The New Westminster Senior Salmonbellies will be paying tribute to their longtime friend and volunteer Phil Leeman at this week’s home opener at Queen’s Park Arena.
Community members are invited to visit with Leeman’s family and friends and share their favourite memories of the New West man who was a fixture at Queen’s Park Arena for many years. Leeman was a dedicated volunteer in the Lower Mainland’s lacrosse and hockey communities.
“As the Senior Salmonbellies’ 130th season is about to start, they will be missing a longtime volunteer and family member and a well-known character and pun-master from our community. Phil Leeman, who has been in charge of the timekeeper’s bench for over 24 years for all his beloved "Bellie" teams, lost his long battle with cancer this past January,” Pat Downey, the Salmonbellies’ volunteer coordinator and game day operations, said in an email to the Record. “Phil loved being involved in his community and watching his children grow up and be involved in minor sports. He then continued on with Junior and Senior A and B Salmonbellies, as well as the Burnaby Lakers and Coquitlam Adanacs.”
The Senior Salmonbellies will honour Leeman at their home opener on Thursday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Queen’s Park Arena, when they take on the Langley Thunder.
“Phil's family will be in attendance and we invite everyone to come and share in some Philisms with them and let them know what Phil meant to you,” Downey said. “All New Westminster Minor Salmonbellies are invited to attend at no charge but must either wear a Salmonbellies Jersey and/or a Red Bellies shirt, and their immediate family members as well.”
