It's been a week since I signed off for the last time for the Cougars this season. A week has gone by where I haven't had to update stats, or go to training to get audio clips or do any game research and show prep...I miss it dearly. Here is some end-of-season notes and thoughts as summer comes to Prince George.

First off, to the viewers. To the parents, friends and fans who watched the games online...thank you. Talking loudly in public where no-one is listening gets you commited in some countries, so the fact that I had (at times) hundreds of you watching me (ok, there may have been a hockey game on too) made it all worth while. This whole broadcast initiative idea belongs to Trevor Sprague, who approached Allan Bristowe before last year's semi-finals against the Chiefs. Allan then approached me and we scrambled together a broadcast. That turned over instantly into this season and we grew from strength to strength. But it would have been nothing had people not watched, so I thank you for huddling around computer screens, or turning speakers up real loud, so you could watch and listen to your sons, brothers, cousins or friends play. I know it meant a lot to them, and the increasing attendance throughout the season meant a lot to me too.

To the parents...thank you for your comments (both positive and negative) about the web site, broadcasts and other areas of my involvement for the team. I debated with several parents this year about what information and how much information about particular players was broadcast and/or posted online, and positive or negative, it was always a great debate. I met a lot of really great people who I run into around town now and strike up conversations (some of you I run into far too often....Patty!). All of you made me feel part of the team, and that made my job of covering your kids a lot easier and much more fun.

To the league...you let me really run with this and create the template that will hopefully allow other teams to follow suit. Sean Orr and I debated and argued at length at times this season, but I think it made the product better. It's my hope that next season 1 or 2 more teams do broadcasts, and hopefully one day we can build up to having something like the BCHL or WHL. The passion for the teams and the history is there.

To my 'staff'...A huge thank you to James Rathjen who came and did camera for me this season. He came out and volunteered his Saturday nights and Sunday mornings to look into a 3-inch display and hear me ramble...truely a thankless job! Also, Richard Gagnon who came out and did camera or our game marking program. Both of their efforts made my job so much easier, and I can't thank them enough. Also, to Jerome LaMarre, Tyler Sabourin, Harjas Grewal and Shawn Fomanoff, all who wore the colour commentator's headset this season and did stellar jobs. Carrying a broadcast is tough to do on your own, and the quality of our shows increased because of their efforts and time.

To the coaches...thank you for answering my questions, for including me in meetings and helping in making everything work. James and Chris are argueably two of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, and their passion and dedication for this program is first class. Despite not having a clue how I do it, nor a genuine interest in learning, both were genuinely interested in the success of the show, and ensuring that I had what I needed to succeed. Even after big losses, they always asked how it went and how many people were there.

To the players...I'm pretty sure that most of you were terrified when we announced what we were doing. Especially those on the team last year, who got through without really having to answer questions (bar the odd story that CKPG did), and here was this guy who was going to terrorise you every week! You all did an astounding job and I hope you learned as much as I did. A few have hinted at maybe wanting to work on their interview skills...I'm available if they want practice. Those wanting to pursue hockey careers, it only gets worse from here! I'm quite certain that Tyson Witala is looking forward to never speaking with me again!

To Andy...Andy consistantly had far better things to do than to answer my questions or open doors for me to get equipment, but he still did it. He was instrumental in making sure we had the right equipment to do what I needed to do, and his devotion to this team is pretty much second to none (except MAYBE Trevor's). No-one can thank him enough for what he does for this team!

Finally to Trevor...Trevor's dedication and passion to this program is astounding. He spearheaded this whole web site and broadcast thing by insisting this team had the best. His work ethic and devotion inspires others to achieve their best, which makes this program the best one in the league, and better than many BCHL and WHL programs. Like Chris and James, even after big losses, Trevor inquired about the success of the show, he routinely fed me information on players and upcoming events that helped me do my job. He repeatedly told me how happy he is with the web site (using some classic Trevor-isms which aren't appropriate for this site) and the broadcast, and that motivation helped me produce better shows and work harder for the team.

This has been the best experience of my professional career. I came in feeling very awkward and not knowing where I stood, but everyone listed above, and many more people, have made me feel right at home. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of the last 7 months and the amazing ride this team has had. The ending wasn't what we wanted, and if I had it my way, we'd be preparing to entertain Alberta's finest next weekend and booking plane tickets to the Maratimes...but instead some Vancouver team stole our trophy and banner. Let's get it back next year!