BROSSARD | David Reinbacher forgot the episode of hate mail from a very small handful of supporters post-draft in Nashville. Less than a week later, he drew a more than positive balance of his first experiences in the Canadian’s uniform.
After an intrasquad game in development camp, the fifth overall pick in 2023 had a big smile on his face.
“It was great, the fans cheered for all the players and made us feel welcome,” he said. It was a good experience. I met my teammates and my coaches and discovered the smallest ice. I know more now what to expect. I will return home to train.”
Reinbacher didn’t score in this encounter between the Reds and the Whites, but often knocked on the door. Lane Hutson, his partner on the blue line, has scouted him out for good chances on more than one occasion.
The Austrian also took part in the impromptu penalty shootout after the game.
“I felt good,” he said. To tell the truth, I had goosebumps from the audience’s reaction to my presence at the shooting. They screamed as I jumped onto the ice. I missed my fake but I will have time to work on my game!
“I would have liked to have scored during the game,” he continued. I had three chances. Lane wanted to help me score. I’ll probably change my cane!”
A nice present
When asked about the outpouring of love he’s received in recent days, the right-back has gotten a little emotional.
“I thought it was great,” he said. I can’t even describe how I feel. I read some very nice messages. I feel good here in Montreal. I can say that it is now my second home. I want to get back to Montreal quickly before rookie camp. I want to give something back to the fans for their help.
“I also read the book, which was a supporter [Patricia Néron] gave me. I was touched by this gesture. One day I’ll find a way to thank her by giving her a present myself.”
A couple of the future
There is no danger. Even at a simple development camp in July, within the same duo, the Canadian had two of his biggest hopes pinned on the blue line.
MARTIN ALARIE / MONTREAL JOURNAL
Reinbacher ran all week with Hutson, a 2022 second-round pick who had a stellar rookie season at Boston University with 48 points (15 goals, 33 assists) in 39 games.
“If you play with Lane, you get the puck quickly and you can give it back to him. After that, enjoy watching. He’s a really talented defender offensively.
“I hope the comparison isn’t too great but Hutson is in the form of Cale Makar, he’s chained. He walks so well, he does amazing things on the ice. I would like to play with him in the future. But there is still a long way to go before we think about Montreal.”