Reggie Leach wanted in Hall of Fame

A member of the Berens River First Nation, Reggie Joseph Leach was born in 1950 in Riverton, Manitoba. While facing the injustices of racism and poverty, and playing on borrowed skates for much of his childhood, Leach’s terrific speed and honed shooting skills earned him the nickname “The Riverton Rifle”. He went on to become one of the most gifted and exciting hockey players of his generation.
His pro-hockey accomplishments are truly impressive: two-time NHL All Star, Conn Smythe Trophy winner (the only non-goalie from a losing team to ever win it), 1975 Stanley Cup winner, 1976 Canada Cup winner, and Regular Season Goal Scoring Leader, to name a few.
Reggie Leach’s most impressive feat may therefore be his continued battle against alcoholism. Mr. Leach has dedicated much of his time speaking to young people, with admirable honesty and directness, about how alcohol injured every aspect of his life.
Above all, the letters of support included in this submission, many of them from First Nations people, are the most abiding proof that Reggie Joseph Leach has inspired and encouraged people both in and far beyond the world of hockey, and therefore deserves to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as an Honoured Member.

John K. Samson

To sign the online petition, visit: www.ipetitions.com/petition/rivertonrifle/