The hotel here in Kent, Washington is called The Best Western By The Green. Great hotel that is right in the heart of a pretty decent golf course, too bad no one has their clubs, or if there was some more time for a round or two, or three.

Our home base for the rest of the trip is the newly built Sho-Ware Center in Kent, it was opened in January. It's a beautiful building, with black seats in a full bowl, that is trimmed...for some reason..with polished metal. It looks a little goofy, and steril, but if your are looking for a decent mulit-purpose facility this is it. If you are looking for a great hockey rink with charm and character...look elsewhere.

Here are some pics to give you a feel of what it's like.

So while I was touring the new digs at the Sho-Ware Center, the players and coaches were busy putting together a game plan for Tuesday's game in Portland. For some reason, the WHL wants Jordan Eberle and Colten Teubert in a day early for the Subway  Challenge in Victoria for a "practice" on Tuesday. This means the Pat will lose both stars for not one...but two games. Even though this is their 3rd year at these games, and are already locks for Canada's World Junior Team.

Cody Carlson and Jordan Eberle before practice.

Carlson, Jordan Weal and Brandon Davidson

Garrett Mitchell and his moustache.

Head Coach, Curtis Hunt

While the players were on thie ice, Greg Mayer and Leigh Fitzpatrick were busy, grinding away on trying to make things as much like home as possible.

First off, here is what the visitors dressing room at the Sho-Ware Center look like...it's very hard to look at all of the lime green paint.

Greg Mayer working on the injured shoulder of Graham Hood

Leigh Fitzpatrick sharpening the blades.

So there is a look at what a practice on the road looks like, now before we head off, here's what has been keeping me awake in the morning....

I hate you squirrel!

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