Red Bull Munich Prepares for PENNY DEL with Switzerland Friendlies Amidst Olympic Departures
Following the conclusion of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, Red Bull Munich is gearing up for the final phase of the German Hockey League (PENNY DEL) main round. Head coach Dallas Eakins has been working with the team since last Thursday, preparing for the resumption of league play, which begins next Wednesday.
Preparation Through Friendlies
To regain game rhythm, Red Bull Munich will play two friendly matches against Swiss teams Ajoie (February 19th) and Langnau (February 21st) in Switzerland. Coach Eakins emphasized that the focus of these games will be on rebuilding competitive intensity and rediscovering the team’s system, rather than the results themselves. Player Kris Bennett echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of mentally preparing for game speed and re-establishing team cohesion.
Impact of Olympic Absences
The team will be without six players currently participating in the Winter Olympics. Although acknowledging the significance of these absences, Bennett stated that it presents an opportunity for other players to gain more ice time and step into larger roles. In addition to the Olympic participants, Tom Kühnhackl and Kevin Bicker will also not be traveling to Switzerland.
Personnel Updates
Max Penkin is available to play, and Colin Schlenker is also a licensed player for the team. Despite the absences, the team has a strong presence on the ice, focusing on regaining fitness and sharpness in preparation for the final stretch of the season and the playoffs.
Coach Eakins’ Assessment
“I’m thrilled with how the boys have presented themselves here in the last few days. Everyone was very active during their free time and continued to work on their fitness on their own responsibility. The work ethic also fits straight away,” said Eakins. “At first it was just about getting the feel for the ice and the puck again, and ultimately the goal was to receive the pulse going again.”
“It was a long break, an unusual situation, but it was good to gather strength again for the final spurt and hopefully long playoffs. Now being back on the ice with the boys is a lot of fun again. We’re working on getting closer to our top form every day and we’ve now reached an intensity again where you get a little out of breath,” said Kris Bennett.
“Mentally get back to playing level and just locate each other again,” Bennett adds to his coach.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are being held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6th to February 22nd, 2026. Source: Olympics.com