Lawrence "Larry" Sickman Jr., a fixture of the St. Xavier Bombers' ice hockey program, died at the age of 84 on June 30 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Colleagues and players remember him as the "glue" that bound the team together, a role he embraced even as his health waned.
Despite his illness, Sickman attended every game, often traveling to distant venues to support the team. At the start of the 2025‑2026 preseason tournament in Hammond, Indiana, he made the journey from Cincinnati to be present, underscoring his unwavering commitment.
A Life of Service Beyond the Rink
Off the ice, Sickman spent three decades as a chemist at Procter & Gamble, served in the U.S. Army Reserves, and worked as a substitute teacher at St. Xavier High School. For more than 40 years he led a Boy Scout troop, guiding countless youngsters in Cincinnati's youth programs.
His curiosity drove him to visit all seven continents, a testament to a lifelong appetite for adventure and cultural exchange. In his final wishes, he asked that memorial contributions be directed to Hospice of Cincinnati or St. Xavier High School, organizations that had supported him and his family.
A Tribute That Spoke Volumes
When the Bombers learned of his passing, the players wrapped blue tape around the shafts of their sticks — a simple yet powerful gesture that Larry had found deeply gratifying. The act has since become a recurring tribute, reminding everyone of the quiet strength he brought to the team.
Beyond the rink, his legacy lives on in the classrooms he taught, the scouts he mentored, and the community he served. Friends, family, and former teammates continue to celebrate a man whose generosity and positivity touched every corner of his world.