A New Chapter and a Final Farewell

It's been a hectic week for my girlfriend and I, to say the least. Early last week, I was offered what I can honestly say is a "dream job" as the Director of Media Relations & Broadcasting for the Vancouver Giants, a team I grew up with and followed from their inaugural season. Going from the smallest market in the BCHL to the largest market in the WHL will be a massive adjustment, but it's something I couldn't possibly pass on.

So ever since I was given the news, I've been scrambling to get my life and priorities in order, before I officially start in my new role on July 16th. The apartment search is complete, the boxes are half packed and the loose ends are half-tied. Now I have just one week left to re-arrange everything I'll need to change before the move, finish packing and say my final good-byes.

I just want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone that made these past 4 and a half years in Merritt the best of my life. As a big-city kid growing up, it was definitely a culture shock and a big adjustment coming to Merritt, but the city and the people grew on me quickly. Some of my best friendships were forged here, and I met a great girl I've been with for 2 and a half years in this town.

And of course, this is where it all started for me. Everybody needs that first big break to help them get started and ultimately realize their dreams. I got that in 2008 when I was finishing up my internship with BCIT, and former Cents broadcast Keegan Goodrich made a jump to Swift Current in my final days as an intern. So I have to thank Q101 station manager Elizabeth Laird and former Program Director Brian Wiebe (now with BCIT) for taking a chance on me and giving me that first opportunity that everybody craves. Without their faith in me, who knows where I'd be right now, or if I'd still even be in this industry.

My 4 and a half years in Merritt have been a great learning experience for me. I've made my mistakes and taken my punches, but going through it has been invaluable, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I want to sincerely thank everybody that has helped me through it all and supported me along the way. You know who you are. But whether you like me or my broadcast, if you listened, if you read my blog, I thank you. This industry is a lot of work (much of it behind the scenes) and we do it all with the hopes of an audience. So again, thank you.

As far as the Centennials themselves, this team will have a permanent place in my heart, and I will forever be a fan who keeps tabs from the sidelines. The Nicola Valley Memorial Arena is one of the coolest rinks I've seen in my life. It's got an aura about it that can't be matched, and the atmosphere that you fans created there during these past playoffs is something I'll always remember. I wish this franchise, its management, fans and volunteers nothing but the best for decades to come. GO CENTS GO!

Alex Grebenyuk