Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Writing this Senior Salute has been one of the things I have been dreading for the last three years.  This means that my college hockey career is coming to an end.  All the games, practices, locker rooms, bus rides are coming to a close.  Every moment I have ever had in an ice rink, whether it is in an ice arena, an outdoor rink, or the occasional perfect lake, has been one of the most enjoyable things in my life.  All my cares seem to drift away, and for however long I’m out on that ice, it never seemed like enough.  From the moment I was put on the ice, I knew I never wanted to leave.  Everybody doesn’t have the opportunity to play at this level and I will always be extremely grateful for being able to continue playing the game I love.  Playing Cardinal hockey has been one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I will always treasure the unforgettable memories. 

First and foremost, I have to thank my parents.  Words can’t describe how thankful I am for everything you’ve done to help me pursue my hockey dreams.  There is no way I could’ve made it this far without you helping me along the way.  You are the reason for all of my success.  You have been there through the good, the bad, and the ugly; and we have definitely seen it all.  Broken bones, cut legs, and many tears have come with game, but I never would have changed a thing.  Dad, you taught me so much about the game and instilled in me to always work hard and have as much fun as possible.  You never forced me into anything and I really have to thank you for that.  You taught me how to win and lose with class, and never be a poor loser.  Even though I hated your constructive criticism, I know you were only trying to make me a better player and had my best interest at heart.  As long as I worked hard and had fun, you were happy.  I really hope I can follow in your footsteps when I become a father some day.  I can’t think of anything that I could do better.  Mom, you have always been my biggest fan and always showed me the greatest support even when you knew I was going through a hard time.  Hockey and life always has its ups and downs but you had a way to make everything seem like it was going to be ok.  You taught me how to deal with adversity when things aren’t going my way and realize that everything happens for a reason.  I hope you know that I am extremely thankful for everything you have done and have not gone unnoticed.  I guess I really need to thank you for feeding me, because I know, and so does everyone else, it was a challenge.  I can’t thank either of you enough for what you did.  You both made a lot of sacrifices to allow me to play this wonderful game.  Countless hotels, driving, tournaments and we all know that this is not the cheapest sport in the world.  You are the best parents in the world and you could never be replaced.  I love you and I am very honored to be your son.

To my brothers, Craig and Eric, I have to thank you for everything you have done for me.  You both have always supported me in everything I’ve done.  I have to thank Eric for getting me onto the ice and I also have to thank Craig for not forcing me onto the basketball court.  I have always looked up to both of you.  Craig, you have been such a great older brother and I have always looked to you as my role model.  You work hard and have been successful in everything you do.  You have a wonderful family and I hope I will be as blessed as you someday with a family of my own.  Eric, I really appreciate everything you have done for me.  We have had countless shinny games (until the pool table ruined everything), shooting pucks together, 5:30 morning practice, and now our outdoor skate on Christmas.  You are probably the reason I even picked up a stick and no matter what you did, I wanted to be like you.  I also have to thank the best sister-in-law ever.  Thank you Shauna for making my brother so happy and raising such a great family. 

I also have to thank the coaching staff, both of them.  First, Coach Olson, I have to thank you for bringing me into your program and giving me the chance to play.  You always believed in me as a player and a person.  You taught me countless lessons, not only in hockey, but also in life.  No matter what the situation, you had a way of expressing your thoughts in a way for everybody to understand exactly what you were talking about.  Coach F, you were such a great coach and even a better friend.  You gave everything you had to this program.  You are still greatly missed and will never be replaced.  Coach Hoffman and Reszka, thank you for everything.  Both of you have taught me so much throughout my years at Saint Mary’s and I’m sure both of you will have very successful coaching careers.  Coach Moore, thank you for making my senior year a great one.  We have definitely have had hard times but I’m confident that the Cardinal program is in good hands.  You work hard every day and breaks will start falling our way.  Thank you for believing in me as a player, and a leader on this team.  You and Coach Peart are going to have many memories and a lot of success in the future.  I wish both of you the best of luck. 

For the past four years, I have had the best roommates, friends, and teammates a guy could ask for.  The upper classman took me in as one of their own when I came to Saint Mary’s and made the transition a very easy one.  My teammates have been so fun every year whether it’s on or off the ice.  To the under classman, please cherish the time you have left because it’s going to fly by.  Play for the love of the game and have fun while you do it.  The B.A.N.K., we have had a year that could possibly be considered as legendary.  Ben, Nick, and Karl, you have made this year so fun and unforgettable.  Karl, I have to thank you for putting up with me the last three years.  We’ve been through a lot and you have always been there for me.  Gilly, I have to thank you because I don’t think I would have ever come to Saint Mary’s if it weren’t for you.  Then, I wouldn’t have all these great people in my life.  I love you all and I hope you know I will do anything for anyone of you. 

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone else who has supported me and the Saint Mary’s hockey program.  Playing hockey here has been one of the greatest experiences that I could have ever asked for.  Leaving this game, and this school, will be one of the hardest things I will ever do, but I am grateful for the opportunity to play college hockey and will carry my memories with me forever.  I am proud to be apart of the Cardinal family and I will always bleed Cardinal red.