Tom Bids Farewell

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF SAINT MARY'S UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CARDINAL ATHLETICS

Tom Bids Farewell

I cannot believe how fast the past four years have gone here at Saint Mary’s. It is weird to think that my time here is coming to an end. Over the past four years I have created many wonderful memories with a group of people that I love. The most important memories for me will be the ones I have of playing hockey here for the past four seasons. Since I was just a little kid hockey has played a huge role in my life. It has become much more than just a game for me, it is a lifestyle. Hockey is the first thing I think about when I wake up, and the last thing I think about before I go to bed. I have loved and cherished every chance that I have been given to play hockey in my life. The game has played a crucial role in my life and my development as a person throughout the years. It is very painful to write this knowing that it signals that the end of my competitive career is creeping closer. As I reflect I would like to take the time to thank those who have made it possible for me to play the game I love so dearly and supported me every step of the way.

First and foremost, I thank my mom and dad. I thank you for all of the sacrifices that you have made and the endless support you have shown throughout my hockey career. You are the two most selfless and hardest working people that I know, and I am grateful for all of the wonderful experiences that hockey has allowed us to encounter together. Those experiences are the happiest of my life, and without you they would not have been possible, and for that I am forever grateful.

Next I would like to thank my two beautiful sisters for their support and for acting interested in hockey just because you knew it made me happy. Going to watch your brother’s hockey game may not have been your ideal plans for a Friday night, but I cannot begin to explain to you how much happiness your support has brought me.

I would like to thank my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and my cousins for coming to watch me play. I cherish the times I was able to play in front of you and you always inspired me to play my best. The fact that you traveled all the way up to Minnesota to watch me play and spend time with me means the world to me. It is one of my happiest memories here at SMU.

I would like to thank my closest friends here at Saint Mary’s for their support of not only myself but the hockey team in general, and also all of my friends back home for your support and ability to put up with my highly competitive personality. The memories that I have from the past four years would not have been possible without all of you. They truly have been the best 4 years of my life.

Lastly, I would like to thank my teammates, past and present, and the coaching staff. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this team for the past four years. There is no individual or group of people that I have spent more time with for the past 4 years. You are a great group of guys with many talents, and I wish each of you the best of luck. Cherish every moment you get playing hockey, because 4 years goes fast. Thank you again to all who have made my stay at Saint Mary’s one I will never forget.