Instead, the Dunedin Thunder import found about 580 good reasons.
The 26-year-old Canadian is two weeks into his new job as general manager of the Dunedin Ice Hockey Club and is just beginning to realise how much work there is to be done.
The club had been previously run by committee.
They had done a decent job, growing membership to about 580 registered players in a city better known for rugby.
Those members are now all relying on Beckstead to drive the club’s strategy and shape its future.
"I've got to choose my words carefully, but there's been a lot of cleaning up to do, if that makes sense," he said.
"The organisation kind of seemed a little disorganised. Just everyone working in silos.
"So what we're hoping to do is kind of unite all of our multiple programmes under one common association and get everyone working together."
It is a part-time position. Beckstead also works for the University of Otago in the bioethics department in client services and marketing, so he is busy but plans to get even busier.
His goal for the Dunedin Ice Hockey Club is to continue to grow the sport.
"Obviously, ice hockey is very niche in New Zealand. That being said, it is growing. I think it grew at like 12% [nationally] last year.
"We do have a really thriving ice hockey community here [in Dunedin], which has been cool to see.
"But yeah, it’s just kind of about growing it at the grassroots level. Getting more kids involved with the game.
"Obviously, it’s a biased opinion, but hockey is the best sport in the world.
"It's given me so much. The opportunity to go play overseas. To play professionally. To meet some of my best friends to this day.
"I’m hoping to kind of bring some of that to the club."
Beckstead is also working on establishing a high-performance programme to help create a pathway for players hoping to take their ice hockey to the next level.
Part of that is to keep the athletes skating all year round because that is when you see big improvements, he said.
Beckstead made a strong impression in his first season with the Thunder last year.
He finished the National Ice Hockey League campaign with 31 points and was named best forward.
However, the Thunder had a tough season. They finished last and that has provided some motivation.
"I think last season was kind of an eye-opener for a lot of guys. But I think it kind of lit a fire a little bit.
"I know we've got a few key pieces coming back, along with two additional imports.
"I don't count as one any more, which is nice. So the roster's looking really good.
"We're excited to get that going."
