Turning 15: A New Year and New Responsibilities

I turned 15 on January 11th. 1.11.11 has always been a pretty cool birthday.

This past year taught me a lot, and as I step into another year, I feel grateful more than anything. Grateful for my health, my family, my teammates, and the opportunities I’ve been given. Not every year goes the way you expect, but I’ve learned that every year has something to teach you if you’re paying attention.

Turning 15 also comes with new responsibilities. One of the biggest is learning to drive. That’s exciting, but it also makes me think more about trust, accountability, and making good decisions. Being given more independence means being more aware of how your choices affect not just you, but the people around you. (Check out the pic below as I got my drivers permit today!)

This year has helped me understand that responsibility isn’t just about what you’re allowed to do. It’s about how you carry yourself. It’s about effort, respect, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

I’m thankful for the lessons I’ve learned on and off the ice, and for the people who’ve supported me through challenges, setbacks, and wins. I’m also grateful for the time I’ve spent with my family, especially moments that slow life down and remind me what really matters.

As I look ahead, I feel excited about what’s to come. I know there will be challenges, but I also know I’m more prepared than I was a year ago. I want to keep growing, learning, and becoming a better version of myself.

Today isn’t just about getting older. It’s about recognizing how far I’ve come and being thankful for another year to keep moving forward.

Here’s to being 15, taking on new responsibilities, and making the most of the year ahead.

Looking Ahead: What I’m Working Toward in 2026

A new year always feels like a reset.

As 2026 begins, I’ve been thinking a lot about who I want to become, not just as a hockey player, but as a person. This past year taught me that growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you challenge yourself, stay curious, and are willing to step into things that feel uncomfortable.

This year, I want to keep pushing myself in every way I can.

On the ice, my goal is to keep improving, not just physically, but mentally. I want to understand the game better, make smarter decisions, and continue learning from every situation, good or bad. I’ve learned that effort, preparation, and attitude matter just as much as talent.

Off the ice, I’m focused on challenging myself intellectually. I want to keep learning, asking questions, and finding ways to grow beyond what feels easy or familiar. Whether it’s school, creative projects, or new ideas, I want to stay open and motivated to improve.

I also want to continue growing spiritually. Taking time to reflect, be grateful, and stay grounded has become more important to me. It helps me keep perspective when things get busy or stressful and reminds me what really matters.

One of my biggest goals this year is to finish my second book, Gear Up, Dry Out. I’m hoping to have it published by Easter, and I’m excited to keep building stories that share lessons about responsibility, teamwork, and taking pride in the little things.

More than anything, 2026 is about growth. Choosing challenges that push me forward. Setting myself up for bigger opportunities. Learning from the process instead of rushing the outcome.

I don’t know exactly where this year will take me, but I do know this. I want to look back at the end of it and be able to say I worked hard, stayed focused, and became better in ways that matter.

Here’s to a year of growth, effort, and taking the next step, wherever it leads.

Happy New Year.

(I had this post scheduled for January 1st, but it didn't post as scheduled unfortunately-so here we are a month later, same goals but a little closer to where I hope to be.)

A Christmas Reflection: What This Year Taught Me

This Christmas feels different than any other.

When I look back on this past year, I realize how much has changed and how much I’ve learned. At the start of the year, I was dealing with something I never expected. An injury that sidelined me and forced me to slow down. At the time, it felt like turmoil. Hockey was taken away, my routine was gone, and I had no idea what would come next.

But that time changed me.

Being off the ice taught me resilience in a way I hadn’t experienced before. I learned that growth doesn’t always come from pushing harder. Sometimes it comes from stepping back, being patient, and finding new ways to improve. Watching film, studying the game, and learning hockey from a different perspective helped me understand it more deeply than ever before.

Slowing down also gave me something really special. Time with my family.

I spent more time at home, more time talking, laughing, and just being present. I’m especially grateful for time with my extended family, including my Pap, who inspires me in so many ways. My passion for scuba diving comes from him, and that experience has taught me lessons I carry with me every day. Earning my advanced scuba certification in October challenged me to stay calm under pressure, trust my training, and be patient even when things feel difficult. Those lessons apply to hockey and to life.

This year also opened my eyes to the importance of giving back. Working with the Golden Future Foundation and seeing firsthand the needs in our city changed how I see the world around me. Witnessing the impact of kindness, generosity, and community showed me that helping others is one of the most meaningful things you can do.

Somewhere along the way, I found myself writing a book. What started as reflection turned into action, and that project reminded me that even tough moments can lead to something positive if you stay open and curious.

Looking back, I realize that everything I learned this year started with a moment I thought would break me. Instead, it shaped me.

This Christmas, I’m filled with gratitude. For the challenges, the lessons, the people who supported me, and the opportunities I’ve been given. I’m thankful for hockey, for family, for growth, and for the chance to keep learning.

As I look ahead to 2026, I’m excited. I don’t know exactly what’s coming next, but I know I’ll carry these lessons with me wherever I go.

Merry Christmas, and thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey with me.

2025 Recap