The adjustment from player to coach isn’t an easy transition and now we are hearing that the New Westminster Junior A Salmonbellies are moving forward with the addition or a new bench boss.
For the past two seasons Todd Stockdale ran the bench with help from Bob Salt and Rich Catton, but now he (Catton) is the one in charge.
He (Catton) mentioned “It’s not a huge change, having worked as an assistant the past two years and going in, I know the program and the players, and we had a great group that worked well.”
He continued “Working with Todd and (fellow assistant Bob Salt) was a great opportunity. Todd had senior coaching experience, as did Bob, and anytime you get to learn from people of that calibre you’re better for it.”
It goes without saying that there will be concerns and one such concern will be the loss of league MVP and scoring champion Connor Robinson.
The offensive style of play will see changes, but Catton is confident that the returning group as well as new incoming players will provide a good starting point.
No different from the other BC Junior A Lacrosse teams this year will see the transition to a five-year program due to the elimination of the intermediate division.
This simply indicates that the New West junior A and B rosters will have specific defined roles in the development of all players, with the “B” program where younger players will be making the jump from midget.
Catton said his game plan will begin with strong communication with the players and a serious training program.
He mentioned “We are just talking about setting dates for camp now. I’ll first get together with some of the boys in town, give them a training plan and help them be mentally prepared for the camp and season.”
He continued “Every year we came to camp expecting to challenge (for a B.C. title) and we’ll come and put things into place and work towards that goal.”
Catton, who has worked behind the bench at the minor and provincial team level, is also the President of New West minor lacrosse.
During his playing days he played an aggressive style of play for both New West and the Colorado Mammoth of the NLL.
He (Catton) will be joined by Daren Fridge and Sheldon Palidwor, who both have impressive resumes in the game of lacrosse.
Fridge was at the “helm” as he guided the Senior Burrards, serving as both GM/President in the past.
He is currently serving as a western scout for the NLL Saskatchewan Rush, while Palidwor has coached in the Salmonbellies organization in the past.
“I’m really happy about getting (Fridge and Palidwor) on board,” said Catton. “You look at (Fridge’s) resume and say he’s actually over-qualified (to be an assistant). I played with both with the Burrards years ago, and I’ve know Sheldon since I was four. (Palidwor) has a lacrosse mind.”
The club has spent the past two seasons battling perennial powerhouse Coquitlam for league bragging rights, and seemingly stuck in second despite having some of the B.C. junior A Lacrosse League’s elite talent among its ranks.
Last year New West went 16-4-0-1 and advanced to the playoff finals before bowing out 4-1 to the Adanacs.
There won’t be anyone replicating Robinson’s numbers, but Catton feels the offence will be able to keep the team competitive.
