I grew up in Greely, Ont. Playing my minor hockey for the Gloucester Rangers.

After my minor midget year with the rangers, I was drafted to the Kemptville 73's as a 16 year old.

After being drafted by the 73's I managed to find my way back home to Gloucester in a trade.

Right away, I felt more comfortable being in Gloucester and in my first year with the rangers, I had a successful year on a successful team, recording 54 pts and my development as a player continued to progress into the following season. The following year, I was lucky enough to be named captain to a young team. Although, we didn’t have as much experience as the previous year, we were a young team that competed hard every night. After the Christmas showcase, I committed to play for the Northeastern Huskies, a Div 1, hockey east school. I was extremely excited and honored to be playing on such a well-known hockey program that plays in arguably the best division in college hockey.

While playing Junior Hockey for the Gloucester Rangers, the coaching staff really encouraged the NCAA route for players. The college route made the most sense for me. Being a late bloomer, I didn’t grow until my 18-year-old year I felt like college would allow me to develop in junior and make the next step when I was ready. Not only was I going to be apart of a phenomenal hockey program, but I'd also be getting a great education at a very well known academic institution. The process getting to Northeastern required taking the SAT's and passing clearinghouse. Two things I suggest players to take as soon as possible. I waited until I was two years out of high school, which made the studying a bit more frustrating as I was forced to study the things that I had already covered in high school but had forgotten. So I highly recommend taking your SAT's as soon as possible, it will help in the long run.

I can't stress enough how fortunate I am to have been able to attend Northeastern. I am starting my senior year this year and can't even comprehend the things I've learned. Not only have I grown so much as a player, but also have grown up as a person. The college lifestyle really allows for you to develop into an adult. It's a very demanding schedule; in essence it's exactly like balancing two full time jobs. Time management is the most crucial thing I've learned at Northeastern. Making sure you get all your schoolwork done before the weekend games is a must. The weekend is time for hockey, and you don't want anything distracting you.

Looking back, I wouldn't have changed a thing. The route I took to get me here wasn't the easiest (being cut from several AAA teams) at the time it was tough, but how things have turned out, they're now just blessings in disguise. I am extremely thankful for my time in Gloucester, I was given an opportunity to showcase myself and the coaching staff trusted me to do that. I highly recommend for young players to give more thought into the college route, more and more players are being drafted from college every year. It allows you to get a degree, something that is extremely important in todays world and the exposure continues to grow. The memories and friends I've made throughout my three years at Northeastern will last a lifetime. They say the four years of college are the best years of your life, and I'm inclined to agree.

"We are very proud of Mike and all of his achievements. The Rangers organization wish him all the best in this his final year at Northeastern. Thank you Mike."