NEWS

Photo by ICELEVEL

Tina Peplinskie - Daily Observer

Pembroke Lumber Kings' defenceman Ben Reinhardt has taken his new responsibility as captain very seriously, earning him the honour of the first coach's pick of the season.

"So far, he has done a great job," Kings' coach and general manager Sheldon Keefe said before practice Wednesday. "He is a quiet leader who does his talking on the ice."

In his fourth season with the Lumber Kings, Reinhardt is expected to log a lot of minutes each game and serve as anchor of the defensive corps.

Keefe has often said when he doesn't notice the 19-year-old Arnprior native on the ice it means he is doing all of the little things right.

When he was named captain, Reinhardt was determined to keep a level head and act the same way in the dressing room.

"I know I was picked for who I am, so I'm going to keep playing the game that got me where I am," he said.

"I'm not the most vocal guy, but I try to lead through my play."

Aside from capturing Keefe's attention, Reinhardt was recently named to the Canada East roster for World Junior A Challenge.

He and teammate Kyle Just are among eight Central Junior Hockey League players on the 22-man roster who will travel to Summerside, Prince Edward Island for the tournament from Nov. 1 to 8.

This is the third time the defenceman has attended the team's selection camp.

"It is nice he is finally being recognized beyond our team," Keefe said. "It is a credit to the kind of player he has developed into."

With three league championships, one Fred Page Cup and Royal Bank Cup appearance under his belt, Keefe expects he will be the most experienced player in the tournament.

"Not many players have that kind of resume," the coach said. "I'm sure he will be relied upon to be a leader like he is with our hockey club."

Reinhardt is proud of his accomplishment and is looking forward to making the most of his opportunity. He is also excited to share the experience with fellow Arnprior native Kyle Just.