Corey Hirsch is a former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several teams during his career. He was born on July 1, 1972, in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, and began playing hockey at a young age.
Hirsch played junior hockey for the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL) and was drafted by the New York Rangers in the eighth round of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Rangers in the 1995-96 season, playing in 20 games and posting a 9-6-2 record with a 2.93 goals against average (GAA) and a .902 save percentage.
After spending parts of three seasons with the Rangers, Hirsch was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 1998. He played in 41 games for the Canucks in the 1998-99 season, posting a 20-16-2 record with a 2.75 GAA and a .908 save percentage. He also played in the playoffs that year, helping the Canucks reach the second round before they were eliminated by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Dallas Stars.
Hirsch spent two more seasons with the Canucks before being traded to the Washington Capitals in 2001. He played in 19 games for the Capitals that season, posting a 6-8-2 record with a 2.75 GAA and a .908 save percentage. He also played in two playoff games for the Capitals that year.
After his stint with the Capitals, Hirsch signed with the Florida Panthers in 2002. He played in 14 games for the Panthers that season, posting a 4-6-1 record with a 3.33 GAA and a .888 save percentage. He also played in one playoff game for the Panthers that year.
Hirsch's NHL career came to an end after the 2002-03 season, but he continued to play professionally in Europe for several more years. He played for teams in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria before retiring from professional hockey in 2008.
Throughout his career, Hirsch was known for his quick reflexes and his ability to make acrobatic saves. He was also a strong competitor who always gave his best effort on the ice. Off the ice, Hirsch has been open about his struggles with mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. He has become an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken publicly about his experiences in order to help others who may be struggling.
Overall, Corey Hirsch had a solid NHL career, playing in 108 games and posting a 42-38-10 record with a 2.93 GAA and a .902 save percentage. He also played in 10 playoff games, posting a 4-6 record with a 2.87 GAA and a .902 save percentage. While his career may not have been as long or as successful as some other NHL goaltenders, Hirsch's contributions to the sport and his advocacy for mental health awareness have made him a respected figure in the hockey community.
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