QA with Max Reinhart and Joey Leach

McKeen's correspondent Randy Gorman recently had the opportunity to conduct interviews with forward Max Reinhart and defenseman Joey Leach of the Kootenay Ice. Reinhart and Leach, who are both eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft talk about their game, minor hockey roots, the biggest influence on their careers to date and thoughts on the possibility of being drafted.

Max Reinhart Interview

McKeen's: Where did you play your minor hockey before coming into the WHL?

Reinhart: I played with Hollyburn minor hockey programs in West Vancouver before joining the Northwest Giants of the BC Major Midget League before being drafted by Kootenay.

McKeen's: Did you set any goals for yourself this season, in this being your draft year?

Reinhart: Ah, myself I would just like to get noticed and drafted, and to put up some numbers in the second half to help the team win. I really want to put myself in a good position to be drafted.

McKeen's: Every player has strengths and things they would like to work on. What are the things that best describe your strengths, and things that you want to improve on this season?

Reinhart: Offensively, I'm a lot better because I'm winning more battles, I'm seeing the ice better and being more patient. I have to work on being harder on the puck and making sure I win battles I'm not supposed to win. I want to be in better position in the d-zone as well.

McKeen's: You likely hear this all the time, but being the son of former NHLer Paul Reinhart, has that led to any added pressure to succeed and move on to the next level?

Reinhart: No, I never really faced that. I definitely get looked at a little more because of my last name and I try to use that as an advantage as much as I can. It really helps when he gives me all of his knowledge about the game from his experience.

McKeen's: Who has had the biggest influence in your hockey career to date?

Reinhart: Definitely, my dad, he has coached me and watches all my games and gives me feedback and I model my game from what he advises me.

McKeen's: You have a lot of speed out there, but hockey is not all about offense, have you worked hard on your defensive game?

Reinhart: Yes I have, especially on this road trip, I been more physical, harder on pucks, and playing better on transition and tying up my opposing player. I must keep playing this way to be successful and improve.

McKeen's: You have been successful going to the front of the net and winning battles, how do you accredit your improvement in this area of your game?

Reinhart: My teammates, I owe a lot of credit to for getting pucks to the net and to me so I can be in position to score or set up plays.

Joey Leach Interview

McKeen's: Where did you play your minor hockey before coming into the WHL with the Kootenay Ice?

Leach: I played all my minor hockey in the Tisdale Minor Hockey Association in my home province of Saskatchewan.

McKeen's: What has it been like making the jump to the WHL as far as playing with and against highly skilled players?

Leach: It's been a great experience and challenge to play with and against players that are at the top of their game and that have played in the league a few years.

McKeen's: Every player has strengths in their game and things they have to work on, characterize your strengths, and things you want to work on in this your draft year?

Leach: I feel I'm a pretty good puck-moving defenseman coming out of my defensive zone. I think I have to work on getting a little faster playing bigger physical players.

McKeen's: Who has had the biggest impact on your hockey career to date?

Leach: Definitely, my dad, he has been there for me and has coached me and it helps that he has played the game as well.

McKeen's: I noticed you play the perimeter boards very well, stopping opposing forwards trying to get around you?

Leach: I've had good coaching in that regard, where I'm able to judge my gap space and keep opposing forwards to the outside and in check where they can't do any harm.

McKeen's: You have a pretty good shot off the rush, has that been something you've been working on?

Leach: Yes, I've been working on that, getting my shot low and helping my forwards that are going for rebounds if the puck doesn't go in from my pointshot.

McKeen's: What's it like playing in Cranbrook, a very picturesque part of the country?

Leach: It's a great little city where everyone knows everybody, the team and fan support is great and it's very good for team bonding.

McKeen's: Would you say that there is any added pressure in this being your draft year?

Leach: I'm not too worried about that, I just go out and play my game and try to help the team. I'm not concerned where I'm placed or listed.

McKeen's: Does this mean staying confident throughout the season?

Leach: You have to stay confident in your abilities and that comes from putting the team first, and not making mistakes because you're thinking about who's watching you. You end up letting yourself and your teammates down.

McKeen's: Do you have any set goals that you would like to achieve personally, and also for the team?

Leach: The team is rolling right now, obviously my goals are to earn my icetime through improved play and to see the team have a long playoff run.