Wicked early mornings, cold rinks, crazy parties, weekend hangouts blown, hours of hard work, tons of sweat, true friends and screaming coaches. Hockey has made a dramatic impact on my life that I cannot even come close to sharing it all. When I lace up the skates, put on the gloves, strap on the helmet, it doesn’t matter that I did poorly on a test, or something is bothering me. When I step onto that ice, my world is perfect for the next couple of hours.
However, my career here at Saint Mary’s University (SMU) is coming to an end, and some people deserve much more than a thanks but that is all I can offer.
First, I would like to thank my family for all that they have done for me; parents, sisters, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. You all have been the best fans in the world. Thanks for making all of the trips to my games. Dad and Mom, I thank you for all of the sacrifices you have made and the endless support you have given me throughout my hockey career. The happiest experiences in my life have been from hockey, and without you, those experiences would never have been possible. For that, I am forever grateful.
Second, I would like to thank Coach Moore, Coach Egan, Coach J and Coach North for giving me the opportunities over my career. The lessons you have taught me throughout my four years at SMU have not only made me a better hockey player but a better person. Even though at times, it seemed like we were on a roller-coaster, I can’t thank you enough for letting me be a part of this team for the past four years. Jill and Max also deserve extra recognition for all they have done for me throughout this season.
No better feeling in the world can top walking into the locker room to see my “family,” 29 brothers who are always there for me when I need them. The times we have shared together will never leave my memory. Jed, the roomie, thanks for always letting me borrow your clothes. Maybe one day I will return them. My wish for you: “Chili cheese burritos for life”; Bob (Doug), the roommate, loved our late night talks. Nothing will ever beat them; Brian (t-dog), the roommate, sorry for always dominating you in NHL arcade and for always turning down the heat; Denney (detail), you are always there for me when I need you, which is why I will never forget our talks and what lightweights we are; Nagel, I can’t wait to see all of the pictures that you’re hiding from us one day when we’re older; Balko, I cannot put this in a simpler way: “Birds for life”; Deur, I’m just happy to say that I had the privilege to meet/hangout with the one and only Scott Deur; Robo, too many memories, but all I have to mention is my 23rd birthday. Enough said; Wolter, pain train, pain train, pain train, handle bars. Car ride to South Padre, so much fun; Bobby T, “researching” on Facebook because no one knows how to do it better than us; Fusaro, always wishing we had flop but never doing anything about it; Chapman, calling you my rookie right after you fell straight on your face; Gorup, eating breakfast and playing bingo at the Country Kitchen; Ketts, when we realized Michael Meyers is the biggest creep of all time; Hill, jamming out to party at the Goat House with all the boys; Griff, always setting me straight but never taking your own advice: “Griff to the rescue”; Joe V, you being a softy and kicking people out of your Old Village because you wanted to go to bed; Elliott, I’m still waiting to witness the ‘real’ Jonathan Elliott from Michigan; Gualano, your antics sitting behind me on the bus; Mueller, always beating you in Monopoly, well sometimes; Nav, only guy I know who can rock a jersey as good as me; Videen, sprinting five miles just to get to a house party; Dock, thinking you could ever take me in a dance competition…HA!; Robson, bringing me back to juniors with a little scrap in practice; Sanford, always wearing the “Alaska Grown” sweatshirt on the same day; Gaffy, witnessing you fall in love, but I’m happy for you; Horstman, watching you get hit on in ethics class; Scheib, sitting next to you in the locker room, enjoying all of your wonderful comments; Beau, La Salle memories, never forget; Soskin, sorry for always dipping into your snack drawer without asking; Christy, watching you dance on stage in South Padre in the same spot all night; Ridge, the memories at Page Theatre; Gardiner, memories at the 114 will never be forgotten; Maas, for the boys; Allen, watching your wheels fall apart when you became manager.
I just want you boys to never forget that we, as hockey players, live for the competition, the memories, and the pain. No other feeling comes close to having my brothers there with me throughout the entire journey. “Hockey is our sport.” |
