A lot of people have asked me over the years, why do you play? Is it to move on? Is it to make a living from the game? Is it for the status? Regardless of who asked these questions my answer has always been the same; because I love to.

   When I was 17 years old, I made a difficult decision, with the help of my family, to leave home and try and pursue every young hockey players passion. Since I've started my junior career, I have played with, for and against some very interesting people, most of which I've taken experiences from. To me, that is whats so important about the game, not the accolades or awards, but the people you meet while playing. The fact of the matter is that wherever you play, you're part of a brotherhood and share a bond with each of the players, coaches and staff members that will never be broken.

   Most of these lessons and experiences I've acquired over the last few years is what has made me the person I am today. Ive been fortunate enough to play for great coaches and staff that have not only taught me how to be a better player, but also a better person. It all really starts in my rookie season when Keith Stewart and Jeff Grimwood who gave me the opportunity to start playing the game at the junior level. Its because of their decision that has allowed me to grow and develop in the GOJHL. Additionally the coaching from Dan Fitzgerald, Adam Wallace, Brandon Shaw, and Ryan Clarke provided me with the tools to be the best player I can be on the ice. They entrusted me with being a leader of their team for two seasons, and that was an incredible experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

   While in Cambridge, I had the opportunity to play and lead with some great players. I will be able to look back at my time in Cambridge with a smile simply based on the guys I laced up with every Saturday night at the “Galt”. I have to say, it was a special group of guys that I enjoyed playing with. You never know where you're going to run into teammates down the road, its always exciting seeing someone move on in the game or on a different path. The shock of not having a team anymore impacted a lot of us, however, opportunities come and go and you have to adapt. Today, its different now playing against them. Players like Liam Hurley, Mat Mercier, Ryan George are just a few examples of guys I had the pleasure of playing with last year, who are now making impacts with other teams in the league.

   As unfortunate and untimely as the folding of Cambridge was, I am a believer that everything happens for a reason. I was absolutely humbled when I signed with the Elmira Sugar Kings after their historic Sutherland Cup victory. Being a part of such a prestigious organization is always exciting and makes you put things into perspective. The Sugar Kings organization is full of people who want to succeed as bad as the players do. Our coaching and management staff gives each of the players the opportunities, experiences and tools to be better people and players. I could write another “In My Own Words” piece on my experiences with the staff in Elmira, as they've already provided me with so much already. The truth is, coaches like Trent Brown and Managers like Jeff Snyder aren't common. They understand what it takes to be successful, the importance of unity and how to be a good person. The passion they put into the club is contagious, and you can see that from the players all the way down to the volunteers. Elmira truly is a special club and place to play, theres always so much to look forward too.

   Transitioning to a new team is often difficult for most players. So when the time came for me to join the Sugar Kings, I have to say, I was nervous about playing with some guys I had battled against for two seasons prior. One day you're going to war against someone and the next, you're sitting next to them in the dressing room, its funny how that works. Household Elmira names like Ethan Skinner, Tyler Biles and Jeff Jordan who were once the opposition, are now friends. On the other hand, I grew up playing with Matt Murray and Tyler Mazzacato in Northern Ontario so I had some familiar faces to look forward to as well. Similar to the coaching and management staff, the players in Elmira are also tough to come by. Its a special group that really gets you excited about coming to the rink every day and working for each one of them. I'm excited to see what will come of this season with the amount of potential we have in the dressing room.

   There is too much to say really. What I have shared here only scratches the surface of what an absolutely amazing experience I've had living and playing in the 519 area. These positive experiences stem from parents, coaches, players, billets, and volunteers. You simply cannot thank them enough for what they do for you on a daily basis. If theres one thing to take away from this, its that hockey is more than just a game. Its more than just showing up to the rink. Its about the people who are there with you during the process and those who you share the game with. You never know where the game will take you or what lies ahead. You can only control so much, so why not control how you approach the game and the people in it?

Matt MacKay - November, 2017