After a disheartening loss in Hershey, in a game that was territorally onesided in our favor, we boarded the bus for Wilkes- Barre. With back to back tilts on the weekend, against two of the top teams in the league, the mood was glum. It definitely wasn't the way we wanted to start the trip. The next day we got some good and bad news. The good news was for Ryan Shannon, he was on his way to Dallas to rejoin the Ducks. The bad news was we had lost one of our top players going into a game against a team with one of the best home records in the league.
When situations arise, and players are staring adversity in the face, the strangest events can unfold. How can a team play a game like the one in Hershey, then put a 60 minute effort together like we did against Wilkes-Barre? That is what makes sports so exciting. Any team, any night can do the unexpected. We took a 2-0 lead into the last minute and came .6 seconds from a shutout. It was especially sweet for Sebastion Caron, in front of family and former fans. It would have been nice to get the shutout but we were elated to get a win.
So, as we got into the room to savor the victory, it occured to me that in a matter of a half hour or so, we would be on the road again, for a six hour trek to Norfolk. We pulled into Norfolk at about 5:30 am. Some guys found a way to sleep when they got in. Me, my body has the alarm set for 6:00 am everyday, so I went down for some breakfast. I was looking forward to the afternoon nap.
Walking into the arena at Norfolk, I had to chuckle a little , as I recalled the movie "Slapshot", and the arenas featured in the movie. As time has passed, more new arenas are popping up in the league. This is not one of them. Norfolk has a longstanding hockey tradition, primarily in the East Coast league.
The building has the feel of the "Slapshot" era and the fans tend to be quite colorful, to say the least. Like a mini Madison Square Garden, and yes, it is probably just as old and grimy. For me, though, just another arena to add to the list of places I've played, as I make my way through the league for a second time.
So, best powerplay in the league, best overall record, who would give us a chance? Only the guys in our room. And after a first period of of lackluster play, we could have doubted ourselves. Again, though, don't ever underestimate the underdog. We got a shot in the arm with the arrival of Hartigan from Anaheim, who has played with Joe Motzko for years, and the chemistry started to return as the game went on. So did our spirit and the tables tilted in our favor as we finished off an improbable sweep of a tough weekend.
If you ever get a chance to swing through Norfolk, take the time and experience one of the cleanest cities you will ever see... Did you know Pirates medical trainer was once employed by Hampton Roads of the ECHL, who played in the same building as the Admirals, and attended an alumni game preceding ours on Saturday... We will have our annual Rookie dinner this week, a tradition that has been done for at least 20 years, since I started. A much better way to initiate the rookies into the ranks than the old way of the fraternity style hazing that went on. These dinners are another good way for guys to get together. One thing is for sure, it is one moment of your career that you never forget. I really hope that all these guys get to experience a rookie dinner in the NHL as well. Mine was in Minneapolis,along with John Morris and Janne Ojanen, we treated the guys to dinner the night before our game against the former North Stars...
Two games left in the trip, and four points out of a playoff spot. We still have some work ahead of us to get back into the race and a few more big wins are just the medicine for some road weary guys. See you Sunday, Weino

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