Dave Tasker was set to be a Vancouver fireman until Les Quebecois called him and asked him to play lacrosse for them. Not only did he accept, but also plans to remain in Montreal during the off-season. “l had already passed my exams,” Dave commented during a recent chat in the Montreal Forum. “But the Quebecois offer offered me the chance to see something of this.continent and I took it.”
It seems to have been a good choice, as Tasker was fourth in Montreal scoring, and enjoying playing in-a professional league. This is, by far, the most organized league I have ever played in. Everything is so professional. “It is super — everything lacrosse should be. ” Dave is impressed by the calibre of lacrosse played in the National Lacrosse League, and thinks that it will get better with expansion. “There is enough talent around to expand. And, rather than the calibre of play diminishing, as usually happens, I think that it will improve.”
Lacrosse has been in Dave’s life since he was seven years old. He came up through the South Vancouver Legion system, playing out of Kilarny. In 1971 he joined the Richmond Road Runners junior A team, and got his name on the Minto Cup. Next came the Vancouver Burrards senior A team, and two years more practice for Les Quebecois. His older brother, Alan, 25, a Vancouver policeman, plays with the Burrards. Twenty-three-year-old Dave also has his two younger brothers playing lacrosse. Bob, 22, plays with the New Westminster Salmon bellies senior team, while 21-year-old Brian is still with the Road Runners. “I received a letter the other day from Brian, asking if there was some way he could latch on with a team next year.” Nineteen-year-old sister Aileen, while not playing for team, was often used by the brothers as the practice goaltender in family games. “We’d stick some pads on her, and put her in goal.” While father Tasker never played lacrosse, he did participate in basketball and rugby in college, and both he and mother follow the boys where they play.
Commenting on the playoffs, Dave mused about Montreal’s trouble in beating Philadelphia. “l think that the team is psyched out on Philly. We seem to go into a trance for them.” Dave is no big man himself, standing just five foot nine, and weighing 175 pounds. He makes up for size with hard practice. “I make believe every practice is a game. And I practice what I do best.” That, and experience, are what carry Dave through the lacrosse wars. Off-season, he occupies himself with floor hockey, rugby and skiing, a sport which he will be able to easily follow in Montreal. Living in St. Lambert, on Montreal s south shore, Dave feelS that he has found a home. like St. Lambert as a place to live, and it makes for a nice drive into town.” He is presently living alone, but hopes that some of the family will come visit soon.