How the West was won

Thanks to Walleye defenseman Simon Denis, who helped with social media posts during the #WalleyeGoWest road trip.

“It was a tough adjustment in Alaska with the four-hour time change and short days,” says Denis. “You’d get to the rink for the morning skate at about 10 or so and the sun is just coming up. Then you’re getting to the rink for the game at about 5 and the sun’s already down. It definitely makes you feel a little more tired.”

After playing three straight days in Alaska, it was off to Utah, for three games in four days. “In Utah, we had an off day after the game on Wednesday. Some of us went to Park City for some sight-seeing, which was a lot of fun,” says Denis.

Denis says a highlight of the trip was a team dinner at a Brazilian-style steakhouse in Salt Lake City. “They brought us out as much meat as we wanted to eat. Hirschfeld and Globke could have been there all night, but I was one of the first to tap out.”

Winning five of six checked off team goals. For Denis, the trip also created many cherished memories. “Anytime you get to spend a lot of time with your teammates, it’s wonderful. We visited places where you normally don’t get to go to unless you plan out a vacation.”