Growing up, New Westminster’s Rory McDade got to know Queen’s Park Arena like his own playpen.
Summertime, he logged a lot of lacrosse hours bouncing the ball down the wooden floor. In the winter, he’d carve a slick line to the net, ripping a shot for the top corner.
The venerable old 1930s barn was a second home. Now, it’s going to be his office.
“I’m excited and looking forward to getting on with the job of continuing what (former coach Steve Goodwin) started, and that’s working towards a Mann Cup,” McDade said. “I don’t think there’s any better job (than coaching New West).”
It’s not his first rodeo when it comes to coaching. A former offensive whiz on the lacrosse floor and hockey ice, McDade has built up his coaching credentials in both sports over the past 10 years.
In the Western Lacrosse Association, he spent four seasons behind the Burnaby Lakers bench, compiling a 40-31-1 record and guiding the team to the playoffs three times.
After being relieved of those duties prior to the start of the 2017 season, McDade took time to catch his breath, re-evaluate his goals and re-energize. He came to the conclusion that he still wanted to coach, and coach his hometown team.
“I followed the league and definitely followed (New West) as well. I’ve got a lot of insight and I’m looking forward to working with (general manager Dan Richardson) and the players,” the 36-year-old McDade said.
“Just taking a year off gives you a chance to get better. It gave me a chance to see a whole lot of games, (National Lacrosse League) and WLA, to see what other teams are doing. What I can bring to the table is a strong work ethic and being well-prepared.”
Along with the Burnaby job, McDade also served as an assistant in the NLL with Minnesota, as well as at both the minor and junior levels. He’s also a hockey instructor for both RPM and Pacific Rim Hockey Academy.
Having played both sports at a highly competitive levels, in the NLL and four years with Kelowna of the Western Hockey League, McDade understands the sacrifices and determination required to win those battles. He is also young enough to relate with players juggling family responsibilities, careers, winter pro lacrosse and the summer game.
“I’ve had good lacrosse coaches, and take a lot from my hockey coaches,” he said of his coaching influences. “In lacrosse, I had a lot of coaches make an impact on me: Joe Hiltz, ex-senior Salmonbellie, had a big impact on me; both Rob Allison and Bryan Ansley, and, in Burnaby, we had some good guys as well. (Former New West assistant and one-time Burnaby head coach) Russ Heard, I played under him for a few years, and it was guys like him who left an impact.”
Along with Goodwin’s decision to retire, assistants Kevin Stewardson, Bill Ranford and Heard also chose to step down, clearing the deck for a whole new staff.
For Richardson, a big attraction was McDade’s approach to the game, and how he saw the program moving forward.
“I was surprised when Burnaby let him go,” Richardson told the Recordlast month. “He’s always been well-prepared and had his teams compete hard.
“I like his compete level. He’s a compassionate coach and is active behind the bench.”
The assistants McDade chose – with Richardson’s blessing – also bring a high degree of familiarity and competitiveness.
Ian Paterson played with and coached with McDade in Burnaby. Darren McEwen served as New West’s captain for a number of years and was a veteran shut-down defender. Curtis Palidwor grew up wearing Salmonbellie colours, backstopping the miracle 1994 juniors to a Minto Cup title, and starred in both the NLL and WLA.
It’s a group McDade is glad to work beside, and he feels the mix can piece together another serious run.
“They’re veterans for sure. They’re older than me and I played with all of them in Burnaby at some point. They are all guys who bring a lot to the table, and I’m fortunate to have them.”
Although much remains unknown as to who will be in the 2018 ’Bellies’ lineup – who’s retiring, who is arriving – the focus at this point is contacting the players to make a connection and preparing for the February Junior Draft. McDade feels there is no reason New West won’t be able to be in the hunt to defend its league crown.
“(The team’s) strength for a while has been being in great shape and being able to run the floor. I think last year they made a couple of moves that upgraded their (defence) and their grit factor,” he said.
When all is said and done, McDade is happy to be back in the game. His experience in Burnaby only whetted his appetite for the game and the challenges of staying competitive. Taking on the coaching duties in New West brings things full circle.
“I just like to compete. Whatever it is, this opportunity came to me and it’s a good opportunity for me,” he said. “I chatted with guys to see who’d be able to help and when I heard who could come with me it was a no-brainer for me.
“Being so close to home and the Salmonbellies being the organization that they are and what they have on the table right now, I’m really excited about it.”
