Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

 It is hard to believe that this long, lifetime journey of hockey is coming to a close. These past four years at Saint Mary’s have certainly flown by with ups and downs but not without cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Playing college hockey was always a dream of mine and Saint Mary’s gave me just that, a chance to live out my dream. For that, I will always be thankful. Throughout my time here I have gained experience and knowledge but most importantly I have gained relationships with past and present individuals that I can take with me for the rest of my life.
    
I would first like to thank my parents Jon and Suzanne. Without the hard work of either of you, my hockey career would not have been possible. Dad, we have had our ups and downs but the rink has always been “our” place. Even though you haven’t been behind the bench since high school hockey, you have coached me my whole life. The fundamentals you  instilled in me both at the rink and in how to carry myself as a player and person are something I will hold close the rest of my life. I can’t thank you enough for the time and dedication you put into molding me into the player I am but more importantly into the person I have become. Mom, you’re my backbone, and my number one fan. Since day one you have always supported me.  Spending countless hours in the cold rinks and cheering me on no matter what the score. I know it wasn’t easy when I left home to go nine hours north for Juniors and then nine hours west for college, but those “good luck tonight, I’ll be watching online” texts will never get old and will always be remembered. It’s hard to put into words just how thankful I am for what both of you have done to allow me to play such an amazing sport and it’s because of the support you have given me that I have gotten where I am today. Thank you and I love you both.
    
Thank you to my brothers and sisters: Mackenzie, Richard, Michaela, Andrew and Paige. I know the five of you have supported and cheered for me and spent time in cold rinks when you could have been somewhere else. You have all had an impact on my playing career and on me as a person. Thank you for pushing me to be the best example for each of you not only in hockey, but in life. I love you. Thank you Selby for your endless support, watching hockey when you didn’t want to, and most of all just being someone I could vent to outside of the rink. You do a lot for me and I don’t want to go unnoticed. To my grandparents, aunts and uncles: thank you for supporting me throughout my career. Uncle Tim, I cannot thank you and Aunt Ann enough for taking me into your home in Ottawa, Ontario, during my years of junior hockey. The memories and time we shared will last forever and I am so thankful for that. Grandpa and Grandma Elliott, I don’t know where to begin. You two have done so much for me in allowing me the opportunity to further myself in  hockey. The long drives to Ottawa, Des Moines, and all over the US for junior camps and tournaments are so appreciated. I wouldn’t be where I am without you, thank you and I love you.
    
Next, I would like to thank all of my past and current coaches and programs that I have been fortunate to be a part of. Each and every one of you saw potential in me and never gave up in pushing me to excel in the sport I love so much. I would not have made it to where I am today without all of you. Coach Moore, thank you for giving me the opportunity to play college hockey. You saw something in me four years ago and I thank you for giving me that chance. Coach Kinne, although I have only played two years for you, thank you for the knowledge you’ve brought not only to me but to the entire program at Saint Mary’s. Your dedication and commitment to us as individual players is something that I have appreciated greatly during my time at SMU. Thank you both.
    
Lastly, to the guys on the team, both past and present. The last four years have been the best part of my life. I know that sometimes it’s rough and we want to kill each other, but there is genuinely no place I would rather be than with you guys in that locker room. Freshmen—it goes fast. Make the most of it because before you know it, you’re writing this same letter and not wanting it all to end. Arnie—make sure you keep Tuggers in line. He needs it.  Sophomores—it’s been a great two years and each one of you now has a more important role moving forward. Don’t lose that. Walzy—thank you for instilling the fact that I need to listen to a little Schoolboy Q before each and every game. Juniors—you have one year left. Make the most of it—no regrets. Keep working hard and be leaders for the new guys and underclassmen. Bergo—Dock will always be the lead singer during karaoke. Sorry. Seniors—I could not be happier that we all stuck it out when the rest of the guys we came in with left. Joey— from rival team enemies to teammates in high school and then again in college, it has been a ride and I’m glad we rode it together. Dock—we have had some fun since freshman year and man it’s going to be weird not having you around to clean up my messes next year. I’m glad that summer after freshman year we both had a couple soda pops, and you said you were coming back.
    
Thank you everyone that I haven’t mentioned above for the support and encouragement throughout my entire hockey career. Although this chapter is coming to and end, I am excited for the future. The time spent at Saint Mary’s went fast, but Saint Mary’s hockey went even faster. Make the most of it and be grateful for it. Best of luck to everyone! Thank you.