What a whirlwind year.  From the very beginning, even before getting drafted every interaction I had with scouts and GM’s was immensely positive.  Looking back now I definitely had my best pre-draft interview with QCC and I am so glad they decided to choose me with their 2nd round pick.

Joining the team I really didn’t know what to expect. Would I be competitive? Would I help my team? Would I even play much?  From the first few pre-season games it became clear I was up for a trial by fire introduction.  Playing on the top line with veterans and expected to put up points . . . 

The pre-season saw a slow start for me, only putting up points, a goal and an assist in the final two games. But the whirlwind was just picking up speed.  Getting my first point in my first game did wonders for the confidence and going 3 and 0 to start the year made ya feel like you’d never lose a game.

In my fourth game I finally got my first goal.  Scoring against one of the best goalies in the league, Elvar Gil-Galad, made it especially sweet. Special thanks to my teammates for celebrating my first goal with me after the game even though we couldn’t get the win.

The season ground along and at times tried to grind us up with it.  But our team leaders never let our morale waver.  Getting the team together for regular “game nights” to have some fun away from the rink and helping often and enthusiastically with our training tasks.  Special shout out to NaomiMannequeen . . . saved my skin more than a few times.

The Playoffs were . . . short.  Far shorter than we would’ve liked. But opening post season play with 2 goals and an assist in the first game brought a little of that “This team will never lose again” vibe back.  Tallying 5 points in our 6 game battle with Kelowna feels good, but I know that the team needs more and I think I can do more. 

Next season I want to prove I belong on the top line and become a deadly scoring threat while rounding out my defensive game. I am also very much looking forward to welcoming in a new rookie class and helping them in as many ways as I can!

QCC will rise again!


*Bonus first goal photo