What is a “Hyack”?
The name “Hyack” traces back to 1861, when New Westminster’s first fire department was established as “Hyack Company No. 1”. Drawn from the Chinook dialect, “Hyack” means “quick” or “fast”, which is a fitting word to reflect the speed and bravery of the city’s early firefighters.
In 1967, “Hyacks” was chosen as the name for New Westminster Secondary’s athletic teams. The name honours the legacy of those firefighters and the values they represent: strength, courage, loyalty, respect, responsibility, and readiness.
Our Famous Alumni
New Westminster Secondary School has a proud athletic tradition, producing athletes who have competed at the highest levels of sport. From professional leagues to university athletics, former Hyacks have represented their teams and communities through dedication, hard work, and competitive excellence.
Justin Morneau
Major League Baseball | Minnesota Twins
- Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 1999.
- Named American League Most Valuable Player in 2006.
- Four-time MLB All-Star.
- Won the 2008 MLB Home Run Derby.
One of Canada’s most accomplished baseball players, Morneau reached the top of professional baseball and remains one of the most recognizable athletes associated with NWSS.
Bill Ranford
National Hockey League | Edmonton Oilers
- Played in the NHL from 1985 to 2000.
- Won the Stanley Cup as a player with Edmonton in 1988 and 1990.
- Won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1990.
- Later, he worked as a goaltending coach for the Los Angeles Kings, winning further Stanley Cups in that role.
Todd Ewen
National Hockey League | Professional Hockey
- Played in the NHL from 1985 to 2000.
- Won the Stanley Cup as a player with Edmonton in 1988 and 1990.
- Won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1990.
- Later, he worked as a goaltending coach for the Los Angeles Kings, winning further Stanley Cups in that role.
Josh Byrne
National Lacrosse League | Buffalo Bandits
- Professional lacrosse player.
- Has played for the Buffalo Bandits in the National Lacrosse League.
- Has also competed in the Premier Lacrosse League with Chaos Lacrosse Club.
Cody Hysband
Canadian Football League | BC Lions
- Played university football at the University of British Columbia.
- Signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2011 and joined the team in 2012.
- Later played for the BC Lions, appearing in games during the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
- Began playing football with the New Westminster Hyacks in Grade 10.
Casey Chin
Canadian Football League | BC Lions and Edmonton
- Played linebacker for the New Westminster Hyacks from 2007 to 2009.
- Competed for Simon Fraser University from 2010 to 2013.
- Led his university conference in total tackles in 2013.
- Went on to play professionally in the CFL, including with the BC Lions and Edmonton.
Nasser Jamal
Canadian Football League | Toronto Argonauts
- Attended New Westminster Secondary School.
- Played NCAA Division I football at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
- Selected by the Toronto Argonauts in the 2010 CFL Draft.
- Signed with Toronto in 2011.
THE HYACKS FOOTBALL LEGACY
The Hyacks football program has helped student-athletes pursue opportunities at the university and professional levels. According to an NWSS course booklet, the program had produced 35 Canadian university graduates, eight NCAA graduates, and six CFL players at the time of publication.
These achievements reflect the opportunities created through school athletics, coaching, teamwork, and commitment to the game.
ONCE A HYACK, ALWAYS A HYACK
The success of our athletic alumni represents the values at the heart of Hyacks athletics: commitment, teamwork, leadership, and perseverance.
Their journeys inspire current student-athletes to work hard, represent their school with pride, and pursue their goals both on and off the field.
Go Hyacks!