Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

After almost four years of college hockey it is time to say goodbye. As a freshman I thought that my senior salute was ages away so I put it in the in back of my mind. But as the time drew nearer and I began to think about what I needed to say I realized that my goodbyes have been writing themselves since my first day of hockey at SMU freshman year.  Friends have come and gone, teammates have graduated and memories have been made at every practice, game, shinny hockey tournament, team dinners, and so on. These are the memories that will stay with me as I move into the next chapter of my life. I believe these past four years have been quite a journey; one with ups and downs, laughs and tears, wins and losses…. but all in all I will remember the good times and the people that stood by me through thick and thin.  
   
First of all, to my old teammates: Thanks for setting an example for me to follow. When I came in as a freshman I didn’t know what to expect but I had a solid group of seniors to show me the way.  Jenna – thanks for yelling at me every day and for treating me like a freshman. I have never stopped short of the blue line since. Val – hockey hasn’t been the same without you. Thanks for being my D-partner during my most memorable year of hockey.  Jessie – my one and only cubby buddy, I was a little intimidated to meet you after all the stories but once we had our first chat in the locker room I knew we would be great friends. Thanks for always listening to me vent before practice and for wearing your Santa suit in the middle of February. You are quite possibly to most unique teammate I have ever had the pleasure to defend.
   
To my teammates: I think it’s safe to say that we are probably one of the most obnoxious teams on campus but at least we always have a good time. Thanks for all the laughs and dance parties, and interesting shower talks. I’ve learned things about some of you that no one should know… but that’s what makes us teammates.  EJB – I’m glad I got to know you over the last two years. Keep rockin’ that door girl! You’ve got great things coming to you.  Rach –  Thanks for always keeping me entertained. No matter what kind of mood I’m in I can always depend on the random things that you say to make me laugh. But then there are your words of wisdom as well. Good luck with hockey and soccer, and all that the next two years have to offer.  Sara – I actually only like you for your roommates. Haha jk!  But seriously, I do love your roommates. I also love you and will miss all of our fun times together. I have never met a person quite as intense as you but I think that is a valuable part of your personality. Good luck with everything in the future and keep supporting Lap Dancing!  Kaye – my foul mouthed friend, I will miss everything about you. Not only are you an amazing goalie but you actually gave birth to a medicine ball in the middle of the weight room.  I’ll miss our chats on and off the ice. The things you say never cease to amaze me and you have the ability to make an entire lunch table uncomfortable. These are the things that make us such great friends. Good luck in the next three years and I better see you in the 2014 Olympics! Cierra – Detroit love baby! I’m so glad you came to SMU so I would have someone by my side always defending the good old Hockeytown and our beloved Red Wings. Me, you, and el Capitan have had some great times over the last 2 ½ years and they are memories I will always remember. Just a few things I’ll miss… Baaa and Eleanor, bathtubs at the hockey house, “hold your nose, plug your ears and drink some water,” long musical drives to Michigan, buttering your muffin, and being super Fearless.  Sonja – Keep working on those dangles! I always thought you had great hands. Good luck with hockey in the future and don’t let anyone kill your love for the game.
   
Andy:  Thanks for putting on a pair of skates for me. You got up off the ice like a champ every time. Thanks for always supporting me and keeping me level headed. You’ve been a huge influence on me this past year and have been one of my most faithful fans. Keep Jumpin’ Around!
   
Steve: I wouldn’t forget you, don’t worry!  I wish you could have made it out more this year but I understand duty calls. You’ve been the best godfather I could ask for. Thanks for all your support and for being at every game while I was growing up.  Also, thanks for never taking it easy on me… I’m as tough as I am because of you.     
   
To my big brothers: I can honestly say you two are the reason that I finally got rid of my figure skates and put on those sweet blades that have brought me to where I am today. As much as mom and dad wanted me to prance around in the cold in a leotard, I am proud to say that I have become the hockey player that I am because of you guys.  Brad… thanks for all tips, and all the hours spent shooting in the driveway… and the fun times at beer league.  Most of all, thanks for always having my back when I pick fights on the ice with guys that are bigger than me.  Josh… thanks for always making me want to play hockey, and for taking away every weekend of my summer for the last three years to spend the evening at the rink.  You two have made me a strong person and a good hockey player. I love you guys!
   
Mom and Dad: After all this writing, I finally get to thank the two people that have had the most influence on my hockey career. Without both of you, I would never be where I am today. Thanks for always supporting me through good times and bad. I know it’s been a long and bumpy road but we definitely had some great years. Dad… thanks for always encouraging me to do my best and for being honest with me. Also, thanks for all the hockey equipment and weekend tourneys and for letting me play with the boys. As scared as you were, I never let those guys push me around. You taught me to be strong and to not be a quitter no matter how hard things got. Mom… Thanks for being my biggest fan. I know how much you love to watch me play hockey. You always thought I was great and your support has kept me striving to get better. I love you both and I know you will keep watching me play every chance you get.    
   
Thanks again to all the people that have made my hockey career so special. I am saying goodbye to my time as a Cardinal but I will never hang up my skates for good.