Jack Fulton could be the New Westminster Salmonbellies lucky charm at this year's Minto Cup championships.

Fulton just celebrated his 84th birthday on July 30, but the passionate Salmonbellie alumnus brings more to the table than just cake-on-the-candle wishes.

In 1962, Fulton was the team manager of the senior A New Westminster club that went back East to win the Mann Cup, sweeping the Brampton Excelsiors in four straight games behind the MVP effort of the great Jack Bionda.

Back then New Westminster earned the right to challenge for the Mann Cup following an unforgetable seven-game series against the Vancouver Carlings.

"We were up three goals with five minutes to play, and God damn, if they didn't tie it up," Fulton said.

New West eventually won the game 13-9. The Bellies turned the tables on the Carlings comeback when Jack Barclay intercepted a ball at midfloor and backhanded a pass to a dawdling Bionda, who was always last up the floor," Fulton said. The Canadian hall of famer deftly potted the eventual overtime game winner.

"It was a great, great series," Fulton added. "That team won 13 straight Mann Cup games."

The first four Mann Cup wins came against the Welland Switzers in 1958, four more against Peterborough in '59 and the four against Brampton. They also won their first game against Brooklin played here in 1965 but lost the next three games. New West eventually came back to win that series in seven games.

The current New Westminster team has an equally impressive record in the playoffs having lost just once in 21 post-season games. But it has yet to taste the victory of a Mann Cup.

If Fulton does bring the Salmonbellies luck, he might not even be there to see it.

As chair of the alumni golf tournament, he is obliged to be back in time to get things in order, and that means an early return on Sept. 18.

If necessary, a Game 7 would fall on that very Saturday.

Fulton's best shot at witnessing the 'Bellies win an unprecedented 25th Canadian senior A lacrosse championship title would be to see another four-game sweep of Peterborough.

"No, I think it's my last chance to go back. I think (New Westminster) has got a chance, but it's tough back there," Fulton said.

The Mann Cup is scheduled to begin Friday, Sept. 10 in Peterborough, following the Lakers' 11-9 win over the defending champion from Brampton on Monday.