Editorial
The return of the Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) following a pandemic induced hiatus is being welcomed by young Indigenous hockey players across Ontario. Founded on Manitoulin Island decades ago, this annual gathering of the kids of winter was always highly anticipated—with parents, caregivers and communities holding numerous fundraising events throughout the year in order to finance the excursion.
Although LNHL has long outgrown Manitoulin’s limited resources, both in ice pads and accommodations, the annual hockey tournament remains near and dear to youth and parents alike in First Nations across the Island.
All year long the crack of hockey sticks on pucks can be heard in school yards, backyards and playgrounds as young MVPs hopefuls practice their shots in anticipation of this annual March Break pilgrimage. One can only imagine the disappointment that the past three years of cancellations due to the pandemic have invoked in these young players—especially those who were looking forward to their first shot at the net.
There are few more valuable experiences for youth than sport and the hockey arena is one of the most “level” of playing fields available, as hockey legend Reggie Leach, the Riverton Rifle, has often pointed out. Mr. Leach has dedicated most of his post-NHL life to promoting hockey as an invaluable tool in building well-rounded and confident Indigenous youth. Mr. Leach is a resident of Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation.
As we enter the mid-week point of the LNHL tournament, this might be a good time to set fingers to keyboard to nominate Mr. Leach to his rightful place in the Hockey Hall of Fame. But one would have to hurry, the deadline for submissions for this year is March 15, the date of this paper’s publication.
This paper has noted the unfortunate failure of those who control the Hockey Hall of Fame induction process to include Mr. Leach among its ranks but this omission bears continued scrutiny. There are those who will point to other hockey legends who are just as worthy, yet who have failed to make the cut. This is, at best, a poor justification, given that there are those ensconced in those hallowed ranks with less accomplishment.
Mr. Leach’s unflagging efforts on behalf of youth involvement in hockey across the breadth Turtle Island should qualify for induction, even if his numerous on-ice records while playing in The Show appear to fall short in the selection committee’s estimation.
The Expositor fully anticipates that Mr. Leach will one day stand among the ranks of those inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
In the meantime, many of those young hockey players that have been inspired by Mr. Leach to reach for the stars will be lacing on their skates and taking to the ice this week. Guess who will be there watching those young Indigenous hockey players as they skate out of the box?
Mr. Leach is a commendable inspiration to Indigenous youth and one of the most vigorous of ambassadors for a sport that pretty much defines Canada. He deserves to be included.
