Time management is one of the areas Justin Goodwin seems to have a handle on.
The New Westminster native completed his university degree last year, played a huge role as a second-year senior with his hometown Salmonbellies, while taking on a coach’s hat with his former minor association.
He could be the photo assigned to the definition of an ‘Achiever,’ one who rolls up his sleeves and does the tough and unglamorous jobs that others wave off.
Goodwin’s efforts as a sophomore was well-recognized this weekend with the announced 2016 Western Lacrosse Association annual awards, with Goodwin receiving the Maitland Award for sportsmanship, value to his team and service to minor lacrosse as well as a spot on the first all-star team.
“Honestly, I’m a bit surprised,” said Goodwin of the twin honours. “When I was told that I was among those nominated for the Maitland I was honoured.”
This spring Goodwin took on the head coaching duties with the New West peewee A squad, with a few seasons as an assistant coach and some off-season camps under his belt. It isn’t something he is completely unfamiliar with, since his dad Steve has coached the senior Salmonbellies for a handful of years.
“Definitely, coaching gives you a new perspective of the game and what (coaches) go through,” he noted. “I’d listen to my dad and try to pick-up a few things – although there are not a lot of similarities when coaching kids and the senior A game… I was listening and heard how (dad Steve) communicated to players at their level and tried to repeat that, to help (the peewee players) understand what we wanted to do.”
A highlight for the team came mid-season at the Wayne Goss tournament in Tsawassen, where the boys erased memories of two losses in the round robin by beating both teams en route to the title.
“Everything kind of clicked in that tournament… I wouldn’t say we peaked but it was great to see the process of them learning and putting it together.”
As a second-year defender in the WLA, Goodwin also quickly rose up the ranks and found his comfort zone, as New West shrugged off an awkward start to the year to post a 14-games unbeaten streak before bowing out of the semifinals in five games to Maple Ridge.
“It is a tough league and (the coaching experience) could be one reason why I had the level of success I enjoyed,” he said. “Last year I was kind of thrown into it as a rookie, coming in fresh from (Lake Erie College) without any camp. As a coach you have to understand the game and the different way to approach situations.
“I don’t know if there was a big adjustment (in the second year) but the biggest thing was being confident, that I could play and contribute and knew what I was up against.”
Bellies general manager Dan Richardson said Goodwin’s contributions on the floor were a key reason why the club finished a strong second, and have a good future.
“He’s one of those kids who are quiet but always get the job done,” said Richardson of the 23 year old. “Getting an all-star honour is well-deserved, as he’s been a go-to guy and brings a lot of tenacity to the club.”
Selected sixth overall in the 2015 WLA draft, in Goodwin’s second tour he tripled his goal total to nine and set up 13 others. Another big boost in making the senior level has been the support he’s received from his teammates – veteran defenders like captain Curtis Hodgson and fellow all-star Ian Hawksbee.
“They’ve always had time for my questions, and allowed me to make mistakes and help me process what I’ve learned,” he said.
With his dad behind the bench and older brother Brandon a lefthanded sniper on the squad, the team is all the more like a family.
“He can score goals that I can’t,” said Justin of Brandon. “I enjoy playing with him, he’s a good person to be around. In the dressing room he’s lively and a bit goofy.”
While the summer season has been put to bed Goodwin is still planning his next move. With a degree in biology, he’s applying for admission as a pre-med student with the goal of becoming a doctor.
“I don’t know if you call it a competition, but its strenuous,” he said of getting into a good school. “There are about 1,500 to 2,000 applicants and 85 per cent of them are qualified. Talking with some of them as we waited for our interview, you could see they’d be a good doctor.”
He’s also inked a contract with the Vancouver Stealth for the coming National Lacrosse League season – well, because he’s always got time for lacrosse.
“Definitely, lacrosse is one of my passions and one of my dreams is to play pro,” he said. “I still have to make the team… It’s just another way to love the game.”
