Vale John Leece

Hockey WA is saddened to hear of the loss of a WA hockey legend in John Leece.

John extensively coached hundreds of young people who have gained selection in State and Australian sides. The number of players coached by John, who have been selected to play in state senior and especially junior sides is too numerous to mention.

John’s love and commitment to hockey was instilled in thousands of players and has resulted in his teachings being passed from one generation to the next.

John was always available for extra coaching and advice on the field or on the phone. He provided constant feedback to players about their game and was also happy to lend his equipment to members of his group to enable them to improve their skills at home.

John attended as many games as possible - at all levels from grassroots to elite. As a result of his commitment and passion for the sport, he devised new methods and techniques so that these changes could be inculcated in his students’ play. John adjusted his teaching style to enable his pupils to meet new challenges and comply with the ever-changing rules and regulations of hockey.

John’s commitment was total – come rain or shine, come sickness, come health for over 60 years he had unfailingly and selflessly served the hockey fraternity of Western Australia - motivating and inspiring them to develop and maintain a healthy interest in hockey and sport.

The results of John’s teaching speak for themselves. His past pupils will unfailingly talk about the   positive impact he has had on their lives and achievements.

John’s commitment to the sport saw Hockey Australia award him an Award of Merit for his services, with Life Membership to Hockey WA to be awarded.

John was held to the highest regard in hockey in Western Australia and his commitment and passion to hockey will be dearly missed by all.

The Board and staff at Hockey WA along with the broader Hockey community extends our sincere condolences to John’s family.

John Leece

1992 assistant coach State U/16 Schoolgirls

1991 spent 3 months in Japan coaching Tskubi University Women’s hockey team which competed in 3 inter-university competitions

1980 coached Wanneroo A Grade in Metro competition

1977 – 1979 coached Fremantle A Grade and Reserve Grade in Metro competition 1971 – 1976 coached Grads A Grade and Reserve Grade in Metro competition 1966 – 1970 coached Busselton Junior Boys teams

1960- 1970 coached Busselton A Grade and Reserve Grade Country Week Women’s teams. The A Grade team won this division for all 10 years.

1958 – 1970 coached Busselton A Grade and Junior Girls’ teams

John was invited to coach at many centres throughout the state such as Busselton, Bunbury, Albany, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Northam, Moora and Central Wheatbelt. In 2003 he coached the Central Wheatbelt Country Weekend team.

Together with Basil Warner from the Department of Sport and Recreation, John helped develop the first Minkey hockey group and then ran his own Minkey groups for about 11 years.

John was a member of the West Australian Women’s Hockey Association coaching committee for 2 years.

John was a WAWHA Satellite coach for 5 years for state development squads.

 John was a recipient of the Reg Goodridge Award for Services to WA hockey.

In 2011, John was presented The Western Australian 50 Year Volunteer Service Badge as appreciation and acknowledgement of his voluntary services to the sport of hockey.

In 2016, John was awarded the Hockey Australia Award of Merit. He was 88 years of age and extremely proud to be a recipient of this award.