In August, Bodie married a woman he met while playing in Southern California. She is a Stanford University graduate who was, until recently, an executive with an entertainment company with global reach. Francesa Leiweke, his wife, is also his new boss’s daughter.
And not just his boss. Tim Leiweke, president and chief executive at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, is the highest-ranking executive in the organization. Leiweke’s hiring was announced in April, and Leafs general manager Dave Nonis signed Bodie as a free agent in July.
“It is very unique,†Bodie said. “I’ve always told Tim, with his connection to hockey, never to make any decisions for me. The way I was told was that Dave Nonis went to him in order to sign me.â€
He smiled: “I’ve been very clear with him … in the nicest way possible.â€
Bodie and Francesca Leiweke mark their one-month anniversary on Tuesday. On Sunday Bodie tried to make a mark with the hockey team, scoring once in Toronto’s pre-season opener, re-directing a pass from behind the net in an win over Philadelphia.
His reward appeared to be another chance. Bodie skated with other hopefuls at the Air Canada Centre on Monday morning, with the understanding he would be in the lineup in a re-match with the Flyers that night.
“He’s a big guy who has come in and made himself known on the ice and in scrimmages,†Leafs coach Randy Carlyle said. “He’s not a flashy guy. I would say he’s an up-and-down winger who can take the body. A good teammate. He’s a no-maintenance guy.â€
Carlyle went so far as to suggest Bodie was a âœmodel†for younger players to follow.
