Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Living the Dream”, a quote used by many when describing the feeling of playing college hockey. For me this quote holds true, as getting a chance to play college hockey at Saint Mary’s has fulfilled a life long dream. When I stepped onto the ice for the first time 17 years ago, who would’ve thought that a kid from Pine City, Minn., would someday get the chance to play at this level, and for that I am very grateful. Not only has it been about the game, but it’s about the memories, friendships and the teamwork that come with being part of a team. Being part of the Cardinal hockey family has been an unbelievable adventure that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Mom and Dad, words can’t describe how grateful I am for the sacrifices you have made to put me through this sport. I am also very thankful for your support and dedication that you have shown to me over the years. Dad, even though I hated how hard you pushed me when I was young, a large part of my success is because of you. You have always believed in me and instilled that hard work and dedication would pay off in the end. No matter what the outcome of the game was, I knew that if I worked hard you wouldn’t be disappointed. You are a great man and someday when I decide to have a family, I hope I can be half the father that you have been to me. Mom, you’ve always been my good luck charm. Whenever you tell me to get a goal for you, it somehow seems to work out. You have also been very supportive in the good times and bad, and some of the conversations we have had, helped me more than ever. I hope you know that the things you’ve done for me have not gone unnoticed. You have a great heart and are still the coolest mom out there. To the both of you, I love you, and I am proud to be your son.

To my brother and sister, Theresa and T.J, you guys are amazing. Theresa, you have been very supportive of me over the years and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I hope you know that you’ve been very influential on the person I am today and that you are a great older sister. T.J., keep skating bud, you are a great hockey player and an even better brother. I look forward to watching you in the coming years, keep working hard and remember to have fun out there. Last, but not least, my brother-in-law Derek, I couldn’t ask for a better man to marry my sister. I’m glad you’ve joined the family and I thank you for your support over the last few years.

Coach Olson, I thank you and the rest of the coaching staff for the opportunity that you have given me to play at Saint Mary’s. You have always believed in my abilities and you’ve helped me transform from a young punk, to a respectable man. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and can’t explain how much you’ve taught me about hockey and life. Coach F, words can’t describe how much you did for this program and for me. You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Coach Mannor, thanks for everything you’ve done for me, you’ve taught me a lot about the game of hockey. Coach Hoffman and Reszka, you guys are the youth of coaches today, you guys will make good head coaches someday and I thank you for everything you’ve taught me over the past few years. Also, Donny Nadeau, your work behind the scenes does not go unnoticed, you do a great job and I’ve enjoyed you as a coach over the years. I would also like to thank my high school coach, Dan Voce, for teaching me the game and helping me get to the place I am at today. You are a large reason that I got the chance to play college hockey and I am very thankful for that.

I also need to thank my roommates over the past few years for the support and dedication that they have shown to this team and program. Andy, Derrick, and Mark, you guys have been great friends and I appreciate the support you have shown the team and myself. Next year I am certainly going to miss all the fun times we’ve had but I know we will all stay close friends over the years. I also need to thank Allison for all of her support she has given me over the past few years. You have always believed in me and gave me confidence that I could be successful at what I do, and for that I am very grateful.

To my teammates over the last four years, you guys are the reason this experience has been so enjoyable. No matter if it was a game night, a long bus ride, locker room chats, or just hanging out on weekends, you are the reason I love being a part of this team. All of my fellow seniors; Gilly, Polk, Firl, Eids, and Smitty, it has been an honor to play with each and every one of you. Firl, it has been great being your roommate over the past few seasons. You’ve been there with me through it all and I appreciate everything you have done. Gilly and Polk, it’s been great to share this experience with the both of you. You guys are great teammates and friends, and Polk; I think your skating is almost as fast as your hair. Eids and Smitty, I’m glad both of you joined the Cardinal hockey family and it’s been a lot of fun playing with you the past few seasons. To the rest of the returning guys; enjoy every minute that you get a chance to play because before you know it, it’s over. You guys have a bright future, so keep working hard and remember to have fun.

Finally, I thank all family, friends, fans and other supporters of Saint Mary’s hockey for making this last four years the greatest time of my life. I will miss the game more than words can explain, but when I skate off of that ice, I will hold my head high and know that I left it all out there. I am truly blessed for the opportunity that I have been given to play college hockey, and I will forever be a Cardinal.