Normally johan mattsson would be wrapping presents in Sweden, but the Tri-City goalie is spending his second straight Christmas away from home - this time more than 4,000 miles.
"This time last year i was up in Canada and it wasn't the same homey feeling it is here, so it's wonderful," Mattsson said. "They're like a second family to me so it - it's just awesome.
Jay and Diana Fahrenbruch have hosted 13 storm players over the years - johan will be the second to spend Christmas with them.
"Well, it's too bad he can't go home, but he just doesn't have enough time," Jay said. "He's like one of the family members. it'll be nice to have him here.
With only four days off in between games, Mattsson is sticking in Kearney for the holidays, but he'll still be in touch with the folks back home.
"I talk to them as often as I can," Mattsson said. "Probably gonna have a little skype session with them tomorrow on Christmas eve, so that's gonna be fun.
The Fahrenbruchs even are bringing Sweden to Mattsson with a special dish.
"We're gonna try to make ostkaka for him," Jay said. "I've never made it before, but we found some recipes online. so we'll just give it a try."
It may not be enough time to go home, but Mattsson enjoys the time off - he's played in the second-most games of any U-S-H-L goalie.
"Just to relax - get your body together again and take it easy," Mattsson said. "it's good to get a few days off."
As for Monday and Tuesday, the storm goaltender will try to pick up on all the family's holiday traditions.
"Hopefully, I'll try and learn at least a few of them, but can't promise I'll learn all of them," Mattsson said, chuckling.
