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This weekend you (the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays) took to the ice in the MDCHA playoffs. I have coached the team for the past two years. Unfortunately, when I took the job in Richmond, I had to no longer be involved as much as I had been. I couldn't travel to practices, obviously, but since the games were on the weekends, I was able to finish up coaching the games. This weekend our season came to a close, as we lost in the semi-finals, and the end of the game was pretty emotional for me, though I tried not to show it.

Despite the trials and tribulations involved in being your coach, I will really miss coaching you guys. While the team had every different type of player and personality under the sun, it was enjoyable to try to bring you all together to form a cohesive unit. Sure, I made mistakes. I feel that, in all honesty, those mistakes taught me more about being a leader than any job I have ever had. If I had the ability to stay on as your coach, I surely would. Some people don't understand why I would love coaching you guys so much. While I really enjoyed my playing days at Richmond, I believe that I'll probably remember the two years as your coach much more fondly. That's not to say I won't remember UR, but helping to build a program, like I was involved in at JHU, is rewarding work. It makes you feel like you are actually making a difference. Maybe you guys won't look back and remember me being the best coach, but I hope you learned something from me. I certainly learned a lot from you.

Getting paid was a bonus (although with the travel, it was probably necessary). If I could get paid a full-time salary for coaching this team, I would do it in a heartbeat. This truly was the best job I've ever had, and I will miss it a ton next year. I never imagined that hockey would become as much a part of my life as it has in these two years, and I'll find it very hard to let go. Everyone wants a job where they feel like they contribute, make a difference, and where they want to do the best they can. I wanted everything for this team, not for my own pleasure, but because I truly thought they deserved it. Hopefully, now that I'm leaving, the team is in a better place than it once was.

So, Blue Jays, know that I will miss being your coach. I'll miss the friendships that have developed, and I'll certainly miss making you do suicides after bad games. I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors, and to all of you - thank you for your hard work and for putting up with me. Seniors, I hope you can look back on these two years with fondness. I will always keep track of how this team does.

Thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to coach you. It truly has been a pleasure.