Tim Winter will have a constant reminder of his long and decorated lacrosse career every time he steps inside the Ladner Leisure Centre.
The homegrown product has become the fourth player in the rich history of the Ladner Pioneers senior “B” lacrosse club to have his jersey retired. Winter was honoured during a special pre-game ceremony prior to the Pioneers’ regular season finale against the North Shore Indians on July 14.
His #77 joins the likes of Ed Schuss, John Schuss and Ross Frehlick on the east end wall of the arena. Winter played 22 seasons for the Pioneers and established himself among the top defenders in the West Coast Senior Lacrosse Association.
He initially joined the team as a proven scorer in the junior ranks and continued that role for a couple of seasons before making the jump to the Western Lacrosse Association’s New West Salmonbellies in 1995. The two-year stint was highlighted by playing in the Mann Cup as New West lost in six games to Ontario powerhouse Six Nations Chiefs.
Winter returned to his hometown club in time for Ladner to host the 1997 President’s Cup. The Pioneers won bronze that year then broke through the following season in Tuscarora, NY for its first national title in franchise history.
They did it again in 2004 on B.C. soil as Ladner edged Kahnawake Mohawks 6-3 in Langley. It was part of a 12-year run Winter served as team captain before retiring in 2012. He also added another President’s Cup bronze medal in 2006 when Ladner hosted the tournament for the second time.
Pioneers head coach and former teammate Ross Frehlick presented him with a plaque and a $1,000 travel voucher on behalf of the club.
