May 7, 2012:

Dear Minnesota Hockey:

I recently had the honor and privilege of being named the 2012 Hobey Baker Award Recipient as the top men’s college hockey player.   Wow!  Just typing that sentence and reading it over and over causes all kinds of wonderful emotions and thoughts in my head.  But more so than anything, it makes me realize how fortunate I am to be from Minnesota, especially Duluth. 

I put my skates on for the first time in the warming house at the Duluth Heights outdoor rink when I was four.  And some of the other four year old kids that were putting their skates on for the first time next to me in the warming house that winter are still some of my best friends today, 18 years later.  We grew up on the outdoor ice rinks and then eventually the indoor ice rinks in the Duluth area.  My friends and I are extremely lucky to have been coached by so many wonderful people who instilled into all of us a passion and respect for the game.  I was fortunate enough to play in the state high school hockey tournament and eventually play for my hometown Bulldogs, being part of a memorable team that won the school’s first National Championship.  But it all started with the foundation that was built for me by the community hockey system that Minnesota has.

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