Alexander Fern
As the bus carries me back to St. Cloud from a difficult weekend in Kalamazoo, I find myself not saddened by the season's end, but grateful. Grateful for the depth of my love for this 3-year experience, a love so profound that the absence will be keenly felt.
This season has undoubtedly been challenging for everyone connected to Huskies hockey – fans, players, coaches, and broadcasters alike. Balancing personal life with the demands of this honor has been a constant struggle, though I strived to keep those challenges from affecting our broadcasts.
Personally, this year has been a mental and physical trial. Weight gain and a dip in self-confidence have been significant hurdles. However, the Friday and Saturday nights of hockey season offered a welcome escape, a chance to immerse myself in the joy of broadcasting, and a chance for me to use sports as an escape from a terrible outside world.
There are many people I owe thanks to, and I want to begin with the most important: my faith.
Over the past year, I've struggled with my faith, and I am profoundly grateful for God's unwavering efforts to guide me from those dark places. I am blessed beyond measure with a wonderful family, supportive friends, and countless other blessings. My parents deserve special recognition. Their unwavering support for my broadcasting dreams, despite receiving little tangible return, has been extraordinary. Whether it was enduring late-night game calls from Denver or traveling to St. Cloud and paying for tickets to watch me broadcast, their dedication has been boundless. All four of my parents deserve far more appreciation than I express.
I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to the SCSU support staff: Jim Gray, Dan Seeger, the late Jo McMullen, Andrew Melroe, Holly Schreiner, Jacob Sanders, Jim Erickson, Geno Parrish, Dave Reichel, Nick Maxson, and the entire live-stats crew at the Brooks Center. Your positive impact on my career has been immense. You went above and beyond for a student broadcaster, and your kindness is deeply appreciated.
To the fans and listeners of KVSC’s broadcasts over the past three years, I hope I succeeded in conveying the essence of Husky hockey. A special shout to Bill Prout, GOHUSKIESWOOOO, and Giselle Velazquez for being beacons of positivity within the often-negative online SCSU community. You represent the best of St. Cloud State.
Finally, to my broadcast partners: Zac Chapman, Max Steigauf, Gavin Nelson, Collin Rutkowski, Joey Hudson IV, Sam Roering, Blake Theisen, Jake Bedell, Kyle Ginsbach, Elise Strecker, Carl Goenner, and Brian Moos. Our time together has been truly enjoyable. Each of you contributed to our broadcasts and helped me grow as a broadcaster. You are all destined for great things, and some of you are already achieving them.
Once again, I am not as sad as I am grateful. Of course I will miss the road trips with Brian, the pregame interviews with Coach Larson, the cold walk through the practice ice to the slow elevator ride to the press box, and, most of all, the privilege of bringing Husky Hockey to your ears. I don't know what the future holds for me, but know that I will always be a Husky.
For the final time, I urge you to do good, be good, and go out and see the world.
Sincerely,
Alexander Fern.
