By Sam Laskaris

AUNDECK OMNI KANING FIRST NATION – For the past few years, Hockey Indigenous has been the go-to place when seeking any Indigenous hockey-related news.

The co-founders of the website, Stephane Friday and Abigail Linklater, who live in Timmins, frequently share tidbits of information on Indigenous players, from those playing minor hockey all the way up to the pro ranks.

Earlier this month, however, Hockey Indigenous had some of its own news to share. And it was rather significant: former National Hockey League (NHL) star Reggie Leach was introduced as the first person to join Hockey Indigenous’ board of directors.

Though he’s a member of Berens River First Nation in Manitoba, Leach is currently living in Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation on Manitoulin Island.

Leach’s appointment was heralded as a significant milestone since he brings invaluable expertise and a unique perspective to Hockey Indigenous.

Friday and Linklater began operating a social media platform in 2016 before incorporating to a non-profit organization in 2020.

Besides promoting any Indigenous-related hockey news, the pair have always aimed to use their online voices to empower Indigenous youth. Members of the public have long been encouraged to provide news/tips on players at all levels. Youth especially no doubt get a huge kick when they see their accomplishments shared and then praised by family, friends, and strangers from all across Turtle Island.

Bringing Leach on board gives Hockey Indigenous even more clout now. How can it not? After all Leach, who was born in the Manitoba community of Riverton and earned the nickname “the Riverton Rifle” for his goal-scoring prowess, has long been a role model for Indigenous youth.

Leach, 73, is still a highly-sought after speaker. He frequently ventures off to Indigenous communities and hockey camps to share his story.

Though he made it to the NHL and played 12 seasons in the world’s premier league, Leach, who was a member of the 1975 Stanley Cup champion Philadelphia Flyers, had his share of struggles during his life.

Leach’s ups and downs were chronicled in his 2015 book, The Riverton Rifle: Straight Shooting on Hockey and on Life. It’s a must-read for those who believe the life of a professional athlete is only filled with good times.

For the past several decades, Leach has been inspiring others, especially Indigenous youth, to pursue their dreams and to strive to achieve their own accomplishments.

Adding Leach to Hockey Indigenous’ board will also raise the profile of the organization.

Earlier this year, it was announced Hockey Indigenous was exploring the possibilities of launching a new national Indigenous hockey tournament.

The National Aboriginal Hockey Championship is annually held for female and male players aged 13-17. And the Fred Sasakamoose Chief Thunder National Hockey Championship is staged each year in Saskatoon for adult players.

Hockey Indigenous is keen to start a tournament, perhaps as early as next year, for Indigenous players aged 18-20.

Having Leach on board will undoubtedly assist when it comes to giving the proposed tournament some legitimacy as well as a foot in the door when seeking support from his well-connected contacts.