Time to reflect upon and give thanks for all the blessings in my life.

I am thankful for UMass hockey’s first win of the season.

I am thankful that Jack Parker did not feel it necessary to do everything he could to get Mike Pereira to join his brother on Comm Ave.

I am thankful to have a senior captain goaltender in the same year that he has so many inexperienced freshmen in front of him.

I am thankful that the future in net looks bright with Jeff Teglia between the pipes for three years.

I am thankful that the team is finishing strong in games and outscoring opponents by four goals in the third period.

I am thankful that UMass hockey, with four different players putting in time in the NHL this season, continues to establish itself as a program where players can develop for the next level.

I am thankful that all those WCHA teams missed out on AJHL talent Branden Gracel.

I am thankful that UMass had the most players on the Hockey East All-Academic team because after all, that’s what it’s all about.

I am thankful for whatever it is that makes T.J. Syner the fastest player in the league.

I am thankful that the UMass penalty kill completely shutdown Vermont on Tuesday.

I am thankful for the opportunity to experience Wisconsin hockey at the Kohl Center next month.

I am thankful for the quiet defensive dependability of Doug Kublin.

I am thankful that UMass isn’t the only team in the conference experiencing growing pains this season.

I am thankful that UMass plays in the best hockey conference in the country.

I am thankful that Derek Kellogg’s crew has gotten off to such a good start.

I am thankful for Toot recruiting fast, exciting players suited to the big ice of the Mullins Center.

I am thankful for Stoney at the Hangar for bringing in such great beers from around the world for me to enjoy with my wings before each and every game.

I am thankful that Hockey East hasn’t decided to implement shootouts (again).

I am thankful for continuing to find ways around the new, unfortunate $10 charge to park in the usual Mullins lot.

I am thankful to spend Thanksgiving in Western Mass, which I consider home despite growing up between the north shore and Colorado and now living on the south shore.

I am thankful the Dan Hawkins era is over in Boulder.

I am thankful that my UMass degrees helped me find a new job this year that is much better than the one I had.

I am thankful for the cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee that I start each day with.

 I am thankful to not only have a wife that allows me to travel all over New England and the country watch hockey, but enjoys doing so herself.

I am thankful for all the other great UMass hockey fans I’ve met over the years.

I am thankful that in two days I get to be in the Mullins Center to watch yet another UMass hockey game.

Happy Thanksgiving UMass hockey fans!