Matt's Jr. Trappers Blog - Farewell!

Jr. Trappers defenceman Matt Weisensel offers his insight in "Matt's Jr. Trappers Blog." Today, the Calgary native says farewell. Enjoy it!

Well what can I say now that this season has come to its completion? The taste was bitter and depressing at first, knowing that you will never play with some of these guys again, but as the days went on I found myself thinking how grateful and lucky I was to have spent this year with a great team in such a great hockey town. The hockey was fun and the fans were fantastic! I know my teammates and I had a blast this playing in front of the best fans in Ontario.

There is no doubt in my mind that the team will stay in touch over the summer, maybe even a party here or there.

Although the year has ended earlier than expected so many things have been gained by myself individually and also the team as a whole. Lifelong friendships have been made; relationships that will support and encourage you through whatever tough times lay ahead. Our hockey skills have been tested and developed gradually throughout the year to mould us into better players. Most of us living away from home have learned to take care of ourselves and take on the responsibilities of everyday life. Fundamental skills like teamwork, leadership and public relations have all significantly developed and improved, not only with hockey, but the community events we took part in.

Playing hockey here has helped me mature not only into a stronger hockey player, but into a young adult. I am still learning of course, but not every kid gets to experience something like this and I was just happy I got to spend this milestone of my life in such a beautiful town. The life skills we learned this year will undoubtedly help us through the remainder of our life wherever we go.

I’m not saying any of us could live on solely on our own yet because I know the billets here in North Bay treat us pretty well and if they haven’t heard this already then

“The Trappers thank you all so very much for without you we wouldn’t have survived a week!”

Just a great big THANK YOU to all of the fans, I wish we could have gone farther this year, but it just wasn’t in the cards. To Dr. Wolfe and staff at Chiropartners, THANK YOU for putting up with all us annoying hockey players and always finding room in the schedule to squeeze us in. To all the North Bay multimedia (web, TV news, radio and paper), we appreciate your coverage of us and your unconditional support.

There are simply too many people to thank, North Bay is a gorgeous town populated by kind, neighbourly people and I hope to come back again soon. For now, bring on the summer sun, I’m off to Calgary! One last THANK YOU goes out to all readers, have a great off-season!

GO! TRAPPERS! GO!