Komets snag rights to goaltender Cody Reichard
August 21, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fort Wayne Komets News Release
Fort Wayne, IN - The Komets announced Wednesday that they have acquired the rights to goaltender Cody Reichard from the Florida Everblades in exchange for future considerations. Reichard was acquired by Florida from Stockton in a trade last March.
"Acquiring the rights to Cody really solidifies our goaltending along with John Muse," Komet general manager David Franke said. "Cody is playing a lot closer to home so he should be very excited to play in front of family and friends."
Reichard (RYE-kerd), 26, will be entering his second pro season after sharing his debut in the ECHL last year appearing in 27 games with Stockton (13-8-5, 2.64 gaa) and seven games with the AHL's Houston Aeros (3-1-1, 2.41 gaa).
The Celina, Ohio native began his juniors play with the USHL's Indiana Ice in Indianapolis in 2006-07 before joining the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in 2007-08 where he posted a 2.05 goals-against average in 51 games to earn the NAHL Goaltender of the Year Award. He also was named to the All-South Division Team and a First Team All-Star in addition to receiving the NAHL's Most Valuable Player of the Year Award.
Reichard made his college debut in 2008-09 with Miami University of Ohio and collected many accolades during his four-year stint with the Redhawks. In 2009-10, the standout college netminder led the nation with a 1.87 goals-against average and was named the NCAA (CCHA) Player of the Year. He was also awarded Best Goaltender in addition to being an NCAA Hobey Baker Award Finalist. Reichard capped 2009-10 as a First Team All-Star and was named to the NCAA (West) Second All-American Team. In 2010-11 Reichard backstopped Miami of Ohio to the NCAA (CCHA) Championship. The goaltender finished his college career with the Redhawks earning a spot on the Senior Class All-American Second Team following his fourth season.
In addition to his on-ice achievements, Reichard was recognized for his humanitarian efforts in college with the founding of "Swoop's Stoop", which brought sick children to Miami of Ohio hockey games along with encouraging players to visit children at the local Children's Hospital. "Cody is a huge addition to this team for not only what he will bring to us on the ice but also how he carries himself off the ice," Komet head coach Gary Graham said. "His work with youth hockey players and his involvement with charities in the past exhibit the type of character person he is. He is a welcomed addition to our team and I look forward to working with him."
The addition of Reichard pushes the Komets' preseason roster to 24 players including 13 forwards, nine defensemen and two goaltenders.
The Komets will officially open the 2013-14 season at home against the Toledo Walleye Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7:30pm. The Komets' 62nd season features 36 home games while 36 road games are scheduled.
The Komets will also host one exhibition game when the Wheeling Nailers visit for a preseason tune-up Saturday, Oct. 12 at 7:30pm at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
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