Note: This profile was written before OMHA Championships and the OHL Draft.

The best professional athletes, of any sport, often have one defining trait in common: an unwavering work ethic.
 
This trait is evident in 16-year-old Liam Beamish, who led the Niagara North Stars U16 AAA team with 27 goals and 31 assists this season while serving as team captain. Beamish has emerged as an appealing Ontario Hockey League prospect, one who coach Nate Mitton claims is a product of sheer determination.
 
“He has a sickening work ethic. You see elite athletes and players who are obsessed with what they do and are driven to get better every day – that’s Liam,” said Mitton, who has coached and trained professional athletes for the past seven years. “I haven’t seen a kid at his level with more determination or willingness to put in the work in many years. I coached six OHL picks last year and none of them even come close to the work ethic that Liam shows.” 
 
Beamish understands how important that drive is to his game and that when compared to the other prospects aiming for their name to be called in the upcoming OHL priority draft, “my work ethic” is what translates best to the next level. 
 
“The next level in hockey is pretty cutthroat. You have to work for your spot and it’s not like you have a guaranteed position,” said Beamish. “If that happens, you have to be prepared to bounce back, not give up, and keep improving your skills day after day to fight to get back on that lineup.”
 
Underscoring this diligent attitude is a genuine love for hockey and overall eagerness to take the next step. 

After playing minor hockey for eight years, the North Stars captain is ready to move on from the OHMA after this season.
 
“I am excited to see where I’ll be playing next year – whether that’s in the OHL, Junior A or B –  I just want to take that next step,” said Beamish, who isn’t necessarily picky about where that may be. “If my opportunity is in the NCAA, I will enjoy pursuing that, and if it’s the OHL, I will enjoy that as well. I will play anywhere.”
 
Balancing personal career aspirations while still vying for championships on a minor team isn’t easy to navigate. Despite his eagerness to get to what comes next, Beamish has been able to stay focused on the current task at hand: captaining Niagara through the OMHA playoffs.
 
“You just have to focus on yourself. Of course, I am so excited for the draft, but in the end, you have to focus on what you’re doing right now because that’s what everyone will be looking at,” said Beamish. “It’s about the level of hockey you’re playing and what you’re doing on the bench or off the ice.”
 
While the Beamsville, Ont., native has put in an enormous amount of effort so far, he still recognizes just how much work is still required whether drafted or not. 
 
Standing five-foot-10, Beamish knows what he needs to improve to remain competitive.
 
“I’m more of a smaller guy out there compared to some of the size of these guys we’re playing against … I really want to get my weight up so I can bring a new level of physicality to my game,” said Beamish. “I want it to be an aspect of my game that people notice and to be known as being physical on the puck.”
 
As the OHL draft draws near, the excitement and anticipation continue to mount for Beamish.
 
Whether he ends up playing for one of the league's top teams or making a name for himself somewhere else, he’s determined to keep doing whatever it takes to reach the next level.

Damien Lisi is a student in the Sport Journalism post-grad program at Centennial College. Follow him on Twitter @Lisi74D