LEASIDE 2015 ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Reid Humphrey in Hockey Equipment
Photo: Ray White

Sixteen-year-old Reid Humphrey, named Leaside’s Athlete of the Year for 2015, is described by his coach, Ray White:  “In my GTHL coaching career spanning 20 years I have never witnessed a player with a better hockey IQ than Reid.”

Reid was the leading scorer in the Leaside Hockey Association for each of the past two seasons. He garnered 75 points in 36 games and was also named team MVP this past season. It was an exceptional end to a 10-year career as a Leaside Flame in the GTHL (Greater Toronto Hockey League) AA Division.

Capping off his season, Reid was named to the varsity team at Upper Canada College.

Reid doesn’t just play hockey. “I’ve played soccer since I was six for the Leaside Tigers, and I played baseball at Trace Manes Park [for the Leaside Atom Baseball League], and I like basketball too,” he says. And he’s attended Camp Olympia, a sports and leadership training camp in Huntsville, where he’s had the opportunity to train for and compete in a triathlon, among other activities.

Reid’s parents, Mark Humphrey and Stephanie Rallis of Annesley Ave. in North Leaside, recall the first time Reid was on the ice at Leaside Arena. “He was falling down a lot and I wondered if he’d be frustrated,” says Rallis, “but afterwards I asked him how it was and he said, ‘I loved it!’”

“I knew then that he’d do just fine,” says Humphrey.

They registered him in the LHA shortly afterwards.

“Not only did he develop as a player but he’s had great coaching. He got to play with great boys – they’ve bonded and some of his best friends are his teammates,” Humphrey notes, “and Stephanie and I have also made life-long friends from among the parents of his teammates.”

All three emphasise the high quality of the coaching Reid has received. Rob Regan was the head coach of Reid’s team for six years, and Ray White for the last two seasons.

“Rob’s son Trevor [Regan] was assistant coach to his dad and, even when Rob left, Trevor still coached with Ray,” says Reid. “He’d play road hockey with us too; he really taught me a lot!”

After a two-year break, Rob Regan is again coaching Leaside’s AA 10-year-olds, and Reid is volunteering with him. “It is really nice to see Reid behind the bench coaching alongside Rob,” says his mother. “Things have come full circle.”

Ray White has high praise for the young player.

“I watched him countless times unselfishly pass the puck to a teammate so he could score when a goal on the play for Reid was also certain.

“He’s developed poise and confidence to be utilized in any game situation, his play-making is a huge asset on the power-play and his speed and hockey sense are invaluable on the penalty kill.”

Reid attended Northlea Public School until grade six and since grade seven has been at Upper Canada College where he’s on the ice six days a week. “It’s tougher competition than Leaside was,” says Reid.

As for what’s next, he says he wants to work hard to do well at UCC and then get into a good university to study business. “I’d like to play varsity but, even if I don’t make the team, I’ll keep playing hockey.”

Reid will be recognised as Leaside’s Athlete of the Year at the third annual Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Leaside Arena on Friday, Nov. 20.