Rock solid between the pipes
As the Timmins Rock pursues first place in the overall standings of the 12-team Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, the net worth of coach Corey Beer’s goalie tandem really stands out.
In a league with several standout goalies, Timmins has the top two puck-stoppers in the NOJHL in rookie Vance Meyer and holdover Tyler Masternak.
Meyer has a 16-4-0 record to go with a 1.56 goals against average, .928 save percentage and four shutouts.
And Masternak has been even more impressive than his mate with a 24-6-2 record, 1.66 goals against average, .932 save percentage and a league-leading eight shutouts.
The aforementioned Beer, as the Timmins bench boss, knows what he has between the pipes in the dynamic duo of Meyer, who has a 2002 birth date, and Masternak, who was born in 2000.
What has been the key to success for the Rock twine tenders?
“I think the biggest thing that has stood out for both Ty and Vance is their concentration level,” Beer told Hockey News North. “At times, because of the way we play, they sometimes won’t face shots for 10 to 12 minutes at a time. That’s not exactly a easy thing to do, maintain that kind of focus and then come up with a big save.
“But both have been able to do that time after time this year,” Beer pointed out. “They both also have a terrific work ethic on and off the ice. They not only push each other but make our shooters better in practice. That kind of drive is so infectious.”
And what about the 12 shutouts that Masternak and Meyer have combined for thus far this season?
“Of course, they will be the first ones to say the system and guys in front of them are the key to them collecting the shutouts, but it’s also the ability to come up with timely saves at key points,” Beer noted.
“It really is incredible what Ty has been able to do. Setting the record last year at 18 years old (with six shutouts) and now breaking his own record again this season. It’s amazing,” gushed Beer.
“And then you look at Vance at 17 years of age having the type of season that he is. It’s been a great year for these two. Couldn’t be more happy for them … great people, too,” Beer summed up.
PHOTO: Timmins Rock goalie Vance Meyer, in action against the Hearst Lumberjacks.
I was Ty’s first coach. I can remember it like it was yesterday, seeing this skinny little 7 year old walk in the dressing room with his father. Our Church league team hadn’t secured a goalie yet so I was asking all the players as they came into the dressing room, if they’d like to give it a try. When Tyler walked in I asked him if he wanted to put the pads and be our goalie, he asked his dad and his dad said he could try it. I knew exactly what was going through his dad’s head as well, the costs associated with playing goal are tremendous, so I thought his dad was going to have an issue with it. From the very first time he was in that equipment on the ice I knew there was something special about him. He just had a natural athleticness about him, his father, Jay, has no qualms admitting that Ty came by his natural ability honestly!
Our team went on to play in multiple tournaments and winning them, we made it to the league championship but lost narrowly, if it wasn’t for Tyler Masternak’s supreme goal tending our team wouldn’t have done so well. Don’t get me wrong, we had some pretty hard working players that year. There wasn’t any other naturally gifted players that year except for Ty but every player worked extremely hard and understood where they had to be and why.
I’ll never forget coaching that Novice team, I had the best coaches on the bench, a parent group that just wanted their kids to enjoy themselves and do that by learning the proper way to play the game. That year is one that will be always remembered as the best hockey year ever in my coaching career.
To see Ty still at the top of his game is absolute amazing. He’s had to deal with adversity, being away from home at a young age and staying focused so his game could excel. Tyler has a support network of the most amazing human beings you’ll ever meet in your life, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents, an awesome brother, Steve, and his foundation, his parents, Jay and Rachel, there isn’t one person in there entire family who wouldn’t give you the shirt off their back.
Unfortunate, we’ve sort of lost touch with the Masternak’s, we used to be inseparable but life got in the way, my 3 amazing boys were hockey players as well and their schedules never matched up with Ty’s. Rep hockey had us traveling all over Southern Ontario. I’m sure there are a lot of people that came together through this great game and maybe don’t see one another anymore.
I know Ty was devastated when he was drafted by the Saginaw Spirit and released. They passed on a huge opportunity and I truly hope they know that. Ty would be setting records in the O right now as well. Ty bounced back from that disappointment very quickly, I believe he’s on the same team that he started Junior hockey with, which isn’t the norm today. Players jump around usually only making lateral moves in hopes of a vertical opportunity. Not Tyler though, he’s a very committed young man and he values the relationships he makes, not a quality often seen in today’s youth.
I wish Tyler the best of luck and to Never Quit. We cant control what happens next for us, but Tyler Masternak next will be amazing just like he is.
Wishing Ty #35 the best in hockey and in life!
Bryan Brant
Wow , I am speechless after reading what coach Bryan wrote about my grandson, Tyler. As his nan, those years with coach Bryan we were all family. Tyler became a good goalie under his guidance and believed in him. The game was fun. Great group of parents, kids and coaches. I am so very proud that others are able to speak kindly of Ty, that is what makes me proud. It was a disappointment when Ty was drafted and a huge disappointment when Saginaw did not keep him. Ty just picked himself up and was so grateful Timmins gave him a chance and Timmins has been a great fit for Ty. He loves the city, the fans, his coaches, his teammates and his billet family. My brother Brian purchased Ty’s first set of goalie pads, when Ty was 18 months old. If we visited Ty , he would put his pads on drag out his little and we all would have to take endless shots on him. Ty’s papa who passed away when Ty was four years old turned our garage into an arena where we constantly played with him. Before the game would start Ty had us standing at attention for the national anthem. Many hours were spent in the garage arena. It is bittersweet for me watching Ty play the game and position he loves without my husband with us, his papa and best friend, but I know he is watching from above. I hope Ty remains humble and kind in life because that is what makes me proud of him.