Tom Bids Farewell

I don’t really know where to begin a letter that is supposed to represent the end of something that I started 15 years ago. Playing hockey for Saint Mary’s has been the culmination of a long career on the ice. I still remember when I was six years old, getting dressed for my first hockey practice ever. I could have never guessed what that day was actually beginning. I knew all along that competitive hockey would end one day, and I feel fortunate that I have been able to extend my time on the ice by playing at the collegiate level, but I never realized how hard it would be to think about my life after hockey. First of all, I would like to thank my parents for their commitment and dedication to me throughout my hockey career. Words cannot repay you for all of the sacrifices you have made to keep me on the ice. You have supported me throughout the highs and the lows, the wins and the losses. For all that you have done for me and given me throughout my career, I can only say thank you and that I love you both. Mom, you have always been my No. 1 fan, and even though I know you don’t believe it, one day you will accept the fact that I do make mistakes on the ice. Dad, you gave me everything that I have in this game. I could not have asked for a better coach to teach me the game in my youth. I would also like to thank my siblings, Andy, Dy-anna, and Jimmy. Andy, you have kept everyone in our family on their toes for as long as I can remember. You have been the best big brother I could ask for (even if I am twice your size) and you have always been there to keep me sane in my life off the ice. Thank you. Dy-anna, you are one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met. Your talents both on and off the ice never cease to amaze me. You are truly destined for great things. James, you are, and always will be, the living legend. I am amazed at your talents in this great game and your passion for every hobby you have ever undertaken — don’t ever lose that. I cannot wait to sit in the stands and watch you play throughout your high school and college careers. Next, I would like to thank my fellow teammates, both past and present. The friendships made within the walls of that locker room are indescribable to those who have not experienced it. T-Mac, what can I say? You’ve been there with me from the start. I wouldn’t want anyone else making plays with me on the P.P. or making me flappers in the morning. Polk, can’t wait to see you in the PGA and I know one day you’ll learn how to unload a dishwasher. Buck, I couldn’t ask for a better stall neighbor or a better guy to have next to me at “the 500”. To everyone else, I cherish the times we’ve all spent together and I am proud to have been part of the Cardinal hockey tradition. Next, I would like to thank the Saint Mary’s coaching staff. I am grateful that you have given me the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. It has been an honor to be a member of this team. Coach “O”, I still remember when I first came to Saint Mary’s as a hockey camper and you were my coach. The goal of playing in this rink started there and I thank you for the opportunity to accomplish that goal. Coach Hofmann and Coach Bry, I have had the honor of knowing both of you as players and as coaches. I have learned so much from both of you in both of those settings and I thank you for that. Coach “F” I know you have heard this a million times, but you are the glue that holds us all together. You deserve a million more thanks than you ever get, and I’m pretty sure you deserve a vacation as well (but not until after the season is over, of course). Donny, I don’t think Saint Mary’s athletics could function without you; you do the work of 10 others (you should probably go on that vacation with Coach “F”). Last, but most certainly not least, I would like to thank my girlfriend. Jen, I can’t imagine what my life at Saint Mary’s would have been like without you. You have supported me throughout everything these past four years, and I can’t thank you enough for that. You have always been there to listen to my frustrations and you have a talent for keeping me level after the good games and the bad. Thank you and I love you. Thank you to all of the great students, faculty, and fans at Saint Mary’s who support us at our games, you make the Cardinal Ice Arena one of the greatest places to play college hockey. Thank you again to everyone that has made this a great place to end my hockey career.