Rob Brief enters because the second most capped Canadian hockey participant
Within the Athletes Class of the Corridor of Fame, Discipline Hockey Canada proudly inducts Rob Brief, a trailblazer whose affect on the game has been each profound and lasting. Famend for his management and dedication, Brief’s illustrious profession has left an indelible mark on Canadian discipline hockey.
Brief, who captained the nationwide crew for seven years, stands because the second most capped Canadian nationwide participant of all time. His journey started in Tsawwassen, BC, the place his preliminary ardour for ice hockey was redirected by his dad and mom in direction of discipline hockey. “They made it clear that ice hockey wasn’t an choice, so discipline hockey turned my focus,” Brief recalled. “We have been lucky in Tsawwassen to have a robust discipline hockey program.”
From these early days, Brief’s profession soared. He honed his abilities with the Tsawwassen Falcons, the College of Victoria Vikes, and the BC Provincial crew earlier than making his mark on the nationwide crew. At simply 12 years previous, Brief’s ambition to succeed in the Olympic stage was sparked when he noticed his coach, Mike Mueller, on tv. “Seeing my coach on TV made me understand the scope and potential of discipline hockey,” Brief defined. “That second ignited my dream of competing within the Olympics.”
Regardless of his early aspirations, Brief confronted important challenges on his path to the nationwide crew. “There have been instances once I struggled to make the crew whereas watching my associates succeed,” he shared. “It wasn’t till a brand new coach acknowledged my power and potential that I lastly received my probability.” This pivotal alternative marked the start of a unprecedented profession.
Brief’s spectacular profession contains participation in 5 Pan American Video games, 4 Commonwealth Video games, and two World Cups. His crowning achievement got here when Staff Canada secured gold on the 1999 Pan American Video games, fulfilling his childhood dream of competing within the Olympics. “After we certified for the Olympics, it was a surreal second. We ran to our households, overwhelmed with pleasure,” Brief recalled.
He lived out that Olympic dream a second time when Canada certified for the 2008 Summer time Olympics in Beijing. All through his profession, Brief additionally performed professionally in Europe, showcasing his ability and dedication on a global stage.
After retiring from enjoying in 2012, Brief transitioned into teaching. “I spotted I wasn’t absolutely ready for this new section, however teaching shortly turned my ardour,” Brief stated. His dedication led him to determine the Rob Brief Discipline Hockey Academy, the place he continues to mentor and encourage the following era of gamers.
Reflecting on his profession, Brief emphasised the fervour that drove him. “I beloved the game, the neighborhood, and the mentality of discipline hockey,” he stated. “I hoped to be remembered as somebody who beloved enjoying for his nation and was deeply passionate concerning the sport.”
As Rob Brief joins the Discipline Hockey Canada Corridor of Fame, his legacy stands as a testomony to the facility of dedication, management, and love for the game. His contributions have set a excessive customary in Canadian discipline hockey and proceed to encourage future generations.
