Oil Kings sign Reinhart

Press Release

Edmonton, AB -- The Edmonton Oil Kings are pleased to announce that 2009 first round pick Griffin Reinhart has signed a standard Western Hockey League player contract with the team. The 6’4, 198 lb 15 year old defenseman went third overall in the 2009 Bantam Draft in Edmonton in last month.

“We are very excited to sign Griffin and make him an Oil King” says General Manager Bob Green. “It’s an important step in his growth as a player and our growth as a franchise.”

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to be a part of an organization like the Oil Kings,” says Reinhart. “I’m looking forward to playing many years with this club.” Reinhart comes from a family rich in hockey experience; his brother Max plays with the Kootenay Ice, and father Paul played 11 seasons in the NHL with the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks. “Having Griffin sign with an organization like the Oil Kings, in the best junior hockey league in the world, is a great opportunity for him,” added Paul. “We are happy that Griffin is already a part of their organization.”

The West Vancouver native played the 2008-2009 season as an under-ager for the Hollyburn Midget A1 Huskies. He had 20 points in 16 regular season games and added 18 points in 6 playoffs game that lead to a provincial title.

Reinhart is expected to play in the British Columbia Major Midget league for the 2009- 2010 season. As a 15 year old he will be eligible to appear in up to five regular season games with the Oil Kings this season.

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)