Coach(es): Neil Armstrong, Bob Hanna, Jim Bishop, Peter Vipond
Memorable Team-mates: My best friend throughout my years of playing was Joe Bishop. We went to school together (he used to cheat off me during Chemistry tests), we worked together, fished together, all kinds of stuff.

Kelly Mitchell was by far the most memorable player, and the player who I admired the most. I considered him the “wizard of wood”. I was always amazed what he could do with a stick. His ability to score and pass was incredible. Probably half the points I scored came from Kelly’s stick. He was the epitome of the all-round lacrosse player. Very few reached his level of play and skill.

My all-time favourite Green Gael is Peter Vipond. He is the reason why I have worn #12 for 35 years of lacrosse and 25 years of basketball.

How did you come to play for the Gaels? (i.e. what minor team/system, were you drafted, etc.)

I grew up in Oshawa, playing in the minor system. I played 2 years of house league before Al Austin convinced me to try out for rep. The following year, I was playing peewee rep. I continued playing rep until my second year of midget, when I was called up several times to play for the Gaels.

What was your first game with the Gaels like? What impressions did you get? How old were you?

I remember it was a road game. I remember getting on the bus at the Civic Auditorium. I believe I was 15 at the time. Stan Cockerton, Rich Barrowclough, Joe Greentree, and Paul Langley were on that team. With the exception of Stan, all these guys were huge (I might have weighed 135 pounds). I remember Paul used to bring his guitar and sing Gordon Lightfoot songs. He was actually pretty good. He got me hooked on Gordie. At first I thought I would get killed, playing with guys 50-70 pounds heavier than me and up to 6 years older. Fortunately I didn’t, and found it to be a lot of fun.

What memorable moments do you have as a Gael?

The playoff series of 1979 and 1981. In 1979, we lost to Peterborough 4 games to 3. That was the year I was stuck in the hospital for a week. Prior to being admitted for digestive problems, (I had eaten 5 pork chops and 6 baked potatoes that clogged my small intestine), we were up 3 games to 1. When I was finally cleared to play, the series was tied 3-3, and we lost the fourth game in Whitby. If only I had not been such a glutton!

The 1981 playoffs was lacrosse at its best. Whitby had selected us to play the first round (we finished 5th). Whitby figured it would be a cake walk playing us in preparation for Peterborough. We put them out 4 games to 1. Peter Vipond was coaching. For a team that had little toughness throughout most of the year, he turned us into a bunch of “get-in-your-face” axemen. I remember myself almost killing Andy Perroni. He was on a breakaway and I caught him, put him in a headlock and drove his head into the boards. I didn’t care. I wanted to win.

The next series we beat Etobicoke. That series was less bloody. The highlight of that series was Adam Oates. He was an amazing lacrosse player. Etobicoke was built around him. Unfortunately there wasn’t a supporting cast who could help him. We beat them and moved on to Peterborough.

This series was memorable because Peterborough had a perfect record all year, including playoffs. We lost 4 games to 3, and Peterborough went on to Minto Cup final and won 4 games straight. The Oshawa Green Gaels were the only team in Canada to have beaten Peterborough the whole year. Hey, its no Minto Cup, but it is sure something to remember.

What did you do after playing for the Gaels? Did being a part of the Gaels organisation leave any lasting impressions?

After junior, I was drafted by Peterborough to play senior. That made NO sense to me. Peterborough hated me, and I hated Peterborough. I refused to play, so they traded me to Scarborough. I went out to practice with Scarborough and realized I couldn’t play there so I packed it in and focused my time on an education.

What are you up to now?

I teach high school Biology and Geography in Toronto. I am married with two boys (who both play lacrosse) and still live in the Oshawa area.

Are you still actively involved in lacrosse in one form or another?

I still play in the Clarington Masters league. I find it hard to hang up the sick. Despite three knee surgeries in the past 4 years, I still have the desire to play. I also coach novice and peewee for the Clarington minor system, and referee in the Clarington minor system.

What do you think of the recent resurgence in the popularity of lacrosse?

I think its great that kids are hooked on lacrosse again. It has taught me a lot, both as an athlete and as a person, and can do the same for any person. I don’t like the way the game is played (offensive and defensive players) now. It robs the player of any chance to develop into an all around player and to really know how to play the game. Not only that, it robs the fans of seeing players like Kelly Mitchell, Adam Oates, John Jordan, or Phil Scarfone play the game at a level that is used to be played at. Quite honestly, I get bored watching pro lacrosse or senior lacrosse now. The game is too slow. 

Some Pictures from Guy's collection:
 

Nu-Way Novice Champs

Oshawa Unionnaires

Pee Wee Larry Sports Gaels