Happy Mother's Day, Mom

I was fortunate enough to grow up with a mom who cared more about me having fun on the ice than worry about how I played.
She was a huge supporter of mine from Day 1, but not in the hopes of me turning hockey into a career or a scholarship to a top college. All that she worried about was that I was having a good time with my friends, playing the game I loved.

I can't remember a time she got worked up or yelled over how a game went, a penalty or me not getting my share of ice time. But what I can remember are hundreds of times throughout my hockey career she told me she was proud she was of me, and being the one I can turn to when times got tough. Unfortunately, that's not always the case, and I've seen it first-hand.
There are parents out there who want the best for the kids - as mine did - who didn't always show it in the right way. I was lucky enough to have a mom that wanted the best for me, but also who showed it in a positive way. She pushed me to get a lot out of hockey, but made me enjoy what I got out of it just as much as what I put into it.

I don't think I appreciated how much she - and my dad - sacrificed themselves to allow me to play hockey. Whether it was early morning drives to practices before school and work, the financial commitment a family makes to play the sport, or taking vacation time to travel to tournaments in Canada and Michigan during summer breaks, as I've grown older, I have a different outlook on what that was like for them.
I'd be lying if I said my brother Ramsey and I were angels at home. We'd play hockey on roller blades in the garage and no doubt dented some walls along the way. I can remember times we skated inside on our hardwood floors. Our house was always filled with friends, and while there were rules to follow, she let us all be kids, and in turn, we became better adults.

My mom is the person I think of first when it comes to my biggest moments in hockey, especially as a professional. She was who I sat next to in Pittsburgh on June 22, 2012, when my dream came true and I was selected by the Rangers in the NHL Draft.
Who got the first hug when I stood up? Mom.
I'll never forget walking into the greenroom after my first NHL game and finding her and my dad there waiting for me. She's been at my side for my whole career, and to this day she texts and calls me after games, not to critique, but to encourage like she always has. Those moments are the things you remember, and the ones that help the most, especially when things aren't going the way you want them to.
My mom did whatever it took for me to pursue my dreams of being successful playing hockey, and for that I thank her.
Happy Mother's Day, mom. I love you and thank you for everything you've done for me, and for supporting me with everything I've wanted to do. I hope I'm still making you proud.