"Tuesday's flight was from Vancouver to Houston, Texas, and started with a bus trip that departed Abbotsford at 4:30 a.m.

On Wednesday, T.J. Brodie backed his bags for Calgary, making the trip all the way from southeast Texas.

On Thursday, Brodie will practice in the Stampede City before hitting the air again, with the destination being Chicago.

Is all that travel time worth it?

"For sure," said the weary but excited Calgary Flames defenceman after checking into a hotel Wednesday evening.

Brodie is finally getting his second look at the NHL."