What I did on my vaction: The Fresno Monsters version (part 2)

November 10, 2:30 PMFresno Hockey ExaminerEddie Graveline

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J.R. Lafferty went back to New Jersey and got into a commercial (photo: dadphoto.com)

By Eddie Graveline, Glovedropper.com

If you didn't catch the first part of this story yesterday, make sure you go back and read it. With two weeks between games, the Fresno Monsters' coaching staff gave the players all of last week off. Many of the guys went home to catch up with family and friends, while others stuck around for school. Several of them gave me descriptions of their time off in their own words, which is what you'll find below. One thing to note as you read this and yesterday's story is that almost every one of the players said something to the effect of really looking forward to getting back on the ice for practice and to continue their successful season. The fact that many of them sound so similar is interesting, because they all responded to me individually, so they weren't listening to each other answer the questions. Based on the response I've gotten, my initial impression is that the coaching staff made a great decision by giving these guys a break. Unfortunately for the rest of the WSHL, it looks like the Fresno Monsters are ready to pick up where they left off. 

Defenseman-Michael Richmond: I went back home to Los Gatos, CA and I got to hang out with my family and some friends. I also got to play hockey with my old coach's team and get some ice time! I had alot of fun and i got a nice break and time to relax, so now i can come back full steam. I'm ready to work hard for a national championship!

Defenseman-J.R. Lafferty: This past week I had the opportunity to fly all the way back to Williamstown, NJ. Besides enjoying some of Mom's Italian home cooked meals, I was in a commercial for the Winter Classic that the Philadelphia Flyers will be playing in at Fenway this year. I got to see most of my friends and family and got to enjoy an early Thanksgiving dinner with all of them. This personally gave me a chance to recharge the batteries and get me "hungry" to play and compete.

Defenseman-Vincent Ciaglo: I went home to Vegas and just relaxed. I went to an ECHL game and that was about it. Even though we did have a week off, I did want to keep hockey in my mind. This long week off was very well earned, I think. Even though this week off was very nice and relaxing, coming to the end of the week I was eager to get back to Fresno and get back in the gym and back on the ice knowing that we have another weekend coming up against Arizona!

Forward-Thomas Freeman: During my week, I just went home to Rancho Cucamonga, CA. My home town is about 45 miles east of Los Angeles. I just hung out with family and friends all week. I went to an Ontario Reign game and jumped on the bike acouple of times. I have to admit, towards the end of the week I was getting the itch to come back and get back into the routine again. We are all very anxious to get the daily swing going again.

Defenseman-Brett Blomgren: During my week off I went back home to Valencia, which is about 3 hours south of Fresno. I tryed to see as many friends and family as possible, but I spent most of my time going fishing or just relaxing. I tryed to stay active by getting in the gym a coupe times and spent all of Saturday playing paintball, which was great. I enjoyed my week off very much, but at the same time i couldn't wait to get back up here and get on the ice with the team. We have a big week ahead of us and we should all be ready to go for Arizona.

Defenseman-Patrick Ryan: I got to go home down south with Alex Johansson, the Swede. We had some fun in Laguna Beach, went to Alex's first NHL game (Ducks vs. Penguins), had glass seats and went to Sea World. It was great to just relax and take our minds off hockey.

Defenseman-Don Barlow: I got a chance to go back to Michigan and see family and friends. It was great to relax and get my mind off hockey at times, but it also gave me time to reflect about the season so that I can a be a better hockey player now.

Forward-Chase Sisk: This week I went to school and was on the ice a number of times with my billit brother's team. I also went and saw my uncle, who lives in San Francisco. It was a good week off, but I am ready to get back to the team and mostly, back to playing.