Alberta Bound

"I've been waiting a year and a half to do this," said Feser, who has career highs of 23 goals and 22 assists. "It's exciting to go to my hometown to play and play in front of people that haven't gotten to see me play since I came here (Tri-City). I have relatives making the trip from Saskatchewan to catch the games during our swing."

"We were on the road a lot early and had success," said Americans coach Jim Hiller, whose team is 14-7-0-1 away from Toyota Center. "Part of what this league is about is playing at an elite level and seeing different parts of the world. It's a good way for a young guy to learn about life."

Feser isn't the only Tri-City player close to home this week. Goalie Drew Owsley and forward Patrick Holland are from Lethbridge, forwards Jordan Messier and Nils Moser are from Canmore, Alberta -- which is where the Americans practiced Monday -- and rookie defenseman Drydn Dow is from Calgary.

"It's always nice to play at home," Hiller said. "But sometimes you don't always get the best result -- the players tend to put a lot of pressure on themselves."  (Herald)

The Rebels' record is a bit misleading, I believe they are better than their standings would indicate, it will be a good challenge for the boys.  I assuming Drew will get the start, not only because he's close to home, but because if it's truly a tandem here, it's his turn.

To celebrate Hockey Weekend Across America (not be be confused with that one-day deal in Canada), Friday is Wear Your Jersey to Work/School Day.  That's awesome.  Now I have to decide which one to wear.  I could always wear my man's jersey, though I've worn it to work before.  I might have to go with the Owsley jersey.  Because it's awesome.  And I've never worn it to work before.  If I get anything on it I will have to punch myself in the face with a brick.  Also, Hockey Day in Canada freakin' rocks my world so hard.  I can't wait to see what Don Cherry will be wearing.

Since I've discovered this new "jump" feature on Blogger, let me just say, liveblog after the jump, can't wait to see y'all there.  I love live hockey in the Toyota Center, but I do love the gang getting together for away games.  Come on in, lurkers welcome :)