Salmonbellies coach Rich Catton named to Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame

He’s had a storied career that includes playing for the National Lacrosse League (NLL)—and Rich Catton can now add hall of famer to his many accomplishments. Catton will join nine other inductees into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame during a ceremony in November.

“It was confusing when I first heard it because you don’t ever think that’s going to be something you achieved… in your lifetime,” Catton says. “Especially being more of a defensive-minded player.”

Born and raised in New West, Catton’s lacrosse journey has come full circle. He's now a coach for the New West Salmonbellies Junior A team, one of the first teams he played with. Aside from growing with the Salmonbellies, talents took him to Senior A teams like the Victoria Shamrocks, and the Coquitlam Adanacs. Catton was part of the Colorado Mammoth team that won the Champions Cup, which at the time was the highest honour in the NLL.

“Coaching-wise, I’ve been with the Junior A Salmonbellies for the past six years. We always strive to win a Minto Cup; really elusive and hard to win,” he says, adding that if his coaching career goes further, it would be great to win a Mann Cup with the team.

Catton says part of his success comes from the advantage of living in a lacrosse-loving town. “We were blessed with winning teams and Mann Cup championships in the senior ranks,” he says, adding that he also had the advantage of growing up and playing with Ryan and Warren Goss, whose father is lacrosse great Wayne Goss.

“You grew up surrounded by guys that lived in New West and played for the senior Salmonbellies, winning Mann Cups, and [were] really successful. That’s how you get drawn in; your parents sign you up knowing that that’s maybe something that could happen one day,” says Catton, who adds many players and families like him are incredibly proud of the many championships on display at Queen’s Park Arena.

The drive in the new generation of players is something that also impresses Catton. “When I first started playing senior lacrosse, everybody played both ways—so, played offense and defence. The game kind of evolved in the late ’90s to an offensive/defensive kind of thing.” Catton says the players today, especially in the junior and senior divisions, are playing at a far more advanced level.

“They’re playing lacrosse all year long, whether they’re playing box lacrosse or field lacrosse, they’re down to the States on scholarships, they’re on travel teams here. Their skill level is fantastic.” Catton says he’s consistently blown away by the players’ dedication to fitness and hard work.

Catton is also grateful for the family time he’s managed to get while coaching—he’s also had the opportunity to coach his son and daughter, both of whom have won provincial championships.

As for advice for those who want to get involved in lacrosse, Catton encourages them to give it a shot. “For box lacrosse, if [your kid] is not registered at five, in tyke or mini-tyke, you can join anytime. Field lacrosse is the same, you can get them in at U5, U7, and it’s also a matter of coming and watching. Families and kids get addicted.”

Catton is also excited to see lacrosse make it to the Olympics, where it will be played in a six-on-six style outdoors.

“[Lacrosse] has been a way of life for me, even 45 years later,” explains Catton. “But it’s just one of the sports. It’s really about getting kids playing any type of sport for their mental health, their physical health.” Whether lacrosse is a first, second, or even third sport for kids and teens, Catton hopes his story will help people consider the importance of fitness when it comes to physical and mental health.