Former Hobart College hockey defenseman Mitch Beyer ’17 (Clifton Park, N.Y.) is currently playing professionally for the Briancon Red Devils in Briancon, France.
The Red Devils play in the Division I league and are a team the Statesmen played on their trip to Europe last December.
“Hockey has been a life-long passion of mine and when our 2016-17 season ended, it wasn’t a passion I was willing to give up just yet,” said Beyer. “Traveling the world has always been an idea of mine and when the offer presented itself, it made it that much easier to decide. I was also told that the Briancon Red Devils organization is a very professional team to play for and the team has been nothing but since I arrived.”
Beyer was a four-year member of the Hobart hockey team. He played in 92 career games and posted 34 points on 11 goals and 23 assists. In his four years, the Statesmen had a 76-26-10 record, won three straight ECAC West tournament titles and advanced to the NCAA tournament three years in a row.
“Hobart prepared me very well for an experience like this,” said Beyer. “During my four years at Hobart, the athletic department fostered commitment, integrity, loyalty, respect, teamwork, and fun. Along with many other training aspects, I believe that Hobart did a great job instilling the ideals of strong work ethic and a professional attitude while teaching these concepts. For this, I am very appreciative.”
“I think the best part of being in France so far has been the country itself,” added Beyer. “My teammates and I are surrounded by people who are friendly and welcoming, making the transition very easy. The geography is also something that makes each day better and better. Everywhere you go, you see beautiful buildings with the Alps in the background. It is crazy to think that anybody can take this place for granted.”
