Like every young boy who grew up down-the-harbour, Walter learned to play soccer at Farrell's meadow. His brother, Frank, was already making a name for himself and he knew he had to work very hard if he was going to follow in his brother's footsteps. Well, not all the players at Farrell's meadow played the game by the rules and Walter knew he had to learn to be tough if he was ever going to become a first division player. He even played against an East Side teams on Allo Murray's meadow and the Joe Harbour Jets on a lopsided field by the Laurentian Club. It was on that field, Walter said, he learned to control the ball.

From the meadow Walter decided to try out for the Minor Soccer teams and was coached by Len Slaney. He immediately made an impact and during his minor playing days never lost a provincial title. He felt he was a good player but wondered if he was good enough to play with the big boys. Walter tried out for and made the provincial under-18 All-star team coached by Jeff Babstock. Unfortunately because of a lack of funding the team was unable to go to the national tournament. It was that honour that convinced him he had the talent to play with the powerful St. Lawrence Laurentians.

He started off with the 3rd Division Laurentians and was an outstanding Centerback for them. Jack Simms, who coached the 1st Division Laurentians in 1976, asked Walter if he would practice with his team. He was delighted with the prospect of practicing with the 1st Division and he certainly made a great impression officially starting a great career in senior soccer.

Throughout his career, Walter played with some great soccer players especially Keith Farrell, Joe Turpin, Wils Molloy, Junior Doyle, Junior Edwards and the one he was most proud to play with was his brother, Frank. His felt very proud of being chosen as the Most Improved Player in 1979 and being awarded the Most Valuable Player Award in 1980 by his teammates.

During Walter's playing days with the Laurentians , he was a member of seven (7) Burin Peninsula Championship teams; five (5) All-Newfoundland Championship teams; three (3) Atlantic Provinces Championship teams; two (2) Premier's Cup Championship teams and represented the St. Lawrence Laurentians at four (4) National Soccer Championships.

Walter was probably one of the strongest centerbacks to play in Newfoundland soccer as was noted by a number of opposing players. Holy Cross strikers always treated Walter with respect because they knew if they upset him they were going to have a very difficult time getting through him to get a shot at the net.

The St. Lawrence Soccer Association is very proud to welcome Walter Haskell into the St. Lawrence Soccer Hall of Fame.