Before I crash on the night of my 29th birthday, I just wanted to take a few minutes and thank everyone for following me on Twitter, Facebook and right here on The Goalie Guild. Many of you make positive comments on my work, and it really does mean more to me than you could ever know.

Ever since I was very young, education was an integral part of my life. I went to only private grade schools, Jesuit college preparatory high school of Dallas, and then attended university to get a degree in technical journalism and broadcasting after just a few weeks of playing junior hockey.

I was realistic about my future as a goaltender, and although I dreamed day and night of playing professional hockey, I was 100-percent content with the decision I made coming out of high school.

I took my college studies very seriously. I knew the importance of getting an education, earning a degree and utilizing it to enhance my skills in today’s business-oriented world. The fact I was still able to play college hockey in the ACHA was a huge accomplishment for a kid coming out of Texas, especially one that didn’t even start skating until he was 12 years old.

I love to give back in any way that I can. I donate a lot of my time, energy and money to Hockey Fights Cancer through my Quest for the Crown charity hockey tournament. It zaps a lot of my energy, but I’m passionate about fighting cancer and promoting the NHL’s most important fight.

But having this opportunity to live out my passion for goaltending by educating others on a daily basis is seriously a dream come true. I don’t know why it means so much to me, it just does. It’s deeply rooted in who I am as a person and a man who is passionate about education.

Things happen in everyone’s lives that were simply meant to be. You know these moments inside and out and they are fresh memories that never fade away. You know how influential they are in your own mind and you know how they help lead you down the path that is your lifelong profession.

I have so many of these influential moments that are tied to goaltending (especially Chris Osgood) that I know I’m right where I was meant to be. The only truth is in my heart and I am so fortunate to be in a position to blaze a trail as an independent goalie scout. It’s the most important position in hockey and the most intriguing, graceful, acrobatic and awesome position to watch in all of sports.

It simply never gets old. And I’ll never get “burned out” because, well, that would have happened many years ago. In fact, things just get more intense. My passion is growing as time goes on.

A lot of people think I work too hard. A lot of people thing I’m a little too obsessed with goaltending or that I watch or play too much hockey. But in today’s society, one that is rife with materialism, conflict and unhappiness, just being able to do what I love means more to me than anything else.

I say this to my family and to my closest friends as often as I can - please don’t worry about that. I’m not a slave. I’m not an ounce unhappy. I write fast. And even though it looks like I do a ton and I’m always working…it’s not really work if you’re having fun.

Earlier today, I sealed the deal on one of the most exciting accomplishments in my professional career. It will be announced on Monday, and I can’t wait to take this next step in my duties as an independent goalie scout. I wish I could say more, but you’ll find out soon enough.

Thank you all for being such great readers, followers and friends. Thanks for making my 29th birthday a very meaningful and happy one! 

Please remember that I’m always available to answer your questions or talk goaltending with you. I am never bothered or too worn out or too tired to talk about goalies. I have an unquenchable thirst to educate others about these infinite topics. For through education, I am also learning. And there will never be a time in my life where I will feel like I know everything about goaltending.

We, as human beings, have the power to accomplish anything we want. Our brains are incredible biological and psychological tools that can be used to advance and enhance our lives. Use it to become what you want and to accomplish goals you never thought you’d reach. Learn something new every single day and spread that knowledge to others.

Dream a dream and wish a wish - one that will never fade or finish.