A letter from Jun 19, 2024

Dear Future Me, I'm writing this letter to you as I wrap up Grade 10, with two years left until the end of high school. These next couple of years will be the most challenging yet, but also the most defining of my journey so far. I have an incredible opportunity to chase my lifelong dream of becoming a professional hockey player. But it's going to take a level of commitment, sacrifice, and determination that I've never had to summon before. My singular focus is getting you to the junior A level by earning a contract with either the BCHL or USHL when you graduate Grade 12. Playing at that elite junior level is the clearest path to my ultimate goal of a Division 1 college hockey scholarship and eventually going pro. I need you to give everything you have over these next two years to make that dream a reality. Sacrifice sleep, fun, relaxation - whatever it takes. Embrace an insane work ethic and show unwavering discipline in your training, preparation, and competition level every single day. While hockey is undoubtedly my biggest priority and obsession, I don't want you to neglect academics either. Keeping your grades in the 80s or 90s is crucial for getting noticed by NCAA scouts and coaches. Our family has made so many sacrifices - financial, emotional, and otherwise - to help me chase this hockey dream. I need you to appreciate them even more and not let them down in the classroom. Prove that you can excel both on the ice and academically through your dedication. Right now, as I'm writing this, I feel a mix of anticipation, motivation, and if I'm being honest, some anxiety too. The next couple of years are going to be an absolute grind, unlike anything I've experienced so far. But that internal fire and hunger to make it as a pro is burning hotter than ever before. I'm all in on this path - no regrets, no excuses. Hockey is my obsession and playing at the highest level possible is my singular driving force. When I envision you at the end of Grade 12, I see someone who has completely transformed themselves into an absolute hockey machine, both physically and mentally. The countless hours of training, the self-discipline, the commitment to studying video and getting every extra rep in - it will all pay off. I picture you being utterly dominant on the ice, leaving everything out there every single shift. Most of all, I see you holding that official junior A contract, knowing that all your relentless hard work allowed you to beat out the competition and earn your way to that level. The biggest lesson I've learned lately is that true excellence is never just handed to you - it has to be earned through a daily process of pushing yourself to the limit. Complacency and cutting corners are the enemy. You have to constantly find new ways to get better, stronger, and gain every possible edge over your competition. Another key lesson - surround yourself with people who will push you, motivate you, and hold you accountable. Negativity or toxic influences must be eliminated from your circle. To be honest, a lot of my favourite things right now are still pretty simple - hanging out with the guys, playing video games, watching hockey highlights and analyzing the pros' games. But my absolute favourite thing is just the feeling of being on the ice, working on my craft. That's where I find my ultimate joy and inner peace. Don't ever lose that pure love for the game, no matter how intense things get over the next couple of years. I'm proud of the strides I made this past season, earning more ice time and responsibilities. But that's just the start - a tiny glimpse of my potential if I put in the work. In two years, I desperately want you to be able to look back with pride at the sacrifices you made, the commitment you showed, and the way you left it all out on the ice every single night in pursuit of your dream. Bring a championship mentality and mindset everywhere you go. I also hope you can be proud of maintaining excellent grades to keep all your college options open. My biggest current struggle is pushing through mental and physical fatigue when I feel like I've reached my absolute limit. It's that tempting voice inside that wants to take shortcuts, make excuses, or be complacent. But I need you to understand that you can only make exceptions in your training, preparation, or academics if you want to separate yourself from the pack and reach the elite levels. Complacency and a lack of commitment is your biggest enemy. Future me, I need you to bring an unstoppable attitude and mentality over these next two years. When you feel like quitting or coasting, I need you to dig deeper than you ever have before. The sacrifices are going to be immense, but they will be worth it when you achieve your dream of playing junior A hockey. I have complete faith that you will find that extra gear and do whatever it takes, no matter how gruelling the process gets. Embrace the pain, the struggles, the failures - because they will only make you unstoppable in the end. Our family is behind you every single day with their unwavering support - make them proud. I'm counting on you to show everyone what you're truly made of. This is our time, our moment - leave absolutely no regrets and make it happen! Be the best, Your 10th grade self