The Ladner Pioneers will close out their regular season schedule Thursday night by honouring the franchise’s GOAT.
Goaltender Rob Cook will have his No. 35 jersey retired prior to the Pioneers taking on the North Shore Indians at 8 p.m. It will be go up on the eastern wall of the Ladner Leisure Centre, joining Ed Schuss, John Schuss, Ross Frehlick and Tim Winter as players that have been previously honoured by the storied senior “B” lacrosse club.
Cook owns every conceivable all-time goaltending record in the West Coast Senior Lacrosse Association thanks to a remarkable career that lasted nearly three decades.
The North Delta native joined Ladner from the Richmond Junior “A” Outlaws back in 1990 and would go 20 straight years patrolling the goal crease — highlighted by a pair of national championships including when he collected tournament MVP honours in 2004.
Cook briefly went into retirement before returning for another seven-year run, playing his final season when he was 49.
“I don't like practicing anymore," he laughed in an interview with the Optimist back in 2013 after leading Ladner to the league title at 45. "I just like playing the games and coming out with the guys, as long as my wife keeps letting me.”
During much of Cook’s career, the Pioneers had a reputation of a punishing defensive team that thrived in low scoring games thanks to his play.
“We relied on him and we relied on our big defence,” said Frehlick who was Cook’s teammate or coach for much of his career. “I even remember one (playoff game) where we won 2-0. Without a doubt he is the GOAT of this franchise.”
Cook’s WCSLA awards include being named goalie-of-the-year seven times, an all-star 11 times and one league MVP award.
His career was long enough to be ranked 18th in all-time club scoring leaders thanks to 232 assists.
The Pioneers have already locked up first place in league play this year with a 12-1 record.
