Age is just a number, but when you reach 130 that's something impressive.
The New Westminster Salmonbellies will kick off the franchise's 130th season of lacrosse on May 23, the inaugural game of the Western Lacrosse Association's 2019 regular season.
New West will host the Langley Thunder in the first game of the 18-game schedule.
Looking to improve on last year's 15-3 record -- which earned them the regular season title, but didn't help them in a surprising first-round sweep at the hands of eventual WLA playoff champion Maple Ridge -- the 'Bellies will also play in Nanaimo against the Timbermen on May 26.
The season also marks the 70th anniversary of the Victoria Shamrocks, who begin the new year with a home game on May 24 against Nanaimo.
Other important dates for New West, from the 18-game schedule, are: May 30, against playoff champion Maple Ridge; June 28, when New West treks to Burnaby to play the Lakers; May 29, when archrival Victoria comes to Queen's Park Arena; and July 25, when the regular season wraps up with the Shamrocks making their second visit to New West.
The team has already designed and put up for sale on its webstore a hoodie with the 130th anniversary logo.
