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Kris Versteeg had every detail orchestrated, right down to the shipment of his dog across the ocean.

And, much like the Calgary Flames winger, Beauty – his Bernese Mountain Dog – was also ready to adjust to a new chapter in Bern, Switzerland.

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“Those type of dogs were actually bred in Bern,” said Versteeg with a chuckle. “So, pretty funny to have my Bernese Mountain Dog in a place where she came from.”

But, despite his best laid plans, things did not work out. For the better.

Last summer, the 30-year-old native of Lethbridge had been ready to close the book on an NHL career that saw him earn two Stanley Cup rings over the span of nine seasons and was ready to skate with SC Bern of the Swiss elite league.

Keep in mind, SC Bern is the Chicago Blackhawks of the Swiss league. Last spring, they captured a National League championship under watch of Guy Boucher, the current coach of the Ottawa Senators, and averaged 16,145 spectators at their games. In other words, it was a legit opportunity to continue his career.