Dear Editor
I'm writing this today as I look around what has been my room for the past two years. It looks the same as it did when I came here, no clothes hanging, no mess on the floor, bed made. What it does hold though, in contrast to the first time I walked in the door, is a junior A hockey career full of memories.
When I was first traded here I didn't understand the buzz about how much fun junior hockey was. Because of the people I've met and had the honour of being surrounded by since that day I now know, and wouldn't trade my time here for the world.
To my billets, Florence Matlock and Trevor and Charlene Rask (Bonnyville) - a sincere thank you for giving me a place to call home and treating me like one of your own. You've been one of the first to offer support when a game didn't go as planned, and also been there to congratulate me when it did. I can't thank you enough.
My roommates Ryan Kearns, Dillon Currie, Tanner Quinn and Jake McMillen have been my best friends for the last three years and you all played an integral part in making it all such a good memory.
In my time here I have also been fortunate enough to be able to have worked for the Kramer and Craig families. What you guys did for me made a huge impact. Your support of the team and flexible hours to work around hockey requirements certainly didn't go unnoticed. I would like to extend a very appreciative thank you.
I also owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the coaching and training staff. Kevin Hasselberg and Blair Atcheynum along with Riley Campbell were always in my corner fighting for what was best for me, although I didn't always see it at the time. I can see now what you had in mind. Michelle Beatty and Dale Jackson have been tremendous in helping me with whatever equipment and injury needs I have and I am honoured to call them both friends.
My girlfriend, Bailey Meagher, has put up with me the last three years. With erratic schedules and taking the backseat to being in the gym and at the rink almost 12 months a year, I really do thank you for putting up with it all the time and still being supportive of me.
My parents and family have given constant support and encouragement as well as a kick in the pants every now and then that helped me more than you know.
I certainly have to say thanks to all the guys I've had the pleasure of calling teammates in my time as a junior hockey player. What I'll miss the most is being surrounded by you guys every day, all day and the bond that it created.
Two people who really helped my time here as well were Mike Feeney and Trent Cey. You always gave me the gift of good press and that is something I can't thank you enough for. The only thing I appreciate more than that from you was your friendship.
The entire North Stars board and Northwest Hockey Development deserves huge thanks as well for all that they have done, it is certainly appreciated.
Last, but not least, the people of North Battleford and the fans of the North Stars - you ultimately made my junior career so much fun. It was a pleasure getting to play in front of the best fans in the SJHL.
That concludes my junior career. The thanks I have given in this letter are from the heart and I really can't get across how much it has all meant to me, but I hope you understand.
Kenny Chesney says it best in one of his songs - "It was my life and it was fun, another season of my life is done. Another race I'm glad I got to run. Another chapter of my life is over."
Thanks again and yours in hockey,
Connor Creech
