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A lot of things have changed since the last time I talked to you guys and it all happened in the span of probably two weeks.

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I left on Friday morning from Vancouver to go to Minneapolis to visit St. Cloud State University. I had a surprise when I got on the plane because my uncle had me moved up to first class and it was excellent. The Assistant Coach met me and we waited for Aaron Brocklehurst to arrive from Victoria before we headed to St. Cloud State. I really liked the campus because you could get from one end to the other in 10-15 minutes. I loved the Olympic size ice, the dressing rooms and workout facilities. The coaching staff spent a lot of time with us that weekend. I had the opportunity to attend a university baseball game on Saturday. In the evenings we had some free time to spend with some of the players from St. Cloud. They are a great bunch of guys and we had lots of fun. I left Sunday morning to return home.

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My parents met me at the airport. They informed me that I had been traded to The Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Vancouver Island. I was the future consideration player that was to be named at a later date in the trade for a 20-year-old goalie that the Eagles felt they needed for the playoffs. I was shocked at first but then I remembered that Rick Hillier was the Head Coach there. I’ve known Rick for years and really admired and respected him as a coach so I became very excited about going there and playing for him. Port Alberni has fantastic fans and should have an outstanding team next year with the players that are returning.

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I had the opportunity to go to Game 7 between Vancouver and Calgary a few days later plus got to meet up with Rick at the game. The meeting went really well which made me feel even better about the trade. Well, the next day I find out that Rick had been released as Head Coach. Again, I’m a little disappointed but very anxious now to find out who is going to be the new Head Coach and have an opportunity to talk to him. The Port Alberni organization has been communicating with me on a regular basis and has told me they are very excited to have me there next year.

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After all this, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Bruce and Randa Rielly, Ryan Thorpe and Tim Kehler for giving me a chance to play in my hometown. I’m a little sad that I will be leaving Surrey because that is where I started my junior career and I will miss the guys and the loyal fans.

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I have now played two games of roller hockey. Our team is playing in a men’s league in the gold division. I have had seven goals in two games.

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Next week I will be attending Global Sports Scouting Hockey Showcase in Langley. What is a bonus is that I have a friend coming up from California to stay with us who I played Junior B hockey with who will also be attending the Showcase. I will have the opportunity to play with Kyle and my younger brother, Garrett on the same team. I have also been informed that I have been selected to play in the two prospect games being held in the Surrey Eagles home arena. I will have another opportunity to display my hockey skills for the attending university scouts.

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In my next journal I will let you know how Global went, who the new Head Coach is and how my training is going.

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In reply to Harry from St. Cloud, Minneapolis, how did your visit go to St. Cloud and when will you make your decision on a college?

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As I stated in my journal above, I really enjoyed the campus, players and coaching staff.

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As to when I will make my decision on which University I will be attending, I still have four more fly-downs to take before I make my final decision.

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In reply to Danielle from B.C. on what was the best thing about playing for the Eagles?

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Probably the best thing about playing for the Eagles was my teammates. They were a great bunch of guys who will be friends for life. I also loved playing in my own hometown in front of friends and family.

Be sure to keep sending in your questions to me and I’ll answer them in my next journal. Thanks for all the support I got in some of your e-mails and if I didn’t get to your question this time, send it in again and I’ll try and get to it next time.