Kristian Reichel is moving on from the Winnipeg Jets organization where he’s spent the past six seasons, signing a three-year contract with German club Adler Mannheim.
“I’m really looking forward to this new opportunity,” Reichel said in a statement released by the club. “It will definitely be an adjustment coming back to Europe, but I can’t wait to play in front of the amazing Mannheim fans. I want to build on last season in Canada and give everything for the team to be successful.”
“We are delighted that Kristian is joining our club,” said Mannheim coach and GM Dallas Eakins. “He is a team player who works hard in every game. Kristian can play in all situations and is another right-handed shooter who can be used at both center and the wing. The experience he’s gained in Europe and North America will be good for us.”
Reichel last played in Europe in the 2016-17 season for hometown HC Litvínov in the Czech Extraliga. He had 12 points in 66 Extraliga games as a teenager before going to North America as a 19-year-old to play one season of junior with the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels.
During his time in the Jets’ organization, Reichel only played 15 NHL games, registering a goal and two assists. He spent the vast majority of time playing for the AHL’s Manitoba Moose, recording 118 points in 284 games.
Reichel, 25, comes from a hockey family that is prominent in both Czechia and Germany. Born in Litvínov, a Czech town located a very short distance from the German border, Reichel represented Czechia at the U18 and U20 levels but has never played internationally at the senior level.
His father, Robert, prominently represented Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic numerous times. His most significant international moment came at the 1998 Winter Olympics, where he scored the only goal of the shootout against Patrick Roy and the Canadians in the semifinals en route to a gold medal. Robert Reichel also played 11 NHL seasons for the Calgary Flames, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Kristian’s uncle Martin Reichel and cousins Thomas and Lukas have all represented Germany. Thomas currently plays for Eispiraten Crimmitschau in the DEL2 while Lukas just finished his third season in the Chicago Blackhawks organization.