Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

After 20 years of playing this game, I can’t believe it’s time to say goodbye. Hockey has taught me so much over the years and it has made me into the man I am today. Even though this chapter of my life is closing, I know the things I have learned playing hockey will help me in my next adventures in life.
  
I wouldn’t have been able to play this game for as long as I did without the support of my loving family. Through the good times and the bad, they were always there to pick me up and encourage me.
    
I want to first start off by thanking my mom and dad. Mom, thank you for sitting in all those cold rinks for countless hours throughout the past 20 years watching me. It meant the world to me to always look up and see you in the stands. Also, thank you for always washing my smelly equipment because we all know I wouldn’t have done it on my own. Thank you for being a trooper and dropping your baby off 14 hours away to a billet family we didn’t even know when I left to play juniors. I know it was tough but I appreciated it so much.
    
Dad, thank you for introducing me to this crazy world of hockey. The memories I have of you coaching me are some of the most cherished memories of my life. I’ll never forget the daily car rides from school to hockey practice listening to talk radio and you having a little bit of road rage after a long day of work. Thank you for helping me to evolve into the hockey player and man I am today. I’m not sure what you guys will do with all your free time now, you might need to pick up an extra hobby or two.
    
To my Grandma Van, one of the biggest supporters in my life, I can’t thank you enough for supporting me throughout my career and watching every hockey game I’ve ever played. Even now, you still catch every game on your iPad.
    
Next, on to my wonderful sisters, Kelly and Courtney… Kelly, thank you for attending all of my hockey games growing up, even though I know you would have rather been at the mall. I know all the hockey talk through the years wasn’t your favorite, but I appreciate you not complaining (that much). Courtney, thank you for being the best big brother I never had (just kidding). When I needed a butt-kicking on and off the ice, you were always there to put me in line and I will cherish that forever. Ryan, thank you for supporting me ever since you came into the family. It means a lot to me.
    
Thank you to my girlfriend Janna, who has sat through all of my games for the last four years. Your support means the world to me.    
Now to the coaches that gave me a chance to fulfill my dream of playing college hockey. Coach Moore, thank you for the last four years and taking a chance on a defenseman coming off knee surgery. It’s been one of the best times of my life and I can’t thank you enough for everything you have taught me on and off the ice. I will take the things you have taught me on to my future endeavors in the “real world.”   Coach J, thank you for making me into a better player since I got to Saint Mary’s. You’ve brought out the best in me and always pushed me to get better. Coach Kinne, thank you for not dangling me in practice when you go against the defensemen. Also, thank you for always telling me to show some skill.
    
To all my teammates, past and present—especially my fellow seniors, Jono and Dylan—we’ve been through a lot together. Jono, we’ve been playing together since high school and I don’t know what I’m going to do next year not going to the rink with you every day. Dylan, thank you for all the great laughs we’ve had on and off the ice. Also for being the best male maid a roommate could ask for. I know you guys will do great things in the future. To the rest of my teammates, cherish the time you have here because as a lot of people say, it really does fly by. I wish you all the best of luck in your futures. Without all of you, the last 20 years would not have been possible. Thank you and God Bless.