Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

From my freshman to my junior year, I have heard from upper classmen to cherish the time I have playing hockey because time flies.  My time came and went and now it’s my turn to pass the message on to the underclassmen, TIME FLIES!  I have loved and cherished playing this game since I have been six years old and it is finally coming to an end.  Hockey played a huge role in my life and I dread watching it go.  Games, practices, the locker room, and being with 20 of my closest friends are only a couple of the many things I will truly miss.  Though we have had some tough times in the past 4 years, I wouldn’t trade the experiences I had at Saint Mary’s for the world.

I have had a great support system in my 16 years of hockey and have many to thank.  First, I would like to thank my parents.  You both have supported me and encouraged me win or lose, even though the majority of my career was the latter.  If it weren’t you I know this road would have been much more difficult.  I can’t begin to describe how much I appreciate being able to look up in the stands and have my own cheering section.  Knowing that you both are on my side no matter what means everything to me and I thank you for all that you have done over the years.
   
To my brothers, Jordan and Ben, I have to thank you for giving me someone to play hockey with over the past 20 years.  Playing 1 on 1 in the back yard with the third being a goalie, or 2 on 1 is one of my favorite hockey memories.  Jordan, it was a pleasure being able to play with you my senior year of high school and to finally get a winning season under my belt.  Ben, you can relate to my hockey career best because we are both going out the same way.  You both were/are great hockey players and I thank you both for being there for me over the years.
   
To my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, thank you for coming and supporting me throughout my hockey career.  I always knew when I had a cheering section behind me, especially when Grandma was in attendance.  Your constant support and positive encouragement did not go unnoticed and I am so grateful to have all of you in my life.
   
To my girlfriend Heather, thank you for coming to my games and supporting me for the past three years.  The seven-hour drives you made to come see me play for a year and a half goes to show your love and support and I cannot thank you enough.  I know you have done everything in your power the last three years to not miss a game and I am grateful for all that you do for me.
   
I also have to thank Coach Olson and Lenny for bringing me into this great university and recruiting me to play here.  If it weren’t for you two, I would have never had the opportunity to play here.  I also have to thank Coach Moore and Coach Egan for giving me a chance to play here and for the constant support from both.  The last coach I need to thank is J.  You have given me a lot of playing time over the past four years despite my knack for hitting shin pads and shafts at the blue line.  Your ability to see past my little problem and continue to play me is very understanding and I thank you for that.  
   
I also need to thank my roommates from the past four years.  Ben, Andy, Karl, Tony, and Tommy, all of you have helped make my experience here so much better.  I have had a blast with you guys and I am thankful that I could spend these four years with you.  Long live the BANK, SFD, and the credit union.  
   
Finally, I’d like to thank my teammates.  I know we have been through tough times in our four years but I can honestly say that playing with you guys was the most fun four years of my hockey career.  Playing with you all day in and day out has been an absolute pleasure.  It is heartbreaking that my career has to come to an end but I am proud to do it as a Cardinal.