It hasn't been the easiest of off-seasons for EHC München, with news from within the club that they may have to drop out of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) due to lack of funds before a rescue package was put in place by new title sponsors Red Bull.

All planning was put on hold for several weeks and many had given up hope of EHC being able to take their place for a 3rd season in the top division after a 10 year climb through the leagues. However, just before the final deadline was reached, an agreement was made with Red Bull to come aboard and as such the newly named EHC Red Bull München have been able to continue their recruitment for a hopefully successful season ahead.

It's now time to try and freshen up last year's squad with some of the old guard making way for new talent. More offensive skill is needed, and adding players who can improve the powerplay and shorthanded special teams is required. There are also several big holes to fill. On defence, the captain for the last couple of seasons, Stéphane Julien, has decided it's time to hang up his skates and several players who helped win promotion to the top-tier have moved on. There was also bad news this week that Eric Schneider, the leading scorer for the past 2 years, has decided to take a break from playing due to a persistent injury. Hopefully he'll get 100% fit and be able to don the EHC jersey again at some point.

Several promising looking new signings have been announced, with young defenceman Ryan Kavanagh, and hard working forward Brent Aubin joining from Salzburg. Big Swede Viktor Ekbom joins from the Finnish elite league to add some size to the blue line and Czech Lubor Dibelka comes in to add some firepower. Add these to last year's league leading netminder Jochen Reimer, key d-men Johan Ejdepalm and Felix Petermann and an attacking unit including local favourites Martin Buchwieser, Uli Maurer and Christian Wichert (the BMW line), and things are looking promising for the season ahead.

Training starts on 12th August with the first pre-season friendly scheduled for the 19th @18:00 against Austrian side EHC Black Wings Linz. The minimum goal for the coming season must be a top 10 finish to reach the play-off qualifiers, but a top 6 finish will be the aim.