The 2022 Rams Reflect is the seventh in a series of annual collections. Senior captains and representatives of Suffolk teams have been invited to contribute viewpoints based on personal experience from both their senior seasons and full varsity careers at Suffolk.
For a complete listing of past and present Rams’ Reflections, click here.
Maddy Burton, Women's Hockey | Hometown: Aurora, Ill. | Major: Marketing
To my teammates ...
I want to thank each and every one of you for being you. If it wasn’t for you guys, I wouldn’t be the player or person I am today. I have been here for three years, and each year was better than the last. The culture on the team was unlike any other culture I have seen or been a part of. This was a very special group with very different individuals who came together and embraced and accepted everyone's differences, which created the foundation of this program and the success we as a team have achieved so far. As coming into Suffolk as an upperclassmen I had a unique seat to sit back and watch the inaugural class (2022) and the class of (2023), which I transferred in with, mature into great hockey players and great people, which was so cool to watch. I am extremely proud of my teammates individually and proud that we, as a group, were able to grow into a mature successful team. I think each member of this team can say the same thing, our team is a family, and it extends farther out than the rink and gym. Not only did I get to have a great college hockey experience; I am leaving with great memories, new best friends, experiences, and opportunities.
Although my three years at Suffolk wasn’t enough, I am extremely grateful to have gotten the opportunity to transfer here. The moment I stepped on campus, this team was nothing but positive, supportive, and accepting of me; which is hard to find, and it was something I needed. I owe all my success to my teammates because they have been my cheerleaders since day one, they were the ones who brought back that spark to hockey that I was missing. Being a transfer student, there is a lot of stress and uncertainty behind the decisions and the quick transition into a new school that are made; which I don’t think it is talked about enough. I owe it all to my teammates and coaches for their support and confidence in me from day one. In my decision process, the saying “ the grass isn’t always greener on the other side” was on repeat in my head when deciding where to transfer, but I am here typing this out and I can say that in this case, the grass was greener on the other side, and I am so grateful for that.
To my coaches ...
Thank you for giving me my second chance and thank you for giving me the passion and excitement back that I was missing from hockey. The success of this team and the culture that is present, starts from the ground up and you guys were the ones who made that possible. I will forever be appreciative for getting the opportunity to put on a Suffolk jersey and being able to represent a school, teammates, and coaches that care for the program and about me.
To my parents ...
I owe you both the biggest thank you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play hockey. Thank you for being my biggest fans and supporters and thank you for all the sacrifices you both have made for me to play hockey for the past 18 years. I would not have gotten the opportunities and experiences I have today without your love, support, and guidance. I am extremely grateful for all that you have done for me, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you guys.
#11 signing off ...
Maddy Burton