OHL Alumni – Beyond the Rink: Kevin Reinhart

Former OHL Team(s): Kitchener Rangers

Years in the OHL: 1975-1978

Current Occupation: Retired

Kevin Reinhart’s journey following his Ontario Hockey League career has been defined by education, adaptability, and success beyond the game.

After his time in the OHL, Reinhart continued playing hockey at the university level after being selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the eighth round (132nd overall) of the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft. While his playing days eventually came to an end, the experiences and perspective he gained through the game helped shape a successful professional career that followed.

Now retired, he remains chairman of a public company’s board, where he continues to stay involved in the oil and gas equipment manufacturing industry.

 

From the Ice to Industry

Following the OHL, Reinhart attended Wilfrid Laurier University during his final year of junior hockey before transferring to Saint Mary’s University for his final three years, where he earned a Commerce degree with a major in Accounting.

That transition from hockey to academics helped prepare him for a successful career in the global business world, where he was exposed to different cultures, industries, and leadership opportunities.

 

A Student of the Game and Beyond

Reinhart’s time in the OHL played a major role in shaping both his personal and professional development.

“Value of teamwork; time management (especially taking a full load first year at WLU while playing for the Rangers); how to play my role on a high-performing team; dealing with adversity.”

Those lessons stayed with him throughout his business career and continue to influence the way he approaches life today.

 

Shaped by the Game

For Reinhart, one of the most important realizations during his hockey career came at a young age when he understood his path might look different than originally expected.

“Dealing with the reality at 16 years of age that I was not good enough to achieve my hockey dream (even more difficult given that my younger brother, Paul Reinhart, was a key factor in that reality check) AND then finding that I could define and pursue another dream that was even more rewarding and exciting.”

That perspective ultimately helped Reinhart embrace new goals and opportunities outside of hockey.

 

A Memorable Moment

“For the most part, it was the camaraderie and dynamics of playing with a group of like-minded guys that were always changing, even though I didn’t always recognize and appreciate that. If I had to pick one memory, though, it would have been when I played my first game in Kitchener as a 16-year-old, blocking a Marcel Dionne shot on a 2-on-1.”

 

An Enduring Influence

Reinhart points to two teammates who left a lasting impact on his OHL experience.

“I would point to my two best friends on the team – my brother Paul and Don Maloney.”

 

Life Today

Today, Reinhart is most proud of his success in the business world and the opportunities it has provided him worldwide.

“The success I’ve had in the business world while being exposed to many cultures and people while working in a global organization, including with/for a Chinese government-owned enterprise for over two years.”

Away from work, he enjoys golfing, cycling, and travelling, while spending time with his growing family.

“I have three wonderful adult children who have blessed us with six grandchildren who are currently between the ages of 1.5 and 5.5 years. Being a grandfather allows me to experience these young children in a very different way than I could while raising my children, when I was also trying to build my career and financial stability.”

 

Advice for the Next Generation

“Pursue your hockey dream with all your vigour, but make sure you get an education as the odds of making the ‘bigs’ are low and, for most that do make it, your lifespan is not long enough to set you up for life. Your education is your life ticket.”