Philadelphia, some of the first things that come to mind are the cheesesteaks, William Penn, soft pretzels, and more. A sure nickname we all know and love, the city of brotherly love. That is what this article represents, the sad and sudden loss of a brother, a teammate, and a die- hard Flyers fan. This is a tribute to one of the best ice hockey players I had the honor of sharing the ice with, a true friend- my best friend, former Father Judge ice hockey player, a great Flyers fan, Leo E. Smith II.
Determined, skilled, and dedicated. These are a few of the great traits that Leo brought to the Father Judge Ice Hockey Team. A top player on his group, a player most wanted to copycat, he was a true leader on the team. That being said,
Leo battled a lot of demons, some that may of been a little too strong. On October 17, 2017, Leo E. Smith II passed at the age of 27. I lost my best friend that day. His love for his family and team will always live on. The orange
and black were a big part of “Smith’s” game on the ice, always mimicking different Flyers players and some of their signature moves. Leo always bled orange and black, and continues to do so every day.
I had the opportunity to interview Coach Eric Kurtz, Father Judge JV A coach. Kurtz had the opportunity to coach Leo and myself for a few years at Father Judge, he was asked what it was like to coach a player like Leo, “Leo was a nice kid that had a lot of good attributes for a hockey player: he had size, versatility to play offense or defense, and a big shot. He struggled to put it together consistently, but when he was on, he made a major impact in a game. He was well liked by his teammates and would always a quick“ one liner”…often times at Coach Gary’s expense. Leo was an underrated hockey player and an important member of our team. He could drive me crazy, then make a big play to help the team, or fire out a joke and make me laugh out loud. He was a great kid to be around, and the type of person that makes you happy you got into coaching…”. Genuine words from Kurtz on his former player. Those
that new Coach knew he was aggressive, tough, and always was prepared to win every single game by 32 goals. I thank Coach Kurtz and Coach Gary for their time, and dedication to the Father Judge Ice hockey team.
The love Leo also had for his Philadelphia Flyers was the real deal. I remember watching the “Forsberg to Gagne” days and trying to re do some of those plays on the ice- we were a great team, and with a great Center like Leo, and a Winger like me, we added our final piece. Winger and longtime friend of Leo and mine, former Father Judge ice hockey player, Curtis D’Angiolini. We called ourselves, “The brethers”. After years of growing older and building our lives, “little Curt” and I spoke on the phone and he gave us some kind words on what it was like to play alongside Leo for so many years. “He was a great teammate except when you’re in front of his cannon slap shot. Leo was always a fun guy to be around, especially messing around playing roller hockey in a bank parking lot”. A staple in our neighborhood that was an amazing memory for all of us.
As we can see, Leo had such a huge impact to his team, an amazing player, even nicknaming himself “Ovechkin” at times- which I still don’t understand, ha-ha. A great friend and team player always comes from somewhere, some genetic kindness and love he had. His parents. Knowing the smith family for as long as I have, I know he gets the great qualities from them. I had the very special privilege to talk to Mrs., (Patty) Smith on June 24th, which would have been Leo’s 31st birthday. Happy heavenly birthday my brother. Mrs. Smith was a mom to me like she was a mom to her own sons, I love her and her family just as if they are my own. She was able to share some words about her son and his love for the game of hockey, and her dislike for the smell of our hockey bags on the car ride home. “He loved playing hockey and it was his saving grace through his high school
years. I’m so grateful that he got to play even for those year at Father Judge. I was always happy when he was happy on the ice. As a young child, he asked to play roller hockey and then asked to play ice hockey. I remember saying to him, “You don’t even know how to ice skate. He blew my mind. When I took Leo to
the skate zone and he showed me his moves. He said to me, “Mom, if you can roller blade, you can skate.”
A mother’s love for her son is unbreakable, I know this is an uphill battle for her every day and to mourn a death that will never be mourned. Leo looks down on us every day. I know he would be proud of the parents he has. Thank you for being a great mom to your boys, and me.
Ice hockey is a team sport. Friendships are made. Championships are won. Leo was all of that in one player. The love for the sport and for the Flyers was something Leo will never let fade, even to this day.
Thank you to everyone who was a part of the creating of this article. Thank you to the Father Judge Ice hockey program, the coaches and staff. To Coach Kurtz and Gary, Curtis D’Angiolini and to the Smith family.
Photos attributed from Frankie Steskal
