With everything that has happened since 11:30 AM on Monday, June 27, I apologize in advance for the length of what I'm about to write. Many of you have already been made aware of this - my brothers and closest friends for sure. But there are SO many people whom I just cannot reach other than through this message, and for that I do apologize. I tried to talk in person to as many as I could.
I'm writing to inform everyone that Hershey Entertainment & Resorts has made the decision to eliminate my full-time position with the company as of June 27. I obviously cannot answer any whos, whys, whats, or anything - and I may never be able to. All I can do is move forward once I get back to my office to lock up for the last time.
I have heard from so many people in the last 48 hours that I simply cannot keep a phone battery charged enough - and that has meant the world to me. I have had offers of help, ears to bend, golf to play, coffee to drink, lunches to eat - the list goes on and on. Trust me, I will take you up on these offers! And it is that kind of love and friendship that has kept my spirits higher than ever.
Whether I continue in hockey remains to be seen. I certainly thought I found my life-loving career, and I do hope another opportunity arises. But with my options wide open, I will see what lies ahead and look forward to the challenge.
There are definite rough hours of the day and night. Until it happens directly to you, I cannot describe what a gut-punch such words of "eliminated position" can be. But I move on with hope and gratitude, thanking each and every one of you - co-workers certainly included - from the bottom of my heart for your patience when I arrived, through five seasons of ups and downs, and through a recent near-get of that 12th Calder Cup. Thanks most especially to my loving family and friends for the support as well... I can only hope I made everyone proud.
Thanks so much for listening, following and hopefully staying with me. It has been an honor and privilege to carry on the torch carried by many voices of the Hershey Bears.
-Scott