1968
In 1968 the League was known as the inter-city lacrosse league, and retained this name until 1973, when it became known as the West Coast Senior Lacrosse Association.
A review of the 1968 season saw the league consist of the following teams:
* Surrey Turf Hotel Riders* Westminister "Blues"
* Killarney (Vancouver)
* Chilliwack
* North Shore Indians
* Burnaby Lacrosse Club
In 1968 the League was headed up by Commisioner Lloyd Cook. Lloyd retained that position till the end of the 1969 playing season.
1970
The reigns or leadership of the inter-city league were handed over in 1970 to Commissioner Les West of North Vancouver. The 1970 scoring title went to Vancouver's Alan Tasker who had a total of 55 goals and 32 assists for a total of 87 points. Other players on the Vancouver team included George Angelomatis, Nolan Ryan, Rick Deslauriers, Bruce Rose, Gerry Parr, Eric Rambers, Jim Wright, Mike Rambers, Bill Seriver, Bob Davidson, and Gary Billon. The 1970 Vancouver franchise was headed up by manager Mickey Meslo of South Vancouver.
1971
The 1971 season saw Les West stay on as Commissioner for one more year. One of the best ever teams to compete in League history was assembled by Burnaby local Harry Woolley. Manager Woolley brought in a large group of ex-senior "A" players, and a bunch of good local talent. Notable players on this club were Gary Stevens, Ron Bodnar, Art Dickenson, Rick Little, Bill Chomiak, Jack Barclay, Sohen Gill, and Fred Sapach. The club was coached by Jack Dale. Dick Wills of East Vancouver was the team manager and went out and obtained a local brewing company to sponser the team. He also brought in popular Cam Brown as trainer. Dick later gave the team it's name of the Burnaby "Kokanee's". The team holds the league record for the best win-loss record. Their mark was 19 wins and 1 loss. They took the Provincial Championship in easy form by defeating Nanamio. They later went back east and lost out in the Canadians to Windsor, Ontario. The Windsor squad was headed up by the famous Jim Bishop.
One of the major events to take place in 1971 was that the League received a donated league trophy in the name of the "Jeff Woolley Memorial". From this point, Burnaby manger, Harry Woolley realized that the league only had two annual trophies and went out "door knocking" and obtained several trophies (through sponsorship) for the League. Trophies included:
M.V.P. -- DairylandRookie of the Year -- Caisse Populair
Top Scorer -- Weldwood of Canada
Mr. Woolley also donated the "Executive of the Year" plague and the "Most Sportsmanlike" trophy. The league saw potential in Mr. Woolley at the League level and offered him the Commissioners job in 1972. Woolley liked and accepted the challenge.
1972
The 1972 season saw new appointed Commissioner Woolley install and enforce a new and proper suspension guideline. The League was "cleaned up" considerably, and the League image looked good.
The top club in 1972 was The Vancouver Sporting Club which was headed by Mickey Meslo. They won the League but lost out to Roger Colban's New Westminster "Blues" in the playoffs. New West captured the provincial crown and went back east and lost out in the Canadians to Brampton Excelsiors (4 games to 1).
1973
The 1973 season saw Commissioner Woolley make some major League changes. Firstly, the League was named the West Coast Senior Lacrosse Association. A League agreement was drafted up by Commissioner Woolley, Jim Wright (Vancouver Lacrosse), and Roger Colban (New Westminster). The top club in 1973 was New West minster "Blues" who won the W.C.S.L.A. League and playoffs. A big surprise came in the provincials when Prince George knocked off our strong New West squad.
1974
The 1974 season saw the Canadian championship "Presidents Cup come to B.C. for the first time. The West Coast Senior Lacrosse Association hosted the event. Commissioner Woolley went out and obtained several sponsors to put the event on. The event took place at Queens Park arena and was represented locally by the New Westminster Blues and provincialy by Prince George who went on to win the event. The C.L.A. presented Commissioner Woolley a gift at the event for his outstanding service putting on the event. Later he was presented the B.C.L.A. Tom Gordon award for outstanding service.
1975
In 1975 the League saw Harry Woolley step down as Commissioner and was replaced by Fred Zinn of Richmond. Woolley joined forces with Roger Colban of New Westminster and a group out of Port Coquitlam to form the Port Coquitlam "Chiefs". The team was coached by Harry Woolley and managed by Roger Colban. This team was a great team that finished the League play with a 17 win and 1 loss record. They went on to the provincials where they were upset by Prince George "Canada Hotel". The League saw it's first trade ever with Port Coquitlam trading player Chursinoff to Burnaby for Gord McNel and Greg Grieve.
1976
The 1976 season saw Commissioner Woolley move on to be Commissioner of the Junior "A" League. He received by Tony Halters of Vancouver who had a history with Vancouver minor. Tony was like "old man river" and headed up the League for the next 11 years. The '76 season saw a strong New Westminster squad take the League and playoffs. Top scorer and rookie of the year went to Brian Hazelwood. Ellis Miyashita of Burnaby "Kirby Klippers" won the M.V.P. and Sportsmanlike Player award. Executive of the Year went to Burnaby "Kirby Klippers". The New Westminster squad lost out in the provincials to a very strong Vernon "Tigers". The Vernon team had obtained a strong core of Lower Mainland or Costal players. Vernon went on to win the Canadian Championship "Presidents Cup".
1977
In the 1977 season, the league and playoffs went to the Burnaby Kirby Klippers. The scoring race was won by Vern Baker of North Vancouver. Rookie of the Year went to the Jim Yelton of North Vancouver. The top goaltender award went to Ken Grieve. The M.V.P. award went to Brian Davidson of "Kirby's Klippers". The provincials saw our local Burnaby "Klippers" lose out to the strong Vernon Tigers. Vernon went on again to win the Canadian Championships.
1978
In the 1978 season, the league and playoffs went to the Burnaby "Klippers". Tim Kelly won the scoring race and rookie of the year award. Top Goaltender awards went to Doug Sato. Vern Baker of the North Shore Indians won the M.V.P. award. The New Westminster Whalers did not win a single league game. The 1978 provincial championships saw the Burnaby Kirbys lose again to the powerful Vernon Tigers. The Vernon squad hosted the Canadian Championships and won it for a third time in a row. A new team that played in the '78 season was the White Rock "Titans". Notable players on the White Rock team was comprised of Brian Hazelwood, Doug Hazelwood, Roger Ross, Les Glover, William Clapperton, Ron Grant, John Lawson, Doug Powell, and Neil Tyerman. The '78 League was comprised of the following teams:
* New Westminster* North Shore Indians
* Burnaby "Kirby Klippers"
* Vancouver Blue Angel Disco Sports
* Abbotsford
* White Rock
In 1978 the senior directorate brought in the residency rule which allowed players to play only where they lived. This seemed to help the Vancouver team but hurt New Westminster badly. The direct result of this was a league draft which seemed to help the league florish with strength and expansion.
1979
The 1979 season saw a new powerhouse come to the front of the league in the name of the North Shore Indians. They were led by Harry Powless who became the M.V.P. of the league. North Shores' Wayne Baker won the scoring title. The league has no record of who was rookie of the year in '79. The North Shore Indians won both the league and playoffs in '79, and went on to the provincials. The were defeated by the strong Vernon Tigers in the provincials. This was the fourth straight provincial title for Vernon and spelled their last drink out of the Pat Hartney provincial trophy.
1980
The 1980 season saw the North Shore Indians continue to be the powerhouse of the league. Barry Powless of North Shore won the scoring title. Wayne Baker of North Shore won the M.V.P. award. The "Indians" won both the league and the playoffs in an easy fashion. They also won the provincial title. The Canadians were won by the North Stars, Owen Sound of Ontario.
1981
A review of the 1981 season saw the North Shore Indians continue on as the strength of the league for a third year in a row. They won both the league and playoffs in easy form. North Shore's Jeff Gill won the scoring title. Barry Powless of North Shore was the M.V.P. They also went on to win the provincial titlle. The Canadian title went on to the Northmen of Orangeville, Ontario.
1982
1982 was the year of the Vancouver Disco Sports Angels. They took both the league and playoffs. Coach of the Year went to Brian and Bob Tasker. Mickey Meslo of Vancouver was elected Executive of the Year. Rookie of the Year went to Dan Van-Os. Nanaimo city won the provincials and the Northmen of Orangeville, Ontario won the Canadians. Some of the players on the '82 Vancouver Disco Sports were Bob Salt, Brent Hallyer, Tom Dunbar, Glen Sade, Dan Van-Os, Dwayne Aube, Ted Matter, Leo Parolini, Petar Rakic, Graham Patterson, Dave Shillington, Henry Charles, Tom Stevens, Dave McLean Ron Rose, Brian Tasker, Bob Tasker, Tim Murphy, Carlos Carreira, George Angelomatis, Vic Culo, Paul Kidd, Paul Gouorchin, Gerry Romaniuk.
1983
1983 saw Commissioner Tony Halters take a one year absence and was replaced by Harry Woolley of North Delta. The script was the same as the '82 season with the Vancouver Disco Sports Angels winning the league and playoffs and losing to Nanaimo City in the provincials. The Moutainers of Calgary, Alberta won the Canadians.
1984
1984 saw the Surrey Rebels win the league trophy. Playoff winner went to the Poco "Kirby Klippers". The provincial championships were held in Ladner and were a four team event with Surrey, Ladner, Nanaimo, and the North Shore Indians competing for the provincial cup. The odd thing about the provincials was that North Shore was just put in as a "token" team to make the "tourney" a four team tournament: North Shore ended up winning the provincials. North Shore went back to the Canadian Championships that were held in Kitchner, Ontario. The Northmen of Orangeville, Ontario ended up winning the Canadian Championships. Notable players for the Indians on the '84 team were: Dennis Joseph, Walter Nahanee, Lance Baker, Cory Schmiller, Barry Powless, Tod Semeniuk, Vern Baker, Wayne Baker, Stewart Jacobs, John Fenske, Keith Baker, Byron Joseph, Barry Baker, Wilfred Baker, Brad Acaster, John Joseph, Gary Baker, Brent Hellyer, Ted Matter, Rich Sheppard, Jim Atchison, Dan Stewart (the latter names were pick-ups). Manager of the team was Willis Baker. Assistant Coach was Harry Baker, and Club President was Frank Baker.
1985
1985 saw one of the greatest teams in league history put together in the name of the North Shore "Indians". They won the league, playoffs and provincials in fashion. In the provincials they defeated Victoria "Red Lions". Notables on the Victoria squad were Larry Smeltzer, Rick Sanderson, Norm Baker, Andy Reid, Scott Browning, Dan Green, Randy Bryant, Rod Reid, Gord Racette and Bill Marechuck. The '85 North Shore Indians were led by Barry Powless (M.V.P. and top scorer) in league play. He had 47 goals and 61 assists for a total of 108 points. The Canadian Championships were held in Ladner, BC in 1985. The Indians defeated Ontario's Orangeville Northmen (14-13) in double overtime to win the Canadian Championships. The arena was packed and you could hear the "drums" throughout the game. It was one of the most exciting games of all time in British Columbia. North Shore placed two players on the Canadian all-star team in those '85 championships. They were Ben Hieltjes and Chuck Martin. Other players on the North Shore squad included Tod Semeniuk, John Fenske, Wilfred Baker, Wayne Baker, Gary Baker, Keith Baker, Vern Baker, Dennis Joseph, Lance Baxter, Charlie Baker, Ron Barker, Brad Acaster, Ted Seward, Mark Simons, Byron Joseph, and Doug Hill. The team coach was John Wllsie, the manager was Willis Baker and the general manager was Barry Jones.
1986
1986 saw the Poco "Kirby Klippers" come from the worst team (1-19) in 1985 to the best in 1986. They won the league with 14 wins, 2 ties, and 4 losses. They were defeated by the Surrey Rebels who won the playoffs, and provincial championships. The 1986 Canadian Championships were hosted by the Surrey Rebels in Surrey, BC. Teams that competed in the Canadians were Can-Am, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Port Coquitlam, and Surrey. Tournament Coordinators were Harry Woolley and Doreen Norris. The Fergus Thistles won the Canadian title with a (12-8) win over the Can-Am Golden Eagles. The Surrey Rebels took the bronze with a (15-11) win over Alberta in the finals. Mark Tuura of Surrey was a first all-star in those championships.
1987
1987 was the year of the Surrey "Rebels". They won the league and playoffs in fine fashion. They also went on to win the provincial championships. They went to the Canadian Championships where Fergus Thistles of Ontario took the Canadian crown. Steve Van-Os of Surrey won the scoring title. Most Valuable Player went to Nanaimo's Mac Maude. Coach of the Year went to Gord Fredrickson of Ladner Lacrosse Club. Manager of the Year went to Gil Baxter of Nanaimo. One of the most "out of this world" decisions in league history came when the Commissioner allowed both Ladner and Nanaimo not to play their last two games against each other (back to back) and gave them each 2 points. It affected the final standings and people still talk about it.
1988
1988 was a year where there was three "powerhouses" in the league. They were Ladner, Nanaimo, and Surrey. Ladner won the League in a close one over Nanaimo. Third place finishers (Surrey) went on to win the playoffs and provincials. Surrey got a silver medal at the Canadian Championships in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Fergus Ontario took the Canadian title for their third straight time. The league Commissioners job was taken over by Dorren Norris of Surrey. Doreen helped the league raise a large amount of money through casinos and was a major factor in keeping the league in good financial standing. Ken King of Nanaimo set an assist record of 78 assists in League play and the record could stand for some time. The league saw a new club emerge by the name of the Poco Eagles who were headed up by Doug Sato and took over Frank Kirby's "Klippers".
1989
1989 saw the Nanaimo Timbermen win the league. Fourth place finisher Langley won the league playoffs, and provincials. Nanaimo hosted the Presidents Cup in the Canadian Championships in Nanaimo. Nanaimo won the silver medal in those championships. Owen Sound of Ontario defeated Nanaimo in the final. Other teams in the Canadian Championships were Langley, Edmonton, and Ohsweken Warriors from Can-Am. Most Valuable Player at the '89 Presidents Cup was Mac Maude of Nanaimo. Nanaimo's Bill Hardy, Ken Morrison, and Mac Maude were named to the first all-star at the '89 Presidents Cup. Special awards that year were:
TOP SCORER -- Gord Minot, LangleyM.V.P -- Wayne Baker, Nanaimo
TOP GOALIE -- Leo Parolini, Ladner
TOP DEFENSEMAN -- Bob Vink, Nanaimo
MANAGER OF THE YEAR -- Gary Billon, Langley
COACH OF THE YEAR -- Dwayne Aube, Langley
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR -- Scott Hannay, Vancouver
1990
In 1990 the Burnaby Lakers won the Jeff Memorial trophy as League Champions. The league playoffs and provincials champions were the Ladner Pioneers. Ladner travelled back east to Fergus, Ontario to compete in the Canadian Championships. Other teams that were in the Presidents Cup were Edmonton Miners, Fergus Thistles, Ohsweken Warriors, Owen Sound, and the Sackville Wolves of Nova Scotia. The winner of the Canadian Championship was the Thistles of Fergus, Ontario. The line-up for the Ladner Pioneers were Leo Parolini, Rob Cook, Chris Baker, Cam Duff, Kevin Wladichuck, Jon Caviglia, Tim Winter, Steve Henry, John Schuss, Fred Klomp, Cam Grant, Brian Meslo, Chris Scabar, Trevor Smita, Rusty Manson, Daryl Phillips, Steve McLeod, Ross Frehliuk. The team was coached by Sam Thauli and managed by Mickey Meslo and Rod Winter.
The '90 league awards were as follows:
TOP SCORER -- Gord Minot, LangleyM.V.P -- Gord Minot, Langley
TOP GOALIE -- Martin Martsch
TOP DEFENSEMAN -- Randy Bradley, Burnaby
MANAGER OF THE YEAR -- Tom Milliken, Vancouver
COACH OF THE YEAR -- Ralph Churchill, Surrey
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR -- Chris Scabar, Ladner
1991
1991 was the year that the Langley Knights lacrosse club, representing our league, British Columbia and Canada went to Czechoslovakia to play a series of lacrosse games. Nanaimo lacrosse club won the league with 18 wins and 3 losses. Kevin Shires of Nanaimo won the scoring title with 126 points. This is the most recorded points in the history of the league. Ladner Pioneers defeated Nanaimo in the provincial championships in Edmonton, Alberta. Ladner did not get into the medal rounds in the '91 Presidents Cup. Mickey Meslo won the B.C.L.A. award for Senior Manager of the Year. League awards for the '91 season were:
M.V.P -- Duane Jacobs, North ShoreMANAGER OF THE YEAR -- Mickey Meslo, Ladner
COMMISSIONERS TROPHY -- Orval Trueman, Surrey
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR -- Steve Henry, Ladner
TRAINER OF THE YEAR -- Cam Brown, Ladner
1992
1992 saw the North Shore Indians win the league with 16 wins and 5 losses. In the provincial championships, Nanaimo won over the Burnaby Lakers. Nanaimo went to the Presidents Cup (Canadian Championships) in Brantford, Ontario. Nanaimo took the silver medal at the '92 Canadian Championships. Other teams at the '92 championships were Alberta, Fergus - Ontario, Kanesatake, Akwesasne, Newtown, and Brantford. The gold medal winner was Fergus, Ontario. Dennis Josph and Kevin Shires of Nanaimo werefirst team all-stars at the championships. Chuck Martin of North Shore won the League scoring 105 points and took league M.V.P. honors. Gerry Shires of Nanaimo was elected Executive of the Year. Bob Berky of Port Coquitlam was Rookie of the Year. '92 saw Commissioner Doreen Norris step down as Commissioner after 6 straight years at the helm. Orval Trueman of Surrey won the Senior Manager of the Year award that was presented by the B.C.L.A.
1993
The '93 season saw Frank Kirby take over the Commissioners job. Burnaby Lakers won the league with 18 wins and 3 losses. North Shore Indians won the provincials by defeating Burnaby Lakers. The National Championships were hosted by North Shore Indians lacrosse club of British Columbia. Other teams in the Nationals were the Edmonton Miners, Tuscarora Thunderhawks, Burnaby Lakers, and Onondaga Warriors. North Shore won the Canadian final with a win over the Edmonton Miners by a single goal. Placed on the first all-star team were Andy Holland of Burnaby and Shaun Springett of the North Shore Indians. League awards for the '93 season were:
TOP SCORER -- Kevin Shires, NanaimoM.V.P -- Todd Katanchik, North Shore
MOST SPORTSMANLIKE PLAYER -- Gord Minot, Langley
TOP DEFENSEMAN -- Dave Marshall, Nanaimo
MANAGER OF THE YEAR -- Mickey Meslo, Vancouver
COACH OF THE YEAR -- Lance Baker, North Shore
EXECUTIVE AWARD -- Gerry Shires, Nanaimo
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR -- Mark Goundry, Ladner
The seasons end saw Frank Kirby step down as Commissioner of the W.C.S.L.A.
1994
1994 saw Harry Woolley come back as Commissioner of the League after an absensce of ten years. The Nanaimo lacrosse club took a one year leave. North Shore Indians moved up to the Senior "A" ranks. The league was won by Ladner Pioneers. Burnaby Lakers won the league playoffs and provincials in close fashion over the pioneers of Ladner. Burnaby Lakers travelled to Hamilton, Ontario to compete in the Canadian finals. Other teams in the championships were Edmonton Minders of Alberta, Hamilton Tigers, Tuscarora Thunder Hawks of New York, Akwesasne Thunder (Iroquois Nation). Burnaby won all the "round robin" games but lost out to Tuscarora in the final. There was over 2,500 fans to watch the final game in Moutain Arena in Hamilton Arena. Burnaby's Jamie Scott and Troy Gurney were named to the Canadian first all star team.
1995
1995 saw Harry Woolley return as League Commissioner. The League was won by Burnaby Lakers. The Lakers went on to defeat Ladner Pioneers on the League and Provincial Finals (3-1). Burnaby travelled to Prince George to compete in the Canadian Championships.
The 1995 Presidents Cup, Canadian national Senior 'B' Championship, was held August 30 to September 4 in Prince George and hosted by Cap-Abilities Old Stylers. BC was represented by the Provincial Champions, the Burnaby Lakers and the host team. Other teams competing included the Iroquois Nation, Can-Am and Alberta. Burnaby defeated Can-Am in the opener 16-11 and won the second game by defeating Prince George 11-6. Burnaby went on to defeat Iroquois Nation 7-4 in the third game and Alberta 9-7 in their fourth. In the Final, Iroquois Nation defeated Burnaby 12-7.
GOLD - AKWESASNE THUNDERSILVER - BURNABY LAKERS
BRONZE - EDMONTON MINERS
1995 AWARDS
Most Valuable Player -- Dean Cecconi, Akwesasne ThunderMost Sportsmanlike Player -- Greg Davidson, Burnaby Lakers
Most Valuable Goaltender -- Jamie Scott, Burnaby Lakers
Most Sportsmanlike Team -- Akwesasne Thunder
FIRST TEAM ALL- STAR
Jamie Scott - Burnaby Lakers
Dean Cecconi - Akwesasne Thunder
Greg Davidson - Burnaby Lakers
Don Johannson - Burnaby Lakers
Kelly Young - Haagersville Tigers
Mike Benedict Jr. - Akwesasne Thunder
SECOND TEAM ALL-STAR
Neil Bomberry - Akwesasne Thunder
Todd Thomas - Hagersville Tigers
Jason Kirby - Prince George
Jon Schneider - Edmonton Miners
Mark Burnham - Akwesasne Thunder
Marwan Jomha - Edmonton Miners
1996
1996 saw the Commissioners role being taken over by Mike Petrie. Ladner Pioneers were the League Champions. Ladner was upset in the League Championship by the Burnaby Lakers.
The 1996 Senior 'B' Provincial playoffs were held August 24th and 25th at the Coquitlam Sports Center, with Burnaby Lakers hosting Prince George's Cap-Abilities Old Stylers in a two game total points tournament.
In game one Burnaby bested Prince George by a score of 20 to 10. In game two, the Lakers again trounced the Old Stylers, 21 to 5 giving them the tournament, 41 to 15.
The 1996 Presidents Cup, held in Cornwall, Ontario and hosted by the Akewesasne Thunder, will long be remembered by the Burnaby Lakers' West Coast Senior Club. The Senior Lakers brought back many a story from the National Championships when the Ohsweken Wolves downed the Akewesasne Thunder 11 to 9 in the Gold Medal Game.
The Lakers got off to a good start as they knocked off the Edmonton Miners 9 to 7, and the Kanienkehaka Outlaws 13 to 8, in the Pool Round. But in the final game round, the Lakers were edged out by the Kahnawake Mohawks 9 to 8.
In the crossover round, the Lakers were downed 10 to 5 by the Ohsweken Wolves, and then they dropped a close 15 to 14 decision to the Mohawks in the Bronze Medal Game.
1996 CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
GOLD - OHSWEKEN WOLVESSILVER - AKWESASNE THUNDER
BRONZE - KAKNAWAKE MOHAWKS
1997
1997 saw Harry Ferguson take on the role as League Commissioner. Ladner Pioneers won both the League and League Playoffs. Ladner opted not to go to the Provincials as they were preparing for the Canadian Championships that they were hosting. Ladners' place in the Provincials was taken by the Burnaby Lakers. The results of the '97 provincials were as follows:
The BC Senior 'B' Provincials final pitted the Burnaby Lakers and the Prince George Cap-Abilities in a North meets South finale. The Lakers took a commanding 10 goal lead before the game even started as the Lakers handed the Caps an 18-8 loss in game one of the two game total goal format. Prince George's inspired play was praised by the Lakers as many had noticed their greatly improved competition the past few seasons. The better competition can only help increase the talent base of the North.
The Lakers went on to beat Prince George, 10-5 in game two to win the series outscoring the Caps 28-13.
Burnaby than advanced to the Presidents Cup national Senior 'B' along with the WCSLA champion Ladner Pioneers.
The 1997 Canadian Championships were held and hosted by the local Ladner Pioneers. Attenance at all games was excellent. Ladner did a very good job hosting the tournament. 1997 Presidents Cup results were:
GOLD - AKWESASNE THUNDERSILVER - OHSWEKEN WOLVES
BRONZE - LADNER PIONEERS
The Ladner Pioneers won the Bronze game again league rivals, Burnaby Lakers, in a thrilling overtime game, 9-8.
1998
1998 saw Harry Woolley return to take on the role as Commissioner.
League play started on May 6 and went through to July 20, 1998. Each of the eight teams played twenty-one games. The League winner was the Ladner Pioneers.
Playoffs were exciting, with a noticeable increase in attendance in all games. The Ladner Pioneers defeated the Nanaimo Timbermen in a complete "sweep" by taking a best of five series in three straight games.
The Provincial Championships were hosted by the West Coast Senior Lacrosse League and the Ladner Pioneers. Attendance was good throughout the series which saw the Ladner Pioneers defeat the Vernon Tigers in two straight games.
Ladner went on to challenge for the Canadian Championships in Niagra Falls, Ontario on September 3rd to September 7th. They came out of the five team tournament with the President's Cup in hand. They were the first team to win in the east in 21 years. Bill Mischke of Ladner was chosen the tournament's most valuable player.
1999
1999 saw Howie Smith take on the role as Commissioner.
The WCSLA fielded eight teams playing a twenty-one game schedule for the 1999 season. The league was very competitive with most games being in doubt to the last minute of play. The league took a strong position on intent to injure penalities with the Commissioner issuing five games suspensions to four players. As a consequence of this action, smaller players played without fear of injury. The league seemed to speed up as a result, and many old time players retired.
The Langley Knights placed first in league play and the North Shore Indians captured the league playoff championship by downing the Burnaby Lakers and Ladner Pioneers. North Shore was awarded the Provincial Championship due to Kelowna defaulting at the last minute.
The West Coast League enjoyed large crowds during the playoffs which created increased interest in the President's Cup Tournament hosted by the Burnaby Bandits at the Bill Copeland Sports Center in Burnaby. North Shore faced Burnaby in the gold medal game losing before a full house.
Other highlights for 1999:
* Gord Minot makes first all-star team for the eleventh straight time* Gale Lloyd, Secretary - Treasurer for the WCSLA received the Ruth Seward BCLA Merit Award at the Provincial level.
* Cam Brown, the trainer of Vancouver, retires from our league at a young age of 87. Cam has been with the league for over 30 years.
2000
2000 saw Howie Smith once again take on the role as Commissioner.
The WCSLA again fielded an eight team league this past season. The President's Cup champion Burnaby Bandits moved their franchise to Abbotsford. The league was very competitive and goaltending in particular was outstanding with two shoutouts being registered. The North Shore Indians won the league handily but went down to defeat in the League playoffs to fourth place Langley. The Langley Knights defeated Abbotsford in the final league playoffs and won the right to represent BC in Kahnawake, Quebec at the President's crossover playoffs.
The league continues to attract graduating junior players who have made the league faster and more exciting. We look forward to a continued improvement to the calibre of play in the 2001 season.