David Reinbacher recently returned to the ice after a month-long recovery from a hand injury. The Austrian defenseman faced a challenging game in his American Hockey League debut, where his team lost 2-1 to the Rochester Americans at Place Bell. Expressing his frustration post-game, Reinbacher acknowledged that he could perform better but emphasized the difficulty of returning from an injury.
Game Overview: Reinbacher’s Return
The match marked Reinbacher’s first appearance since September 25, following surgery on a fractured metacarpal bone in his right hand. He was injured during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which ended with a heavy 7-2 loss. In his return with Laval Rocket, Reinbacher recorded a -2 rating and was on the ice for both of Rochester’s goals, including a decisive late-game goal by Trevor Kuntar.
Reflecting on Performance
After the game, Reinbacher took responsibility for his play, stating, “I thought I could slow down their player at the blue line, but it was my fault.” He recognized the need to learn from this experience and credited Kuntar for the impressive play that beat him.
Laval Rocket’s head coach, Pascal Vincent, downplayed Reinbacher’s mistakes. He noted that the young player showed promise and had good footwork and offensive vision. Vincent expressed satisfaction with Reinbacher’s attitude and acknowledged the challenges of stepping back onto the ice after a long absence.
Development and Future Goals
Reinbacher, selected fifth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, aims to regain his rhythm and health as the season progresses. Last year, he missed nearly five months due to knee surgery. His current objective is clear: “I want to stay healthy and show that I am the player they drafted,” he stated.
Support from Teammates
Kaapo Kähkönen, Rocket’s goaltender, praised Reinbacher’s talent while urging patience. Kähkönen noted that adapting after a significant injury is always difficult, and assured that Reinbacher would be an asset to the team as he continuously works on his timing and gameplay.
Key Stats from the Game
| Statistic | Player |
|---|---|
| Goals | Jared Davidson (1 goal) |
| Shots on Goal | Devon Levi (33 saves) |
| Player Rating | David Reinbacher (-2) |
As the season unfolds, Reinbacher’s focus will remain on improving his performance and maintaining his health, a key to unlocking his full potential in the league.
