"I'm a Lover, Not a Fighter...But I'm Also a Fighter."

"I'm a lover, not a fighter...but I'm also a fighter." That's one of my best friend, Bergen's, favorite quotes.  And now I can live by it and use it too!  He loves to use that quote when we're wrestling, trying to prove who is more tough.  I know...it's weird, but that's what teenage boys do, and I'm going to cling onto my teenage years for as long as I can.  Forever young.

But seriously.  I am a lover, not a fighter.  Everyone knows that.  My nickname is Teddy for God's sake.  I remember when I first came to this team, our assistant coach asked me if I had a nickname.  I told him kids in Bismarck called me Teddy, and he said, "Oh that's gay.  You need a new nickname."  But it has stuck because it fits me well.  I'm a nice guy.  Off the ice.  That's why I think it was a big step for me to drop the gloves and show my team and my coach and myself what I'm willing to do to lead.  It definitely was a big step for my confidence as a player.  Now, I know if anyone messes with me or cheap shots me, I can stand up for myself and stand up for a teammate.  I'm not going to fight just to fight, but I might fight when my team needs me to.  My coach told me that I need to become a player that's tougher to play against, and I think I'm taking strides in that department.