In Loving Memory of Ronald (Ron) James Leonard Jr., 60, of Westminster, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, the warmth of his spirit, the joy of his laughter and the love he gave freely will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Born in Medford Massachusetts, Ron was the beloved son of the late Ronald J Leonard Sr. and Lynda Fleming-Decker. He graduated from Shawsheen Voc. Tech High School and Middlesex Community College and lived a life filled with lifelong friendships, humor and unwavering loyalty to those he loved.

A passionate Boston sports fan, Ron especially loved the New England Patriots. Whether it was football, hockey, tennis, baseball or anything involving a ball or a puck he was always cheering with enthusiasm and heart. He also enjoyed playing sports himself, ice hockey and baseball as a young man, and softball, racquetball and pickleball in later years brought him joy and lifelong friendships that he cherished deeply.

Ron was an active and devoted member of the Redemption Rock Church community where his faith in Jesus was the foundation of his life. His belief gave him strength and peace. His kindness and compassion reflected that faith in every interaction.

Ron worked for many years managing many stores and a corporate kitchen for Dunkin Donuts. Most recently working for O’Reilly Auto Parts as a delivery driver. He especially valued the many longstanding friendships he developed along the way.

He is survived by his devoted wife Patty (Couture) Leonard of Westminster Ma. His loving mother Lynda Fleming-Decker of North Reading Ma. A sister Danni Fleming of Fitzwilliam N.H a brother Casey Decker of Round Rock TX; and the late Michael Fleming; his stepchildren Samantha Vose and Grandson Riley of Phillipston Ma. and Cody Couture of Gardner Ma. Ron was also deeply connected to his many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews with whom he shared countless laughs, stories and moments of love. His two devoted best friends Douglas Deloge of Clinton Ma. and Rob-Bob Kenda of Hubbardston Ma.

A Celebration of life memorial service will be held Saturday August 16th at Redemption Rock Church 3 Hager Park Rd. Westminster Ma. from 2-4 p.m. light refreshments will be served. Where friends and loved ones will gather to celebrate Ron’s remarkable life. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital in Boston Ma. honoring Ron’s generous and spirited nature.

Ron’s legacy is one of connection, faith and joy. He will be remembered not only for the games he played but for the unconditional love he gave, the faith he lived, the humble heart he shared and the countless lives he enriched.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The U.S. National Junior Team doesn’t hide from the fact that a third straight gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship is on the line.

It’s something that hasn’t been done since Canada won the last of five straight in 2009, but the U.S. has that chance after two straight championship performances for the first time in its history.

There’s major motivation, too. Of the seven tournament championships won, the U.S. never has celebrated one on home ice in seven tries.

“I remember two years ago, (U.S. general manager) John Vanbiesbrouck was talking about how they never won in Sweden, and they ended up winning there (at the 2024 WJC),” U.S. forward Cole Eiserman said. “So now we have to win in the States. Hopefully history repeats itself with that and we can win on home soil, which would be pretty cool, especially in Minnesota.”

Eiserman (New York Islanders), a left wing with Boston University, is one of nine returning players from the team that won 4-3 in overtime against Finland in the 2025 WJC final in Ottawa. He played a variety of situations and had seven points (three goals, four assists) in seven games.

Lauded for his big shot on the power play (two power-play goals), Eiserman did see limited time last year, ranking 13th of 14 U.S. forwards in average ice time (10:08). While he’ll do whatever it takes to help his country succeed, there’s no question he’d like to have a greater impact this year.

“I’m one of the older guys this year, so having a leadership role would be huge,” Eiserman said. “Obviously playing on that first power play, playing more minutes, just kind of being a leader. I’ve played a year of college hockey and that’s pretty huge, especially going to these tournaments where you’re getting into different situations I’ve been able to prepare for just from college.”

The 18-year-old (6-foot, 200 pounds) led first-year NCAA players and Boston University skaters with 25 goals and ranked fifth among first-year college players with 36 points.

“Obviously he values scoring, which is great, and to end up with 25 goals shows he made a lot of progress during the season,” BU coach Jay Pandolfo said. “For me, I think his overall game got a lot better. I think early on he was probably putting pressure on himself to score. That’s how he feels like he helps the team best, and no question that’s one of the ways. But you also have to add other things to your game, and he certainly has done that, and it showed over the course of the season.”

What were those other things?

“Being able to play away from the puck a lot better, defensively very reliable, being able to play a 5-on-6, being out there for a defensive-zone draw, making more plays out of the zone, off the wall, being a good winger, being able to support your teammates … pro habits,” Eiserman said. “Being able to play defensively, play in the neutral zone, all three areas of the ice. It’s a lot of fun when you can get more trust from the coaches.”

Said U.S. coach Bob Motzko: “He knows exactly what he has to do. Plus, we want him to do what he does best — shoot the puck.”

U.S. defenseman Cole Hutson (Washington Capitals) has seen a more focused and determined version of his Boston University teammate this season.

“Cole is becoming a pro off the ice,” Hutson said. “Little details like diet, getting in the gym … I’ve honestly kind of taken things from him, but don’t tell him that. I don’t think he gets enough credit with how hard he works, how bad he wants to be out there and how competitive he is. He’s a dog on the puck when he wants it.”

Hutson and Eiserman are two of 42 U.S. players at the World Junior Summer Showcase this week at Ridder Arena competing for the right to earn a roster spot for their country at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. It’s the second time the tournament will be held in Minnesota; the U.S. first hosted World Juniors in Minneapolis and Saint Paul in 1982.

“You want to do it in your home country,” U.S. center James Hagens (Boston Bruins) said. “As fun as it was when we did it over in Canada (at the 2025 WJC in Ottawa), it means a lot when you’re on your own soil. You don’t want to stand on that blue line and hear a different country’s national anthem.”

The 2026 WJC will be held at the Xcel Energy Center and 3M Arena at Mariucci from Dec. 26-Jan. 5, 2026.

“We made history last year, and hopefully we can extend history this year,” Hutson said. “Obviously we had a good tournament last year and now our expectation is gold. That’s what we’re pushing for.”

Said Hagens: “There are 42 guys here trying to make one roster. This isn’t summer hockey. This is real hockey. It’s high paced. You’re trying out to be able to wear your country’s logo so it means a lot. I know every guy here wants to be on this team, including myself. So it’s just getting prepared, making sure you’re starting your season off strong and that you’re ready for once that tournament comes.”

NHL.com senior writer Tom Gulitti and independent correspondent Jessi Pierce contributed to this story

Nick Saban insisted that he has little interest in assuming a coaching position at this time despite voicing his support for Donald Trump’s executive order regarding NIL payments

Nick Saban poured cold water on a potential return to coaching despite voicing his support for the sweeping changes coming to college football.

Earlier this week, Donald Trump signed an executive order barring student athletes from accepting pay-for-play payments from third-party sources. Regular NIL payments, meanwhile, will remain unrestricted.

Saban played a pivotal role in the President’s directive, which is why it came as no surprise that the 73-year-old was incredibly supportive of the move. “I think President Trump’s executive order takes a huge step in providing the educational model, which is what we’ve always tried to promote to create opportunities for players, male and female, revenue and non-revenue, so they can have development as people, students, and develop careers and develop professionally if that’s what they choose to do,” Saban said while making an appearance on ‘Fox & Friends.’

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“I think we sort of need to make a decision here relative to do we want to have an education-based model, which I think the president made a huge step toward doing that, or do we want to have universities sponsor professional teams? And I think most people would choose the former.”

Discussing the fine line between acceptable NIL deals versus pay-for-play agreements, Saban added: “I think the clearing house is there to authenticate name, image and likeness. In other words, is your marketing value relative to what you’re getting paid to do a marketing opportunity? When you cross that line, that’s when it becomes pay for play.

“So you have collectives that raise money that pay players, and they really don’t do a relative marketing job to earn that money, and that’s where this whole thing has kind of gotten sideways.

“I think this whole clearing house is there to sort of protect the collective affecting competitive balance in college sports.”

Given Saban’s vocal criticism of the transfer portal and multi-million dollar NIL deals, rumors swirled that the watershed changes to college football could sway the former coach to put the headset back on.

Over a decorated coaching career at Toledo, Michigan State, LSU and Alabama, Saban compiled a 292-71-1 record and seven national championships in addition to brief NFL stints with the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins.

Yet Saban asserted that he has little interest in assuming a coaching position at this point in time. “No, I’m really happy with what I’m doing right now,” he said of being a sportscaster. “It’s exciting to still be involved in the game.

“It’s exciting for me to work with athletic directors, conference commissioners, people in Congress to preserve the integrity of our game and continue to be able to create opportunities to help young people create value for their future that will help them be successful in their life, which is what we always try to do as a coach.”

“There is no opportunity that I know of right now that would enhance me to go back to coaching,” Saban continued.

“I enjoy what I’m doing. I did it for 50 years, I loved it. I loved the relationships with the players. I loved the competition.

“But it’s another station of life now. I enjoy what I’m doing right now and want to continue to do it — spend more time with my family, my grandchildren, my children. It’s been really, really good.”