Cole Reinhardt’s journey through the professional ranks has been defined by persistence and resilience.
Selected in the sixth round (181st overall) of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators, Reinhardt has spent the entirety of his AHL career with their affiliate the Belleville Senators.
Reinhardt’s draft selection capped a four year stint in major junior with the Brandon Wheat Kings, where the power-forward put up 141 points, including 75 goals. His consistent performance garnered a leadership role as an alternate captain.
Currently skating in his fifth season in the Friendly City, Reinhardt has become a mainstay for the franchise and ranks second among all-time B-Sens in games played (232) third in goals (44), fifth in assists (66), and is fourth in points (110).
Through seven contests, the 24-year-old has four goals and 11 points. This comes following a solid training camp and preseason with Ottawa.
His production led to an early season recall which saw him appear in two contests and record his first NHL point with an assist.
"I didn’t draw it up to have a good start like this. But my job, if I'm going to play in the NHL, isn't to be a point guy," he said. "I’m just trying to work on the intangibles of being an NHL player."
While Reinhardt is looking to build on his strong start. His focus is on excelling in all situations including power play and penalty kill, demonstrating his understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
After making his NHL debut on April 7, 2022, against the Nashville Predators. It was a two-year gap since his last call-up, he expressed his excitement about the opportunity to continue progressing in his career.
"It was rewarding. I haven’t been called up in two years," he said. "I’m just super excited, and hopefully, I can keep it going."
The journey to the NHL is often a winding road. This has been the case for Reinhardt, who traces his family roots to western Canada.
"It’s full circle. There are lots of different routes people take to get to the NHL," he said. "Some guys are quick, and some guys are late. Thinking back to living on the ranch and imagining myself playing in the NHL one day, it’s a pretty cool thought."
Growing up in Irricana, Alberta, Reinhardt’s parents Doug and Shauna breed and train prized cutting horses.
Cutting horses are adapt in separating cattle from a herd. They are most commonly used at competitive rodeo events.
Reinhardt noted that his parents are particularly enthusiastic about his promotion, "It’s just as rewarding for them."
While Reinhardt knows he can play a top-six role, he embraces the necessity of being a solid contributor in a bottom-six capacity, playing a straightforward and hard game.
"I wasn't always an offensive guy, so I just want to keep playing on both sides of the puck, contributing in all situations," he said. "I’ve been fortunate to have that opportunity, thanks to the coaching staff."
As Reinhardt continues to develop and push for a more permanent role in the NHL, he is sure to enjoy a lot for support from Irricana and the Friendly City.
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