The Portage Terriers have already brought in three new players via trade this offseason.
Alyandro De Leon will be returning to the squad after being reacquired from the SJHL's Nipawin Hawks. Gavin Renwick and Kalen Reynolds were both picked up in a previous trade with the Neepawa Titans.
Reynolds says he's excited to reunite with Terriers' assistant coach Robby Moar.
"I got a text from Robby asking if we could chat. I knew he was with Portage. I was thrilled to hear that he wanted to speak with me, and then he broke the news to me," Reynolds continues. "It's going to be huge having Robby back as a coach. He teaches a lot of great things and has great criticism."
The 19-year-old forward spent the last two years with the Neepawa Titans and put up 18 points in 56 games. During that tenure, he had a couple of chances to play in Portage.
"I'm looking forward to the fans. Every time we were there, the fans were electric. You could almost feel the building shake at times," says Reynolds. "The community seems great, and it's just a great organization with a great reputation."
Reynolds says he was often the odd man out of the lineup in Neepawa, playing in 35 of the 60 games last season; however, he soaked in a ton of knowledge as a Titan.
"The first thing is the pace of the league. You have to be fast and get better at that each year. The older guys on Neepawa paved the way and showed me how to be a great teammate and little things like that."
The Winnipegger describes himself as a Swiss army knife on the ice.
"I'm a big guy who has some speed. I can rip the puck when I get it. I play a two-way game, both defence and offence. I'd like to consider myself a 200-foot player," Reynolds continues. "They can throw me in any scenario, and I'd be ready for it."
He notes the number one goal for the 2023-24 campaign is to bring a championship to Portage. When it comes to personal achievements, Reynolds just wants to be the best player he can be.
"I want to lay it all out on the line every game. No matter what team we're playing or what scenario we're in, I'm going to give it my all."