Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

As my senior year at Saint Mary’s comes to an end, I don’t know where to begin, or explain how fast the last four years of my life have gone.  Although the past four years have had their ups and downs, I will never forget my years at Saint Mary’s and the great people that I have met.  Hockey has been such a major part of my life and to think that it’s coming to a close is bittersweet in many ways.  I’m going to miss the time on the road with the guys, all the bus trips, locker room talk, kangaroo court and practices at the rink.
   
First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents who have had such an influence on my life.  Thank you, Mom and Dad for supporting me throughout the years and being so committed in helping me live out my hockey dreams.  You’ve been there through thick and thin, the good and the bad, and the ups and the downs.  Dad, thank you for teaching me so much about the game of hockey.  I have learned how to become a dedicated team member thanks to you.  I am going to miss hearing the “whistle” that you gave me at every game, giving me that extra boost in my stride, and knowing that you were there to watch my every motion.  Thanks for listening to all the movies in the car while driving me across the country for hockey tournaments.  Mom, I want to thank you for the unconditional love and support you have shown me throughout my lifetime.  I will always be your “little fighter air plane”, and “Bird Dog Jones Gilbert John Woodward”.
   
To my girlfriend, Megs, who has supported me throughout the four years.  Thank you for being at every hockey game, encouraging me to play hard, play smart and to be safe.  You gave me the courage to carry on during all of the hard times and picking me up when I was down.  I have truly enjoyed sharing these wonderful, memorable years with you, and I look forward to our journey together.  Thank you for always smiling, I love you so much!  Also, to your parents for taking me in during our short breaks when I was unable to make it home.  Thanks for the home away from home when I needed a good home cooked meal.
   
I have to thank all my friends and roommates who gave me so many great memories.  Jeff, we have had the best four years of our lives and you have been an incredible influence on my life.  I will never forget getting ready for games jamming out to Fight for Your Right.  Lincoln, thanks for being my best friend at school, NHL 10 partner, fishing buddy, band mate, hand shake friend, and living-room roommate.  I will never forget the nights spent talking about how great you are as a person and what you have 'brought' to Saint Mary’s.  To the guys next door thanks for all the great memories throughout these four years.  For the times spent in Pines during our first year here.  We have been the best wolf pack that anyone could have ever asked for.  Thank you for all of the love and support you have given me when times were tough.
   
Finally, I want to thank the coaching staff for sticking with me.  Thank you for never giving up on us when things were hard.  You have shown me that no matter what the situation, you have to keep fighting to make good things happen.  I’m going to miss all the time we have spent on and off the ice.  I am proud to say that I’m a part of the Saint Mary’s Cardinal hockey family.  Good luck to all of the graduating seniors of 2010, for we are all staring a new chapter in our lives.