The Kootenay Ice became a lot more dangerous up front this morning when it was announced that Max Reinhart has been sent back to his Western Hockey League club by the Calgary Flames.

The 6’1”, 178 pound, 19-year-old center immediately becomes the Ice’s de facto top gun, as his 34 goals and 45 assists were good for second overall in team scoring last season, behind departed Cody Eakin, considered the best two-way player in Canadian junior hockey last season.

Along with his 78 points in 71 games, Reinhart, the son of former NHLer Paul Reinhart, finished with a plus 30, indicating that when he’s on the ice, he’s got the puck and doesn’t give it up – something that will be vital for the younger Ice squad this season.

The Ice lost a wealth of veteran, top end experience this off season with the departures of Eakin, stud blueliner Braydon McNabb, fiery forward Boomer Steele, rugged winger Kevin King and sniper Matt Fraser. So having Reinhart returned to the fold should give them an edge in closer games.

According to hockeysfuture.com, Reinhart “can play the power play, kills penalties and is a solid two-way player. The playmaking centerman has good speed with a quick accurate release and sees the ice well but must add muscle mass and continue to mature into his body. The 19-year-old has the potential to be a star at the CHL level this upcoming season and a top six forward in the NHL.

It is hoped that Reinhart will be in the line-up for tonight’s home ice contest against the visiting Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Also returned to the WHL this morning by the Flames was Portland Winterhawks stalwart Sven Baertschi.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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