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2015

   2015 was one of the hardest years I've ever faced. Lots of people didn't know how bad it was. I had friends and teammates parents die tragically and medically. I had to play down to AA hockey instead of AAA because of medical bill for dad's cancer increased. Kids that I played with at Stars elite are now NHL Draft picks, D1 kids, and played high level juniors while I had to work for a title I couldn't keep. Had one of the worst season with that AA team that the coach didn't want me and a person wrote me to sit the bench. I was top 5 in points, but playing just a shift a period most games. They even messed up the roster during nationals and label me as a goalie so no scouts talked to me except to jokenly ask why am I a goalie playing player?
Dad's Cancer that year almost took him, multiple ER trips in the middle of the night, ambulances and everything, and going to MN to fix his chemo. Mom had to work 4am shifts at Albersons to keep us a float. I drove my sibling and myself to school, practices, church and did homework somehow and was planning to graduate early that year. My reality looked like I had to be ready to be the man of the house. Sooo much more emotional stories, people and events transpired that year but McKinney High School hockey saved me and my love for the game.

    God truly blessed our family and protected all of us during that year. He provided just enough and built up an unshakable faith with our family. Machy, Archy and the rest of my McKinney teammates kept my head straight and playing for the love of hockey and to have fun. Forgetting everything going on. We won a hard fought tournament and our 1st ever state title against a stacked team with a line of Star Elite players. I have a photo that I love that a random photographer caught the moment before breaking down and weaping after celebrating with my team. I felt peace and release in that moment and connected with God that had this all planned and controlled.

   I also met Gary Steffes that year by accidentally staying after an Allen American game and learned about FCA Hockey to understand that I play for God and not myself. Searching and Findings my Identity, to use my faith through my circumstances and platforms to glorify Jesus and his sacrifice to save EVERYONE from ALL sins. I am about to now start my 3rd summer internship at FCA Hockey to spread stories like this and to help people going through an unimaginable pandemic and hockey LITERALLY being stripped from kids and adults. LIke the Apostle Paul, sticking to the ship God has planned for you, even when you think and know your going to crash you life apart, Because God will keep you and bless you abundantly more than you ever imagined staying on that ship.

   I chose to not remember the bad and ugly that the devil put in my life to kill me- But the love of God, his humor, purpose for my life. Now trying to get around COVID to play NCAA D3 hockey and studying to be a orthopedic/pediatric doctor at Anna Maria College. Researching, I'm the first player from Odessa, TX to play D3 hockey and plan on playing for as long as I can.

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