Reggie Leach facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Reggie Leach CM OM
Leach in November 2018
Born	(1950-04-23) April 23, 1950 (age 75) Riverton, Manitoba, Canada
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight	180 lb (82 kg; 12 st 12 lb)
Position	Right Wing
Shot	Right
Played for	Boston Bruins California Golden Seals Philadelphia Flyers Detroit Red Wings
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	3rd overall, 1970 Boston Bruins
Playing career	1970–1984

Reginald Joseph Leach (born April 23, 1950) is a famous Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He was a right winger who played for 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Reggie played for the Boston Bruins, California Golden Seals, Philadelphia Flyers, and Detroit Red Wings. He is most famous for his time with the Philadelphia Flyers. He helped the Flyers win the Stanley Cup in 1975.

Reggie's Hockey Career

Early Days and Nicknames

Reggie Leach was known by two cool nicknames: "The Riverton Rifle" and "The Chief". He was picked third overall in the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft by the Boston Bruins. Reggie scored his very first NHL goal on January 31, 1971. He scored nine goals while playing for the Bruins.

Moving to New Teams

In 1972, Reggie was traded from Boston to the California Golden Seals. After playing three seasons there, he moved to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1974. He quickly became a key player for the Flyers. He helped them win the Stanley Cup in the 1974-75 season. Reggie finished his NHL career playing one season with the Detroit Red Wings.

Best Season and Records

Reggie's best season was the 1975–76 season with the Philadelphia Flyers. He scored an amazing 61 goals that year. This was a career high for him and a record for the Flyers team. He also led the entire NHL in goal scoring that season.

Reggie Leach is also remembered for winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1976. This award goes to the most valuable player (MVP) in the Stanley Cup playoffs. What makes it special is that he won it even though his team, the Flyers, lost in the finals. He was one of only a few players to ever do this.

In those 1976 playoffs, Reggie set an NHL record for scoring the most goals in a single postseason. He scored 19 goals in just 16 games! He also set a record for scoring a goal in 10 games in a row during the playoffs. This record still stands today. During the same playoffs, he scored five goals in one game against the Boston Bruins. This is a rare feat shared by only a few other hockey legends.

Reggie played in 934 NHL games during his career. He scored 381 goals and made 285 assists, totaling 666 points. He was also part of the Flyers' incredible 35-game unbeaten streak in 1980. This is a record that still holds true. Reggie also played for Team Canada in the 1976 Canada Cup, helping them win the championship. He was chosen for the NHL All-Star teams in 1976 and 1980.

Coaching Career

After his playing days, Reggie Leach became a coach. In late 2007, he joined the Manitoulin Islanders as an associate coach. The next year, he became the full-time head coach and director of hockey operations for the team.

Personal Life and Family

Reggie Leach is from the Ojibwe people, a member of the Berens River First Nation in Manitoba, Canada. His son, Jamie Leach, also played in the NHL for a few seasons. Jamie even won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1992.

Reggie and both of his children have represented Canada in sports. Reggie played for Team Canada in hockey. His son Jamie played in the World Juniors hockey tournament. His daughter Brandie played in the world Lacrosse championships.

Awards and Honors