Covering all 82 NHL games over six months — wow, talk about a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and a touch of danger. From navigating nearly 7,000 miles behind the wheel, soaring over 24,000 miles in the sky, and racking up 1,300 miles by train or bus, this season has been anything but ordinary.
In an era where major media outlets are trimming travel budgets, we bucked the trend. Sure, we skipped a couple of preseason yawners, but hitting 82 games? Mission accomplished.
Every journey tells a story. There's the memory of steering through a torrential Detroit storm only for the game to be canceled, or the serene autumn motorcycle ride along Lake Erie that wafted past Buffalo's Cheerios-scented skyline. It's experiences like these that make the NHL season truly unique.
Our coverage team, especially my stalwart colleagues Dave Molinari and Shelly Anderson, deserves a giant nod. Like seasoned All-Stars, they've weathered the storm with battle-hardened grace, helping lay the groundwork for PHN's success.
Revving Up the Preseason
The NHL preseason offers its own kind of joy. There's nothing quite like the rush of a motorcycle ride through Pennsylvania's northern towns en route to Buffalo.
There, the mix of game coverage and indulging in local fare like Anchor Bar's beef and weck special is a tradition of its own. Then it's back to simpler digs, perhaps a quaint motel nestled among the hills.
Columbus and Detroit? Both cities have their charms — from Columbus's Big Fun toy store, a relic trove of 80s treasures, to Detroit's iconic (though now shuttered) Lafayette Coney Island.
Word to the wise: next time, hit up American Coney Island.
Bumpy Roads and Sudden Showers
Not every drive was smooth. Take the harrowing trip from Akron to Detroit during a tropical storm that had traffic crawling at tenacious speeds.
The skies grounded the Penguins' plane, and that meant turning back home. The real white-knuckler came post-Christmas, fighting through a potent mix of rain, sleet, and fog on New York's expressways.
Minimal visibility and densely packed lanes meant everyone played it cool. For the first time ever, I was thrilled to reach Jamaica, New York.
Calgary, however, brought a different kind of threat. A late-night wander nearly landed me in a dicey confrontation. Fortunately, a quick daring look sent potential trouble scurrying in the opposite direction.
Weathering Travels and Trials
Travel stumbling blocks seemed like omens of the journey to come. It started with an unexpected hostel in Vancouver that was starkly different from online impressions.
And then — one of those travel nightmares — a border-crossing snafu meant standing for an hour at an empty airline counter in Calgary. Thankfully, it eventually worked out, and after a roundabout 30-hour odyssey involving a sprint across Atlanta’s terminals, I made it home, just in time to cover a practice.
Keeping up isn't just about staying awake. A strategic use of toiletries in briefcases helps maintain freshness when sleep isn't on the agenda.
West Coast Challenges
The real grind began mid-January with a daunting Buffalo-Washington-LA-Anaheim-Seattle-San Jose-Utah stretch. It kicked off with an unheard-of stuck train in Connellsville, derailing the schedule early but not breaking it.
Yet, discovering “accommodations” post-game was an adventure in itself. Turns out, some booking services bury crucial details, leading to experiences that don’t quite match the glossy photos.
Losing my backpack in Denver added insult to injury, though LA players found humor in the ordeal. There’s camaraderie in shared comedy, even if it’s at my expense.
Back on the Uplift
A return to semi-normal gave a chance to truly see the sights, from Hollywood's tourist traps to the breathtaking vistas of Salt Lake City. Along the way, Anaheim proved standout and even veering slightly off-beat in San Jose led to hidden gems.
Exploring Culinary Treasures
Stumbling upon great food spots is a perk of travel. From a quaint English Tea House in Brockville to a hidden gem in Winnipeg offering budget-friendly bites, it's all about discovery.
I relish my trips up north. Edmonton, with its surprisingly affordable culinary delights — think scrumptious goulash at Bistro Praha or mouthwatering donair pizzas — never disappoints. Calgary, with its unbeatable Alberta beef, has a special place in my culinary heart too.
New York's Skirt Steak defied expectations with simplicity done right, while Chicago's Luke's Italian Beef remains a favorite, promising a taste pilgrimage soon.
Gratitude and Reflection
These adventures are a privilege enabled by your readership. The NHL’s grueling schedule didn't make it easy, but every city, game, and mile offered a new story.
Relationships forged on the road enriched this journey, with players tuning in, and even their families checking out my updates on social media. It feels like I’ve finally snagged the coveted print journalist badge.
And as for my season media credential? Let's just hope it made an interesting journey on the Dallas metro.
