I began as a forward from age 3-9 yrs.

At hockey practice as dad watches on.

At 10, I convinced my parents to allow me to try playing goal with 5 games left in the season

The following year I got my first set of gloves.

My first full season as the only goalie, age 11.

My first year making "A" in Bolton, Ontario.

This was my first set of "cool gear" in my second year playing "A" in Bolton.

Practicing my stance in the hotel during a hockey tournament.

Making the "AAA" in Richmond hill was a huge step. I made it on my third try as a 14 year old going into High School.

Two years later I made a Tier II Junior team. Burlington Cougars. I got lucky. The starting goalie was 20 years old and had a season ending injury in the first week of the season. I ended up playing all the games and was even named to the all star game. This was an important step because I started getting attention from OHL scouts. I was 16 years old.

"The Happiest Day of My Life". I was drafted 44th overall to the Sudbury Wolves OHL. I started feeling like I had a chance to make it in hockey. Photographed with my grandfather Murray"Moose" Valiquette who played for Toronto Maple Leafs farm team in St. Michaels Majors and my dad - nice shirt bro!

My first year as lead goalie coach at Jim Park.

Checking out my new free gear from the Sudbury Wolves. Big day for my dad as he no longer had to pay for equipment!

My second year in the OHL. I am 18 in this photo. GREAT MULLET!!

My point of ignition! I was drafted by L.A. Kings with the 1st pick on the 8th round. I put a smile on for the picture, but I was angry I was drafted so late. My work was cut out for me.

Play fighting with my dad. He would always say "I have to make you tough". I usually won and after I broke his leg one year that ritual ended.

Getting traded in my final year of OHL hockey was a blessing. I had a fantastic coach in Dale Dunbar and we had an outstanding run at the end of the season 16-0-2. L.A. Kings took a pass on me and I eventually signed my first NHL contract with the New York Islanders for 3 years . I was 20 years old.

Here we are making up!

Mom always took me to the rink. Always positive and never interfered with my development. Hockey was always fun and that is why I never gave in when I was cut.

A year later March 16th 2000 I played my very first game in Atlanta and won. I was also named first star of the game. All I could hear repeating in my head was "it was all worth it".

My mom is also a fantastic photographer - she made me a poster one year and encouraged me to dream big!

Without a doubt all my training with "Sudsie" got me there. Sudsie helped me with my skating above all else. Skating is the most important skill a goalie has to perfect to give themselves a chance to play.

Here is Roberto Lovongo in his first year of pro hockey. Although I was two years his senior he taught me a lot about the game.

Trying to break my Dad's concentration in pool. To this day he has never beaten me!!