Last-Minute Announcement Involving David Reinbacher and the Laval Rocket

A "thrilled" David Reinbacher joins the Rocket

"I'm finally here and I'm so thrilled." This is how the young defenseman David Reinbacher summarized his thoughts after his very first practice with the Laval Rocket.

Freshly arrived in Laval on Monday after a third professional season in Switzerland with EHC Kloten, the Montreal Canadiens' first-round pick in the 2023 draft met his new teammates on Tuesday at Place Bell before participating in a practice session.

"I think he had a good practice today," noted his head coach, Jean-François Houle. "It was a tough practice and he did well. I think he's in a good state of mind and the guys all welcomed him warmly. We're happy to see him and happy to have him here."

The 19-year-old Austrian thus arrives as the Rocket is in the heart of the playoff race, with only 12 games left in its schedule. Well aware of this situation, Reinbacher said he was excited to face this challenge.

"It's a great opportunity for me to finish the season on a high note," noted the right-handed player. "I'm really thrilled to be here. It couldn't be better than this moment. I find all the guys I saw at training camp, we're having a good time and making a push for the playoffs."

So, his goals for the end of the campaign are to make his debut in professional North America, qualify for the playoffs, but also to learn and gain as much information "from every player and coach" in the Laval club.

As for adapting to Quebec life, Reinbacher will have little time outside the arena and bus in the coming days as the team will soon start a stretch of six games in nine days, but there are still some gaps in his schedule.

"We already have players who have invited him to dinner at their homes. We have a good group here and the guys will take good care of him off the ice," explained the head coach of the Canadiens' farm team.

The Rocket will play its next home game on Friday, March 29, when it will face the Belleville Senators."

- Via the Laval Rocket