Trip to Fresno

I think the first thing I thought when I pulled into Fresno was, "This doesn't feel like California." It really doesn't. It's not exactly a glamorous California city. But it's been a fun trip so far with the team, and I'm excited to see how the game tonight turns out. We lost 4-3 in overtime last night. It was too bad because I really think we could've beat that team, and we fought back into the game, but they still managed to beat us. We were down 3-1 heading into the third period, we came back to tie it up, our goalie stopped a penalty shot with a minute left, then they scored about 2 minutes into overtime. But I played. And that's what I'm excited about.

I wasn't going to be in the lineup, but one of our defensemen was sick, so I got put into the lineup last minute. Coach had told me he was going with another player who he knows to be a fighter because he thought this series was going to be really physical. I was pretty bummed right away. I'm excited I got to play, though, and I think I stepped in and did a pretty good job. I made some good first passes, even when I was pressured, I was +1 on the night, and I got a lot of ice time in the first and second periods. I still have yet to get going offensively, but I think that will come in time. Right now, I'm focusing on just playing solid hockey games. However, I do think I needed to compete harder last night. I'm trying to win a spot, and I really didn't do anything special last night. I understand it's not my role to score goals; I'm here to do the little things, make smart passes, and get the puck up the ice, but I did make some small mistakes last night that could've been costly. In my defense, it was a little hard for me to get into a rhythm because it seemed every time it was my turn to go on the ice, we took a penalty or drew a penalty, and I haven't been getting much penalty kill time, and no power play time. But, again, I think that will come in time as I keep getting more confident and proving myself to the coaches. I played well, but I definitely still think I can play better!

I'm excited for our game tonight, though! And then it's back to New Mexico.