Even though my hockey career ended early, I look back and think of all the good times I have had playing the sport I love. All the people I have met through the years, the support I have had from my friends, teammates, coaches, and most importantly my family. The experiences I have had playing has made me who I am today. Being told I couldn’t play anymore was one of the hardest things for me to hear, but I have enjoyed every minute of still being a part of the team.
I would like to start off by thanking the most important people in my life, my parents. I can’t thank you enough for getting me on skates at such a young age. The day I told you I wanted to play goalie you thought I was crazy. But look at how far it got me. You always told me to follow my dreams and give 110%. Dad, thank you for being such a big influence on my hockey career. You always told me what I was doing wrong and how I could get better, which in the end it all paid off. It still kills me that you never got to see me play in my last game, but like you said over Christmas break, remember all the good times and all the accomplishments I have made. Mom, thank you for all the countless hours spent driving me to practices, watching my games, helping with team functions, doctor appointments or whatever else it may have been. You always kept me going and always believed in me. Both of you were the reason I was so successful at the game I loved to play. You were at just about every game I have played, along with all the banquets we had to go to. When I was told I could not play hockey anymore here at Saint Mary’s because of my concussion, it was one of the hardest times. It was really hard on all of us, but together we are making it through this life changing injury. It has been a rough two years, but I know you guys are always there for me and are still coming to games to support the team, which means a lot.
Morgan-thank you for always being there for me and cheering me on in the stands with Mom and Dad. We have become so close over the past four years and I can’t wait for what our future holds. I am glad we have so many good memories playing on the rink at home and skating on the lakes in the winter. I am glad you got to come tonight and be here with me on one of the most important nights.
Ambjor- You don’t even know how much you have done for me. I was in your office the first day of captains practice my freshman year, and never left. All of the hours you spent with me after my knee surgery to get me back on the ice, and yes sadly all the concussion tests you had to give me. You always managed to pick me up when I was feeling down, especially after that big decision of having to be done forever. Thank you for all the support and long talks, along with all the good memories!
To the Alumni- You guys are great. The support by coming to games and watching a team you once played for is incredible. It is crazy to think how fast time flies here. Thank you for setting the bar high and for always believing in all of us to be successful in that jersey you once wore.
Seniors:
Dana- I don’t even know where to begin. We made it. I remember the day that we were on tour here and had to eat lunch together in the cafeteria. It’s crazy looking back to that day and thinking about how you didn’t want to come here if I came here. Now look at us. We have become so close and I wouldn’t want to change a thing. You are one amazing roommate and have been there for me through everything and I can’t thank you enough. I am glad we got to play together on the ice wearing SMU across our chests. It is going to be weird next year when I am not living with you, but I will make sure to come visit you a lot!
Sheree- I am so glad I got to meet you and spend the past four years with you. I still to this day can’t believe how far you traveled away from your family, but I sure hope we all made your time in America worth it! You always give it your all on and off the ice. Keep in touch and keep up your hard work.
Alex- You arse such a hard worker on and off the ice. I am going to miss seeing you everyday whether it is at the rink or in classes together. I wish you all the best in your future and keep working hard. It all pays off in the end!
Nicole- You are one of the hardest workers on the team. You would go hard every chance you had whether it was in practice or games. You always did what was best for the team and always put your teammates first. Wish you nothing but the best in your future.
Rachel- You were a big asset to the team this year with your positive energy, positive attitude and your hard work every minute you step on that ice. I am glad you decided to play again this year and I hope you enjoyed every minute of it. Keep up all your hard work off the ice.
To the rest of the team- Every one of you have made this last year a lot of fun. I hope you all continue to work hard both on the ice and in the classroom. Remember what it means to put that jersey on and who you are playing for. Don’t forget to play with Cardinal Pride, every shift and every second of every game. Although I will miss you all, I cannot wait to watch you play next year. Keep working hard, you all have a lot of potential.
Coach- I can’t thank you enough for all that you have done for me. I was lucky enough to have played for you my freshman year. And although things didn’t go as planned, you still let me have the opportunity to be a part of an incredible team. The support you have given to me and my family has meant a lot to me and I would not have made it through without your help.
Greg- It was good to see you on the bench coaching this year. Thank you for helping me through some of the hard times this year. I will miss fixing your tie before every game, but I will make sure Taylor takes that over for me next year. I wish you all the best coaching next year.
Tennie- We missed you a lot this year. But you had a great opportunity and I am glad all of your hard work paid off. I will never forget our handshake we came up with that we would do before every period. It has been good seeing you at our home games this year and I am glad I was able to have you as a coach.
Coach A- Thank you for all you did when you were coaching here. If it wasn’t for you I would have never came to Saint Mary’s.
Thank you to everyone who else who has supported me through all my years of playing hockey. I have had a lot of great memories, experiences and opportunities where all my hard work paid off. These past few years have been really hard to get through, but with all the support I have had off the ice from everybody I was able to make it through college, even though at times it seemed impossible. Thank you to all the faculty and staff here at Saint Mary’s. I will never forget all the good times I have had here, including the past four years with my second family, my teammates.
|
