Farewells of all kinds.

Well, the verdict is in: I've been accepted into IUPUI's sports journalism master's program. I've also signed a one-year lease for a studio apartment in downtown Indianapolis. Although I'm nervous about leaving my family and friends, I'm so beyond excited. After two years of feeling frozen in place, I am ready to get a fresh start. I'm ready to learn, exercise my mind beyond these blog posts, and be on my own again. I can't wait to get started on the next chapter of my life and be one step closer to my dreams.

However, whenever something good happens, the universe keeps me in check by throwing a proverbial wrench into my happiness. Without the bad, you wouldn't recognize the good, right? It's the sweet up and down.

The bad in this case deals with my beloved Penguins. On Friday, general manager Ray Shero cleared some cap space and traded two Penguins: Zbynek Michalek (to Phoenix) and, one of my personal favorites, Jordan Staal (to Carolina).

I would be lying if I said I didn't cry. Not only was Jordan one of the league's best defensive forwards and a force to be reckoned with on the penalty kill, he was also a fan favorite. He played a significant role in the '09 Cup run and melted hearts everywhere with his blue eyes, cleft chin, and sod-farming physique. No one will ever forget his patented goal roar or his blonde Amish playoff beard.



I understand why Shero had to trade Staal. After Jordan rejected a 10-year, $60 million offer, I knew he wouldn't be re-signed. Jordan deserves more ice time and credit than he has received in Pittsburgh behind two of the world's greatest players, Crosby and Malkin. Shero's hand was forced to trade Staal when the return was at its greatest. That was now. Unfortunately for Staal, "now" also happened to be his wedding day. So, he learned of the trade during his own wedding reception, surrounded by eleven of his now-former teammates. Yikes.

The Penguins walked away from the deal with two-way center Brandon Sutter, a first-round draft pick, and a defensive prospect. Although I reminded myself that Jordan had a choice and will now be playing alongside his big brother Eric, I walked away from the deal with wet cheeks, a body pillow, and a gallon of cookie dough ice cream.

So, farewell, Jordan. I wish you all the best in Carolina and thanks for the incredible memories, especially this one.



The fact that this post had more to do with a hockey trade than a monumental moment in my life proves to me that I'm choosing the right career path.