Many people know Leon Budrow for his entertainment endeavors, such as his music, acting, modeling and dancing. Many may also recall Budrow as a former fitness competitor, and the local GNC Franchise guy. Some however, know Leon as number 91 – the quick, athletic and sometimes cocky hockey player.
“I’ve been playing hockey at The 422 Sportsplex for about six years now.” Budrow says. “I originally began playing as a kid, but got back into it sometime in 2014 or 2015.”
The 422 Sportsplex, located in Pottstown Pennsylvania, is an indoor sports facility. Offering fantastic programs for soccer, football, basketball, and more, Budrow can be found at the rink every Tuesday for inline hockey.
“The word Rink Rat comes to mind when talking about Leon.” The facilities manager Chris Lerch explains. “He’s at the rink the entire night, he plays for three times and sometimes even subs for a fourth.”
Known for his speed and endurance, Budrow has made a reputation for himself as one of the faster players in the league. Long time friend and competitor Frank Caldwell describes Leon as a “threat to score every time he is on the rink”, as he combines “top speed with full endurance full duration of the game.”
“While riffing I sometimes think of the quotes “He’s the fastest kid alive” from Super Bad” Chris Lerch describes of Budrow’s skating speed.
With Covid19 ultimately shutting down the facility during the lock downs, Budrow and his fellow teammates have been itching to get back on the rink. Budrow is so motivated to get back to playing, that he has taken this down time to be like an “off season.”
“I can’t wait to get back to it. I miss playing” Budrow states. “I miss my team, the staff, the other players around the league, we are like a big hockey family and it’s going to be really fun to get to see everybody again.”
As Budrow prepares for the season to return, he has been lifting weights and running outdoors to maintain his endurance. Knowing there may be some rust to shake off, Leon is ready to play again.
“I’m sure there will be a little period where I’ll need to re-learn how to play again.” Budrow laughs as he thinks about how long its been since he last played. “I may fall down a couple times or miss the net a lot but what else is new.”
Budrow’s teammate and goal tender Andy Slichter shares Budrow’s excitement to get back to the game, and describes Leon as a “leader on and off the rink.”
“Leon is a great teammate and it has been great playing with for the last few seasons.” Andy describes.
Known for his passion, Budrow has had his share of temperamental moments and injuries. Facility Manager Chris Lerch recalls moments where Budrow has had multiple facial injuries resulting in stitches, as well as a time where he broke his stick after a game.
“That was a pretty costly temper tantrum.” Budrow laughs. “Since I play so much I invest in the highest quality sticks. Not only did I make myself look like a jerk when I broke the first stick, but I bought the wrong one to replace it so I had to buy a second stick. That money certainly added up”
With third time being the charm, Budrow has also had three visits to the emergency room, needing stitches in each eye and his forward on three separate occasions.
“During a couple week stretch of time, Leon kept getting hit in the face with a stick. He finally got a cage for his helmet and the very next game still somehow got clipped in the face, under the mask, by a stick” Lerch describes of Budrow’s unfortunate luck.
“I did come back to play the same night after getting stitches and score a hat trick for my second team though.” Budrow proudly recalls.
A true competitor, Budrow is truly respected both on and off the rink. Teammates Frank Caldwell and Andy Slichter both describe Leon as a “great teammate.”
“I think off the rink, there isn’t a person in the league that would have a negative thing to say about Leon.” Chris Lerch states.
With normality slowly but surely returning, the league will soon open up again. Budrow looks forward to the feeling of skating full speed down the rink, seeing his teammates and friends, and showing off his new team jerseys.
“There’s no feeling like skating full speed down the rink.” Budrow describes. “There’s just no sport like hockey, and I can’t wait to see every body again playing the game that we all love.”
For more information on inline hockey and to follow Budrow’s stats, visit http://the422sportsplex.