New Beginnings

It was made official Tuesday. I turned in my keys, packed up my stuff and drove away from Monteagle Ridge for the final time. Just like that, coaching at Niagara University was over. No hugs, no personal goodbyes, no fanfare or media attention, just a quick meeting with HR. Eight months on the job that sometimes flew and sometimes felt like an eternity came to an abrupt end. It's a business, that's how it goes.

It wasn't a season to remember, but it afforded me opportunity to get back to the Division 1 level, now as a coach, and continue chasing my dreams. You want to be able to walk away knowing you did all you could and invested all that you have into building relationships and developing quality student-athletes. I have done that at NU, whether it was skill sessions, game planning, or recruiting, so I walk away with my head held high. Thank you to the University, administrators and support staff. Thank you to Burky and Ethan. Every day was an opportunity to learn from you guys, talk hockey and life, and battle to get some wins along the way.

Thank you to the players for persevering. You stuck with the process through really tough times. You showed me passion and desire especially this spring. I know it was tough, but I was energized watching the work, whether it was an empty gym at 6am or a snow covered hill with the sun just rising. It is often the things no one sees that prepare you for success. Believe in what is possible and chase it relentlessly.

Outdoor game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh vs Robert Morris. 
Tough loss but what a cool experience! 2/26/17

The most common question I get is "What's next?" It's as if in the coaching world when you lose your job, you will never be around the game again, or perhaps it's just people feeling sorry and not knowing what to say. I respond with something like, "on to the next job" or "working hard at finding the next opportunity." I, like any other employee in this world, hope to keep a job for as long as I want it and leave on my own terms. Until Tuesday I had always done that, so this is a new experience, one of many I have had over the last 2 years of college coaching. I am fortunate to have a great network of friends and colleagues in our business. Persistence, passion and hard work, along with a friendly bounce along the way, and Lord willing we'll have that next opportunity.

The life of a hockey coach isn't going how I drew it up, but it is offering a lot of opportunity to learn and meet people along the way. For now, it is also giving me some free time. This is time to follow some other passions (reading and writing) and recharge for what is to come. It will hopefully lead to what will also become new beginnings for my career, and Tara's and my life together. At the end of the day, we just trust things happen for a reason and the right doors will open.

A closing word. Thank you to those of you who have reached out and shown your support. Your friendships and kind words are treasured, and give Tara and I continued confidence we will land on our feet. Here's to exciting times ahead!

mf