Happening Now...
Brad Goerzen was a true hockey fan, whether it was as a spectator in the arena, a player on the rink, or a member of the coaching staff behind the bench. Brad started playing for the Omemee Sharks in 1991, at the age of 6. He played as goalie and defensemen before settling on centreman, wearing the number ten jersey every year he could. He was a fiercely loyal and encouraging teammate, earning the honour of MVP multiple times.Having played from Tyke to Bantam, Brad’s involvement with Ontario Minor Hockey did not end when he stopped being a player.
Brad’s love of the game and passion for player development lead him to join the Omemee coaching staff in the 2008/2009 and 2010/2011 seasons, where he served as assistant coach. Coaching allowed him the best of both worlds: he could take part in a sport he loved, while passing on his knowledge to the next generation of minor league hockey players. While he was a skilled and enthusiastic hockey player, Brad felt one of his greatest talents was inspiring young players to become their best selves on, and off, the ice.
Tragically, Brad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in March of 2015, at the age of 29. Despite his courage and will to fight, the cancer had progressed too far for treatment and he passed away in April of the same year. Before he died, when he reflected on the best times of his life, he talked a lot about how much he valued his time as a coach.
As a fitting tribute to a faithful hockey fan, Brad’s memorial was held at the Omemee arena, where he had spent so many years playing his favourite sport.