It's been pretty shocking for Aleks Blixtstrom in his first few weeks in Carolina after living in Sweden his whole life. Americans are very loud and friendly, he's noticed. The restaurants give mountains of food, which is pretty great for him. He isn't used to the heat and the lack of snow after living in the northern city of Luleå.

Moving onto hockey, he is having a fun time with his new team mates. He is quickly building chemistry with the all rookie 3rd line. He is trying to adapt to the fast and physical play of the SMJHL. As far as the Kraken go, they have lost some really tough and close games recently, and have now lost 4 in a row after shutting out the Scarecrows in the opening game of the Sweden. But Aleks and the team have no doubt they can turn it around and make a push for the playoffs, and ultimately the Cup.