|
| Walt Weaver Night |
| May 31, 2010 |
|
Pride and tradition” isn’t something taken lightly by the New Westminster Salmonbellies Lacrosse Organization. As one of the longest running and most established clubs in the country the ‘Bellies believe lacrosse is lived and breathed in their city, and their history proves it.
Tuesday night on the famous green floor of Queens Park Arena, one of the ‘Bellies former stars and current executives will have his #6 jersey officially retired. Walt Weaver played five years total for New Westminster (1968-1972) and in the last three of those years led his team as captain. Playing a total of 105 games in his Junior career is a milestone he still holds, and it puts him fifth overall in Junior ‘A’ games played in the BCJALL.
|
|
In those five years Weaver put up an impressive 419 total points which leaves him second overall for the ‘Bellies, and tenth overall for all time Junior ‘A’ scoring. Weaver did manage to capture a Minto Cup title during his time in Junior lacrosse, but it was with the Richmond Roadrunners when they picked him up for their run at the cup in 1971.
Weaver got re-acquainted with his old club eight years ago; within a few years there was an opportunity to take over the Junior ‘A’ franchise with Forest Day, Bryan Jones, and current Alternate Governor Harry Ferguson, and the four decided to take a chance and see if they could put the ‘Bellies back on par with the big boys of the BCJALL. Weaver’s off the floor contributions have proven to be just as important as they were on the floor.
According to Junior ‘Bellie General Manager Doug Zack, the clubs current successes in all areas are largely due to Weavers easy going demeanour and savvy business sense. “That being said, Walt’s true passion is the ‘lacrosse’ side of the business,” Zack declares, “his experience and knowledge of the game is as relevant today as it was when he was playing.” Playing his minor and Junior days with Coquitlam, Zack grew up with a large distaste for the Salmonbellies, including Weaver. “They (the ‘Bellies) were the TRUE enemy, growing up I hated Walt along with all the other great Salmonbellies.
Ten years later as a Senior ‘Bellie myself, I recall hearing about the legend of Walt Weaver which made me picture him as this behemoth of an athlete.” Three years ago Zack came face to face with Weaver as he was being interviewed for the Assistant GM position. “It was then and only then did the ‘larger than life’ memory of Walt changed forever,” recalls Zack, “in my mind his physical stature may have changed, but not his stature. I still see him as one of the true legends of the game.”
Current co-executive Harry Ferguson was a referee for the years Weaver played in Junior and Senior lacrosse, and recalls a specific incident that made Weaver stand out in a big way. “In 1971 when he got picked up by the Roadrunners they were playing the mighty Peterborough Lakers at the fabled Queens Park Arena; as Walt was exiting the penalty box we ran into each other on the floor and I suffered six stitches from being hit with his stick, accidentally I assume!”
To heighten emotions even more, Tuesday night just happens to be the first time the Salmonbellies and Adanacs will face each other since the 2009 BCJALL finals which saw Coquitlam take game six in a tight 6-5 victory at Queens Park, advancing them to the Minto Cup.
Game time is 8pm at Queens Park Arena, with the retirement ceremony being held during the first intermission.
Submitted by Jen Mutas
League Reporter
jenmutas@hotmail.com
|
|
|
|
|
Current News33 ARTICLES
|
|
Thursday August 5, 2010
FINALS--GAME THREE
|
|
Friday July 30, 2010
FINALS--GAME TWO
|
|
Wednesday July 28, 2010
FINALS--GAME ONE
|
|
Wednesday July 21, 2010
TWO MUCH
|
|
Sunday July 18, 2010
SUNDAY DOUBLE
|
|
Tuesday July 13, 2010
QUARTER SERIES'
|
|
Monday July 12, 2010
WEEK 11 NATIONAL STANDINGS
|
|
Saturday July 10, 2010
FIRST GAMES GET UNDERWAY
|
|
Wednesday July 7, 2010
FINITO
|
|
Tuesday July 6, 2010
T-MEN CHOPPED
|
|
Monday July 5, 2010
WEEK 10 NATIONAL STANDINGS
|
|
Sunday July 4, 2010
SUNDAY TRIPLE
|
|
Saturday July 3, 2010
GLEAMING ADDITIONS
|
|
Friday July 2, 2010
STRONG FINISH
|
|
Wednesday June 30, 2010
WEDNESDAY NIGHT '3FOR
|
|
Tuesday June 29, 2010
TEN FOLD TRADE
|
|
Monday June 28, 2010
WEEK 9 NATIONAL STANDINGS
|
|
Friday June 25, 2010
BATTLE OF THE AGES
|
|
Wednesday June 23, 2010
DEFEATING THE UNDEFEATED
|
|
Tuesday June 22, 2010
CHANCE FOR UPSETS
|
|
Monday June 21, 2010
WEEK 8 NATIONAL STANDINGS
|
|
Saturday June 19, 2010
CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR
|
|
Thursday June 17, 2010
ALL ABOUT OT
|
|
Wednesday June 16, 2010
LAST MEETING
|
|
Tuesday June 15, 2010
BREAKOUT
|
|
Monday June 14, 2010
WEEK 7 NATIONAL STANDINGS
|
|
Sunday June 13, 2010
TRIGGER HAPPY
|
|
Thursday June 10, 2010
CLOSE CALL
|
|
Wednesday June 9, 2010
HUGE HONOURS FOR FORMER JR. BELLIES
|
|
Saturday June 5, 2010
WALT WEAVER NIGHT A GREAT SUCCESS
|
|
Friday June 4, 2010
CONSISTENTLY CONSISTENT
|
|
Wednesday June 2, 2010
BACKCHECK FEVER
|
|
Tuesday June 1, 2010
LAST ZERO STANDING
|
|
2010 News64 ARTICLES
|
|
2009 News62 ARTICLES
|
|
2008 News51 ARTICLES
|
|
2007 News49 ARTICLES
|
|
2006 News24 ARTICLES
|
|
2005 News14 ARTICLES
|
|
|
