Reggie Leach
The Riverton Rifle who rewrote the Flyers' record books.
Reginald Joseph Leach (born April 23, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger who played 13 seasons in the NHL. He is best known for his time with the Philadelphia Flyers, winning a Stanley Cup with the team in 1975 and being a member of the LCB line. Leach was drafted third overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft and played for them in the 1970–71 season before being traded to the California Golden Seals in 1971. He was later acquired by Philadelphia in a trade with the Golden Seals on May 22, 1974. He set the Flyers franchise record for most goals in a season with 61 in 1975–76, earning the NHL goal-scoring title that year.
- position
- Right Winger
- team_affiliation
- Philadelphia Flyers
- active_years
- 1970–1983
- major_honors
- 1975 Stanley Cup Champion
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Nicknamed "The Riverton Rifle" and "The Chief," Reggie Leach arrived in Philadelphia via a trade from the California Golden Seals on May 22, 1974, in exchange for Larry Wright, Al MacAdam, and a 1974 first rounder. He immediately contributed to the Flyers' Stanley Cup win in 1974–75. Leach's best season was 1975–76, when he set career highs in goals (61), points (91), game-winning goals (11), and plus-minus with a +73 rating. His 61 goals earned him the goal-scoring title and remain the Flyers franchise record for most goals in a season. Leach is perhaps best remembered for being one of the few players to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as a member of the losing team in the Final, earning the honor in 1976. That same postseason, he set NHL records for most goals in a single post-season with 19 in 16 games, surpassing Newsy Lalonde's 1919 mark of 17 goals, and the longest consecutive games goal-scoring streak in the playoffs at 10, bettering Maurice Richard's seven. The latter record remains unrivaled. During that playoff run, Leach recorded a five-goal game against the Boston Bruins, a record he shares with Maurice Richard, Darryl Sittler, Mario Lemieux, and Newsy Lalonde. His total of 80 goals for the season and playoffs together set a new NHL record, which stood until 1980–81 when Mike Bossy scored 85. Leach was also part of the Flyers' 35-game unbeaten streak in 1980, a record that still stands today, in addition to the Flyers' home game unbeaten streak of 22 games in the same year.
In Their Own Story
The Spectrum crowd held its breath as Leach wound up for a one-timer during the 1976 playoffs. He had already been on a tear, setting an NHL record with goals in 10 consecutive playoff games. Against the Boston Bruins, he scored five goals in a single game, matching a record held by Maurice Richard. The Flyers would go on to be swept in the final by Montreal, but Leach's 19 goals in 16 games that postseason earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP—the first Flyer and first non-goaltender to win it as a member of the losing team. His 80 combined goals for the season and playoffs set a new NHL record that stood until Mike Bossy broke it in 1980–81.
Reader's Guide
He was a key member of the LCB line and helped the Flyers win the Stanley Cup in 1975. His 61-goal season in 1975–76 remains the Flyers franchise record for most goals in a season. Leach also set NHL playoff records that still stand: the longest consecutive games goal-scoring streak in the playoffs at 10 games, and a five-goal game against Boston. He was a member of the NHL All-Star teams in 1976 and 1980. Leach finished his NHL career with a one-season stop with the Detroit Red Wings. He played 934 career NHL games, scoring 381 goals and 285 assists for 666 points. Leach also played for Team Canada in the 1976 Canada Cup, helping to win the championship.
Did You Know?
- Leach is one of several players to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as a member of the losing team in the Final, following Roger Crozier (1966) and Glenn Hall (1968), with later winners including Ron Hextall (1987) and Jean-Sé
- His 10-game consecutive goals scoring streak in the playoffs remains an NHL record.
- Leach scored five goals in a single playoff game against the Boston Bruins, a record he shares with Maurice Richard, Darryl Sittler, Mario Lemieux, and Newsy Lalonde.
- Leach is of Ojibwe ethnicity, a member of Berens River First Nation in Manitoba.
- His son Jamie Leach won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1992.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Reggie Leach?
Reginald Joseph Leach was a Canadian right winger who played professionally from 1970 to 1983, becoming one of the most celebrated players in Flyers history. He is famously known by the nickname "The Riverton Rifle" due to his prolific scoring ability during his tenure with Philadelphia.
How did Reggie Leach join the Flyers?
Originally drafted third overall by Boston, he was traded to Philadelphia on May 24, 1974, where he immediately made a massive impact on the roster. This move allowed him to form the legendary LCB line and secure a championship ring just one year later.
What is Reggie Leach's most significant individual record with Philadelphia?
He holds the franchise record for most goals in a single season after netting 61 times during the 1975–76 campaign. This performance also earned him the NHL goal-scoring title for that year, cementing his status as an elite sniper.
Did Reggie Leach win a championship with the Flyers?
Yes, he was instrumental in helping Philadelphia capture their first-ever Stanley Cup title in 1975. His offensive production alongside Bobby Clarke and Bill Barber made him a central figure in that historic victory.
Why is Reggie Leach considered a Flyers legend?
Beyond his scoring records, he rewrote the franchise books during his time with the team and remains a staple of their golden era. His combination of physical play and goal-scoring prowess defined the aggressive style that made the Flyers famous in the 1970s.