When it came to playing, there was a tough-as-nails component to Rich Catton’s game that put the opposition on their heels.
As a coach, that element comes into play in a different way.
Catton is taking the next step, moving into the head coach job for the New Westminster junior A Salmonbellies after spending the past two seasons as an assistant to Todd Stockdale.
“It’s not a huge change, having worked as an assistant the past two years,” he said. “Going in, I know the program and the players, and we had a great group that worked well.
“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.”
There will be challenges – with league MVP and scoring champion Connor Robinson graduating, the offence will be going through a transition – but the new coach is confident the returning core and incoming players will provide a good base in which to continue to challenge for a berth at the Minto Cup.
As with all B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League clubs, New West will be transitioning to a five-year program due to the elimination of the intermediate division. It means the New West junior A and B squads will have defined roles in the development of players, with the B program where younger players make the jump from midget.
Just as Robinson played five seasons at junior A, there will be opportunities for elite talents to move up the ladder.
Catton said his gameplan will begin with strong communication with the players and a serious training program.
“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 said. “Every year we came to camp expecting to challenge (for a B.C. title). … We’ll come and put things into place and work towards that goal.”
Catton, who has worked behind the bench at the minor level and provincial team level, is also president of New West minor lacrosse. During his playing career, he was a bruising defender for both New West and the National Lacrosse League’s Colorado Mammoth.
A New West native, Catton will be joined by a pair of familiar faces in Daren Fridge and Sheldon Palidwor.
Fridge has a lengthy coaching resume, having piloted the Maple Ridge senior Burrards and served that organization as both general manager and president in the past. He is currently a western scout for the NLL’s Saskatchewan Rush. Palidwor is a New West native who has coached in the Salmonbellies organization.
“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.
“We’ll get the offence in place to get where we want to go.”
He says a big key to the club’s success this season is having netminder Erik Kratz back. The third-year netminder led the league in goals against (6.15 per) and save percentage (.845 per), while registering 12 of the team’s victories.
“We could not be more pleased about our coaching staff for the upcoming season,” junior ’Bellies general manager Warren Goss said. “We have an amazing blend of experience, competitiveness and a passion for Salmonbellies pride and tradition.”
