Posted: Apr 06, 2020

Leonard commits to Salve Regina

Griffin Leonard has committed to play at Salve Regina University after spending three seasons in the MJHL.

NEWPORT, R.I. - Salve Regina University men's ice hockey head coach Zech Klann announces the commitment of Griffin Leonard (Winnipeg, Manitoba.) for the 2020-21 season.

"I speak for the staff when I say we are looking forward to watching Griffin develop as we believe he can play in almost all situations," said Klann. "This particular player has impressed us with his growth year after year as he has matured as an athlete and young man. I can say that Griffin has made it clear to us that he is coming to Newport to take his hockey career to the next level and succeed academically with a degree. This player understands hard work, discipline, teamwork and dedication. Griffin Leonard is committed to helping the Salve Regina Seahawk hockey program succeed and will play a big part in that over the next four seasons."

Leonard played the last three seasons for the Winkler Flyers in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL). He totaled an impressive 100 career-points as a Winkler Flyer while serving as an assistant captain. Griffin will be the first Indigenous Canadian hockey player to ever wear a Seahawk jersey when he steps on the ice this upcoming season. Griffin's talents allowed him to play in the historic National Aboriginal Hockey Championships. This tournament features the top hockey players across Canada with Indigenous family backgrounds. Griffin also represents the second Winkler Flyer recruited to Salve Regina for the upcoming season and the second player from Manitoba to commit to play ice hockey in Newport, Rhode Island this offseason after the committment of Garrett Szeremley.

Coming from Winnipeg, Leonard wasn't sure what Rhode Island would be like. Once he came to see campus, Salve Regina quickly won him over.

"When I came on the tour and saw how great I'd have it, I decided. Being from Manitoba the view was quite different," said Leonard. "It made it really easy seeing that way of living, the views, being on the coast, and winters won't be as harsh."

Leonard describes himself as a gritty two-way focused player who enjoys letting his defense create his offense.

"We recruited Griffin Leonard not only because of his high level of character, but most importantly because he represents the complete two-way game," said Davis. "He is a threat in the offensive zone due to his fearless ability to go the net and is a very responsible center in the defensive zone. I would describe his game as high energy with a level of grit and poise when carrying the puck or defending. He was rewarded with over 100 points in his junior career because of hard work and his commitment to become a better hockey player every day. I see him stepping right and in playing a center role next season for our team, but he has the versatility to play wing too with a complete 200-foot game."

"I'm so excited," said Leonard. "It's going to be an honor to put that jersey on. I just want to win with the team, and I feel that we can. I can't wait to get there."