Ahead of the start of the upcoming Champions Hockey League season, we asked the Head Coaches of Red Bull Salzburg's six Regular Season opponents what their thoughts are on the Austrian team - here's what they had to say!
ERC Ingolstadt Head Coach Mark French: “They are not just back-to-back champions of the ICE, but have always been successful in the CHL. Since they are a team from the Red Bull family, they are a little more familiar to us. I’m sure this will be a close battle. It’s also kind of a derby game, as I think a lot of our fans will make the trip with us to attend the game in Austria.”
Stavanger Oilers Head Coach Anders Gjøse: “Have plenty of international experience on their roster. New coach and looking forward to seeing their style of play for the upcoming season. More mix of experienced and younger players.”
Lahti Pelicans Head Coach Tommi Niemelä: “A fast and skillful team that presents a significant challenge for maintaining speed in the game.”
Skellefteå AIK Head Coach Robert Ohlsson: “They are a great club and have been for many years. The team are well coached and well organised.”
Adler Mannheim Head Coach Johan Lundskog: “A team that we’ll face in pre-season and then in the CHL. Obviously a tough opponent being last year’s ICE champion. They have a lot of quality players on their roster and an all-around quality program that we look forward to playing against.”
Belfast Giants Adam Keefe: “Red Bull Salzburg had a brilliant 2022/23 season, picking up their 9th ICE title, seeing off teams from Austria, Italy, Hungary, and Slovenia in the process. It will be great to welcome them to The SSE Arena, Belfast during the competition for what will no doubt be a fiercely contested Regular Season game.”
Find out more about Red Bull Salzburg in the video below!