I was born in Swift Current, but grew up and played my first hockey game on an outdoor pond in Stewart Valley, Saskatchewan. My family has a grain and cattle farm out there where I spend a lot of time in the summer. Growing up, I pretty much worked the farm every day and I guess you would call me a professional gofer. I’d get ordered to go for this or go for that, but I liked it. I used to do a lot of hay baling and drive the tractor around the farm, which was fun for sure. I definitely like going back and helping out, but I’m not sure if farming is what I want to do after I’m finished playing hockey.

My father was a true hockey dad and he gave me plenty of hockey talks. Depending on how I played, the ride home could feel like a very long journey. He knew the game and was critical when he needed to be, but he also pushed me when I needed a push.

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