Q&A with Reece Harsch
Defenseman Reece Harsch was selected by the T-Birds in the eighth round, 170th overall, in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft. The Grande Prairie, Alberta, native appeared in 53 games during the regular season and scored 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points with 36 penalty minutes. He recently attended the Vegas Golden Knights Development Camp this summer. Reece sat down with us to talk about the 2017-18 season as a Thunderbird and how he is getting ready for next season.
Seattle Thunderbirds: Hey, Reece! We are so glad you could join us. How has your summer been?
Reece Harsch: It’s been good, I’ve spent lots of time with friends and family
ST: You were invited to the Golden Knights Development Camp this summer. Describe the experience at the camp and what did you take away from it?
RH: It was good! It was a great experience and I learned a lot about nutrition and how to take care of your body.
ST: How was it to have T-Bird alum Keegan Kolesar there with you at the camp?
RH: It was great! I didn’t know many people at first, so it was good seeing a familiar face that’s for sure.
ST: Vegas is known to have endless sight-seeing opportunities and shows. When practice ended for the day did you get to explore and see anything?
RH: We got to go to the Michael Jackson show which was very entertaining! And it was also right on the strip, so we got to explore there as well.
ST: As one of the veterans on the T-Bird roster this upcoming season, does this add pressure to you knowing that all the younger guys look up to you?
RH: Not a whole lot. You just want to make sure you’re a good role model and set a good example by playing the Thunderbird way for the young players.
ST: What are you most looking forward to in this upcoming season?
RH: I think we will have a pretty good team this year again so I’m excited to see how we do. I think we could make a good run this year.
ST: Coming into this past season after winning the WHL Championship, what was the atmosphere like with the team and in the locker room?
RH: It didn’t feel too different. We all had the same mindset that we wanted to do it again.
ST: Tell us one song that really gets you focused to play and gets you game ready?
RH: My roommate Sami Moilanen and I usually jammed out to “Breaking Free” High School Musical Edition before games to get us pumped up.
ST: Are you doing anything fun this summer before you head back to Seattle for Training Camp?
RH: Just going to the lake pretty much this summer. I’ve spent a lot of time boating and wake boarding.
ST: How are you training during the off-season to prepare for training camp and the regular season?
RH: I’m focusing more on explosiveness to get my first few strides faster.
ST: It was great getting to know you, Reece. We wish you the best of luck next season and can’t wait to see you at Training Camp!
RH: Thank you for having me!
Seattle Thunderbirds Public & Media Relations Intern Rebecca Bower conducted the Q&A with Reece Harsch. The team will be posting Q&A’s during the off-season with returning T-Birds players.
