Stories from Tri-City News headlines of decades past is a recurring feature as the publication marks its 40th anniversary in 2024.
It’s been 17 years since the Coquitlam Adanacs last contended for a Mann Cup.
But in 1995, a pair of Coquitlam brothers were leading an effort by the New Westminster Salmonbellies to win the national senior lacrosse championship.
Curt and Derek Malawsky were part of the team battling the Six Nations Chiefs in the best-of-seven series at historic Queens Park Arena in New West.
Curt Malawsky had already been toiling for the Bellies for four seasons when the team acquired his younger brother from the Surrey Burrards late in the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) season.
They were put on the same line and immediately gelled.
“I find that we’re alike in the offensive aspect of the game,” said Derek Malawsky. “It’s like a new playing experience for the two of us.”
The sibling combo sparked Curt Malawsky to score 23 points in the first four games of the series against the Chiefs.
But, he said, the statistical accomplishment didn’t compare to the opportunity to play with his younger brother.
“It’s great,” Curt Malawsky said. “It reminds me of when we used to go up to the box together.”
Alas, the Malawsky duo couldn’t bring a Mann Cup to New West, as the Salmonbellies lost the series to the Chiefs in six games.
The Tri-City News has covered civic affairs, local crime, festivals, events, personalities, sports and arts in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody since 1983. Bound back issues of the paper are available at the Coquitlam Archives, while digital versions of several past years can be found at issuu.com.
