We have started down the home stretch with 20some games left, and playing on the road is a good place to start. Why, because to win in the playoffs, you have to win on the the road. As a team, we are playing more consistent away from home and thus our road record is much better this year.Normally, contrary to belief, most guys like playing in other buildings. There is less pressure, and the other team needs to put on the show for their fans. It is much more eveident in the NHL, where the expectations of the home team is very high.

But, in the AHL, the fan support rarely wavers and the atmosphere is much more similar to a college crowd. The fan support continues throughout the game and they actually help to pick up a team lacking spark on certain nights. Unlike most NHL rinks, where they really get on the home team if they falter. So, on our trip, we encountered some of the most rabid fans we'll see thia year, in full houses no less. Hershey and Wilkes-Barre have become hotbeds for their respective AHL teams and the fans come out in droves. The rivalry between Portland and Hershey has exploded into a war since the playoffs a few years ago.

This game was no different. Fueled by Hershey's promotion of free park passes, the building was brimming with Bear fanatics, young and old. Ever since I played my first game in Hershey, the fan support there has been ferocious. Always a tough place to play, the crazed people of the Hershey area add to the frenzy on the ice, exhibited by the constant back and forth chatter of fans and players by the bench.

This game had more meaning for us, though. As Anaheim was celebrating their Cup victory with a trip to the White House, we learned that the brass from Anaheim, along with Head Coach Carlyle and the owner were on their way to the game! Brian Burke stated that he had been in pro hockey a long time, and never had seen an owner of a team make a trip to see the minor league team play. I, too, can say the same. Excluding Mr. Snider in Philly, since both teams played there, our owner came across the country and travelled from DC to see us play. And, took us to dinner after the game.

Well, with this kind of incentive, we really wanted to perform well, especially the young prospects. The start of the game didn't go as planned and we were down 3-1 going into the third period.

Hershey has been a powerhouse for some time now and we had a tall task ahead of us against a great team at home. I failed to mention the weather in Hershey was a balmy 65 degrees making the ice like slush and made equipment wet and heavy. Games like these it is hard to get enough fluids. We went down to 5 defensemen when Brendan Mikkleson went down with an injury. Did I mention the 8 hour bus ride the day before. See how you feel after riding a bus all day when you get up the next day.

Enough of the excuses already. We had a game to win and alot to play for. And comeback we did. Our guys came storming back and capped off a dramatic comeback on a blast by Petteri Wirtanen. Physically, it was as tough a game as I have played in a while. And it was a sweet feeling in the room after.

When we got back to the hotel, the Ducks organization treated us to a very nice meal at the hotel. We all introduced ourselves to the staff ands enjoyed a fun meal together. These are the kinds of nights you remember for a long time.

I have a feeling some of our guys will meet up with the owners again in the near future... Weino

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