I can’t believe this book made it onto bookshelves! I suddenly feel the urge to go out and buy a tweed jacket and an ascot. Let this be a lesson to everyone—if I can do it, ANYBODY can do it. That will bring an end to the motivational speech portion of the program. Obviously, writing a book doesn’t just happen, and now that I’ve gone through the process I feel the need to thank those responsible for making this possible.
I’d like to thank my agent, Brian Wood, for taking a chance on a couple of no-name non-authors. I’d like to thank Penguin Canada for believing in the Journeyman story, with a special thanks to Nick Garrison, our editor at Penguin, for his unbelievable patience and understanding in helping us bring the story to light.
I want to thank my co-author, Dan Murphy, for continuously and relentlessly mocking my hockey-playing ability and for helping to illustrate the fact that I’m mentally weak. Just when I thought I couldn’t put myself down any longer, Dan was there to pick up the baton. Seriously, Murph, this book wouldn’t have happened without you. I would consider it an honour and a privilege if you gave me the opportunity to repay the favour and make a mockery of your life.
To the boys (John Cummings, Darcy Mitani, Steve Roll, Chris Hancock, and Chris Pronger), thanks for our childhood. I wouldn’t change a thing. Thanks for not letting me take myself too seriously, because my illustrious career would never have happened if I did! But most of all, thank you for your friendship.
I need to thank Big Jim and Eila Pronger, aka Mom and Dad. I wish I had the words to convey my gratitude for all that you’ve done for me. If only I were a writer. Thank you both for all your support and for allowing me to find my way. As you both know, it wasn’t always pretty!
To my beautiful children, Kaia and Vann, thank you for showing me what’s truly important in life. You guys are my inspiration, and I hope this book shows you that if you find your passion, believe in yourself, and stick with it, anything is possible. However, due to adult language, you won’t be reading this for a while.
Lastly, I want to thank my beautiful wife, Marnie, aka Mrs. Journeyman. You are my psychiatrist, psychologist, chef, bartender, motivational speaker, ass-kicker, moving coordinator, realtor, etc. If it weren’t for you there is NO way I would’ve lasted as long as I did. Thank you for your unwavering support and for making our journey an adventure.
Dan Murphy
I’d like to echo much of what Sean has written by first thanking Brian Wood for telling the two of us over and over that there was definitely enough content to write a book.
“Seventy thousand f---ing words, Brian, are you crazy?”
I guess he wasn’t.
Nick at Penguin, I’m sure we are responsible for any grey hairs on your head, so please pick up the phone whenever you need another supply of Just for Men. Seriously, thanks for helping us shape this story. We didn’t always want to hear your ideas, but they always pushed us in the right direction.
Sean, thanks for blindly jumping into this project like the idiot you are. We didn’t know what we were getting into, but the process was a blast because you made it so. You are a great friend, and of all the authors I know, you’re one of them. I just wish we could have made fun of Chris more.
Thanks to my parents, Jim and Rita, for all your support.
And finally, thanks to my wonderful wife, Christy, who encouraged me from the start. Countless nights I spent more time with the computer than with you, and yet you never complained. Thanks for your love and for always having my back.