Opportunities are all to often cursed by those who “never got an opportunity,” and never acknowledged by those who earn their own opportunities. Every time I hear a player say “I just never got my shot,” I think of my teammates from IONA college who were truly devoid of opportunity after our Division I hockey program folded after my Freshman season.

I, among several others, transferred to Manhattanville College a Division III school, while several Juniors were forced to give up their dreams of hockey to finish their course of study. I struggled at first accepting I was no longer a Division I athlete and it effected my play considerably. I was a healthy scratch for 11 games my Junior year, and I owe a huge thanks to my coaches for not giving up on me when I had given up on myself. My senior year I choose to play hockey and not worry about where I was playing and I improved immensely. Not to many Division III players were receiving pro contracts, but I managed, on the strength of my senior year, to receive a CHL contract .

I was again a healthy scratch the first 12 games of my professional career, but learned day in and day out and showed improvement. I ended my CHL regular season with 3 goals and 14 assists in 43 games played. I ended the CHL playoffs with 6 goals 6 assists in 20 games played. I, from the strength of my playoff run, was invited to the Detroit Red wings main camp, where I was so nervous I struggled to even keep my food down, but managed to impress enough to earn an AHL contract.

If you asked me to tell you where in my story I was given my “opportunity” I could not tell you. I guess I am still looking for it.