Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

My freshman year I was told that it goes fast, and here I am at the end of college hockey.  I never thought I would be done playing this game that I loved since I was four years old.  Through all the injuries, skating, and hard work I put endured it has been the best experiences I kind have every received in life.  I remember the first day I started hockey like it was yesterday, my mom would not let me get off the ice, even though I didn’t want to play anymore.  And today, I am saying goodbye to the games, practices, and the boys in the locker room.  Saint Mary’s has given the chance to play at the college level and I will never forget the memories of Cardinal hockey.

First and most important, I want to say thank you to my mom and little sister Sondra.  Where would I be without you two; thanks for the 6 am practices, the time spent at the rink, my injury bills, and ALWAYS being there for me.  You two have made so many sacrifices to let me play hockey, watch me play, and listening to the complaining over a game, but you two have always supported me and never let me give up.  I did not make it to the Minnesota Wild and make you guys a lot of money, but in those 23 years of playing at least I gave you girls something to be proud of and an escape from “the man that tried to tear us apart.” I love both of you so much and want to thank you for everything.  
   

To my Grandpa and Grandma, who passed away.  Thanks for believing in me and supporting me in my decision for playing junior hockey.  I finally made it grandpa and grandma, I made it through college and will graduate.  
   
To Brain, Missy, Kaylee, and the next superstar of hockey Cole, thanks for coming to all my games and supporting me.  Thanks for driving the long distances with my mom and sister, I know that had to be tough and stressful!  Brain, thanks for letting teaching me how to shot a snapshot at the outdoor rink and letting me come with your friends to skate with you (I hope you remember that).  You do not how much that meant to me, thank you.  Kaylee, you are simply the best and I want to thank you for everything.  Cole, is the next promising hockey player and do not stop playing because I am going to live my dream through you.  Stay positive and make sure you have fun.  Thank you for everything and I love you guys so much.
   
To Mike, Missy, Jae, Sandy, Jordan, Kelsey, Blake, Morgan, thanks for always being there for me and being the best family any one can have.  Thanks for being there in my younger days, and taking me to hockey and helping me stay in hockey.  
   
To all my coaches, thanks for pushing me to be better in hockey and has a person.  All my coached taught me that there is more than just hockey, and that hockey is a tool to to make yourself a better person.  
  
To my friends, Bohn, Shep, Staehely, Nygneon, Doobs, Miller, AJ, Chase, Hall, Tolibas, Glaze, and everyone else.  All the times spent at the rink, the room, and the night life; all the M.O.F points, Vegas trips, and the fish bowl nights will never be forgotten.  Ill never forget the first time the 8 pines guys first meet, and hanging out in the hall way talking.  I don’t think in the history of SMU 8 guys continued to be close friends for the 4 years at college.  And that is what I will miss the most about SMU; the original Pines guys!