New Westminster RECORD THURSDAY October 27, 2016 41
THE 80s IN NEW WEST
THE RECORD HITS 35
Historic battles for ’Bellies in the ’80s
Distance doesn’t always create a fondness for someone’s company. Nor do years always make memories softer. When it came to the 4,378 kilometres that separated New Westminster, B.C. and Brooklin, Ont. in the 1980s, the gap couldn’t have been bigger nor rougher. Between 1985 and 1989, the New Westminster Salmonbellies and Brooklin Redmen battled for national
in 1981 and ’86.The lessons learned over four tough final losses (in 1980, ’82, ’85 and ‘87) were paid in full as New West prevailed 10-4 to capture the 1989 Mann Cup national title in six games. Celebrating the 1986 Mann Cup title were ’Bellies, from left, Ivan Tuura, John Gilchrist and MVP Geordie Dean. In that rivalry brewed over RECORD /Archived Files four meetings in five seasons, a chapter of lacrosse mythology was written. It pitted the best of box lacrosse in an East vs.West ing Mann champs.When “Believe me, you’d have out Gary Gait – a player crop. Seven times New West showdown for national the Queen’s Park dust setseen 23 Salmonbellies whom Bellies management was a finalist. Comparisons bragging rights. And while tled, New Westminster rode dead on the floor from exhad cheekily drafted in the to the Stanley Cup-feted star turns from a handful of haustion before you’d have spring WLA junior draft. Montreal Canadiens franplayers to capture the naseen us lose another one at And while Brooklin put chise was natural. By DAN OLSON tional hardware and end the home,” remarked the Westup a strong fight, the home Paraphrasing one of the decade on a victorious note. ern Lacrosse Association’s team was unwavering in fin- top TV shows of the era, box lacrosse supremacy four Brooklin had prevailed on And while Billboard’s No. 1989 scoring champion Ge- ishing the job and sending Cheers, in lacrosse everytimes. It was a period when two of those occasions – in- 1 song of that week seemed ordie Dean after the final. Ontario’s best home unone knew the SalmonbelRonald Reagan had a plan to cluding one decided in overhappy. lies name. bring down the Berlin Wall time in Game 7 in 1987 New West’s Ben Hieltjes Coached by Bill (Casey) “Believe me, you’d have seen 23 and parachute pants was a – New West was willing to counted 10 goals in the Cook, that New West crew Salmonbellies dead on the Qoor from fashion statement, but there accept nothing short of resix-game series to earn the would continue its chamwas also no escaping the andemption. Most Valuable Player award. pagne ways into the next exhaustion before you’d have seen us imosity on the floor when For the fans and hold-over Dean was midway through decade, beating Brooklin lose another one at home,” remarked these two storied franchises players from ’87 still baring a Canadian Lacrosse Hall again in 1991. the Western Lacrosse Association’s met in a Mann Cup champi- deep, painful scars, the 1989 of Fame-worthy career, and That would be the 24th onship final. rematch was akin to getting 1989 scoring champion Geordie Dean was surrounded by fellow and last time they would By 1989, familiarity bred Muhammed Ali and George on-floor leaders Eric Cowitaste Mann Cup success, after the Rnal. a special level of contempt Foreman together for one eson, Dave Durante, Andy part of a 16-year span that and competition that seemed more rumble in the jungle. Ogilvie and Hieltjes. saw the Bellies advance to to leave sweat-soaked wood The legends of lacrosse in tune with the series – the That Game 6 score came The 80s were a fine time the national tournament 11 chips on the Queen’s Park took turns knocking each New Kids on the Block’s after Brooklin fired back to follow the red fish. As times, winning four crowns. Arena floor. other down a peg in a rough Hangin’Tough – what fans with a desperation 12-8 win it was in 1981, when they As Cook said then, “It For the Salmonbellies, and tumble best-of-sevand players alike celebrated in Game 5.The Ontario blanked Brampton 4-0, was a tremendous team efplaying host to Brooklin in en series.The Bellies nevto was We Are the Champiteam’s lineup had been boland in 1986 when they fort.This is very satisfying. September was a fitting finer trailed, leading the series ons, the musical anthem by stered in its drive for a third bounced Brooklin 4-2, the It doesn’t make up for 1985 ish to the ‘80s, a decade that 1-0 and 3-1 despite a vigor- Queen. Some things never straight Mann title by signRoyal City team proved to or ’87 – but this is 1989.” saw Sixth Street celebrations ous defence from the reign- change, nor should they. ing Victoria junior standbe the cream of the boxla
FIRST HERITAGE HOME IN THE CITY NDP power couple Dennis and Yvonne Cocke designated their 1910 home at 111 Fifth Ave. as a heritage house in July 1985 – making it the first designated heritage house in New Westminster. The Wintemute-Cocke house is now one of dozens of designated heritage buildings in New Westminster. The Cockes were well-known figures around town, as Dennis served as the city’s MLA and Yvonne was an alderman (in the days before they were called city councillors). Together the couple became known as the Cocke Machine for their phenomenal ability to run successful NDP campaigns. RECORD /Archived Files