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Sunday, April 8, 2018

Reflections from a Coach

This past weekend the hockey world was shaken due to the tragedy of the Humboldt Broncos. It really hit hard for me as a coach at this level and the amount of times we are on the bus.  My heart breaks for all those affected by this. I grew up an hour away and went to my first SJHL game in Humboldt to see my moms cousin play when I was 5 years old.  I have friends who played for the Broncos. People say the hockey world is small and it is.  We have current players, recruits and alumni who played with and against some of these players who were injured and who passed away. We have alumni who played for Coach Haugan who was a good coach and an even better person.  I got to meet and talk with him over the years about players and I cannot believe he is gone. All weekend as a coach you cannot stop thinking about all the players who have played for you and have gotten on that bus with you. You cannot stop thinking about the families affected.  For all the people that are in that community who are in mourning. It is just so sad and heart breaking.

I have had the opportunity to ride buses for 3 years in juniors, 4 years in college and all my years of coaching.  As most players you ask, the bus is a place where you bond as a team.  It is where you watch movies, especially Slap Shot (over and over again).  The vets rule the back of the bus.  You get to know one another, get to learn about their goals, their dreams, and their families.  This is the place where my teammates became my best friends.   As a coach I might not get that as much but I still learn about players and their goals, their struggles, their triumphs, and their families. I love looking back and seeing guys together and becoming closer. It is a joy of coaching and seeing these kids turn into young men. It is where you get to see different parts of the country, or another country. The bus is a bond that all junior and college players have and one that most cherish.

This tragedy has really hit me hard and it has brought much reflection on my career in hockey:
Thank you to all my former coaches:
            I learned so much from you not only about hockey but about life. I am grateful for our paths crossing.
Thank you to all my teammates:
           So many good people and good times. I always gave my best and wanted to be a good teammate. I loved hitting the ice with you. It is great keeping in touch with a lot of you today.
Thank you to all my billets:
          You took me in to your home and I consider you family. I appreciate everything you did for me and the friendships made. 
Thank you to all the support people:
           All the people behind the scenes, the bus drivers, parents, faculty, staff, administration, management, scouts, trainers, rink personnel, referees, etc. Too many to mention but Thank you.
Thank you to all my Assistant Coaches:
           Words cannot do justice on what you mean to me.  I am truly blessed.  We have been through the good and not so good. I love all of you and thank you for being apart of what we are about here at Lumberjack Hockey.
Thank you to the Hockey Community:
            All the camps, clinics, coaches met, players met, people met through hockey, I am truly blessed. Lets keep promoting this game in a positive matter.
Thank you to the Bottineau Comunity and Lumberjack Alumni:
            Lumberjack Hockey and Bottineau have a special bond and that is because we care about the community and the community cares about us. Your support is very special. To the Alumni we want you to be proud of our teams and be proud you wore the Lumberjack jersey. 
Thank you to my family:
          The sacrifices made by them to do something I love is amazing. It breaks my heart when I miss concerts, games, and family time but thank you for understanding and for the support. Codi you are my best friend and all I can say is thank you and I love you. To my children Riley, Emma, and Ellee I am proud of who you are becoming and cannot wait to see you make a difference in the world. My parents for all the things you sacrificed so I could play the game I love.  All the driving, money spent, and the support throughout the years.  Also thank you to my siblings, their families and in laws as you have helped me become who I am.
Thank you to all my players who have worn the Lumberjack jersey:
          I consider you guys my children. Thank you for all that you have done for me growing as a coach and a person.  I need to say it more but I am so proud of you on the people you have become and are becoming.  You hold a special place in my heart and I love you all.  Thank you for coming to Bottineau and becoming a Lumberjack.

God Bless.

Long Live Those Lumberjacks!