Farewell: Nitros Fan Blogger, Signing Off

Everything has a time and a season.

After covering the Dynamiters, and at times the KIJHL, for six seasons, it is time for this blogger to take a step back from the keyboard and social media.

Blogging about the Dynamiters since the start of the 2013-14 season has been nothing but a delight and a joy. There have been highs, and there have been lows, and there have been many learning experiences.

It has been an absolute pleasure to watch the Nitros make the KIJHL Finals four times, see Jared Marchi's number be retired, watch Jerry Bancks coach his last game, watch an alumni game, cover the Cyclone Taylor Cup in Creston, see the walkway be constructed all the way around the arena, and watch Derek Stuart continue the Nitros winning tradition, and so on.

It has been a delight to get to know the players, report on their current experiences with the team, and then follow up with them as they pursue university, college, or career pursuits.

It has been overwhelming the positive support and appreciation from fans, but in particular, the parents and family of players who have sent their young men to a different community, city, and province to play a sport they love. I have enjoyed being that bridge of connection and information.

However, during those six years, my life has changed. My children are growing and have developed their own lives. My own professional and personal pursuits have changed and grown.

As I noticed frequently this past season, my children, family, and work schedule came at odds with the Nitros schedule. It resulted in a feeling of shortcoming, but also a realization of the time that has gone by, and that everything has a time and a season.

So, it is at this time I say thank you to the Dynamiters organization, and the KIJHL, for their support and encouragement. But it is now time for me to bid adieu.

This is Josh Lockhart, I'll see you (less frequently) at the Nitros games, signing off.