Nine games in eight cities over a 16 day stretch. Not exactly how it was in Hockey East. But so is life in the American Hockey League, and it is what former Husky Graig Mischler is finding out all about this season playing for the Cleveland Barons in the San Jose Sharks Organization.

For four seasons as a forward for the Huskies from 1997 through 2001, Mischler grew accustomed to two games a week, with travel mostly reserved for bus trips throughout New England. After his senior season a year ago, when Mischler led Northeastern with 42 points to close out his career with 108 in 140 games, the Holbrook, N.Y. native signed with the Sharks. Following preseason camp in October, Mischler was assigned to Cleveland in what he hopes is the first step towards playing in the National Hockey League.

Over the first three months of the season, Mischler has quickly learned about the differences from college to professional hockey, beginning with the aforementioned travel.

"It is a lot different than Hockey East where the farthest trip we had was to Maine, and that was once a year," Mischler said. "It definitely took a little time to get used to."

In January, Mischler and the Barons embarked on a season-long road trip that took them to games in Syracuse, Cincinnati, Houston, Chicago, Albany, Manchester, Portland and Lowell. The trip also came at a down time for the Barons, as they began the trek on a three game losing streak that grew to seven games. But Jan. 16 in Albany, behind two goals from Mischler, Cleveland tied the River Rats, ending the losing streak.

"We were able to get a tie against Albany, and a tie is better than a loss. Hopefully that will get us going and we will be able to string together some wins."

Prior to the losing streak, the Barons found themselves in first place in the AHL. But a rash of injuries, as well as call-ups to the NHL, has produced an up and down season. The same has been so for Mischler in his rookie campaign. But like the team, Mischler thinks things appear to be improving.

"It was a little tough at first getting regular ice time and making an impact. But around Christmas I was able to start getting a regular shift and get some points on the board. And I am just looking to contribute to help this team win."

Through the team’s first 16 games, Mischler only played in 10 with just one assist. But over the last 31 (as of Jan. 17), Mischler has played in 27 with an 8-5-13 line. Among his eight goals are a pair of shorthanded scores, something Mischler never did as a Husky.

"They gave me a shot on the penalty kill and it gave me a chance to contribute."

Besides just the travel and more intense schedule (80 games), Mischler has also learned that the talent level is so much higher than it was even in a top collegiate league such as Hockey East.

"The biggest differences I have noticed this season have been the speed and depth of each team. In college, most teams had two lines that were really skilled. But here, top to bottom, every player is skilled. Every player came from a situation where they were one of the best players on their previous teams."

Mischler admitted to needing an adjustment period, but by the mid-point of the season, he thinks he is able to fit in and be a player his coaches can count on.

"You have to be accountable for everything you do here. There is so much talent that mistakes you may have gotten away with before will now lead to a goal for the other team. You have to respect each player and not try to do too much. The key, and it is something that I think I am learning, is to be patient."

Mischler began his NU career without a scholarship, and wound up being one of the most consistent Huskies over his four years. He produced at least 20 points in each season, culminating with a break out senior season that included Hockey East Player of the Month honors for February. Originally drafted by Vancouver in 1998, Mischler was released by the Canucks last May and signed by the Sharks two days later. Being signed by San Jose may result in a Husky reunion next season. Current NU seniors Jim Fahey and Willie Levesque are both draft picks of the Sharks.

"I know the possibility exists of playing again with Willie and Jim. I am not sure what will happen with those guys, and where the Sharks will put them when they finish at Northeastern. But when they do sign, if we could all play together again it would be very cool. I played with those guys for three years and it would probably be good for all of us. It would be exciting and they definitely both have the skill and talent to play at this level and beyond."