Born in small-town Gasport, NY, I grew up in a farming community and learned to appreciate hard-working blue-collar Americans. I grew up following the greats like MJ and Jerry Rice, but always put Buffalo sports first. The first Super Bowl I can remember was XXV, Scott Norwood and the Bills' first taste of defeat on the nation's biggest stage. There would be more to follow. I religiously follow the Buffalo Sabres as well, and was heartbroken for months after the infamous "skate in the crease" game in the Stanley Cup Finals.
I played hockey, basketball, football, baseball, soccer and golf growing up, and any other sport involving a ball and the outdoors.
I attended the United States Naval Academy after high school where I earned a B.S in History. I played club level hockey and various intramurals. I graduated in 2007 and pursued a career in naval aviation. I earned my Naval Flight Officer wings in 2008 and currently reside in Oak Harbor, WA with my wife and black lab, Stella.