Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Writing this Senior Salute means this whole great experience is coming to a close. This Senior Salute is more of a thank you letter to every person or coach that has had an influence on my hockey career, and my time here at Saint Mary’s.   
   
First I would like to thank the person that has been a pain in my rear end since day one of arriving on campus, Brother Stephen. You are the nuts and bolts of this whole operation here at Saint Mary’s, and without you guiding me and the occasional slaps to the head I don’t think I could have made it through. President Brother William, you gave me the second chance I needed to prove myself in the classroom and the opportunity to finish my hockey career with my teammates.  I will forever be grateful for what you did for me and my family.   
   
I would also like to thank Coach Olson and Lenny Hoffman. Thank you for taking a chance on some Florida kid. You guys where great to me, and taught me the necessary steps in becoming a great player and a great person off the ice. Don’t worry, Lenny, I still remember GOAL scoring camp, thanks for the great memories.  Nigel Kirwan, thanks for all the times you spent with me after practice and watching lightning video with me. You taught me the X’s and O’s about the game, and now I just know you as Uncle Nigel. Scott Langer, thank you for pushing me. Even with all the turmoil with Lone Star and Santa Fe you kept on pushing through and being successful. Thank you for teaching me persistence and for never giving up.  Kevin Lune, what can I say about the one and only Ric Flair? Thank you for also taking a chance on a Florida kid. You taught me what it takes to be successful, and what it means to be part of a team.    
   
Now I would like to thank my extended family, the people that have taken me into their homes and welcomed me as part of their families.  The Cagnoni’s (Russ, Shauna, Ryan and Kyle) who took me in when I had no other place to live in that crazy town called Santa Fe.  The Down’s (Joe, Debbie, Rachel and Michael) who where my first billet family, both of these families where great to me and opened their lives to a kid they didn’t even know. Thank you for the great times.  
   
Ortie, I love you man! That is the signed picture on his basement wall of me, next to the couch that I sleep on during the summer.  Steve, Susie, Blaker and Maggie Ortman are one of the many reasons I have made it this far. The Ortman’s along with Jean- Guy, Amy and Tristan Trudel are a major influence on my success in my college career. Susie, thank you for helping me with school. Without you helping me all these years and tutoring me I would not be at Saint Mary’s.  For Blake and Maggie, always keeping me grounded and for always putting a smile on my face. Ortie, sometimes I thought you could kill me with that death stare, but thank you for always being there and giving me the opportunity to be successful.  Jean-Guy I truly appreciate you letting me tag along during your workouts. You taught me what it takes mentally and physically to be the best. Without you guys letting me be part of your lives, I don’t know if I could of made it this far.   
   
Mom and Dad, you guys are my number one fans. You never pushed me into something I didn’t want to do. You guys taught me to never give up, and to always just keep pushing forward. I learned everything from you two, and I can’t image how much money has been spent over the years. I truly from my bottom of heart love you guys and thank you for putting up with everything that has come from this incredible journey. I can never put into words what you guys mean to me, but thank you for always putting me and Vinny first. I love you.   
   
What I am probably going to miss the most are my roommates. 1040, Shep, Stahls, Link, A.J, Miller, Doobs, and the fill in roommate Chase Marshall.  I don’t know how it happened, but since day one of getting here we all just clicked. You guys are the greatest and I will never forget all the dumb things we did here or the smart things we did. 1040, we have lived together for three years now, and I would have to say there is nobody else I would want sleeping on the bottom bunk other than you,  Go Wild!  I know when I came here I was alone in the wolfpack and then I met you guys, and I said, could it be, yes, then my wolfpack grew to nine. I love you guys and I’m happy that we’re in the Wolfpack together, or A.K.A part of the Pines Boy’s.   
   
This night is not about me and my farewell from the college hockey world, but saluting everyone who has helped, guided or looked out for me. Thank you to everyone, and this night is more about you people. Good luck to all the players and coaches, and best of luck next year.