Les Wingrove Night June 7, 2019

The Coquitlam Junior Adanacs celebrated “Les Wingrove Night” on June 7, 2019. Family, friends, and teammates from past and present gathered to honour Les and raised a banner to the rafters of the Poirier Sports & Leisure Centre. The banner was unveiled by Les’ grandson, Will, and it appropriately placed next to the Trevor Wingrove banner (retired June 5, 2013).

Les Wingrove was a cornerstone in the development of lacrosse in Coquitlam.  Born in Winnipeg and raised in Port Coquitlam, Wingrove moved to Coquitlam in the late 1960s and began as a referee and coach.  He became President of the Coquitlam Minor Lacrosse Association in 1976 and started the transformation of the CMLA into one of Canada’s largest and well-respected organizations.  Wingrove won British Columbia’s Mr. Lacrosse Award in recognition of his contributions to the development of lacrosse at the minor level. 

In 1979, Wingrove and David Zelmer established the Coquitlam Junior Adanacs.  Wingrove held various positions (President, General Manager, and Coach) until 1986.  The Coquitlam Junior Adanacs became one of the lacrosse’s premiere and most respected clubs and have won 3 Minto Cups since it’s formation.  With the Coquitlam Senior Adanacs, Wingrove held the roles of General Manager and Coach.  Wingrove was known for his legendary recruiting and the ability to draft players who would make lasting contributions.  In 2001, Wingrove and the Adanacs won their first and only Mann Cup.  Wingrove went on to work with the Langley Thunder of the Western Lacrosse Association where he was Director of Lacrosse Operations and Alternate Governor.  He also re-joined the Junior Adanacs as a member of the executive and celebrated Minto Cup wins in 2016 and 2018.  The 2018 Minto Cup rings bear the name “Les” on the side to recognize his role on the team.

We Stand Together!