BC hockey hero scores off-ice hat trick addressing mental heath issues, fear and success
By Lone Sheep Publishing
Heroes are typically seen as people who do amazing things in spite of overwhelming adversity. We often think of these people putting themselves in physical harms way to save the lives of others, but sometimes being a hero is as simple as sharing a story.
On January 30th, 2025, The Campbell River RCMP were pleased to be able to host storyteller and hero, Corey Hirsch. With the gracious donation of a venue from the Campbell River Baptist Church, Mr. Hirsch was able to present to students from Carihi, Timberline, Campbell River Christian School, and to some additional local athletes.
For those unfamiliar with Hirsch, he was Team Canada’s goalie in the 1994 Olympics where the team won a silver medal. Then he played in the NHL with his most memorable era being with the Vancouver Canucks. During the 1996/1997 season, Hirsch had been reduced to a shell of 140lbs. Die hard Canucks fans may remember the news stories of the day that Hirsch had been ill. But, It was never really clarified what had happened.
In February 2017, Dark, Dark, Dark, Dark, Dark, Dark, Dark, Dark was published in the Players Tribune and Hirsch told the world his story about battling Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The story was personal and groundbreaking. Professional athletes just didn’t talk about mental health struggles, but there was Hirsch, laying out some of his darkest moments in hopes to get the conversations started and break down the walls of stigma.
Since, the release of the Players Tribune article, Hirsch has become a tireless advocate for Mental Health Education and his message when he speaks is simple and comes from the heart. You are not alone, there is hope, and there is help.
During his talk with Campbell River youth, Hirsch blended his story of struggles with stories of success and humour and challenged the audience as well, to be kinder to one another and be prepared to listen.
Campbell River RCMP Const. Maury Tyre explained, “When we were presented with the opportunity to be able to bring Corey to the community the answer was an immediate yes. As first responders, we often focus on Mental Health problems of people who show an outward struggle, but we know there are many more who don’t speak up, who are successful, that do appear to be at the top of their game, and every day they wear a mask to hide what’s going on. Having someone else tell a story that you can relate to can be so powerful for those who are hiding their struggles behind a mask, and may be the catalyst for them to reach out and get the help they need.”
Following the presentation, Corey remained to talk to those that wanted to. For some, it was to snag a quick pick with a guy that had been to the highest levels of hockey, but for others it was a bit more, and Hirsch did the most important thing he could do, listen.
If you or someone you know is struggling please reach out:
- Vancouver Island Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 1-888-494-3888;
- Crisis Chat 7 days a week from 6pm-10pm at www.vicrisis.ca;
- Crisis Text available 7 days a week from 6pm-10pm at 250-800-3806;
- KidsHelpPhone.ca available 24/7.
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