Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Well, it is hard to believe the time has come to write my Senior Salute.  Through my years here at Saint Mary’s, all the senior players have always said to take advantage of your opportunities, because time does go by fast.  Now looking back at things, I know what those seniors meant and how time has flown by.  Playing here at Saint Mary’s has brought me new memories, new friends, and has given me the opportunity to play the game I love and I am forever grateful.  Some of the memories I will take forever are: My first Red/White Game, the road trips we took, and most our locker room conversations with the guys.  Starting my hockey career when I was three or four years old and playing with many different teams and organizations and to end my career as a Cardinal means the world to me.  

There are many people that I would love to thank and remember during my career here at Saint Mary’s and my hockey career as a whole.  First and foremost, I would like to thank my family.  My parents, the two of you have sacrificed so much for me to have the opportunity to play hockey.  Dad, I don’t know how to thank you; you have always been there as a coach and as a father.  I appreciate all the coaching and lessons you taught me through the years and I can only hope some day I can teach my kids half the knowledge and lessons you have taught me.  Mom, you have always been there supporting me when times were great and times were sometimes rough.  I appreciate all the love and support the both of you have given me over the years.  To my siblings Annika, Aaron and Tony, I have always looked up to the three of you. I have learned many things from each of you and those lessons I have learned from you guys I will never forget.  I am so blessed to have three older siblings who are very supportive and loving. I would also like to thank both of my grandparents, they have been to so many games and have been very supportive over my years as an athlete.  I am so thankful to have grandparents like you guys, who enjoy watching me play hockey and never see the bad in my game.  I would also like to take a moment to thank all of my coaches throughout my hockey career.  There have been many coaches and each one has played a significant role in my life as a hockey player.

Another set of people I would like to thank are the coaches here at Saint Mary’s.  First I would like to thank Coach Olson for giving me the opportunity to play here at Saint Mary’s.  I have enjoyed all the opportunities you have given me and the knowledge I have gained from you will stay with me forever.  Second, I would like to thank Lenny and J for all the work they do on and off the ice for our team and me.   I would also like to thank Coach Mannor and Coach Nadeau for all the work you put into the hockey program and make it what it is today.  The last thanks would be to Coach F.  There are so many things you did for me and the team that I don’t think a single “thanks” could ever do you justice.  I am very thankful for having the opportunity to know you and have you a part of my life.

I would also like to thank the teammates I have had over the last four seasons.  You all have made playing for Saint Mary’s a great experience.  I would also like to thank all my roommates over my four years here at Saint Mary’s.  I have so many good memories over the last few years and I am very thankful to have such good teammates and friends to create those memories that will last a life time.

The final thanks I would like to send is to Molly.  You have always been there supporting me through everything over the years.  I appreciate the pre-game meals you cooked for me, the silence you gave me after a loss, and the support you always give me.  I have no clue what I would have done without you and I thank you for always being there for me. 

The last thing I would like to say is that I am very proud to be a CARDINAL and I wish the best for the future teams and, as always, take advantage of the opportunities you have.