We are saddened to announce the passing of Hockey WA and Suburban Lions Hockey Club Life Member, Vern Gooch.

Vern enjoyed a deep, lengthy and celebrated connection with hockey for over 70 years – highlighted by significant achievements as a player, umpire and official.

He began playing hockey for Wesley College in 1949 and represented Western Australia from 1955 to 1958.

Vern joined Subs in 1957, together with his favourite fullbacks, Ray Strauss and Alan Barblett. As a player, Vern was a goalie and played in the Subs A1 grade until 1962, when he retired and moved into umpiring.

As a state representative, Vern’s claim to fame is maintaining a clean sheet in the 1958 tournament as the WA goalkeeper!

Vern was a club administrator, coach and selector, badged umpire for WAHA and AHA, plus coach of his son Michael’s U13 team.

As an administrator, Vern was club President and club Secretary. In these roles, he was instrumental in developing the Gardy Marshall Cup for 040s, which evolved into the veterans and masters hockey enjoyed by so many today.

As an official, he achieved a great deal – including as a Tournament Director in under-age, Masters and International events.

Vern was a founding member of Hotspurs, obtained Australian and International badges and was WA State player representative #149. He remained active in the hockey community until his final years, umpiring Wednesday afternoon veterans, school competitions and tournaments and more.

This year, Vern helped Suburban Lions celebrate our 100th Anniversary, providing photos, memories and more to the club and attending our 100th Anniversary dinner as a guest of honour with his wife Rae.

Suburban Lions sends its deepest condolences to Vern’s family, friends and colleagues.

VERN GOOCH (1932 - 2022) – A SHORT HISTORY IN HOCKEY, WA

· 1949 Started playing hockey for Wesley College

· 1951 Played for University Junior Majors, State U 21s

· 1952 Awarded Half Blue from UWA

· 1955-58 State rep

· 1957 Joined Suburban Hockey Club as the A1 keeper

· 1858 National tournament WA keeper where he didn’t let in a goal

· 1958 First umpiring exam

· 1962 Officially retired from A1 playing

· 1969-73 President Suburban Hockey Club

· 1975 Continued to umpire at A1 level

· 1982 Technical Delegate to PacRim Veterans carnival

· 1983 Played last game of hockey (Vets)

· 1983 Tournament Director – U/15 (Alice Springs)

· 1985 Tech Bench for Champion’s Trophy exhibition game

· 1986 Vets Parry Black Swans Tour to UK – Umpire

· 1987 National Master’s Championships – WA Umpire (Hobart)

· 1987 International Veteran’s Tournament – Aust. Umpire (Hobart)

· 1988 Aust. Bi-centennial PacRim Masters – Technical delegate

· 1990 Award of Merit at Olympian’s dinner

· 1990 Veteran’s PacRim Tournament – Aust. Umpire (Hong Kong)

· 1993 Master’s Games – Tournament Director (Perth).