For our Newsletter each quarter we will reach out to a different goaltender for the “Quarterly 5 (Q5)”. Asking 5 questions in an effort to examine the unique perspectives they have on their games.

 Our 8th installment of the Q5 brings us some international flavor in Germany’s Kevin Reich. Now with his second USHL and third North American team in the Green Bay Gamblers, 1995 born Reich can be considered a well traveled goaltender. Recently returned from the 2015 World Junior Championships in Canada, Kevin is keeping his focus on the team at hand, with one eye still locked on the NHL, the purpose of his journey overseas. Let’s now bring you the Q5, with Kevin Reich!

Q1: Let’s start with the WJC, what was that experience like? We all saw you play tremendously against Team Canada.

A: It was an amazing experience to play in a tournament like this and face such good players like Connor McDavid. It was so much fun to play in Canada in front of so many fans, it was an unreal feeling.

Q2: Returning to the USHL must be a change of pace and timing for you. In your second season in North America, what are the challenges of the game here vs. the international style?

A: Yes it’s a change, but it’s the same game. It doesn’t matter if it’s at the WJC or in the USHL; I just focus on stopping the next puck and let my team know that I’m there for them and that they can trust me. The international style is really fast and a lot of skill. That means you have to be ready all the time, it’s the same here.    

Q3: You have skated with Dubuque Fighting Saints Coach Matt Millar and Green Bay Gamblers Coach Ryan Honick so far in the US, both GDI Coaches. How does their coaching philosophy differ from the coaches you have worked with in Germany?

A: I worked in Germany with GDI when I was young and then Pierre Groulx who was the Goaltending Coach for the Montreal Canadians, so I’m kind of used to the coaching style here. I feel I’m trained like a North American goaltender.

Q4: At the end of last season you sat 5th on the NHL Central Scouting list of North American Goaltenders (you are listed by where you play), you were not drafted. What is next for you?

A: That’s simple; it just means that I have to work harder because I want to play in the NHL. I’ll stay the course.

Q5: Getting to play professional hockey in two games in the prestigious DEL in Germany at the age of 17 must have been a thrill. Does that moment continue to motivate and drive you?

A: Playing professional hockey at that early age was just the beginning of what I hope is a long successful career in pro hockey. I’ll do what it takes to get there and stay there.

Thank you Kevin, we wish you all the best in your endeavors. Continue to showcase yourself and represent your country. Follow Reich and his road to the top @KevinReich31 on twitter.