About Jacob
Jacob Paul Benjamin Leicht was born February 14, 1999, to Kurt and Céleste in Humboldt, SK. A ‘Valentine baby’, Jacob truly was and will continue to be a shining light. From the get-go, Jacob was cheery, active and bright.
Jacob was the oldest of four; brother to Isaac, Kiana and Karysa. He shared a room with Isaac most of his life, had a common interest in hockey with Kiana and protected and doted on Karysa. He played with his siblings, teased, fought and laughed with them – and loved them.
Growing up, Jacob played most sports. He was a terrific athlete. He also played the piano and saxophone. He was an outdoorsman – loving to fish, hunt, trap and explore nature. All these activities were important because they were fun, but most importantly, because it was always with friends. And a loyal friend he was, through and through and was fortunate that his friends always had his back, too.
Jacob attended St. Dominic School (where he was taught by his mom), then Humboldt Collegiate Institute in Humboldt, SK. He also attended St. Mary High School in Prince Albert for part of his Grade 12 year while he played hockey with the Mintos Midget AAA hockey team. While in Prince Albert, he received the Prince Albert “AAA” Mintos Scholastic Award and returned to Humboldt to graduate. Jacob was dedicated on and off the ice, putting in the extra time to maintain an honour roll status throughout grades 9-12. He was enrolled in a post-secondary university class at St. Peter’s College while playing for the Humboldt Broncos taking an interest in kinesiology, as physical fitness was important to him. Jacob was filled with talent.
On the ice he was known to be small in stature, but mighty at heart. He was fast as ‘leichtning’, hard-working and dedicated to giving his all, at all times. He was proud to say that his most influential role-model in hockey was his dad, who was his coach for most of his minor hockey years. Together, they won the Midget AA League Championship (the team’s second time) and Provincial Title in 2016. He overcame a number of obstacles through his years of hockey. He did not always make the tier cut for AA, which only encouraged him to work harder. He was rewarded in AA Midget when initially, he was cut from the team and played as an A.P., earning a spot later on in the season. He was instrumental in helping his team win a league championship that year. The following year, as an Assistant Captain, he helped the team win a league championship for the second time, along with a provincial title. He earned a spot with the Prince Albert Mintos as a walk-on and became one of the top 6 forwards. He earned his ice time as a penalty killer and a left-winger who challenged his opposition, no matter the size. He played the game of hockey with a relentless and selfless approach, always determined to come out on top, no matter the circumstances. He had a ‘never quit’ attitude. He was a player who sacrificed his body, blocking shot after shot, while putting points up to help his team win. After graduation, Jacob fulfilled a childhood dream as a gritty forward and rookie captain who played for the Humboldt Broncos SJHL team.
Growing up, Jacob played most sports. He was a terrific athlete. He also played the piano and saxophone. He was an outdoorsman – loving to fish, hunt, trap and explore nature. All these activities were important because they were fun, but most importantly, because it was always with friends. And a loyal friend he was, through and through and was fortunate that his friends always had his back, too.
Jacob attended St. Dominic School (where he was taught by his mom), then Humboldt Collegiate Institute in Humboldt, SK. He also attended St. Mary High School in Prince Albert for part of his Grade 12 year while he played hockey with the Mintos Midget AAA hockey team. While in Prince Albert, he received the Prince Albert “AAA” Mintos Scholastic Award and returned to Humboldt to graduate. Jacob was dedicated on and off the ice, putting in the extra time to maintain an honour roll status throughout grades 9-12. He was enrolled in a post-secondary university class at St. Peter’s College while playing for the Humboldt Broncos taking an interest in kinesiology, as physical fitness was important to him. Jacob was filled with talent.
On the ice he was known to be small in stature, but mighty at heart. He was fast as ‘leichtning’, hard-working and dedicated to giving his all, at all times. He was proud to say that his most influential role-model in hockey was his dad, who was his coach for most of his minor hockey years. Together, they won the Midget AA League Championship (the team’s second time) and Provincial Title in 2016. He overcame a number of obstacles through his years of hockey. He did not always make the tier cut for AA, which only encouraged him to work harder. He was rewarded in AA Midget when initially, he was cut from the team and played as an A.P., earning a spot later on in the season. He was instrumental in helping his team win a league championship that year. The following year, as an Assistant Captain, he helped the team win a league championship for the second time, along with a provincial title. He earned a spot with the Prince Albert Mintos as a walk-on and became one of the top 6 forwards. He earned his ice time as a penalty killer and a left-winger who challenged his opposition, no matter the size. He played the game of hockey with a relentless and selfless approach, always determined to come out on top, no matter the circumstances. He had a ‘never quit’ attitude. He was a player who sacrificed his body, blocking shot after shot, while putting points up to help his team win. After graduation, Jacob fulfilled a childhood dream as a gritty forward and rookie captain who played for the Humboldt Broncos SJHL team.
Remembering
Jacob lost his life in the tragic Humboldt Broncos crash on April 6, 2018, at the age of 19. He was one of 29 passengers. Sixteen people lost their lives.
Jacob was a quiet leader who modelled kindness, humility, perseverance, self-discipline and courage. He was inclusive of all those around him. Jacob’s moral values, along with his enthusiasm to be a team player, contributed to his strength of character. Jacob pushed himself to be the best he could be, in all facets of living.
Above all, Jacob had a deep, quiet faith, a faith that will live on through all of us.
Northern Lights Movement For Kids is one way that Jacob’s family and friends are able to honour his spirit, as well as, youth everywhere.
