Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

After spending the last four years here, it is almost impossible to put into words how grateful I am to have found this hockey program, let alone Saint Mary’s. Transferring here was the best decision I could have ever made as it gave me to the opportunity to do what I love, hockey and science. Although it has been far from easy as times, I have made enough memories on and off the ice to last a lifetime and even more importantly, I found a new family. I have nothing but the best to say about my time spent in Minnesota and I have a lot of people to thank because of it.

Mom and Dad: I know wasn’t easy letting me move 10 hours away from home but,  all of my successes so far in life are because of you. The two of you made many sacrifices for me in order to do whatever I desired and I am undoubtedly thankful for that. I appreciate that with your support, you let me accomplish things on my own, and I believe I am a better person because of that. The hours you spent at the rink and other sports, driving me to practice, and traveling all around the US and Canada make you two the ultimate hockey parents and my number one fans. You weren’t able to make many games, however, the amount of support from watching games online, good luck texts, and encouragement meant the world to me. You have always been proud of me win or lose, good days and bad. I love you both and can’t wait to see what other opportunities I gain because you let me follow my dreams!

Megan, Remi, Missy, and Tanner: It has been more than eventful growing up with four other siblings and you all have played such a huge part in my life. You never once complained when I would steal Dad away on the weekends for hockey, and showed up to so many games and matches whether you wanted to or not. It was always nice to have your support, someone to practice with and beat up on (and get beat up as well), and your advice on how I played and what I could do better. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead in the future for all of us, including baby Maddox, and I am so proud to call you my brothers and sisters.  Love you guys. 

Extended Family: To all of my other blood and non-blood family members, thank you for positively influencing my life and all of the support with school and hockey. From rides to and from the airport (Therrien Family!), purchasing super fan shirts, and countless other acts of kindness, you have made my journey at SMU one to remember.

SMU Fam: I am so thankful to have met each and every one of you back in Ed’s freshman year. Whether you realize it or not, you have all contributed to my hockey career here, as well as my social life. Thank you for the good luck texts, cheering me up after a loss, advice about hockey and life, and coming to games when my family couldn’t be here. I always noticed you in the stands as it truly meant so much to me seeing you there. I can’t thank you all enough for being my family the past 4 years and the best friends I could ever ask for!

Fellow Seniors: There may only be five of us left on the team but, I can’t leave out the other eight. It has been a rollercoaster of a ride with you all and I have loved every minute of it. We weren’t the easiest group to get along with but look how far we’ve come. Good luck to everyone after graduation and congrats to Brooke, Sarah, Heidi, and Sparky. We made it to the end! 

Juniors: I am so happy that you guys have been my teammates for the last 3 years. Your class has an unbelievable amount of talent and will continue leading this program in the right direction. I will NEVER forget our trip to PCB and I hope you’ve enjoyed our time together as much as I have. I secretly wish sometimes I was part of your class and got to stay another year but, maybe that isn’t actually a secret. By the way, I’m passing on my secret shark tooth or whatever it’s called to you guys. So don’t let me forget.

Sophomores: Last year I never thought as an upper classman I would be great friends with so many freshmen and I’m so happy we’ve all become even closer this year. Oh, and for giving me a hard time the last two years, I’m passing down the train to five of you. Choo choo. You all played a big role in turning this team into a family and I hope after my class and the juniors leave, you keep up the new tradition. I look forward to watching your games in the future and keeping tabs on you guys because I know there is so much more to come from you all. Haley Jung, thank you for being such a great manager and support system for our team. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed and we really couldn’t do it without you!

Freshmen: It has been my pleasure welcoming you all to Cardinal hockey. You brought an unbelievable amount of depth to this team and I am so impressed with everyone. I wish I could have experienced being line mates with you because your work ethic, speed, and love of the game are contagious. Keep up all of the hard work and don’t blink because four years goes by faster than you can imagine. 

Last but not least, I have to thank Terry and Greg for putting up with my class for the past few years and past and present teams. We didn’t make it to playoffs during this period but, at the end of the day it doesn’t define my time here. You have always had faith and trust in me as a hockey player, student, as well as a leader. Turning me into a defenseman was not the easiest of tasks for any of us but, you never gave up on me and I can’t thank you both enough. The support from both of your families has also not gone unnoticed during my time here and I speak for the team in thanking each of them! 

It has been an incredible journey putting on a Saint Mary’s jersey the last four years and I am blessed to have been given this opportunity. My past and present teammates have changed my life in the best way possible and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in the future.

Good luck to future Cardinal athletes and never take for granted time spent on the ice, doing what we love.