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| Photo Credit: Tim Bates - TBSG Images |
How and when did you develop an interest in perusing a coaching opportunity with the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL)?
- It’s been a passion and a goal of mine to coach in junior hockey since I started coaching. There was an opportunity for me to interview with the Whitby Fury for their Assistant Coach position this past season. To be able to have the chance to work with a Head Coach like Curtis Hodgins, who has won everywhere he's gone, including the national stage, I was extremely appreciative and excited to join his staff. We had a terrific season last year and came up 2 games shy of a league championship. Do you recommend to your players that they should spend a certain amount of time in the gym or on dry land training?
- Absolutely. Off season training is such a key component for a player to make physical strides in (their) development. Nowadays every athlete is in such great shape that you need a strong physique just to keep pace. For a lot of our players, they all have personal trainers they work with in the summer. During the year we do a lot of work with the players that allow them to maintain that high level of fitness.
Do you set short and long term goals in both your personal and professional life?
- I think the most important thing to have in life is goals. They give you purpose and set a direction for each day. I try to set out as many goals as I can no matter how small they are. The biggest challenge you'll face though, is not setting your goals, (but rather) finding the right direction to go about achieving them.
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| Photo Credit: Tim Bates - TBSG Images |
- There have been many. I've failed at things many times, but I also know that's what makes me successful too. Speaking to my passion about coaching, I've coached teams that have missed the playoffs, I've been turned down and passed over for coaching positions in minor hockey, my age has been something that has held me back, but all it’s ever done is fuel me more to keep working and keep pushing myself to constantly get better. You can never be over prepared for a situation, and you can't ever tell me I can't do something. I'll find a way to prove you wrong.
As a cancer survivor, what advice do you have for those struggling with life threatening or mental illnesses?
- You sometimes wonder what curve ball life will throw you next. Everyone enjoys a challenge and you constantly are looking for ways to better yourself, but nothing could have prepared me for the news I received as an 18 year old in high school. Being diagnosed with cancer was one of the scariest things I've had to go through. Thankful for me, my Mom and Dad were right there with me to battle through it, along with the rest of my family and friends. One of the best ways I found to deal with battling cancer was to never let it hold me back. Two weeks after surgery I was back at high school hockey and captained our team to (win) a L.O.S.S.A championship. I also found that talking about it helped too. I think it portrays a confidence that shows other people that you’re not affected by what you’re going through, and I also feel that there's nothing stronger than your own will power. Believe in yourself, and you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish.
How has battling cancer changed your life?
- It humbles you so much; it makes you realize that at any moment you can be told your time is up. That in itself makes you want to live every moment to the fullest. I've been very fortunate to be surrounded by a lot of special people in my life. Eight years later I still have former teachers, friends, and casual acquaintances, come up to ask me how I'm doing. Tell me that (because of my experience) they've gone to the doctors to get themselves checked out. Every time I talk to them I'm so relieved when they say that nothing came back negative on the checkup. I wish everyone nothing but the best of health.
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| Photo Credit: Tim Bates - TBSG Images |
Describe the importance of implementing a positive mindset?
- I think it’s everything. Wake up each day and be happy about it. No matter what the challenges that lie in front of you are, don't let doubt or fear creep into your mind. Know that you’re capable of handling whatever comes your way. After all, you've made it to this point in your life and you can take full credit for it. Don't let anything stop you now.
- I think it’s everything. Wake up each day and be happy about it. No matter what the challenges that lie in front of you are, don't let doubt or fear creep into your mind. Know that you’re capable of handling whatever comes your way. After all, you've made it to this point in your life and you can take full credit for it. Don't let anything stop you now.
As a coach, how do you motivate your players through a losing situation?
- Firstly, the reason people in general are successful is because they have failed at something. From that you learn. The way I help my players through either a loss or a series of games where something isn't going well for them, is to remind them of all that they’ve done to be successful up to this point. There are certain qualities that have made them a resilient player and they have attributes and skill sets that can get them to battle through a rough patch. I like to let them know about all the positive things I see from them as a coach and remind them that I know they are capable of making the right play. I believe in my players.
What are some common mistakes players make in their rookie season?
- Its not just rookies but all players, sometimes trying to do too much. To show to themselves, their teammates, and their coaches that they can be that difference maker. They go out of position, chase a hit or try to force a pass. Sometimes the greatest attribute a player has is his patience and calm demeanour. For rookies and all players, understand your role, know when to jump in offensively, the one thing I tell my players, it’s risk over reward. How much of a risk is this play to our team over what kind of reward it will gain us?
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| Photo Credit: Tim Bates - TBSG Images |
How do you measure your player’s progress?
- Most people look at stats, Goals, assists, points or plus/minus. To the common eye these seem like the only way for a player to progress. But to a coach or organization, it’s about maturity, on and off the ice. I want a player that understands what it takes to win, to sacrifice for his teammates. If he's making the right plays, covering his man defensively, helping his fellow teammate at practice, then his ice time goes up, his quality of game increases, we win more games and as I first stated, his points increase.
- Most people look at stats, Goals, assists, points or plus/minus. To the common eye these seem like the only way for a player to progress. But to a coach or organization, it’s about maturity, on and off the ice. I want a player that understands what it takes to win, to sacrifice for his teammates. If he's making the right plays, covering his man defensively, helping his fellow teammate at practice, then his ice time goes up, his quality of game increases, we win more games and as I first stated, his points increase.
What do you think about when you're going through a hard time and have to dig deep to inspire those around you?
- Everyone has their bad days, including me. Some days are definitely tougher than others. But that doesn't give me the right to feel sorry for myself or push my pain onto someone else. My job as a coach is to inspire and teach. If I can’t inspire myself to rise to the occasion, or teach myself to be a better person, than how can I expect my players to listen to me? On your darkest days, believe in yourself, you can battle through whatever comes at you. There's something that no one can take away from you: your ability to dream. Dream to be the person you want to be, dream to be great.
Who are your favourite athletes, coaches or fitness models?
- I have a huge admiration for a coach like Mike Babcock of the Detroit Red Wings and the way he treats people. He makes you want to be a better person. I once heard him speak about what their organization aims to do with their players: "We try to create an atmosphere that helps grow our players, not just in hockey, but in life. We want good hockey players, but we want better people". If that's not someone you'd want to play for I don't know who is.
What three tips would you give to someone wanting to peruse a successful career in sports?
- Number 1, get your education. The most important thing to have in life is something to fall back on. Those fortunate enough to earn a living in sports are very lucky, but it’s not for everyone. Give it your best, but if it doesn't work make sure your ready to move on and have a plan in place. Number 2, it’s all about relationships. Treat the people around you well, because they are the ones who are going to speak to what kind of person you are. A bad game you can get over, a bad reputation might never go away. Finally, enjoy the process. No matter what sport you’re in, enjoy each day. The time will absolutely fly by and you don't want to think back and wonder if you had fun. Love your sport, and it will give you everything you want.
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| Photo Credit: Tim Bates - TBSG Images |
Name: Corey Beer
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 210 lbs
Birthday: Aug 24th 1985
Birth Place: Scarborough, ON, CAN
Twitter: @Beersie24
So in the words of my good friend Corey Beer:
“On your darkest days, believe in yourself, you can battle through whatever comes at you”.
