Good things do indeed come to those who wait and no one on the 2010-11 University of Minnesota Duluth roster -- or perhaps in all of college hockey -- is better proof of that than junior goaltender Kenny Reiter.
After joining the Bulldog program in 2007-08, Reiter spent the next two seasons dutifully biding his time as the Bulldogs' No. 3 goalie backup the likes of All-American Alex Stalock, and, with the exception of an exhibition win over the U.S. National Under-18 Team in December 2007, did not receive one second of crease time during that stretch. One year ago, he was finally rewarded for his patience with a starting assignment in 25 of UMD's 38 games and wound up crafting the fourth best goals against average (2.26) and saves percentage figure (.912) in team history. A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., and a two-time WCHA Scholar Athlete Award recipient, Reiter also currently owns a .633 lifetime winning percentage (off an 18-10-2 record) -- a mark bettered by only one other previous Bulldog (Rick Kosti, .753 between 1983-85). That includes an unbeaten 5-0-2 mark this winter for the No. 1-ranked and WCHA-leading Bulldogs, who will return to action Dec. 3-4 to host Denver in the final two games ever at the Duluth Enertainment and Convention Center.
HIS FAVORITES
Opponent: Colorado College
Opponent Arena: Ralph Engelstad Arena (North Dakota)
Road Trip: Grand Forks, N.D.
Professional Athlete: Mario Lemieux
Professional Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
College Course: Intro. to College Learning
Past Time: Fishing
Prized Possession: My computer
Book (Author): Glenn Hall: “The Man They Call Mr. Goalie” (Tom “Chico” Adrahtas)
Television Show: Family Guy
Actor/Actress: Will Ferrell/Kate Beckinsale
Movie: The Blindside
Singer/Group: Akon
Food: Smoked Salmon
Restaurant: Hanabi
Video Game: NHL 11
Vacation Spot: Alaska
Web Site: Youtube.com
PERSONALLY SPEAKING
Why I Chose UMD: For the opportunity to play in the WCHA
First Played Competitive Hockey: Age 4
Hockey Strength/Weakness: My puck handling/My skating and mobility
Game Day Ritual: I take a nap after the pregame meal
Most Memorable Hockey Moment: Winning my first WCHA playoff series against Colorado College last season
Best Player I've Ever Played Against: Patrick Kane
Pet Peeve: People who bum rides all the time
My First Job: As a goalie instructor (age 14)
Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Chad Huttel's tattoo artist
Biggest Fear: Waking up with a black eye
What Most People Don't Know About Me: I moved away from home when I was 15.
Advice to an Aspiring Young Athlete: Keep your suitcase packed!
Influences on My Athletic Career: My family
Sport I'd Like to Try But Never Have: Cheese Rolling
Something I Never Leave Home Without: My coupons
Post-UMD Plans: Hopefully play pro hockey somewhere
