The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament is this weekend in Bridgeport, Conn. and the Atlantic Hockey playoffs open on numerous college campuses.

I have a lot of interest in both of these events, and I have lots to say about all three Canisius teams competing this weekend. However, that’s going to have to wait.

This weekend, instead of being in Bridgeport or Lewiston (where Canisius hockey plays Niagara), I’ll be in Los Angeles for the Associated Collegiate Press’ National College Journalism Convention.

I’m totally bummed about having to miss all the playoff games of teams I’ve followed all season, but this should be awesome. If you’re looking for clarification of how awesome, that picture on the right is the hotel. Let’s just say I packed my swim trunks.

They say I’ll learn a lot here, which isn’t something I doubt. I’m set up for all kinds of seminars and lectures. If you have seen the show “Around the Horn” on ESPN, you’ll be familiar with LA Times columnist Bill Plaschke, who is one of the keynote speakers at the event. Take ATH with a grain of salt when you watch it, but regardless this should be pretty cool.

Other awesome things I have lined up include a tour of the Staples Center, a Los Angeles Kings vs. Phoenix Coyotes hockey game and a Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets basketball game. My “sport adventures” tag is going to get a workout this weekend, which is always exciting.

I am going to catch as many Canisius games as possible, and the offer stands to the players that if either the men’s or women’s basketball teams make it to the championship, I will reroute my flight to be at the game.

This week’s Griffin newspaper is entirely online (something we’ve never done before), so check it out. If you have any tips on LA or the Staples Center, pass them along… they’d be much appreciated. Best of luck to all three Canisius teams competing this weekend.