirk has followed in his footsteps. The 26-year-old Englishman became the DEL's top scorer in his second year in Berlin – the 2025/26 season – with 32 goals in the regular season and 9 in the playoffs.
Ty Ronning also continues to demonstrate his skill, scoring nine goals in the playoffs, just like Kirk. Kirk shares the top spot in the regular season rankings with Riley Barber of Ingolstadt, who also scored three goals against the Red Bulls in their 6-2 loss in Ingolstadt during last year's CHL Round of 16.
Alan Letang, Head Coach EC Red Bull Salzburg
"The reigning DEL Champions. They play fast, structured and know how to win tight hockey games. It will force us to dial in our structure and find our identity immediately."
CHL | Regular Season of the Red Bulls
Thu, 3 Sep | 7.15 p.m. | EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. Kölner Haie
Sat, 5 Sep | 7.15 p.m. | EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. Bílí Tygři Liberec
Fri, 11 Sep | 7 p.m. | Rögle Ängelholm vs. EC Red Bull Salzburg
Sun, 13 Sep | 3 p.m. | Växjö Lakers vs. EC Red Bull Salzburg
Wed, 7 Okt | 8.20 p.m. | EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. Eisbären Berlin
Tue, 13 Okt | 7 p.m. | Skellefteå AIK vs. EC Red Bull Salzburg
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