Lacrosse, Athlete, 2013 |
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Mike Gates already had made a name for himself in the senior Inter City Lacrosse League the predecessor to the Western Lacrosse Association before joining the expansion Coquitlam Adanacs in 1965.
Upon joining Coquitlam, Gates was shifted to defence where he began to post Bobby Orr-like numbers while playing 30 to 40 minutes per game. During seven seasons as an Adanac Gates racked up 776 points, including 336 goals over 215 games. He was named a league all-star seven times and won three league scoring titles.
Gates was also chosen the league MVP on two occasions and was awarded the Maitland Trophy, presented to the player who best displays leadership, good sportsmanship and assistance to minor lacrosse.
A virtual ironman who missed just 13 games over 11 seasons, Gates finished his hall of fame lacrosse career with 504 goals and 609 points. A long-time employee of the City of Coquitlam and a Port Coquitlam councillor, Gates passed away in 1998.