Pembroke lifes Reinhardt's #8 to the rafters
Posted Feb 2, 2012 By EMC News
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EMC Sports - Arnprior hockey star Ben Reinhardt had his number retired in a rousing ceremony in Pembroke Sunday.
Mike Yeas
Former Lumber Kings captain Ben Reinhardt hoists his jersey far above the ice surface in Pembroke as a full house and his family, on chairs behind, look on.
The former Pembroke Lumber Kings captain is only the second player to be accorded that honour in the long history of the fabled Valley Junior A hockey team.
It was also announced at the game that the Central Canada Hockey League's playoff most valuable player award will be named in Reinhardt's honour.
Close to 2,000 fans were on hand to take in the game and see Reinhardt's number eight raised to the rafters of the Pembroke Memorial Centre.
The fans, appreciative of Reinhardt's considerable contributions to the team's five straight championship seasons, gave him a standing ovation.
Among those attending were Reinhardt's parents Bruce and Dianne, brother Lucas, sister April, and grandparents Charlie and Connie.
Reinhardt called it a great moment and told the fans he is grateful for receiving the honour. It means a lot to him and his family, he added.
Lumber King coach and general manager Sheldon Keefe presented Reinhardt with a replica of the banner that was raised to the rafters and a plaque in recognition of his passion, commitment, character and leadership.
Emcee Jamie Bramburger called Reinhardt a role model for young players striving to excel at the game.
Central Canada Hockey League president Kevin Abrams said Reinhardt's record of success in playing with five straight championship teams was remarkable and likely something that will never be duplicated.
He presented Reinhardt with a plaque highlighting his accomplishments and made the announcement that the league's playoff MVP award will be renamed the Ben Reinhardt Award beginning this season.
During Reinhardt's five years with the team, the Lumber Kings won two Eastern Canada title and one national championship, as well as the five league titles./
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