Reggie Leach Discusses His Spirit of Perseverance

Section 215 catches up with a former Philadelphia Flyers‘ fan favorite.

“What ever choice you make, you own that choice – good or bad,”  former Flyer Reggie Leach said humbly.

You are responsible for your own self and, according to Ojibwe belief, everything in life is spiritual and has a purpose. The beliefs held by each tribe member influence the way he or she views the self and the world around. Spirituality gives a deeper meaning to every plant, animal, and dream.

Reggie Leach had a dream. He is of Ojibwe ethnicity and a member of the Berens River First Nation in Manitoba. Though his childhood was marked by poverty, he relied on the dauntless spirit and support of his Ojibwe community to overcome adversity and follow his dreams. Like every child, he had dreams of one day becoming successful like the idols he watched through star-studded eyes. Growing up, Leach immortalized Gordie Howe, also known as “Mr. Hockey”, who was recognized as one of the greatest players in the National Hockey League.

Leach played road hockey as a youngster, but did not lace a pair of skates until he was 10 years of age. His first pair of hockey skates belonged to his brother and they were too big for his feet.

“I had to stuff them with newspapers, so I could use them,” said Leach.

He was a natural on the ice and his enthusiasm for the sport kept him skating, despite having to use borrowed gear and hand-me-downs. He was on the ice at Riverton Memorial Arena for five days each week, but that was not enough. He signed up for figure skating sessions, so he could spend every day at the rink. Leach joked, “I even took part in some figure skating carnivals. I loved being in front of a crowd, showing off my bunny-hop jump or camel spin!”

It did not take long for Leach to start playing hockey on teams in several age groups. He poured his life into hockey and by the time he was fourteen years old, he was representing Riverton on the Bantam, Midget, and Juvenile teams. When he was ready to play on a top Junior team, Leach found himself traveling nearly five-hundred miles to the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border to play in Flin Flon.

“I stepped off the bus in Flin Flon, just sixteen years old, not knowing anyone in town, and I only had seven dollars in my pocket – four of which I borrowed,” recalled Leach.

He was a shy boy, but he was only one of the many new faces in the locker room of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. Nervous and excited to be given a team jersey, which was red and white to match the team’s NHL sponsor, the Detroit Red Wings, Leach chose number nine – his childhood idol Gordie Howe’s number.

A few years later, Leach’s dream to play professional hockey came true when he was picked third through a trade by the Boston Bruins in the 1970 National Hockey League Amateur Draft.

“I had no agent, no financial advisor, and no lawyer to help me with the business side of things,” said Leach about his entry into the NHL.

He signed a $20,000 two-way contract, which is about $120,000 by today’s standards, but the money came as a blessing to Leach, who laughed while saying, “I wasn’t doing bad for a guy who grew up without indoor plumbing!”

Two years later, he was traded to Oakland, California, where he played three seasons before being traded to Philadelphia in 1974.

Knowing some of the Philadelphia Flyers from his Junior hockey team, Leach felt comfortable and was welcomed into the locker room at training camp. His first impression of the Flyers Organization was that it truly was a professional one – “…from the ownership and the management to the trainers and the equipment managers.”

Philadelphia Flyers head coach Fred Shero demanded discipline from his players, so Leach pushed himself to excel right from the start. He was placed on a line with Bobby Clarke and Bill Barber, and together, they dominated the ice. They made each other better hockey players. The chemistry had paid off, as the Philadelphia Flyers made the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Not only did the team command control in the 1975 Playoffs, the Philadelphia Flyers won the Stanley Cup for the second time in a row. Leach was now a champion, and the celebration began immediately – The locker room exploded into cheers, the chartered flight back to Philadelphia was greeted by eager fans, and the victory parade took over the city streets… “We were all just living in the moment. I realize now how special it is to have a childhood dream come true through hard work.” said Leach, reminiscing.

Leach played 934 NHL career games, scoring 381 goals and 285 assists for 666 points. He was also part of the Philadelphia Flyers’ 35-game unbeaten streak in 1980, which is a record that still stands today, as well as the Flyers’ home game unbeaten streak of 22 games in the same year. Leach also played for Team Canada in the 1976 Canada Cup, helping to win the championship. He was also a member of the NHL All-Star teams in 1976 and 1980.

From a small Ojibwe community to an accomplished professional hockey player, Leach’s life is truly an example of perseverance and hard work. He overcame adversity and believed in his dreams; and with his strong spirit, he has become an inspiration for everyone who faces hardships in his or her life.