Nick Bids Farewell
When I was a squirt hockey player and my season had just ended, my mom asked me how I felt about it. I responded by saying I felt empty — like I had lost something. As my mom reads this, I am certain she will recall me saying this. One of my biggest thanks goes out to her. My parents have been my biggest fans since the time I held my first hockey stick, likely before that as well but I was mischievous then. They have invested endless hours of time along my hockey career. Even more hours shaping me into the person I am today. Reflecting back on it I feel as though I am forever in their debt. The memories come in fast: My father used to coach me stick handling in the garage, my uncle always challenging me in shooting pucks, grandpa Peter continuously mentoring me and sharing his wisdom, and my brother, my equal opponent and reason why I am so competitive. I am forever grateful for their time and support. Thank you, Mom, Dad, Michael, Alex, Lauren, Chris, GP, and to all those that have helped and supported me on this path.
Being a student-athlete is a very difficult accomplishment. At times it was very difficult to manage a social life on top of being an athlete, on top of being a student. At times it was hard to distinguish what I was doing, why I was here, and what my goals were. Thankfully for hockey, whether a practice or game, it provided a competitive release were I was able to clear my mind and just play. Being a student-athlete has helped me learn to manage my time and understand my priorities. This in turn has helped me become ready for the very demanding world. For this I have the Saint Mary’s men’s hockey program to thank. Thank you for letting me become a part of a something bigger than me and giving me a chance to make a difference.
Fast-forward to my senior year at Saint Mary’s University and if my mom had asked me now how I felt, I do not think feeling empty would suffice as an answer. Four years, six months a year, three hours a day. This is not counting the time off of the ice that I have spent with these guys. We have created four amazing years of memories together that will last a lifetime. Some stories I doubt you would believe. Then again that is the treasure that I share with these guys. We have all shared in each other’s lives and grown in them; created experiences that are unique to us. Four years and these guys have become my family, my arm and leg, my thought process. When I leave I will not feel empty, but full. Full because I am forever bonded to this group of guys who have so much character and love. I will not feel like I have lost something because I know we are all going out into the world to experience new things and reuniting along the way to share what we have done. When you have spent this much time with a group of people, grown with them, shared a spectrum of emotions with them, they become your family. Finally thank you guys, for making the best four years of my life thus far and allowing me to be apart of yours.
