After playing hockey for well just about twelve years, I decided to hang up my skates when I went to college. To say it was a surprise to my parents would be an understatement. At first they did not understand it at all. They wanted me to continue playing as long as I could because they said "You are too good to quit now."

Lets just get a few things straight right off the bat. I was not "too good to quit now." I think I was pretty good, but no where near as good as some players around me, especially at the next level that I would have to play, college. So, I decided that enough was enough, and since then, I have only suited up a handful of times.

I have absolutely loved that decision ever since I made it.

I now have so much time for other things like hanging with friends, getting school work done, and even writing for The Odyssey Online. Not once have I truly regretted not playing hockey.

However, I had to stay involved in the sport I loved. That's why I have been a referee for the past seven years, and I plan on continuing that for the years to come. It is a perfect source of income without taking up too much time. Up here at school I can ref a few men's league games a week and keep a solid cash flow coming in without sacrificing countless hours of my life. Not only this, but it's a complete blast to be out on the ice with a different perspective. I get to mess around with all the guys, but still have the power to take control of the game at a seconds notice. It really is the best of both worlds for me.

I am almost ready to progress into yet another light of the sport, coaching. I cannot wait to start coaching once I get out of college. My goal is to coach high school where I graduated from. Luckily for me, my coaches have already hinted that when I am ready, they will help to work me in to the program. That was honestly the best news I got out of high school hockey. After my senior year banquet, I was pretty much set on not continuing my playing career, so when I heard that news I was exciting beyond belief. Now I cannot wait to get behind the bench with them and grow in yet another aspect of what I believe to be the greatest sport ever.

Without the love and support I have gotten from family, friends, and coaches, I would not be in the position I am today with hockey. I am successfully officiating games all the time, and already have a possible coaching gig lined up for when I am ready and out of school. I could not have asked for a better outcome from all my dedication to the sport I love the most.