GENE'S BLOG: A Packed Road Trip

EDMONTON, AB - Seven a.m. is when the alarm went off, said Ryan Strome.
By 8:30 a.m., Strome and the rest of his Edmonton Oiler teammates were on the ice. The players deciding to skate earlier than normal before heading to the airport and jetting off to Montreal. The start of a three-game, four-night road trip that sees them take on the Canadiens Saturday. Off to Toronto and the Maple Leafs Sunday and it all finishes off Tuesday in Columbus. It's an important trip but not a long one and that impacts what the Edmonton Oilers will wear and how they'll look.

At least that's the case for Oscar Klefbom. "This trip is different," said the Oilers defenceman. "The fact we're playing in back-to-backs, I won't be packing as many clothes as I normally would." However, that doesn't mean the styling Swede isn't acutely aware of the destinations that will take Edmonton away from the Alberta capital for five days. "When you go to places like Montreal and Toronto you want to look good," explained the blueliner, "especially if you're going out for dinner somewhere."
Let me say: I've never seen Klefbom not looking sharp and up-to-date with his wardrobe.
As many players as there are on the team, there are just as many different approaches on what to pack or is packed. Let's take Strome as an example. "I'm a simple man," said Strome, which slides into his attitude towards what he puts or doesn't put into his suitcase. "I pack as light as possible," he said. "I don't bring that much with me. I definitely grab my IPad, some video games and my Nintendo."
Let's not forget many of these players are still just kids and, somewhat accordingly, pack like that. Of course, they need suits but like all of us when we're away from home they also have to bring along some comfy clothes. "I like to throw in a pair of track pants and a sweater," said the 24-year-old Oiler.

The most traveled Oiler on the current roster has to be Nathan Walker. A Cardiff, Wales-born, Australian raised player from Down Under who then headed off to the Czech Republic to pursue his hockey dream. Back then, his packing was done by his parents now he does it himself. "The way I approach it is to not take any more than I need," said the former Washington Capital. "It depends on the length of the road trip of course." Walker went on to add, "but about the only extra thing I bring if the trip is a little longer is my laptop. That gives me a chance to get some work done and check some e-mails."
The early morning skate cut into the flight packing but it sounds like that isn't an issue for at least a trio of Edmonton Oilers. "I always am ready to go the day before we leave," said Klefbom. Same goes for a pair of his teammates. "I like to take care of it the night before even though sometimes I leave it until late," explained Strome. Walker echoed those thoughts: "I'm ready to go the night before a trip."
Ready to go on the road and every Oiler leaving some room in their travel bags to pack a few points.