Exit Interviews 2024-25: #23 Cole Reinhardt

With the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs well underway and the Belleville Senators wading into the offseason, David Foot sat down with the players to reflect on a year filled with challenges, growth, and standout moments. In this exclusive series of year-in-review interviews, players open up about their personal journeys, team milestones, and what it meant to represent Belleville and the Bay of Quinte this season. From locker room highlights to on-ice battles, these conversations offer a behind-the-scenes look at the season that was — and a glimpse at what’s ahead.

Today, we check in with forward Cole Reinhardt, who this season became the Belleville Sens’ all-time leader in games played and penalty minutes!

DF: An eventful year for you. You played the fewest games in Belleville since your rookie season, but you were also up in the NHL for 17 games. How did you feel about your season overall?

CR: I can’t really complain. I don’t think it was on anyone’s bingo card that I would be in the NHL for a quarter of the year, so I’m pretty proud of myself for coming out of camp and earning that opportunity. And then, just being a guy that plays a lot here was special and makes a difference in my game and development.

DF: You were on a point-per-game or better pace at times this season. What do you credit that success to?

CR: I think just the confidence that I know I can do it, and my summer preparations, just coming in with no regrets. I have to credit my family and my partner’s family for being there for me, and my trainers in the summer make a big difference. And then, just being in the NHL and coming down gave me some more confidence, too. It helped a lot.

DF: 17 games in the NHL were pretty good for you to get into, even with the back and forth, how did you find your NHL time and that lifestyle?

CR: It’s different, for sure, in many ways from how things are done. It’s still called hockey, but it’s a different game, especially when you’re going up to play a different role as well. But I think that experience goes a long way.

DF: One of the things we’ve heard a lot about Belleville Sens grads this season is just how prepared they are when they get up to Ottawa. Did you feel like you were ready when you were called upon?

CR: Yeah. The coaching staff here does a great job, and we play almost the same system, so it’s not a big change. You’re not thinking about the systems, you’re just playing what you’re used to, and that makes a big difference. Big props to all of our coaches for their work.

DF: What will you be up to this summer? Head out west and spend some time on the farm?

CR: I’ll drive home and then spend most of my summer in the Calgary area, maybe try and get a vacation in.

2025-26 Belleville Sens Season Seat Memberships are on sale now by contacting the Belleville Sens office at 613-967-8067, emailing tickets@bellevillesens.com, or visiting the Belleville Sens website.

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