Journey VII marks the chapter where trust was earned.

By this point, the journey had already been shaped by opportunity, adversity, community, and growth. But Minnesota introduced a different lesson.

For the first time, major decisions carried long-term consequences.

An agent helped guide the next step. New opportunities appeared. A team was chosen hundreds of miles from home. Looking back, it wasn't the right fit.

The team was successful. The experience was valuable. But something never felt quite right.

Playing time was limited. Circumstances were difficult. Vehicle difficulties, wisdom tooth surgery, and the realities of daily life added new challenges to an already demanding season. For months, simply getting to practice and games required the help of teammates and people willing to step in, which was not a stress free experience on multiple levels.

The season demanded patience.
It demanded resilience.
Above all, it demanded relentless persistence.

It also became a lesson in trust.

Trust in your own instincts.

The experience reinforced a simple belief that would guide every decision that followed:

Skate for a team that wants you.

Meet people face-to-face. Look them in the eye. Trust what you see, trust what you feel, and take ownership of your own path.

Looking back, this chapter marked the moment experience became wisdom.

Not where the journey started.

Where trust was earned.

Every location.
Every lesson.
Every chapter.

Every location leaves a mark.                  Every journey becomes part of the story.