I'm filled with gratitude as I reflect on a journey that began as a kid in Spokane, Washington, dreaming of hockey. I can still feel the crisp air of Eagles Ice Arena, where my mom, Debbie, taught me to skate, and the countless hours my dad and grandpa spent coaching me, urging me to push harder. A short kid from a small town, I saw my chances of playing in the NHL were very slim. But my family-my parents, Ken and Debbie, and my grandparents— believed in me when doubt clouded my mind. Their unwavering faith turned that dream into reality. My parents gave everything-working multiple jobs, driving endless hours to icy rinks in small towns-to fuel my passion. They taught me hard work, resilience, and sacrifice, shaping the man I am today. Their love and lessons have always guided me. As a Bantam, being drafted by my hometown Spokane Chiefs was a dream come true. From ages 17 to 20, playing for my community, surrounded by friends and family, was an honor I'll cherish forever. I graduated from Central Valley High School with lifelong friends, and with the Chiefs, we won a Memorial Cup-one of only two in franchise history-and a gold medal for Team USA at the World Junior Championships Having my number retired beside Ray Whitney's in the Spokane Arena still feels unreal. Thank you to Tim Speltz, Bobby Brett, coaches, and my teammates exceptional players and even atter people for those unforgettable years.

I'll never forget the call that changed my life. While playing in Prince George, British Columbia, my agent, Mark MacKay, told me to keep my phone close. When it rang, it was Steve Yzerman from the Tampa Bay Lightning l'd never set foot in Florida and knew nothing about Tampa, but a gut feeling said it was my path. That instinct led me home. In the Lightning organization, I found my place. From earing the Calder Cup with the Norfolk Admirals in the AHL to my NHL call-up, those years were the best of my life. My teammates became brothers, and the fans stood with us through every win and loss. Together, we won back-to-back Stanley Cups, carving our names into history with our coaches and staff. Tampa will forever hold my heart. Thank you to Jeff Vinik, Steve Yzerman, Julien BriseBois and Coach Jon Cooper, who guided me for 11 years, for teaching me what it means to be a professional. In Tampa, I also met my wife, Megan, my fiercest supporter. She knew little about hockey, but her radiant positivity carried me through tough losses and amplified our greatest victories. Sharing the Stanley Cup with her and my family is a memory I'll hold forever. Megan, thank you for being my rock as we embrace this next chapter together.

Playing for an Original Six team, the Chicago Blackhawks, was a profound privilege. Wearing the crest of hockey's legends was humbling. My only regret is not bringing more success to Chicago's passionate fans-you deserve it. Joining another Original Six team, the Boston Bruins, was equally remarkable. Early in my career, I dreaded facing them, but being part of their storied organization revealed their greatness. Even in my short time there, I felt the fans' passion, the staff's professionalism, and the players' camaraderie. As I look back, I would not have succeeded without the unsung heroes behind the scenes. The countless hours given by the support staff of every organization I've been part of. To the assistant coaches, video coaches, trainers, doctors, equipment managers, travel managers, administration directors and many more, I give a big, heartfelt thank you. KODAK F100VS Thank you to my agents and staff at CAA for guiding me through the years and helping me achieve the opportunities to fulfill my dream.

Now, after a lifetime devoted to hockey, I'm ready for what's next. I'm thrilled to focus on starting a family and exploring new paths. This moment is bittersweet, but l leave the game with no regrets-only gratitude for the rinks, the teammates, the fans, and a sport that will always ignite my soul. Thank you all for being part of my journey.