On the ice, he was as skilled a practitioner as any who have played the game -- always the team leader, methodically orchestrating the attack or coordinating the defense. Off the ice, Carl Brewer very quickly acquired the reputation as the thinking man's hockey player, as well versed in Bertrand Russell as he was in the power play. In fact, he cut short his brilliant career as a Toronto Maple Leaf defenceman at the age of 26, deciding to study Greek and German at the University of Toronto.
In the intervening years, however, Brewer continued to make a name for himself, spearheading the extended legal campaign to expose the gross mismanagement of the National Hockey League Players Association pension fund -- monies intended for later distribution to the players, but often squandered on personal luxuries. Brewer spent four years researching the case, and in August 1994 was ultimately vindicated with a court order in the players' favour. Brewer's struggle was chronicled in sports broadcaster Bruce Dowbiggin's book, The Defence Never Rests.
Today, Brewer is much in demand as a speaker. From the podium, he documents
not only the long campaign to win justice for the players association,
but wonderful stories and anecdotes about his years in professional hockey
and his colourful associations with the likes of Gordie Howe, Jean Beliveau,
Eddie Shack and Punch Imlach. Warm, entertaining and inspirational, Brewer
also has a message that applies equally well outside the world of professional
sport -- the need to take personal responsibility for all of one's affairs,
financial and otherwise.
| DLA | Speakers | Categories | Top Of Page |