Bill Dickinson started playing junior lacrosse with the Vancouver Bluebirds. He was a strong and formidable player who had a reputation for being a great defenseman as well as a top goal scorer for seventeen years (1935-51) in the Intercity Lacrosse League. In 398 career games (including 21 Mann Cup finals games) Dickinson totaled 941 points and 611 goals. In 1966, he was elected to the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

In 1935, Dickinson started playing junior lacrosse with the Vancouver Province Bluebirds and by 1936 had joined the Richmond Farmers team at the senior level.

Between 1937-40, as well as playing junior lacrosse with the Bluebirds, he played at the senior level with the Vancouver Burrards. Les Dickinson, Bill’s father, was co-founder and coach of the Burrards.

In 1941-42, he was a member of the North Shore Indians lacrosse club.

He became a member of the New Westminster Salmonbellies from 1943-47, and played a major role in their 1943 Mann Cup win. In 1946, he was named most valuable player and received the Maitland Trophy, considered the most desired award in lacrosse.

From 1948-51, Dickinson played for the Vancouver Burrards, the Richmond Combines (formerly the Farmers), and the North Shore Indians. He retired from play in 1951, but went on to coach and referee for several more years. He also held the position of Intercity Lacrosse League commissioner for six years.