Tuesday, 06. October 2026 |
Red Bulls vs. Eisbären Berlin
Statement Peter Schneider
The Situation
Everything is on the line. There are two rounds remaining in the Champions Hockey League regular season before the knockout stage begins. The top 16 teams advance; currently, ten teams are clustered around the "cut-off line"—ranging from 11th-placed Rögle Ängelholm (six points) down to the Red Bulls in 20th place (three points)—with the Eisbären Berlin right in the mix on six points. Salzburg desperately needs points—or rather, wins—to keep their playoff hopes alive. Since the regular season format was introduced four years ago, a minimum of seven points has been required to secure 16th place.
Red Bulls on the Rise
Salzburg’s recent form works in their favor; after a poor start to the season in the win2day ICE Hockey League, they have bounced back impressively with recent victories over Pioneers Vorarlberg and Milano HC. Furthermore, the Red Bulls have previously demonstrated—such as in last year’s 4–1 home win against a (granted, severely depleted) Eisbären Berlin squad—that they are capable of raising their game for big challenges.
Berlin in Strong Form
However, a truly commanding performance will be required against the reigning DEL champions and record title-holders from Berlin. The Eisbären have won their last four DEL games and sit in second place in the standings, trailing only the Nürnberg Ice Tigers—a team they defeated 4–1 at home in a top-of-the-table clash just last Sunday. New head coach Éric Dubois, who took over in the summer from Serge Aubin (who enjoyed seven highly successful years at the helm), appears to have the right touch for this capital-city club accustomed to success.
Delivering as usual on the ice: Berlin’s top scorer Ty Ronning has netted seven goals in six DEL games. In the CHL, however, it is the German player Leo Pföderl who stands out, having scored five goals in four games.
Roster Update
Thomas Raffl, who has already missed the last two games, will be sidelined for an extended period. The 40-year-old forward is undergoing upper-body surgery and will be out of action for several weeks. Florian Baltram will also miss tomorrow's game, though his return is imminent. Maximilian Wurzer is available to the team again. Additionally, Benedikt Krainer—who made his professional debut against Milano on Sunday—will make his first CHL appearance tomorrow.
The goals of the Red Bulls
Statement from Peter Schneider
"As multiple DEL champions, the Eisbären are a top-tier team of exceptional quality. A really tough game awaits us. But we are highly motivated to seize our opportunity and will play hard right to the end. We also want to take another step forward in our development and look forward to the support of our fans, who are especially important to us right now."
Champions Hockey League
EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. Eisbären Berlin
Wed, Oct 7, 2026 | Eisarena Salzburg, 8:20 PM
ORF Sport+
CHL | Red Bulls Regular Season
Thu, 03.09.2026 | EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. Kölner Haie 2:5 (0:2, 2:2, 0:1)
Sat, 05.09.2026 | EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. Bílí Tygri Liberec 3:0 (1:0, 0:0, 2:0)
Fr,i 11.09.2026 | Rögle Ängelholm vs. EC Red Bull Salzburg 5:0 (1:0, 0:0, 4:0)
Sun, 13.09.2026 | Växjö Lakers vs. EC Red Bull Salzburg 6:3 (3:0, 2:1, 1:2)
Wed, 07.10.2026 | EC Red Bull Salzburg vs. Eisbären Berlin | 8.20 p.m.
Tue, 13.10.2026 | Skellefteå AIK vs. EC Red Bull Salzburg | 7 p.m.
Video
Highlights of the Bulls in Växjö// HIGHLIGHTS
Video
Highlights of the Red Bulls// HIGHLIGHTS
Video
Goals of the Red Bulls vs. Kölner Haie// HIGHLIGHTS