The Next Level begins a new chapter in the VMFL history books as we look back at some of our former elite players that have graced the fields of our local community football fields and through hard work and dedication have moved on to higher levels of football. Whether it be Junior, College, University or the Pros we are going to showcase some of the outstanding players that the Vancouver Mainland Football League has produced.

Follow us as along over the coming months as we display those that entertained us and moved on to bigger and better things. Let us begin with one of our fine local athletes that gave the Coquitlam Minor Football program plenty to talk about over the years.

Corey Mace

Like many Canadian kids, Corey Mace dreamed of playing hockey. However, early morning practices were not particularly appealing to him, or his mother. So instead, he took his size and athletisim to the football field and he hasn't looked back.

Cory started his football career as a 12-year old Junior Bantam with Coquitlam Minor Football. He was slotted into the middle linebacker position, but as he grew in height and size it became increasingly evident to all that his future was on the line. However, his talents were put to use in many positions during his VMFL career, which allowed him to develop an appreciation and understanding of different aspects of the game.

His fondest memory of his time in the VMFL was the 2002 Provincial Midget Championship game played with the Coquitlam Falcons at the Apple Bowl in Kelowna. Dino Felet, one of his Falcon coaches, remembers most of what Corey did to get them there. "Corey was one of our leaders" says Felet. "We were down at half-time in the VMFL Championship in BC Place Stadium against Richmond and he carried the team on his shoulders." In an inspired move, Cory was moved to running back at the start of the third period. The turning point of the game was a long run from scrimmage which finished, a few broken tackles later, in the end-zone. It sparked the Falcons' recovery and eventual Victory.

While Corey enjoyed winning games and championships while playing in the VMFL, in retrospect these victories are not as important to him as some of the value able skills and lessons learned that are the foundations of his success on the football field. "I didn't know the ins and outs of the game." says Mace. "The coaches were able to teach me technique and strategy, which allowed me to build upon my own personal skills in the future."

Corey took those d-techniques and strategies to Palomar College, before transferring to University of Wyoming, where he played two years of NCAA Division 1 football. In his two seasons at Wyoming he had 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and 8.5 tackles for loss, but as importantly completed a major in criminal justice.

His success at Wyoming led to an opportunity to impress NFL scouts in Indianapolis but he also traveled to Toronto for the Canadian Football League combine. Cory eventually accepted the free agent contract with the Buffalo Bills, but in spite of his commitment he was still selected by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with the 11th overall selection, a second round pick in the CFL.

Corey spent the first 16 weeks of the 2007 season on the Bills practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on December 28. In 2008 he was promoted to Buffalo's 53-man roster, after spending the first 12 weeks of the season on the team's practice squad. As much a being a part of the Bills organization and NFL was the opportunity of a lifetime, Corey decided to bring his considerable skills and talent to the CFL, where he would enjoy a great opportunity to play and contribute to his team's success. He signed with the Calgary Stampeders in August 2010 and made his CFL debut at the Lab our DAy Classic.

It's been a long and rewarding journey for Corey, from Mackin Park in Coquitlam to McMohan Stadium in Calgary. So what advice would he give young VMFL players dreaming of playing football at the next level? "I'd tell them to continue to chase what they believe the can do," says Corey. "Myself and other players are proof that it can be done. However it takes much more than talent. It takes hours of extra work in the weight room, field and classroom. Use the coaching and game time experience you have now to polish your skills for the future. Nothing is out of reach if you really want it."

Most importantly however, Corey stresses the importance of having FUN. "At the end of the day, its a game and time spent with others," say Corey. "Enjoy the time spent with friends because most of the my memories I still share with my teammates from my VMFL days."

Corey Mace #42 - 2002 Coquitlam Falcons
(back row forth from left)