An Open Letter of Thanks to the Peoria Mustangs

     I'm a pretty lucky guy. I have the best job in the world. I get to broadcast hockey for the Peoria Mustangs and I absolutely love it. I plan on moving back to Minnesota (yep. 19th Ave.) after graduation, which means this will be my only year with the team. So as I am preparing to call what will likely be my last game (or games depending on how well we do) with the Mustangs this upcoming weekend, I wanted to be sure to take the time to thank the people who have made this a truly great experience for me. That said, this post will be a giant Thank-You note to those who made these last six months incredible, joyful, and unforgettable.

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To Kyle Lewis-
     Kyle, I will never be able to thank you enough for putting me in contact with Paul about the opportunity to be the play-by-play broadcaster for the Mustangs. Working with the team has brought an incredible amount of joy to my life, and has helped me realize that hockey broadcasting is what I would like to do for a living. This entire post wouldn't be here right now if you hadn't pointed me in this direction and referred me. Wherever my career will end up taking me, I got my start here in Peoria, and I owe that to you. Thank you.
 

To Paul Wayvon-
     Paul, from Day 1, you believed in me as the right guy for the job this year. You trusted me to run the broadcast, troubleshoot if things went wrong, and supported me in every way. You gave me opportunities to help the team and make an impact in the organization. The first time I stepped into your office at Bradley, I had no idea what I was getting into. I was a kid with a dream of being a sportscaster, and you made it possible for me to live the dream. For the rides to games, your trust and belief in me, and the opportunities to help out along the way, I am truly grateful. Thank you.


To Ortie, Klu, Hammy, Dustin, and Giacomo-
     Like with Paul, I never felt there was a moment when I didn't have your support. Whether it was giving me feedback on my broadcasts, insights about the team and how things operate, or the many laughs and smiles along the way, I feel like I have grown as a broadcaster because of you all. Thank you.


To the players-
     You boys are some of the greatest people I've met. You work hard and play harder. Whenever I walk into the Owens Center on Game Day, you're there greeting me with smiles, laughs, kind words, and occasionally a chirp or two. When I was gone at NBC, you were Tweeting at me to see how I was doing, and that means a lot. I'm proud of the work you guys have done to win the Central Division this year, and the work you're continuing to do in the playoffs. It's a joy to get to watch you play. You welcomed me in from the start, and you have really made me feel like a part of the family. Thank you.


To the Fans-
     The Mustangs have the best fans in the NA3HL. Whether you're watching in person or at home, you cheer loud, bleed blue, and love this team. From a personal side, the support and encouragement you have given me throughout this season pushed me to do even better, and has made me realize that broadcasting, specifically hockey broadcasting, is what I want to do for a career. I continually hear from Paul, Rose, and even from other fans your words of praise, and it is always uplifting to get that kind of encouragement. Thank you.


To Cody Lefkowitz-
     Halfway through the year, you joined me in the broadcast booth. I knew once I had you up there that you were the right guy to take over play-by-play next season. It's been great to work with you and have you as a color commentator. I know you'll do well next year and make the broadcasts even better. I'm looking forward to having you back in the booth this weekend. Thank you.


     I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the Mustangs are more than just a team; they're a family. I feel truly blessed to work with such a great group of people. Win or lose, there's never a bad day at the Owens Center and it's because of the people who are there. It has been a pleasure and an honor to be your play-by-play man this year. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.

-DB