Elora native Kasey Beirnes has decided to retire after 16 seasons in the NLL, 10 of them as a member of the Toronto Rock.
The sharp-shooting righty enjoyed stops in Columbus, Arizona and Minnesota before landing in Toronto for the 2008 season. Over his 16 seasons, Beirnes scored at least 20-goals a staggering thirteen times. The 37-year old has decided that now is the right time to move on to the next chapter of his life and step away from the NLL.
“Being away from the family when the kids were younger was difficult. The kids are getting older and it was becoming even tougher to dedicate the time to commit to play, said Beirnes.
“Mentally, I am ready for the next phase to unfold.”
Beirnes and his wife Julie have two young sons, Brayden and Conner who are eight and five respectively and are both active in lacrosse and hockey.
Beirnes graduated from the Junior ‘B’ ranks after playing five seasons with Elora Mohawks.
“The chance to play in Toronto in front of family and friends and have the kids come to the games was also a real highlight.”
Beirnes will be remembered for his work off-ball, his ability to get open and a lightning quick trigger.
“He made me a more valuable player. He is a great friend and the game will miss him. They simply don’t make players like him. I wish Kasey well,” said Rock player Colin Doyle.
Jamie Dawick has not known a Toronto Rock without Kasey Beirnes as he bought the team with Beirnes already two years into his decade-long stint with the club.
‘Ultimate professional’
“Kasey is an ultimate professional both on and off the floor,” said Dawick.
“He retires as one of the best off-ball players the NLL has ever seen. Kasey always had the ability to just go off for five or six goals.”
A player doesn’t have the opportunity to enjoy a 16-year NLL career without a lot of support from friends, family, teammates and the fans. Beirnes is no different.
“I couldn’t have played professional lacrosse without the support at home from my wife Julie. She raised two kids on the weekends, until they were five or six. … My mother, my dad and my brother, their support of 15 years to get to the pro level and then the 16 years of playing pro, that support system, including aunts, uncles, the support of the community, the flexibility from my day job, they are all puzzle pieces that need to fit,” said Beirnes.
“After 10 years, it’s hard to walk away from that family and the camaraderie. The TRAC (Toronto Rock Athletic Centre) created a tight bond between the players and the office and it was a great thing to have. Finally, I just want to thank all of my teammates that I went to battle with.”
Beirnes finishes his NLL career with 235 games played, 383 goals, 304 assists and 687 points. One Champion’s Cup to his credit, coming in 2011 when the Rock defeated the Washington Stealth 8-7 at Air Canada Centre.
