To all who have been following Richie Bovich on his journey through heart surgery, he'd like to share a "thank you" with us:

"To My family and Friends,

The last few weeks have been crazy!! I never thought going to Hockey would basically save my life- but I am so glad it did! Finding out something was growing on my heart was hard to hear and then the thought of surgery was scary for not just me but my family too! Thank you to all my family and friends that were there to support me, my parents and my brother during my surgery and recovery…. having your love and support made it easier for us!

People who don’t play hockey sometimes look at us like we’re crazy- they don’t understand how you spend so much time with people that they become your family too…. since I’ve been playing I have been a part of 2 different organizations…. It didn’t matter that I was no longer part of a certain team or organization…. All my hockey family past and present came together to support me and my family- and for that I consider myself truly lucky!!

I want to say a special thank you to my coach, Mike Brdey your support, understanding, and encouragement has helped me and I can’t wait to skate for you as soon as I am better! You help me believe I can!! To all the doctors and staff at Cohens Children’s Medical Center- what else can I say, you found and fixed something that could have been bad in the future for me and for that I will always be grateful. I promise to take care of me and my heart!! I would also like to thank Matt Martin and his foundation- knowing I had you guys in my corner and the cool experiences you gave me to look forward too truly motivates me each day to get better!! To my brothers at the Gulls Organization- you guys rock, I love being a part of your team and promise soon enough I will be out on that ice making you all proud!!

 It has been over a week since my surgery and I’m feeling great! I have less than 5 weeks until I can go back to normal activity including getting back on the ice with no restrictions! I will continue to need yearly checkups with my cardiologist- but other than that your boy will be back in action!! Good luck to my mom and dad- my rocks through all of this- I am super sorry for the next few weeks and the torture you will go through trying to keep me rested! I love you both!!

So, thank you all…. for your support, generosity, and loving prayers. The ironic thing is the sport I love the most, pretty much saved my life….

Love,

Richie Bovich #77"