"Get back on that bus," barked an angry female US Customs Officer.

GM Cam Russell and several team staff had just stepped off the team bus after a 6 hour ride from Halifax. We retreated somewhat confused as our driver claimed he had been instructed to have everyone come inside the MIlltown border crossing with passports and completed declaration forms. Eventually, Russell accompanied Europeans Tomas Knotek, Konrad Abeltshauser and trainer Ian Cox inside.

Garrett Clarke was nodding his head and listening to his ipod. He was relieved he wasn't pulled off the bus as well. His parents now live in Kansas City and on numerous occasions when visiting his family he has been delayed with questions, photos and even finger printing.

This road trip was a very special one for the 16 year old 2nd year defenceman, who was acquired from Lewiston days before June's QMJHL midget draft. "I've been thinking about this one alot lately. It will be very weird. I will be very motivated, very excited but will need to just remember to play my game."

Russell, Cox and the two Euros climbed back aboard our bus and we began to pull away from the border. "To be honest, I wasn't very happy in Lewiston. As soon as I arrvied at training camp, I found out there was no high school and I was expected to take my schooling on line. Then they expected me as a 15 year old rookie to learn by watching and not playing. They didn't like me to play really physical and they expected me to figure it all out on my own. Not like here, where I am dealing with a a straight shooter like Cam."

Clarke tugged at his chin and and his whispy beard as he glanced out the window at a sign pointing to Brewer, Maine. "My agent made it clear at Christmas, I wanted to be traded. I wanted out and Halifax is where I wanted to go." (Halifax traded 19 year old Alexis Piette for the 6th overall pick of the 2008 draft).

"I'm not sure how the fans will react tomorrow, (Wednesday) I'll probably get booed. I'll be ready for that."

At the back of the bus, a serious game of high stakes poker was underway.

Charles Bety, Gerrad Grant, Jessyko Bernard, Linden Bahm and Peter Delmas crowd around the table.

Delmas, last week's CHL player of the week was dealing and reflecting on his 3 years as a Maineiac. It was full of highs (winning the Presidents Cup as a 16 year old) and lows (struggling much of his 3rd season as an 18 year old). There were some awfully "dark days" last season and he was traded to the Remparts also just prior to the midget draft with the promise of "playing for another Memorial Cup."

"This isn't my first trip back." offered the 19 year old Colorado 2nd rd pick. "We played in Lewiston back in October and it didn't go well. We lost 4-2 or 5-2 and I didn't play well. It was so different going back. Everything, from the visitors dressing room to the warmup to getting booed. I defintely didn't expect that."

Bety raised the ante. Delmas reached into his stack of chips and counted. He then pushed them to the middle of the table and smiled. "I'm in."

Delmas' parents no longer live in Bedford. They relocated when a career opportunity presented itself in Ontario but Peter is thrilled to be living back in his old neighbourhood. "I was so excited when I found out I was traded to Halifax. Its a great organization. I feel no pressure here. None and I feel great. This is the place I want to be."

As our bus turned south onto the interstate highway, Delmas thoughts drifted back to Wednesday's game. He confidently pronounced, "I'll be READY this time."

What he wasn't ready for was Bety's straight flush.

Editors note - Delmas found out late Tuesday night after checking in hotel he would start against the Maineiacs Wednesday. He also was the big winner in the poker game.

Road trip videos can be viewed at sportsandmoore.com.

See you back in Moose Country on February 5th when the Herd host the first place Saint John Sea Dogs,

John