Nick Bids Farewell

I feel like it was only yesterday when my mom and dad told me “Nick, if you want to be a goalie, you have to stick with it because the equipment is very expensive.” I only looked at them and smiled because I knew in my heart that it was for me. I have been playing hockey since I was a nine year old obsessed with Curtis Joseph and now I have to say goodbye to the greatest passion in my life. Needless to say, this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. So as I prepare to play the last competitive hockey game of my life, I have to look at all the people that surround me in my life. These are the ones who have dedicated so much time and effort to provide me with the opportunity to play this great game and have shaped me into the person I am today. I must start with my loving family. Mom, you have granted me every opportunity to succeed in life. You have made so many sacrifices to make me happy and I know how badly you miss me when I am away from home, but just know that every time I step on the ice I play my heart out for you. I love you and thank you for everything you have done for me. Dad, I can’t believe you still have hair on your head after some of the things you had to do for me. Thank you for taking me to practice every weekend at 5 a.m. and for the countless hours of driving me around on my hockey trips across the Midwest. You have given me a lot advice over the years and thank you for supporting me through the ups and the downs. Grandpa, you have given me so much over the years that I don’t know how I could ever repay you. You have been a second father to me and without your help and support; I would not be where I am today. Jason, I know for a fact that I would not be the goalie I am today without you shooting on me for all those years. Whether it was out in the street or on the ice, you and I grew up with this great game. Thanks for being a great big brother and make sure the Blues win the Stanley Cup by the time you retire from your job. Angela, I am so appreciative having a great sister like you. You came to so many games of mine and sprained a couple ankles to do it. I promise I will do the same for you and attend as many recitals as I can to hear you sing, even if I have to sprain an ankle or two to get there. To my best friends, Tim and Joe. Sorry you guys could never see me play a college hockey game, but we will have a lot of beer league games together. I am already guaranteeing a championship. Whenever I am down, I can talk to you guys about anything and basically laugh my butt off at the end of a conversation. Thank you for everything. Fleish, I think you and I are the only ones who thought that school bus ride to Augsburg freshman year was the coolest thing ever. You have been my closest friend since I stepped on this campus and I will miss the time we spend together. Thank you for being such a great friend and teammate, and congrats on your great ride here. Graham, Gordie, Gilly, and Krista, thank you for being such great roommates and friends. If someone would have told me last year that you guys would become some of my best friends, I wouldn’t believe it. You have always been there for me this year, and I will miss you guys. By the way, you’re all overrated, just kidding. Liz, I also want to thank you. Not only have you taught me a couple dance moves here and there, you have been such a big support for me ever since the first day we met. You have meant so much to me these last couple of years. I am very grateful for everything you do to make me happy. I am so lucky to have such a loving and caring person like you in my life. I want to thank the coaching staff here at Saint Mary’s. Coach O, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a Cardinal. I take a lot of pride in being part of the team and it has been a privilege. Coach Mannor, it was fun having you as a coach for my first two years and thank you for all your support. Lenny, thanks for making sure I get a lot of practice on breakaways and in rebound. Coach F, I only hope that one day you go on a long vacation because God knows you deserve it. Jay, I am glad you are back behind the bench and thank you. Coach Haupert, Thank you for everything. Donny, I appreciate all your help on and off the ice. You have done everything in your power to make me a better goaltender and a better intern. Lastly, I want to thank my teammates from the past and the present. You guys have been my second family. Whenever there are bad times in my life, I look forward to being with you guys the most. You will be the thing I miss the most about this game because you guys have made my hockey career the best time of my life. Enjoy the memories we have had together and good luck in the future. To the other seniors, Fleish, Andy, and Cullum. It has been great playing with you guys and good luck with your future goals. Playing this game, for this team, is something I will cherish forever because it is a gift. God made me a goaltender and provided me with so much that I am overwhelmed. Thank you all for making these years the best years of my life. I will never forget these moments and the memories will live in my heart forever.