Walt Weaver Night

Submitted by League Reporter, Jen Mutas

"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.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Walt Weaver with the famous original green wood floor behind him.[/caption]

Tuesday night on the famous green floor of Queen's 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 ‘Bellies 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 Queen's 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 Queen's Park, advancing them to the Minto Cup.

Game time is 8:00PM at Queen's Park Arena, with the retirement ceremony being held during the first intermission.