NHL-related events will support Human League

NHL legend Reggie Leach will host a charity barbecue and meet and greet Nov. 10, one of two NHL-related events that will support the Human League, according to a news release.

Leach will set up at the Canadian Tire store in Hanmer.

The Human League has helped more than 300 local kids get off the sidelines and onto the ice because of their PLAY Program. The program has helped cover the costs associated with registration and equipment — not just for hockey, but for any other activity that kids of lower-income families want to get involved in.

Everyone is invited to come out to support the Human League Association and Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart Foundation by purchasing a hot dog and/or drink.

Nicknamed The Riverton Rifle and The Chief, Leach was drafted third overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft. Boston traded Leach, Rick Smith and Bob Stewart to California for Carol Vadnais and Don O'Donoghue on Feb. 23, 1972, according to the news release.

After playing three seasons in Oakland, the Golden Seals traded Leach to Philadelphia for Larry Wright, Al MacAdam and 1974 first-rounder (Ron Chipperfield) on May 24, 1974. He finished his NHL career with a one-season stop with the Detroit Red Wings.

His best season was the 1975–76 season with the Philadelphia Flyers, when he set career highs in goals (61), points (91), game-winning goals (11), and plus-minus with a +73 rating. Those 61 goals gave him the goal-scoring title (now the Richard Trophy) for the season.

He is best remembered as being one of very few players to win the Conn Smythe Trophy, as MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs, as a member of the losing team in the final, a distinction he achieved while playing for the Philadelphia Flyers in 1976.

The Flyers were defeated by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1976 final, but he won the trophy after setting a record for most goals in a single playoff season, with 19. (The record has since been tied by Edmonton's Jari Kurri).

Leach is the only non-goaltender to win this award in a losing cause.

During that same playoff season, Leach recorded a five-goal game vs. the Boston Bruins, a record he shares today with Maurice Richard, Darryl Sittler, Mario Lemieux and Newsy Lalonde. Also, his total of 80 goals for the season and playoffs together set a new NHL record which stood until 1980-81 when Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders scored 85.

He played 934 career NHL games, scoring 381 goals and 285 assists for 666 points.

Then, on Nov. 29, the official ‘Voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs,’ Joe Bowen, will be the keynote speaker at The Human League Association’s and SUDSAR (Sudbury Search and Rescue)’s gala dinner.

The event will raise much-needed funds for both organizations, while helping to promote the Human League’s new LIFE program, according to a news release.

“Joe delivers a great speech — coloured with hilarious anecdotes and one-liners,” said Leanne Tucker, executive director for the Human League. “He’s going to speak on the importance of mentorship, which is great, but he’s also going to be able to give us the inside scoop on the NHL lockout. It’s like gossip — for guys.”

Many have enquired about the reason for these two organizations to join together to fundraise, but SUDSAR president Wayne Gatien said the similarities between both groups are subtle.

“Both organizations are dependent on volunteers, both programs help the most vulnerable people in our society, both dedicate their time to making lives better, without the need, want or expectation of accolades or recognition. Both organizations work ‘in the background’ to selflessly help others.”

Corporate tables for the gala dinner, complete with door prizes and draws, are $1,000 while individual tickets are $125.

Cocktails are at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m.

To reserve your table, or for more information on either organization, contact Rod LaRocque at 705-677-4796.