Reflecting back on this journey, I cannot help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the people I have met and the experiences I have enjoyed. My time here at Saint Mary’s has been one of ups and downs, however all the experiences helped build me as a person. Ice hockey has always been a passion of mine and I would have never dreamt that I would be playing at this level on the other side of world. Hockey has always been more than a sport for me, it has been my outlet from life, a place to share a passion with others and feel a part of a group bigger than myself. What I have learnt from being a member of this team spans far beyond the systems and skills of hockey, this team has taught me many great lessons about life, that I don’t think I would have learnt otherwise.All of this would not have been possible without the tremendous support of my family.
Dad: For us, this dream of me coming to America started way back in 2004 when we were up at 3.30 a.m. calling hockey associations in Canada to try and figure a way for me to come over and play. Even though I ended up a little further south than Canada, I will never forget all the things you have done for me over the years to make this all possible. Your continual support of my endeavours means more to me than I can put into words. No matter what you always have supported my crazy obsession with this sport and I think somewhere along the way you got a little crazy about it too. But seriously Dad, I will be forever grateful for the sacrifices you and Fiona have made in order for me to pursue my dreams. Love you always.
Mum: I do not know where to begin thanking you, there is no way I would have been capable of this venture without your support and constant encouragement. Mum, you are such an amazing woman and I am the person I am today because of you, you taught me how to be strong and how to endure life’s challenges. You have done nothing but support me in everything I have ever attempted to do, you enabled me to be here, you enabled me to fight for what I want in life. I love you more than words can say Mum, thank you for being one of the greatest gifts in my life!
Aleisha, you are my best friend, my other half and my shining light! Ever since we were little we shared a very special bond and over the years that has grown to become my most treasured relationship. Thank you for being such an amazing example of success and encouraging me to strive to be better and to never settle for less than I deserve. Even though we are on our own journeys in two completely separate countries I know that we will always have this bond. I love you SISTA! Thank you for teaching me how to live life to the max!
Tyler: Broski, Maaate! You are probably my most favourite person on the planet! I am so proud of the man you are becoming and what you continue to accomplish every day! Thank you for always being supportive of me and of course thank you for letting me shoot as many pucks as I wanted at you! I miss you so much, and I know you are going to do amazing things with your life! Love you broski!
Gran and Grandad: I will never forget all the times you had to run around and get us kids to skating practice, or rugby practice, or to help us get the keys out of the locked car! You have always gone above and beyond to help me out and show your support. Love you both always!
Drey: Thank you for always being there for me, and being someone whom I can truly depend on. You have opened my eyes up to life and everything it has to offer! You are amazing!
Tennie: I think I could use this entire salute just to thank you! But i’ll keep it short. Tennie, when you first suggested me coming to SMU I thought you were crazy! But a year or two later, and I was here crying in your office as a poor foreign freshman who was overwhelmed! Thank you for letting me cry in your office, correcting my papers, and telling me to “toughen up ow” when I needed it . You have been a phenomenal mentor and someone who I truly respect; there is no way I would have survived without your support! Cheers Cuz!
Millie: Thank you for everything you have done for me over the past four years and helping me adjust to life in America! I will always be grateful!
Kathy and Carrie, you two have honestly been a godsend! You have been my surrogate parents and made sure that I was warm enough for winter, and helped teach me the cultural differences which we all know took me a while to comprehend. There is not enough space on this page to thank you for all that you have done for me as the list is never ending! You are two of the kindest and most generous people I know and I am extremely grateful to know you and have you in my life. I hope one day to repay you for all that you have done. I don’t think I would have survived the first winter without you.
405 and the Black Katts: Well girls past, present and future, I have been blessed with meeting you all in a very odd first encounter. But you guys have been more than just good mates, you’ve been family you’ve picked me up when I’m down and can always put a smile on my face. We have had so many good times from dressing up to dance lessons in the lounge to river trips and of course lake front sevens. Being a part of this group of ladies has been one of the greatest gifts of my time here in Winona.
Stevie: I don’t think I have ever met anyone as unique as you! I love your zest for life and your ability to tell it how it is! You have taught me it’s ok to speak up and how to stand up for what I believe in. You and your family have been extremely hospitable! Love you!
Caiti and Francine: I will never forget all the good times spent in Yons! Especially our time spent in the choir. I have learnt a lot from you both and I thank you for coming back to my homeland and allowing me to be your tour guide even if I did make you hike for hours! Love you both!
EJB, Jew, Dy, Special K, C, Cachey, Sienko, Mama LaSara thank you all for embracing me as one of your own and allowing my time here at SMU to be filled with memorable experiences! You better all come visit me! Ejb thank you for your witty sense of humor!
Roger Joshua and Thor: You guys have been phenomenal, cheers for all that you do! Rog thanks for being such an awesome Kiwi and for playing matchmaker! Cheers Mate!
To the staff at Saint Mary’s who have helped me along the way thank you! Professor Craft, Professor McCallum and Professor Hefel, thank you for your guidance over the years. Kim and Patty in the cafe thank you for always making me smile and making breakfast my favourite meal of the day!
Team: This team is filled with young ladies that are going to go on and do amazing things in life and I feel extremely privileged to have shared this experience with you.
Seniors: Honestly it has been such an honor to play alongside such talented and amazing individuals and I will definitely miss your smiling faces!
Dana nickname Dana! It has been amazing playing alongside you these past four years you determination and work ethic is something that I will always admire. Ole O, you are probably the most focused individual I know, I truly respect the time and effort that you put forth in all that you do. Al, I love your zest for life and the enthusiasm you bring to this team, you have an amazing determination about you that I know will take you anywhere in life! Rach, Line mate! It has been awesome getting to play with you again this year. You’re energy is infectious and you can light up a room with your humor. Madz, you have been extremely committed to this team and through it all you’ve done with a huge amount of passion and a smile on your face. Thank you to you all for making my four years an absolute blast!
Juniors: Erin, you are an extremely hard working individual and set extremely high standards for yourself. Thank you for being a great team mate, and I know you are going to find nothing but success on your path through life! Julianne, your pretty much the coolest because you were born on the same day as me! But seriously you are an amazing person, in all that you manage to juggle and accomplish in a day.
Sophmores: Lauren I will miss your crazy random stories and of course your red hair! Heidi, its been awesome playing on a line with you this year, I will miss sharing our love for coffee! Sparky, you are a great hockey player and I am sure you will continue to succeed. Riley, you are probably the most outrageous person I know, keep up your crazy self! Haley Classy Coolsaet it is now on your shoulders to uphold the classiness on this team I know you will do a great job, you’re awesome, maybe one day we can have those tea and crumpets! Jessica, I will never forget the day you bought your shoes into the locker room, keep on going strong and life will open up for you! Brooke, you have an amazing drive that I know you will go onto dominate the business world, keep rocking at life! Gus-Taaf- Aa-Son, oh how I will miss yelling your name! You have been such as asset to this team and I know you will continue to own that net!
Freshmen: You guys are crazier than I was my freshman year and its been a blast getting to know you and skate on the same ice as you! Mackenzie, not only are you hilarious but you have mastered the art of throwing a rugby ball and so naturally you are awesome. Bre, you are very talented at what you do keep working hard and keep striving for more! Leah, you’re dry sense of humor has cracked me up on numerous occasions I wish you all the best next year! Kelly you are a fireball with a lot to offer, always believe in yourself and what you are capable of! Mary Margaret, you are a right out nutter, but that’s what makes you great, keep going hard and giving everything you have because that’s when things come back tenfold! Taylor, you stepped in and saved our backsides and for that I thank you! You are very bright and bubbly I will miss yelling to you down the bench.
Gregory: Greg it’s been fun having you as a coach, your passion and enthusiasm for the game is contagious and I know you will do great things with this team. All the best!
Terry: Despite our cultural language barrier we have managed to understand each other for the most part. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of your program, what I have learnt here are lessons that I will carry with me through life. You care immensely about this team and I thank you for your honesty and for your support. Terry you are a great guy who I have learnt a lot from and for that I thank you. Cheers Coach! |
