Hockey came into my life when I was eight or nine years old when I was given my first Mylec Ultra Curve and a red, white and blue mesh practice jersey.

I’d spend the hours after school and every summer day firing shots on my side street with that stick and its replacements over the years, denting garages, annoying neighbors, the usual.

While so many things have come and gone—schools, friends, girlfriends, houses, other girlfriends—hockey has constantly been there.

Since college I have worked for a New York hockey writer who gave me my first locker room access, written for MaxHockey.com, and interned with the ECHL in communications.

In the past two National Hockey League seasons, I have written feature stories for the New Jersey Devils.

My enjoyment of other sports had gradually worn away as I’ve realized nothing else can really compare.

Hockey is the reason I’m here.