Hey everyone,

It has been awhile since my last blog and that is mostly because I am running out of ideas for things to write about. So, please if you have any ideas or things you would be interested about, don’t be afraid to pass along suggestions.

A lot of people have asked me why I missed 3 years of hockey during my pro career. So here it is in a nutshell.

My professional career started at the age of 20 when I spent majority of my rookie season between the Los Angeles kings and their minor affiliate the Manchester Monarchs. It was a bit of a slow start in the minors with having to earn ice time and proving that I could be a top 6 forward. Things worked out the way I worked so hard for them to and I finished the season averaging 1 point per game in the AHL with 44 points in 44 games and I was fortunate enough to play in the AHL All Star game. My time in the NHL, that year was 17 games with 2 goals and 2 assists but 3 of those points coming from just one game. It was a game where I was finally given the opportunity to play more than 6 minutes and also in several powerplay situations. Im a big believer that, in order for someone to succeed they have to be given the opportunity to do so. Some rise to the occasion and others buckle under the pressure, but at least you were given the chance to try.

The following season I was excited to crack the LA Kings roster as a full time player and not just as a call up. Before the season even started I was injured in a fight with 108kg player (at that time) Shane O’Brian in a rookie tournament versus the Anaheim Ducks. It was a good fight until the linesman came in and I stepped on a stick, slipped and fell with all of O’briens weight landing on my shoulder. Popping my shoulder back into place took 15 minutes and 6 doctors pulling my body in several different directions. It was the worst physical pain I had ever dealt with in my life. It was that day that I received the news that I would be missing 5-7 months of the season with a blown out shoulder and completely torn bicep tendon. Within a week I was under the knife getting shoulder surgery and 6 metal anchors put in place to hold my shoulder together. To this day I still have the 6 anchors and drastically less mobility in my shoulder. Thankfully I still have the ability to play the game.

WARNING::Following are some graphic pictures of the inside of my shoulder during surgery


(Metal anchors used to build my shoulder)


(anywhere you see red or pink is a tear)

After the injury, I found the window of opportunity for me to chase the NHL dream became less and less. I was a young guy with basically one good arm and a risk to potentially have that same injury. Who would want to invest in a guy like me (young and injured) at that time? Having less and less of an opportunity to prove what I was capable of became very unrewarding and my passion for the game I have loved all my life became almost non existent. Playing through the constant pain of my shoulder and not having a chance to play much really forced me to make a decision as to whether or not risking my health for a limited opportunity was worth it anymore. At that stage in my life it wasn’t. I made the choice to step away from hockey and focus on providing myself the opportunity for a brighter future by going to school.

Lots of other things went on throughout that time too, but Im not going to get that deep into it and point fingers. During that 3 year hiatus I was very fortunate to find a few Doctors who could help me get more mobility in my shoulder back, allowing me to play the way I always have.

I am very thankful for the 2nd chance I have been given to resurrect my hockey career and it took years, days and hours of hardwork with a great support system of a loving family and group of loving friends. This life will never be taken for granted. Never give up on chasing your dreams, and be appreciative that you have the ability to do so.

Have a great weekend everyone!!