Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Hockey is an incredible sport. It has given me countless memories, friends and life lessons that have shaped the person that I am today. Every one of us seniors have given up things in life to play the game we love. Whether that’s spending countless hours traveling when we were young or moving away from home to play juniors, we’ve all sacrificed for this journey. Still, I’d guarantee that each one of us would do it all over again. But we weren’t the only one making these sacrifices.

It’d be ignorant for me to talk about sacrifice without mentioning my parents and family. To my mom and dad, words can’t describe what your support has meant to me. I will forever be in debt for the things you did that allowed me to play this wonderful game for 20 years. This would’ve never been possible without you. I’ll never forget the countless miles, stinky hotel rooms, team dinners and so much more. You’ve been my number-one fans from day one and I’ll never ever forget that. I love you.

My sisters, Molly and Erin, made two of the best “rink rats” you’ve ever seen. When I was young, they’d pack all of their toys and goodies into a bag and head to the rink for my games. I’m not sure how much hockey they watched, but they made the most out of it. From creating noisemakers for the parents to selling doughnut holes to other kids for quarters to spend in the arcade, you two have always known how to survive at the rink. I don’t know what I’d do without you two.

To Miranda, I think you’ve officially been accepted into the “rink rats” club with my sisters. Although you haven’t spent quite as many hours in a rink as them, you’re support means the world to me. Thank you so much for being there for me through the ups and downs of each season.

For those of you who don’t know, housing families are never a sure thing in junior hockey. Sometimes they’re great, and sometimes there are horror stories. Fortunately for me, my grandma opened her doors when I played in Dubuque. This was one of the best experiences of my life. Grams, you are one of the most incredible people I have ever met in my life and have been there for me from day one. Thank you so much for everything.

To all other family and friends that have supported me along the way, thank you. You’ve all had an impact on my hockey career and I woulnd’t have been able to do it without you.
To my roommates over the last four years, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys. Nicky G, thanks for always making sure the dishwasher was loaded/unloaded and the garbage was always taken out. Swift, thanks for always being there to talk about the Packers and Red Wings. Lambo, thanks for always making sure our TV shows are being recorded correctly. Soskin, thanks for always making me laugh (and I mean always). Scheib, thanks for always telling me like it is and never sugar coating anything. Balks, thanks for always making sure our living room was arranged in the best way possible, even after five rearrangements. 

I’d also like to thank the coaching staff for giving me the chance to play college hockey. Although we haven’t had all of the successes we strived for, you’ve always pushed me to be my best and I thank you for that.

Hockey is a great game. Nobody can question that. But without the people you play with, the game means nothing. The friendships that I built over the last few years mean the most to me. I’ll never forget my teammates, both past and present. You’re all responsible for the memories we’ve created. From wing nights with Deur, Robo and Wally, to the epic St. Patrick’s Day in the Old Village, I’ll always look back and smile.

You’re a bunch of beauties.