"I’d like to talk to you all today about my path to the SHL, and share some of the life lessons I learned along the way. You might be wondering how some 3rd round SHL’er could possibly offer you any advice. What I want to share with you today isn’t about how to make the SHL, but what it takes to achieve your dreams or goals. You see, no one will give you anything. Nor does anyone owe you anything. You need to work hard if you want to find success anywhere in life. Half-ass effort yields half-ass results.

I was an unknown heading into the SMJHL draft, and my draft position showed it. Passed up by nine other teams and finally taken in the 4th round, it was a huge hit to my pride. I felt unwanted, that I wasn’t good enough. I pushed through that mentality though, never gave up, and listened to the advice from management and veteran players. The result? A very successful rookie season that saw me near the top of my draft class in points. I was also invited to represent my country at the WJC where I was able to help bring home the Gold medal.

Then came the SHL draft where again where Edmonton calls my name. I am now a prospect for the Blizzard, one of the top franchises in the SHL."