Final Thoughts From the Booth

I've put off writing this blog post for as long as I could.

Sometimes, when a good thing ends you don't want to accept it, so you put it off for a while but eventually you must face the music.

In this case, I'm speaking of my time as the University of Central Oklahoma hockey broadcaster.

Looking back on my final season, and the two previous years prior to this one, I can't help but think of the fond memories I have of my time with the bronze and blue.

But as I faded out the mics for the final time, I was left with some thoughts on the future of the UCO program. I won't bore my readers with a long list of stories and memories, but here are a few final thoughts from the broadcast booth.

Prospects are Bright:

The UCO Bronchos are in good hands with their coaching staff and current roster. When I watched the Bronchos miss the playoffs for the first time in three years the one thing that stuck out to me was that the program was stocked with young talent. Sadly that young talent didn't come together in time for the playoffs, but it is there none-the-less.

Freshmen like Donald Geary, Derek Mussey, Peter Ekholm, Anthony Knuth and Nick Holmes all show signs of being future stars for the Bronchos. If UCO could add some solid talent in this recruiting class, they'd be off to a running start for a return to the postseason.

An ACHA National Tournament in OKC may be more than a pipe dream:

One thing that could put the American Collegiate Hockey Association on a bigger map in the area is hosting a national tournament in the metro. In talking with people around the league as well as the UCO staff, it is quite evident that not only has the idea been passed around, but that there has been some serious thought to it. With the Oklahoma Sooners right down the highway, a national tournament in OKC is not out of the question. It would take a lot of support and work, but could go a long way in growing the sport here.


Class Act:

Lastly, before I begin to ramble, I would like to thank the UCO organization for being such a wonderful career launcher for me. But even more than that, the players and coaches have been close friends and family to me. I treasure the past three years and will always remain a Broncho for the rest of my days. I wish them nothing but the best of luck moving forward and know it is only a matter of time before the bronze and blue win it all.

Chomp 'em up Chos!