Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

It’s hard to believe that not only my four years of collegiate hockey are over, but my hockey career has come to a close. I remember being a freshman, when the seniors were writing their senior salutes. Now I find myself in their position, reminding the rest of my teammates that your four years goes by faster than you think. Cherish it and play every game like it’s your last. My hockey career has been beyond memorable and I don’t believe that I would have been able to do it without my family, friends, teammates and coaches. Thank you to everyone!
   
First, I would like to take the opportunity to express how thankful I am for my hockey experience the past four years as a Cardinal.  I think the hardest part about being a senior is having to put a closure on my hockey career, not only in college, but as a whole.  Saying goodbye to my best friends and my teammates is easy, because I know I won’t lose touch with them. The hardest part is to realize the practices, the 6:00 am lifting on a snow day, our competitive off- ice games, the road trips, our locker room dance parties, and the time spent together everyday are all irreplaceable and will always be the fondest of memories for me. These are the hardest things to let go of because they are irreplaceable moments and I will not be able to get them back.
   
The past four years have been nothing short of phenomenal; my freshman year as ten seniors sat in the locker room was fairly intimidating, although their bark was worse than their bite. I learned so much from all of them and they were role models for me. So, thank you! My sophomore year and junior year were exceptional, being able to be a leader for a lot of the underclassmen was special and forced me to mature a lot faster. Although my past four years have been very unique and wonderful in very different ways, I have to say my senior year has been the best of all. Not because we’ve won more games or because we only lost to Gustavus 1-0, but because of the friendships that have developed.  
   
First and foremost, to my family, Mom and Dad, thank you so much for you’re never ending support, not only in continuing hockey but in all that I do. Dad, thanks for always letting me know that it was my decision to continue playing, and what you wanted me to get out of playing hockey, had already been accomplished a long time ago. I have always appreciated your honest opinion and being behind me a hundred percent. Your support and advice has been consistent since I put on my first pair of skates and my jofa helmet, sixteen years ago. Mom, thank you for your motherly advice and “your way,” of handling various situations, especially when it came to hockey. I always loved that you told me you didn’t care whether I didn’t play at all or played the whole game. It didn’t matter because you just loving coming to show your support and to watch me skate no matter how much that occurred. I’ve always appreciated your kindness and sensitivity, you’re a wonderful mother. Thank you both for your time and effort, your money and your lives, and sometimes your health, to make sure that playing hockey was what I wanted to continue to do. I love you both very much and I couldn’t have done it the past sixteen years without you both!! Will, you’re an amazing older brother, I’ve always told you that you are the best brother I have ever had, but you’ve consistently reminded me that you’re my only brother! ? None the less, my hockey career started mostly because of you. Your influence has guided me through sixteen years of hockey and I appreciate your support and your love, not only in hockey but in everything that I do.  Your guidance has been much appreciated, I love you Wilbur! I can’t wait to graduate together, this is only the beginning!
   
To my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who have come to countless games the past four years. Your dedication has been endless and your support has not gone unnoticed the past four years.  I always knew when you guys were at games, because the whole rink could hear you, especially Grandma! Thank you for all of your love and support, I appreciate it a lot. To Grandpa Garvey, who passed away a year ago. You always supported me in hockey and in school. As proud of me as you were, I am just as proud to have had you as my grandfather. I will be thinking of you as I graduate in May. I love you.
   
Alex, we didn’t re-meet in the most wonderful way, but I am so thankful I initiated conversation because it turned out to be something great! Your support has been unbelievably consistent the past two years. You are an amazing person, friend, and boyfriend. I appreciate your advice and your love for hockey. Your love for hockey has influenced me in more ways than you know! Thank you Al, I love you.
   
I would like to thank my three coaches. Terry, thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play four wonderful years of college hockey.  I have appreciated your guidance and your support both in hockey and in my every day life.  You’ve always made it clear to us that we could rely on you for anything, so thank you! Coach A., Thank you for your encouragement (and your moves haha). I’ll always cherish your good advice. Tennie, you’ve pushed me to become a better player, both off and on the ice. Thank you for saving us from two male coaches, as well as your womanly presence in ALL that we’ve done. We have had some irreplaceable conversations, some that are probably not appropriate for all of campus to know about. Thank you Tennie, keep kicking the team’s butt!
   
Ambjor!! Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me the past four years. You have not only been someone I can count on when I am hurt physically but someone I can come to when I just need someone to talk to. Thank you so much and I will miss you next year!
   
The hard part … Where do I start? Well it only makes sense to start with Sannkkkooo! Madison, I love you very much, you have been an amazing best friend and I wouldn’t change our friendship for the world. Thank you for being there for me when I needed you, especially this year. Our conversations are always interesting, whether they’re about a serious topic or about boys and ice cream. I can always count on you, so thank you! Can’t believe you’ll be a senior! Live it up girl, do what you love, and have no regrets! Al Braaunn, my beautiful blondie! I love you girl, and I am so glad we have become closer this past year. You’re such an amazing person. I appreciate all of your advice and especially your hugs. Thank you for being there for me when I needed you most. We’ve had some amazing times together, and far too many to write on here, so I’m not going to go there haha! ?  Dy, we are fierce competitors, but at the end of the day, you and I pick up right where we leave off! My lifting partner this year, wouldn’t trade you for anyone! Haha. Thank you so much for your love and advice! Good luck next year, as you become a senior.  OLE, Your tenacity and work ethic is beyond admired! You’re an amazing hockey player, keep kicking butt! I’ll miss you and our heart to hearts! Love you Olson.  Ingrid: Oh God, where do I begin with you? Our friendship started about 8 years ago, long time ago. We have been through so much together, especially through losing Ry. I believe that has only strengthened our friendship. Thank you for being there for me through some hard times. But let’s get real, we’ve had some amazing times playing at TI and now in college. Good luck to you as your senior year creeps closer! I Love you Tree!!!  J, you and I became a lot closer this year, keep working hard girl, I hope you are able to play, you deserve it! Cach, well although we’ve known each other since U-15’s, we never had the chance to play together until you came to St. Mary’s. I am so glad we’ve had the opportunity to become close and even more so the past 2 years. You’re an amazing hockey player. We’ve enjoyed some good times together and don’t worry I’ll continue to take ALL the credit about you know what! ? Love you Cach! Good luck to you as you enter your senior year. Sheree, you have an amazing spirit about you, and your smile lights up the whole locker room! The sacrifices you’ve made to come play with us are unbelievable! Love you girl! Stevie, we’ve had some good times girl, mostly venting or laughing hysterically at something, thank you for being a good friend. Love you Stev! Rach, thank you for being such a good friend, I’ve always been thankful for your advice. I’m so glad we’ve gotten to know each other better this year. I’ll wear my hair curly more often for you. EJB, good luck to you as you head into your senior year!! Dana, I’m so glad we’ve gotten to know each other better this year, cherish the next two years! The freshmen… Erin, my freshman lover, you’re an amazing hockey player and I can’t wait to see how well you do the next three years, cause I know you’ll be a strong force in the MIAC! We’ve had some good times, aka our snuggling and completely random conversations! I’ll miss you!  Bri, you are so goofy! Thank you for always making me laugh! Haha I’ll miss you. Bartosz, I’m glad we’ve become close this year and had the chance to play together a lot this year! Love you Toast! Tara, good luck to you! Kaye, keep holding down the team in the net girl! Good luck to you in your next three years! To everyone, don’t have any regrets and cherish every moment. You should be proud to be a Cardinal! I love you guys!!
   
My fellow seniors, Sara and Lex, we’ve made it!! Obviously we have similar feelings about moving on from college, let alone hockey! I wish you both the best of luck in your future endeavors! Sara: my K TOWN girl! You and I have been through a lot together the past four years, thank you for being there for me, your support has always been above and beyond what has been asked. So, thank you! Keep dancing girl, I love you!