Tonight marks the beginning of a three-games-in-three-nights series between the Idaho Steelheads and Alaska Aces at Qwest Arena. Before I get into the nuts and bolts of the next three nights and what it means for each team, just remember that you can get tickets by calling 331-TIXS, and that if you can’t be at the games, each one can be heard live with yours truly on the call on ESPN Radio KTIK 1350 “The Ticket”. And don’t forget Friday night’s game is live over on Cable Channel 17, too.

FOUR STRAIGHT WINS

That’s right; Hardy Sauter’s bunch is on a little bit of a tear. And kudos to rookie Kael Mouillierat for taking home ECHL Rookie of the Month honors after a 15-point November. Kael will need to continue his offensive prowess, and with Idaho at 9-4-5, they need to capitalize against a tired Aces bunch. Alaska is in the back half of an 18-day road trip that saw the team travel from Anchorage; to Elmira, NY; to Trenton, NJ; and now west to Boise. Idaho enters Thursday night two points behind rival Utah, who is currently holding down the Mountain Division’s top spot. In talking to Idaho forward John-Scott Dickson earlier today, he says Idaho’s key to success is keeping with much of the same; don’t try to be too pretty when it’s unnecessary, get pucks deep in the offensive zone, and capitalize on the chances.

WORLD CUP

Yes, even I need to talk about soccer today. I’m not a soccer fan, so I can honestly say this: thanks to everyone associated with the decision to not bring the World Cup back to the United States anytime soon. Russia and Qatar: enjoy! I like my summers to be occupied by baseball, NFL training camps, and hockey free agency news.

THE ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Waiting for the game to come on? Looking for something else to do while you listen to the games? I must say I’m enjoying the new WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 game on my XBOX 360. Also, for your listening pleasure: I’m into some new tunes from Rochester, New York-based Such Gold. Google them. Now!

FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME

I love an educated sports discourse. Feel free to email me anytime at dplagens@idahosteelheads.com if you have anything- and I mean anything- to say regarding something I post in a blog or say on the air.

‘Til we meet again…