[sureLoss]

http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/...927/story.html

“I saw it coming, so I was prepared for it,” O’Brien says of the demotion. “It’s obviously disappointing. I’m just trying to play well and get up (to the NHL) sooner rather than later.”

Flames boss Brian Burke informed the well-travelled defender that he’ll try to orchestrate a trade. O’Brien, with six NHL stops already to his name, cannot wait.

The last time O’Brien graced the American Hockey League? Back in 2005-06, with the Portland Pirates, whose roster featured names such as Getzlaf, Perry, Penner, Glencross, Ryan, Kunitz, Smid, Konopka.

“Burkie told me . . . he didn’t want to bury me down here,” says O’Brien. “Hopefully, I can take care of my side of the deal and play well down here.”

http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/...924/story.html

“Boums (Lance Bouma) and I are heading down to Cabos,” revealed Joe Colborne. “How sweet is that? No fun at all, right?”

While goaltender Reto Berra (Switzerland) and shot-blocking D-man Ladislav Smid depart for Sochi and more (sigh!) hockey at the Olympic Winter Games, the remainder of the Calgary Flames are breaking up, venturing hither and yon, to sun-drenched places and familiar cubbyholes, accompanied by loved one and friends.

“Just me communing with nature,” joked Hartley of his plans. “Where I live it’s such a small village, no one in Calgary can possibly have heard of it. I’m going to play men’s league hockey in the mornings with my buddies and do some four-wheeling on the lake in the afternoons. I’m in a totally remote area. Gravel road. It’s still civilization but I’m still 30 miles from the closest restaurant.

“Perfect.”

Chris Butler’s off home to St. Loo, goaltending guru Clint Malarchuk back to the ranch.

“Just to relax is the plan for everyone I think,” relayed skipper Mark Giordano, in the mix for Sochi recruitment right until the end. “This might be the last chance we have to do this kind of thing mid-season, so it’s a perfect opportunity to spend a few days with the family and forget about the game for awhile.