Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

The last thing I ever wanted to think about was what I was going to say when "it" was all over. By "it," I mean college hockey and everything that comes with it. From practice, to games, to the 6 a.m. workouts, bus trips, hotels, as well as everything else away from the rink. All the experiences I have had along the way I will never forget. From starting off in college not ever thinking I'd play hockey again, to walking on a division one team, to finishing off at Saint Mary's, I now look back and realize all that I have done along this long twisted road. Looking back from day one, I have had many good and bad times, times where I thought it was the best day of my life, to times where I just wanted to quit and forget I even tried. Now looking on with only two weeks left in my college hockey career as a fifth-year senior, I would never take back one second of it. I have no regrets in any of my endeavors. Everything that has been hard has made me stronger, while everything great has made me realize to never take any of it for granted. Even though some of us may be fortunate enough to move on and possibly continue to play hockey for a little while, for the rest of us this is it. If I have one piece of advice for my friends and teammates here, it is to try to play every day like it is your last because before a blink of an eye, it will be your last. It sounds so cliché, but just remember that, please.

There have been many people who have influenced me and helped me to get to where I am at today. First off, I would like to thank my parents with all of my heart for everything. I remember like it was yesterday when I got my first set of goalie gear. I remember how much I bugged you guys to get me on my first team when we could barely afford it. I don’t forget the sacrifices you both made to get me my first set of ice hockey gear and to get me on the Huskies at Golden Mile. I was so happy when I had my first chance to hit the ice. Since then, I have never stopped dreaming and working hard. You have always taught me to work hard and put my heart into everything I do, and you and I both already know I do every day.  And I would like to thank both of you for doing the same.

Cheri, even though you don't know much about the game, you have been there for me since we were young. You have helped me with a lot of things in my life believe it or not and I just want to thank you. Keep doing what you’re doing; you are on the right track and I’m proud of you. I hope when we are older and mom and dad are both gone, that we keep that same family legacy going.

I would like to thank all of my friends out there that have all helped me in different ways. I hope they you feel that I have helped you too in one way or another. There are too many of you to give shout outs to here, but I would just like say thanks. I would like to thank a few coaches that have truly helped build character in me. I don’t know how I could every repay them. First, Coach Semplice, thank you for giving me a chance when I could barely even skate. Who would ever know I would make it to this level and represent the program with such pride. You were always tough on me, and I loved every second of it. Don't forget that. Coach Kennedy, you have been there for me too since day one at Shadyside believe it or not. I have always had the upmost respect for you and the way you coach and the things you have said to me to keep me going. Even though you probably think the things you said to me at RMU were no big deal, you lifted my spirits and prevented me from quitting all together. That kind of positive attitude you can't find in everyone. Thank you. Lastly, Coach Nelson, you have been the best coach and friend anyone could ever ask for. From all the free lessons, to food (no joke), and valuable ideals you have instilled in me, thank you. I don’t think there is any way I can repay you. You have gone above and beyond and I consider all the help from you to be priceless. Thanks for being the biggest influence in my hockey career. God Bless.

Even though you are not here, Coach Hofmann, thank you for believing in me and what I had to offer. If it were not for you, I would have never had the chance to get a second degree and continue to play college hockey. I greatly appreciate it, and I want to wish you the best of luck in your coaching career. Coach Moore, Reszka, and Peart, thank you for keeping the faith in me and the team and never giving up on Saint Mary's hockey. I hope every year the Cardinals get better and someday win a national championship. I will continue to support the program and make visits from time to time. This place is very fond to me now, and I hope the rest of my time here, even without hockey, just continues to get better. All of my teammates here have been great to me. Thank you guys. I know we have had a rough one this year, but it has still been a blast, and I don’t regret any of it. Nothing is better than the stories in the locker room, at the caf, at parties, etc. Even though as I write this now, we are probably out of the playoffs, I hope we can put four games together and end the year on a positive note. All I want to do is end with a win, that’s it. End with a win because you are only as good as your last game. And that will be Robo’s, Karl’s and my last college hockey game ever.

I don’t know how to conclude or sum up everything I have said here. I feel I could write a book about my life and my hockey career, but yet again who couldn't. I would like to end with a quote though. I do not know who originally said it, but I feel the moral behind it is something we should all take a minute and think about. Sometimes hockey can get the best of us and mess with our minds and sometimes we play for the wrong reasons.

"Do you remember why you play, or has it been too long? Is it because you've worked so hard to get where you are? Is it because you love the roar of the crowd or the anxiety before the game? Is it because you don’t want to let anyone down, or yourself? Is it because you love the feeling of scoring a goal, or because you would rather be on the ice than anywhere else in the world? Somewhere behind the athlete you've become, and the hours of practice, and the coaches who pushed you, is the little boy who fell in love with the game, and never looked back .. Play for Him!!”