My Story
Mound-Westonka schools truly do provide great opportunities to each of their students, but many students don't realize just how great. They also don't realize how much extra work it takes to maximize their opportunities both academically and athletically. I was raised to take my studies seriously and work to get good grades, but the effort I put forth into my hockey career was under my own volition. I was cut from several of the Minnesota Hockey spring festivals in my 15, 16, and 17 year old tryouts. I turned this disappointment into motivation, as I realized that I was never going to play college hockey by relying on talent alone. I began training outside of what was typically expected of us, which was to participate in the high school hockey summer training progam (STP). I skated an additional two times per week, and added in two workouts each week under the guidance of a trusted trainer, Lenny Vannelli. This all happened before my senior year at MWHS, and undoubtedly led to the opportunities that followed. I managed to make the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the USHL the following season, and was recruited from there to play at Yale University. I never would have been admitted to play at the prestigious institution had I not taken care of business in the classroom during my high school years.
The reason I tell my story is to get across two very important lessons. The first lesson is that all of these great opportunities are accessible to Mound-Westonka athletes, they just have to actively decide to do what is necessary in the classroom as well as on the ice, field, or in the weight room. The second lesson is this: by putting forth the necessary effort in all areas, and making the necessary sacrifices, you can use your athletic career as a vehicle to take you to places you have never dreamed of. The "sweat equity" I have invested into my hockey career has directly resulted in the following: two successful seasons in the USHL, earning all-rookie team honors in 2014, a gold medal at the World Junior A Challenge, four varsity letters in division 1 college hockey as well as an Ivy League championship, a bachelor's degree from Yale University, and I am now playing in my sixth season of professional hockey. It has given me the opportunity to travel all over the United States, as well as Ireland, England, Newfoundland, and Denmark where I spent a full season, and won a league championship with the Aalborg Pirates. The realization of how lucky I am, and the gratitude I have for my journey has ignited the passion to help young athletes realize their dreams. This is why I hope you elect to work with me so I can share my knowledge, and help your athlete maximize their potential.