Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

It is hard to fathom that my hockey career at Saint Mary’s is about to come to an end. The past four years have certainly flown by, but the memories I have gained will last a lifetime. Playing college hockey was always a dream of mine and Saint Mary’s gave me the opportunity to live out that dream, and for that I am forever thankful. Over the last four years I have gained experiences, knowledge, and most importantly relationships that I will be able to take from here and use in my future endeavors.
    
The first group of people I would like to thank is my family. My mom and dad have sacrificed so much of their time and effort in order for me to play a sport that I love. Whether it was taking me to practice and helping me get dressed at a young age, or traveling across country to stay in hotels and cold rinks to watch me play, they were always there. I would not be where I am at today if it were not for them. Along with my parents, I would like to thank my sisters Jessie and Emily. They have tremendously supported me throughout my entire career, whether it was giving up their weekends to come watch me play, or watching my games online, they were always a big support system. Without the support from the four of them, hockey would not be the same. As I nervously attempt to enter the “real world” next year I know that I will always have the four of them to lean on for guidance and support.
    
The next group of people I would like to thank are all of the coaches I have had at Saint Mary’s. They have taught me more about the game of hockey and what it is like to be successful and respected person than they could ever imagine. Coach Moore taught me that playing hockey is a blessing and that life after hockey is much more important. He showed me that my character and my positive outlook I have on life is the true meaning of success. Coach Reszka may have some grey hairs because of some of the plays I have made over the last four years, but the relationship and the knowledge of the game of hockey I have gained from him will forever be something I will keep. Although I have only had coach Kinne for a year, he has taught me how to be a student of the game of hockey, and to love what I do. Without the help of these coaches I would not have had the success I have had, and for that I would like to say thank you and good luck in the future.
    
The last group of people I would like to thank are all of my teammates I have had while being a part of the hockey team at Saint Mary’s. These guys are the reason why it is so fun to get up and go to the rink every day. I have been through it all with these guys whether it was overtime wins, last minute defeats, parties that go into the early hours of the morning, or putting of studying and cramming for exams into the early hours of the morning. No matter the type of memory I have, I would not have them without my teammates, and I sincerely could not have asked for a better group of guys to call my brothers over the last four years of my life. To the three other seniors on the team; Jed, Mike, and Christian, thank you for all you guys have done. It will be hard next year knowing you guys aren’t right next door, but I know we will all continue our friendships. I know you guys will be successful as you leave Saint Mary’s, and I am proud of you guys. Jed, the last three years I have had the pleasure to have you as a roommate and it has been a blast. It is hard to imagine that next year we won’t be sharing a room, but we are both a quarter of a century old and it is time we get our own rooms. Christian, we have lived together for the past two years and you have always had a smile on your face, and that will really be missed. Mike, you were my first college roommate and one of the first guys I really got to know. We have gotten into a lot of trouble the last four years, but it was a lot of fun. To my other roommates Marty and Brad, there has never been a dull moment with you guys and I have enjoyed every minute of it.
    
To the juniors, sophomores, and freshman on the team I would like to say thanks for continuing to carry out the great tradition the hockey team has formed over the last handful of years. The time you guys spend here will go by quicker than you could ever imagine, so be grateful for it and best of luck in your futures.