The day started with a team breakfast at 10. It wasn’t a very upbeat room, likely for two reasons. One would be the still-fresh wounds from last night’s loss, the other would be the hour we rolled into town. Our 9:45 AM wake-up call came early since the bus only arrived at the Sudbury Radisson around 1:30.

The team has walked to the arena for some morning exercise while Don and I got some exercise of our own. We strolled into the mall attached to the hotel in search of a good cup of coffee. We were successful and talked hockey between sips. Somehow, my gut tells me the players’ exercise was a little more intense. Hey, hockey players exercise their bodies, broadcasters exercise their jaws. Seems about right to me.

The morning paper says Wolves coach Trent Cull (former assistant in Guelph) is looking for simplicity and more offensive punch in tonight’s tilt with the Rangers. You can be sure the Rangers will be eager for two points after last night’s disappointment.

Don and I will rejoin the team for a pregame meal early this afternoon and then it’s onto our separate paths. They’ve got their job to do, we’ve got ours. After finally hitting the sack just before 4 this morning, I’ll need another shot or two of caffeine to hold up my end of the bargain tonight. Don Cameron is incredible. Sleep seemed to be the furthest thing from his mind when we got to the hotel early this morning. It helped that we both enjoy the same, uh, “brand” of pre-slumber beverage…and stories of Ranger teams past never get old.

Neither does Don, apparently.