He signed the CCHA to the first national television contract for colleges in the United States, introduced instant replay to the league, and shared revenue with the schools.

On-ice success was realized when CCHA teams won six NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament championships during his tenure.

[3] He attended Parry Sound High School until tenth grade, then enrolled in the Soldier Apprentice program in the Canadian Army at age 16.

[2][4] He later worked at the National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, then was involved with the North American Aerospace Defense Command while stationed in the United States.

[6] He was one of the three match officials in the game on January 13, 1968, where Bill Masterton of the Minnesota North Stars sustained a head injury, and later died as a result of the on-ice accident.

[11] Beagan felt that the NHL was no longer able to contribute much towards amateur programs in the United States or Canada due to competition from the WHA, which undermined the IHL.

[12] He stated the league faced challenges to maintain quality due to changes to immigration laws which deterred participation by players and referees who were Canadian.

[10] After nine years as the IHL commissioner, Beagan was credited by the Canadian Press for turning around the league's financial situation and making it a top-tier development system for future NHL talent.

He stated the targeting younger talent by the WHA was a threat to junior ice hockey, and sought to convince professional leagues that they are undermining their own future by signing players too young.

[5] In January 1979, Beagan felt the OMJHL would suffer from the Liquor Licence Board of Ontario ruling that breweries could no longer sponsor junior hockey, due to underage athletes on the teams.

[2] He and business partner Virgil Gladieux submitted a bid to buy the NHL's Detroit Red Wings in 1982, but the team was sold to Mike Ilitch instead.

[20] On-ice results improved during his tenure, and CCHA teams won six NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament championships.

[20] He described his experience as a part-time position that became a 13-year temporary job as a labour of love,[8] and felt that the CCHA had been receptive to changes which increased exposure and the success of college hockey.