Nino Kinder played the first 17 years of his hockey career in Germany. Competitively, it began in the 2012-13 season with the U16 ECC Preussen Juniors Berlin squad. He had 44 points in 27 games in what turned out to be an extremely successful season.
That year really seemed to help blossom Kinder’s career. He had the chance to represent Germany several times on the international level. Last season, playing with the U18 team, he mustered 18 points (7G) in just 16 games.
Also with the Juniors Berlin U20 team last year, he was an assistant captain, and he had 41 points (17G) in 33 games.
In the end, last year was his final season in his home country. The Berlin native was drafted 64th overall by the Winnipeg ICE in the CHL Import Draft.
Not long after that, he was Winnipeg bound as the Western Hockey League made its return to Manitoba’s capital.
“It’s definitely different here in Winnipeg compared to Germany,” said Kinder. “With that said, I’m really liking it. I think I’ve settled in pretty nicely here.”
Nino has certainly shown he’s settling in with what he’s done on the ice. In the team’s seven games, he already has three goals and two assists.
“Things have gone pretty good so far. It’s been a success,” added Kinder. “I have a lot of work to do moving forward to keep up the success.”
“I need to protect the puck better, skate harder, and I need to always keep my feet moving,” he continued. “It’s not easy playing here in Canada. It’s a really tough league. But I know I have what it takes to play in this league, so I just have to keep working at it. Things are so much faster here.”
Kinder and the rest of the club have been hard at work this week. After losing two straight over the weekend, their schedule doesn’t get any easier. They head to Medicine Hat for a game on Friday, and on Saturday, they’re in Swift Current.
Going the last few days without game action means they’ve spent a ton of time at the rink practicing and preparing for what’s up next.
“We’ve had a few really good practices the last few days. We’re ready for the weekend,” added Kinder. “We know we have to battle hard, score, and work hard. We’re ready for Medicine Hat and Swift Current.
“I’m confident that we can win both games if we play to our system.”
Winnipeg’s travel schedule is by no means an easy one. The trip from Winnipeg to Medicine Hat is about 11 hours. That’s followed by the bus trip to Swift Current and then back to Winnipeg.
For Kinder and most everyone, it’s just about taking a few minutes extra when you get off the bus to prepare.
“I just spend some extra time on the bike and I stretch. It’s not really a big deal,” Kinder said. “It happens, and that’s a part of the game. It’s also important for me to eat well and stay hydrated throughout the week.”
Whatever Winnipeg is doing on the road is sure working. They’re 3-0-1 away from the Wayne Fleming Arena this season.
Kinder is second on the team in scoring this year with five points. He’s behind only Michal Teply, who the ICE also took at this past summer’s CHL Import Draft.
Isaac Johnson and Carson Lambos also have five points.
When it comes down to it, points aren’t the only thing Kinder wants this season. He wants to win in his first year in Canada.
“I want to have a great season with this team, and everyone wants that,” he concluded. “I also hope that I can keep up with my play.”
If you don’t remember when Kinder broke onto the scene with Winnipeg, it was against Saskatoon. In a big win for the club, Nino had three goals in the second period alone for his first career hat trick.
