'THIS IS SO SICK'

CHICAGO - There are some buildings - like this one - that take your breath way.
Most of us can only imagine what it's like to stand at centre ice here, before the 19,717 seats that make it one of the NHL's largest.
While the next step, certainly, is getting into a game and experiencing Jim Cornelison's world-famous rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, Jakob Pelletier now knows at least part of the story.
The mystique.
"This is so sick," Pelletier said as he emerged from the tunnel and got his first glimpse of the 'Madhouse.'

Pelletier - the Flames' first-round pick, 26th overall, in the 2019 Draft - was recalled, along with Walker Duehr, from the Calgary Wranglers of the American Hockey League Saturday.
This is Pelletier's first-ever big-league call-up, making Sunday's twirl at this most legendary barn all the more special.
It's unclear if the 21-year-old will log his NHL debut tonight, with the majority of the players staying back at the hotel for an off-ice activation in advance of the 6 p.m. local puck drop. Pelletier, Duehr, Connor Mackey and Dan Vladar were the lone participants on Madison Street.
Still, to get that call and join the Flames for a five-game trip through the Central, Pelletier is one step closer to realizing his childhood dream.
"It's like the best day of my life," Pelletier said of being recalled. "It was Tre (Flames GM Brad Treliving) who called me. It was about a two-minute phone call. Then I called my mom and dad. It was great."
Pelletier currently sits eighth in AHL scoring, totalling 15 goals and 34 points in 31 outings with Calgary's farm team. He's now on the brink of the century mark in both points (96) and games (97) in the 'A,' but will happily put that milestone on the backburner to get his first crack in The Show.
The 5-foot-9, 160-lb. winger appeared in two preseason games with the Flames back in the fall, recording one assist and two shots on goal.
He said, at the time, he needed to be better.
Three months later, he's one of the hottest players in the minors and has most definitely earned a shot now. Best of all, he's doing it in Calgary - sharing the Saddledome with the Flames and getting plenty of attention from the decision-makers up top.
"It's great," Pelletier said of playing in Calgary this year. "I think the boys kind of feel the fans be behind us and it's great to be a part of."
Duehr, meanwhile, has been up with the Flames before. He made his NHL debut on Nov. 14, 2021 in Ottawa, becoming the first player from South Dakota to play at this level.
With 10 goals and 16 points with the Wranglers this year, the 6-foot-2, 210-lb. forward is eager to show much he's improved since then.

"It just makes you more hungry," Duehr said of the experience last year. "You try to have that in the back of your mind; that's where you want to get to, ultimately, each and every day, and that's where you want to play. Getting that little taste last year has made be hungry to try and get back and get more games in.
"I would say my pro game as a whole [has improved]. Just learning how to be a pro each and every day, maximizing your potential and just coming to work every and try to get better and help the team any way you can.
"It's a lot of fun winning and we've been doing a lot of it with the Wranglers. We have a great group of guys down there, so it's fun coming to the rink each and every day, so the season has been great so far with them."
The 25-year-old Minnesota State grad played 64 games with the Stockton Heat over two seasons before the club re-located to Calgary.
He, like Pelletier, loves playing under the watchful eye of Darryl Sutter and the Flames brass, with the passionate 'Dome fanbase only adding to the experience as he cuts his teeth at the level.
"It's great," Duehr said. "Calgary's a Canadian market and you kind of feel that buzz whenever you're out and about. Whether it's for the Flames or the Wranglers - people have a little buzz about each team and it's cool being in a Canadian market. First time for me and it's something special."

ONE-TIMERS:

How's this for a wholesome Sunday story?
Former Chicago Steel netminder Dan Vladar got a few minutes to catch up with his old billet family, who made the 40-minute drive to watch him at work and share a quick hug.
"It's amazing they came for a practice," Vladar said. "They're awesome, awesome people."

(Left to right): Peter, Jen and Ben will all in attendance tonight, cheering on the Flames and their favourite goalie, who they say was a "dream" to live with.