AUNDECK OMNI KANING—Reggie Leach is the first person named to the new board of directors of Hockey Indigenous.
“It is a great honour to be asked to be a member of the board of directors,” Mr. Leach, a former star in the National Hockey League (NHL) told The Expositor last week. “They called me to ask me if I would be interested in being on the board. I thought about it and discussed it with Dawn (his wife) and we thought it would be a good thing to do.”
“It will give me a chance to help more kids along the way as an advisor, ambassador, which is what I’ve always wanted to be,” said Mr. Leach.
In a release, Hockey Indigenous wrote, “We would like to introduce Reggie Leach to the board of directors of Hockey Indigenous. This marks a significant milestone in the development of Hockey Indigenous. As a former professional hockey player and proudly supporting Indigenous communities, Mr. Leach brings invaluable expertise and a unique perspective to the organization. Known as ‘The Riverton Rifle’ during his illustrious career, he has been an inspiring role model for indigenous athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams.”
“His presence on the board will help shape the future of Indigenous hockey, fostering a more inclusive and empowering environment for athletes from all backgrounds. As a trailblazer for indigenous representation in hockey leadership, Reggie Leach’s appointment paves the way for a more inclusive and diverse future for the sport of hockey,” said Hockey Indigenous.
“They had approached me to be the first member on the board. It is a great honour for me,” said Mr. Leach. “This is a brand new board of directors. At this point I don’t know how many directors there will be. They will be forwarding me more information.”
The Hockey Indigenous website has been the source for Indigenous hockey-related news for the past few years.
Stephane Friday and Abigail Linklater, who both live in Timmins, are the co-founders of the website. They share information on Indigenous players, from minor hockey to professional leagues and players. They began with a social media platform seven years ago and in 2020 incorporated to a non-profit organization. Mr. Leach was introduced on their website as the first person to Hockey Indigenous board of directors.
Having been born in Riverton, Manitoba and a member of Berens River First Nation in Manitoba, Mr. Leach is currently living in Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation. He has been a long time role model for Indigenous youth, and is still a highly-sought out speaker.
Mr. Leach played 12 seasons in the NHL, being a member of the 1975 Stanley Cup champion Philadelphia Flyers, has had his share of struggles during his life. He shared this in a book he had published eight years ago, ‘The Riverton Rifle: Straight Shooting on Hockey and Life.’
Since his retirement Mr. Leach has inspired others, notably Indigenous youth, to pursue their dreams and to strive towards their own accomplishments.
Hockey Indigenous is focused, “on promoting the participation and development of indigenous players and development of indigenous players in the sport of hockey. We aim to provide opportunities for indigenous youth and communities to team and grow through hockey, while also preserving and celebrating indigenous culture and traditions.”
Mr. Leach, a Philadelphia Flyers legend, played almost 1,000 games in the National Hockey League, winning the Stanley Cup in 1975. A member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame and Philadelphia Flyers half of fame, he still holds the record for most goals in the playoffs with 19 including five goals in one game. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy (MVP for the NHL playoffs) in 1976 and MVP in the 1980 NHL All-Star Game.
