Haie Face Red Bull Munich in Highly Anticipated Penny DEL Season Opener
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the 2025/2026 Penny DEL season kicks off this Friday evening as the Cologne Haie host EHC Red Bull Munich at the Lanxess Arena.Over 18,000 tickets have already been sold for the match, promising a vibrant atmosphere for the start of a new campaign.The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. local time.
Preparing for a Competitive Season
Six weeks of rigorous planning, encompassing eight test games and intensive training, have concluded for the Haie. The team secured victories in four of those preparatory matches, including recent wins against Wolfsburg and in Tilburg. Historically, the Haie have enjoyed a strong start to the season, achieving opening-day victories in three of the last four years.
Simultaneously occurring, EHC Red Bull Munich, under new head coach Oliver David, completed a season preparation consisting of five test games. After initial setbacks against Bern, Zug, and Graz, the Munich squad rebounded with wins against Glasgow and Nuremberg.
Key Matchup Details and Historical Data
The teams last met on opening day in Cologne in 2022, with the Haie emerging victorious in a decisive 6-3 win against Munich. This Friday’s contest marks a renewed rivalry.
Meaningful roster changes are in play for both sides. The Haie boast twelve new players who could make their debut in Cologne jerseys, while Munich recently announced Finnish defender Ville Pokka as their twelfth new acquisition on thursday.
Last season saw a remarkably close contest between the two teams in the standings. Only a single point separated the Haie and Red Bulls, with Munich finishing with 88 points – just ahead of cologne. Throughout their history, the two teams have faced each othre in 65 Penny DEL games, with Munich currently holding the advantage in the overall series record at 42-23.
Anticipation and Strategy
Moritz Müller, a key player for the Haie, expressed his excitement for the season opener. “It will be exciting to play again in the arena – certainly in front of a great backdrop and great atmosphere,” Müller stated. “The anticipation with me and the team is great. A top opponent awaits us with Munich. I could imagine that both teams feel more at the beginning, but than a wild game can also develop. In the end we want to win the game, of course.”
The upcoming match promises a compelling start to the penny DEL season, with both teams eager to establish their dominance and deliver an exciting spectacle for fans.
