Monday, March 21, 2011

Mike Zigomanis TTM Success

Mailed:  01/19/2011
Received:  03/21/2011
Days:  61
c/o:  Toronto Marlies

Zigomanis is one of my all time favorite Kingston Frontenacs players.  He is one of only a few players to be drafted 2 times.  He was drafted in the 2nd round(64th overall) by the Buffalo Sabres in 1999.  Since he did not sign a pro contract with them within the 2 year maximum, he re-entered the draft.  So, in 2001, Carolina drafted him in the 2nd round (46th overall).

Brendan Morrison TTM Success

Mailed:  03/02/2011
Received:  03/21/2011
Days:  19
c/o:Calgary Flames

The former Hobey Baker award winner is having somewhat of a rejuvenated season with the Flames.  He has 43 points with 9 games remaining in the season.

Christian Ehrhoff TTM Success

Mailed:  09/30/2010
Received:  03/21/2011
Days:  172
c/o: Vancouver Canucks

Christian is one of only a few German born players in the NHL.  He has 47 points so far this year in Vancouver.  He has taken on alot of extra minutes due to the plethora of injuries that has plagued the Canucks.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Brandon Gormley TTM Success

Mailed:  02/18/2011
Received:  03/17/2011
Days:  27
c/o: Moncton Wildcats

A knee injury kept Brandon out of appearing for Team Canada at the World Jrs. this year.  He was a Phoenix Coyotes 1st round pick in the 2010 draft.  He also has 47 points in 45 games thus far this year for Moncton.  There is no doubt that this kid should be a good NHLer someday.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Craig Anderson TTM Success

Mailed:  02/24/2011
Received:  03/04/2011
Days:  8
c/o:  Ottawa Senators

8 days returned from the new Senators' goalie!  Craig has been playing amazing since coming over.  Hopefully, he will be able to sign a new deal in the off season as he is a UFA as of July 1st. 

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Ottawa Senators IP

I was fortunate enough to be invited by a friend and his wife to join them in her company's private box for the game between the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators.  The box is in the 200 level and right at centre ice.  The Sens played a great game considering the mass exodus out of Ottawa prior to the trade deadline.  There were alot of young guys in the lineup trying to prove themselves for next year.  Craig Anderson has looked very good since coming up here as well.  We waited after the game for some autographs and got a few.  It was extremely cold and the Senators were preparing to fly out to Atlanta the next day, so not too many of them stopped.
We got Jason Spezza a couple of weeks ago for the first time ever.  He was a passenger in Zack Smith's vehicle so we were able to get both of them there.  I got Zack Smith on this puck.
I got Jason Spezza on this card.  He signed it with the gold paint pen which didn't really work.  Nick Foligno signed this card and it bled badly.
Chris Phillips stopped by and signed this puck.  Chris just re-signed to stay in Ottawa.  He is a great ambassador for the Sens and is very nice to the fans.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Oldtimer's Hockey Challenge In Person

The Oldtimer's Hockey Challenge came through Kingston, Ontario on Monday February 28th.  I try to take in this event every year.  Their lineup is usually really good and usually includes a few Hall of Famers.  This year, Theoren Fleury made the trip!  I went hoping I could get him on an 8x10.  After the game, we waited outside and got some of the players as they boarded their bus.  Theo was great and signed for everyone.  He was definitely the main draw. 
I also got Bryan Trottier on an 8x10.  He is a super nice guy.  He even came back off the bus because he realized that the puck he signed for my buddy, did not work right.  The gold paint pen I gave him was almost dead I think.  The second auto looked better on the puck I think.
Battle of the Blades star, Ron Duguay was there.  I loved watching this guy in the 80s.  It looks like he could still be out there.  We got word of him being there last minute, so all I had was a card.  I also got Dave Ellett on a card and purchased the Gaston Gingras autographed card at the souvenir table for $2!
I got Rick Middleton and Steve Shutt on hockey cards as well. 
Glenn Anderson may be the biggest asshole that ever played in the NHL.  There wasn't that many people out there seeking autographs, yet when I politely asked him to sign my photo, he completely ignored me and board the bus.  He also brushed right past 3 kids that were waiting for him too.  He puts on quite an act when he is in the arena in front of everyone, but when he is out back, he is a dick.  Beware of him and Jimmy Mann.  Jimmy is lucky to even be included in an NHL legends tour.  The guy only got 30 points in his entire NHL career which consisted of a meager 293 games.