Daymond Langkow TTM Success

I sent 2 cards to Daymond Langkow c/o the Calgary Flames on 11/24/2009 and received 2/2 back on 12/16/2009.  27 days is awesome from such a great player.  Once again, the Calgary Flames prove to be the classiest team TTM in Canada at least.
Daymond has been pretty much a pillar of consistency throughout his career.  He has always played around or over 70 games in each season and is always near a point per game.  He has 20 points so far this year for the slow start Flames.  That number is sure to go up as the Flames have been on fire lately.

Mikael Backlund TTM Success

I sent 2 cards to Mikael Backlund c/o the Abbotsford Heat, on 11/24/2009.  I received them both back signed on 12/11/2009.  17 days returned for this up coming star.  Mikael was amazing at the World Jr. Championships for the last 2 years.  I have no doubt that he will become a great NHL player in the next couple of years.  He signed both cards in silver sharpie which shows up awesome!

MIKE KEANE TTM FAILURE!!!

I wrote Mike Keane c/o the Manitoba Moose on 11/10/2009.  I received my 3 cards back on 12/08/2009 unsigned.  No letter, or anything.  Pretty disappointing.  He was at Feb Fest in Kingston a few years ago and I missed out on getting him there.  I have always been a big fan of his since I am a HUGE Habs fan and the 1993 Stanley Cup Playoffs are my favorite of all time.  I now remove Mike Keane from my list of ex-habs that I like.

Ben Maxwell TTM Update

I mailed 2 cards to Ben Maxwell c/o the Hamilton Bulldogs on 11/10/2009.  I received 2/2 signed on 12/03/2009.  23 days is an awesome return.  Ben has 13 points with the Dogs this year so far.  I have been buying up his rookie cards since last year, so this is a nice pair of cards to add.  Hopefully he gets called up to the big club at some point this year.

Jay Bouwmeester TTM Update

I mailed 2 cards to Jay Bouwmeester on 09/16/2009 and I receved 2/2 back on 11/16/2009.  I mailed the cards to the Calgary Flames.  Its great to get his autograph as it is one that I have never gotten, either in person, TTM, or pulled from a pack.  For a guy with a long name, his auto is really small.  He did take care to put the auto on a good spot on the card though.

Ottawa Senators IP

I was in Ottawa visiting family, so I thought I would head to Scotiabank Place to hound the Senators on Saturday night.  I didn't go to the game, but I did get to watch the last 7 minutes of it as people were already starting to leave.  My last IP outing with the Sens did not go so well.  This one was not much better in terms of volume of players.

Nick Foligno is one of the finest NHL players you will ever meet.  I have now gotten him in person 5 different times.  This time, I chose to get him on a SENS puck.  He signed it with a massive signature.  This will look awesome on my puck wall.

Jonathan Cheechoo eluded me the last time I was there, but this time, he waited in a line while Brian Elliott was signing for fans.  I had my McFarlane base with me, and I also had my friend's base.  I thought it was worth a shot to see if he would sign both for me and I explained that my friend could not be here.  He is actually re-painting the Cheechoo figure with Senators colours.  It looks awesome so far. Cheechoo had no problem signing both for me and also gave 2 of the better signatures that I have seen out there for him.

The other 3 players that I got were Jesse Winchester, recently re-called from a conditioning stint in Binghampton, Mike Fisher, and Brian Elliott.  They all gave really nice signatures which I will gladly add to my collection.  Matt Carkner also stopped, but I did not have anything for him to sign.  I will have to hit ebay to get something of his for the next time.

 

So, 6 players stopped, which is pretty low for an average night.  However, it was nice to see a few new faces stop for us this time.

Andy Bathgate TTM Update

I mailed to Andy Bathgate at his home on 07/02/2009.  I received 2/2 back on 11/09/2009.  A bit of a wait, but I heard after I had sent the cards, that he does not answer his mail in the summer.  This is a great addition to my collection.

Craig Conroy TTM Update

I mailed to Craig Conroy, c/o the Calgary Flames, on 10/15/2009.  I received 2/2 back on 11/09/2009.  The cards arrived without the top loader that I sent them in, but remarkably, were not damaged.  Glad to add these to my collection.

Cory Schneider TTM Update

I mailed to Cory Schneider on 10/09/2009 c/o the Manitoba Moose.  I received 2/2 on 11/03/2009.  Less than a month is great.  Cory has recently been recalled by the Vancouver Canucks to replace the injured Roberto Luongo.  Andrew Raycroft has been playing amazing lately, so Cory hasn't had much playing time.  Hopefully, the Canucks trade this kid so that he gets a legitimate shot at playing in the NHL on a regular basis.

Filip Kuba TTM

I sent 2 cards to Filip Kuba c/o The Ottawa Senators on 10/06/2009.  I received them both back autographed on 10/19/2009.  13 days returned.  Amazing response.  Kuba was traded to the Sens in the off season of 2008.  He is a consistent puck moving defencemen and had a career high 40 points last year.  He has been injured for much of this year so far, so hopefully he can get back soon.

TTM wait list update

Its been a really slow month.  Sept. 1 was the last success I have received.  Below is the list of players I am waiting on and the date sent:

Mike Komisarek 02/17/2009
Roberto Luongo 02/17/2009
Sam Gagner 03/05/2009
Maxim Lapierre 03/11/2009
Matt Stajan 03/12/2009
Mike Bossy 04/15/2009
Ryan Kesler 04/30/2009
Scott Rolen 04/30/2009
Andy Bathgate 07/02/2009
Paul Ysebaert 08/19/2009
Casey Janssen 09/01/2009
Geoff Courtnall 09/01/2009
Andrew Cogliano 09/16/2009
Jay Bouwmeester 09/16/2009
Willie Mitchell 09/16/2009
Garnet Exelby 09/18/2009
Guillaume Latendresse 09/21/2009

If anyone has any success or failure information on these guys, please let me know.

Senators IP

I went to the Senators vs Canadiens pre-season game on Saturday.  The Senators held an open practice in the morning so we thought we would get autographs after that.  Boy, were we wrong.  The security guards were being very nasty.  They told us that the team told them and the players that no one stops to sign autographs.  So, after being shutout there, we went on to try to get them after the game.  It was a chilly night in Ottawa and one by one, player's cars kept right on driving past the 15 fans waiting.  Only 4 players plus the coach stopped to sign for the fans.  Chris Phillips is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet and he always stops for the fans.  I mean ALWAYS!  Shean Donovan also stops most of the time at least as I have gotten him a few times now.  Nick Foligno is another guy that literally always stops.  Ryan Shannon also stopped but I didn't have anything for him to sign.  These 3 guys should be commended for stopping and interacting with the fans for a few minutes.  The rest of the team just flew by without a second glance.  I have been hounding the Senators when I go to games(its a 2.5 hour drive)for about 11 years and I have never had this bad of luck.  I have never gotten less than 7 autographs before this night.  I don't know what is going on up there, but I hope they change it.  The Senators were far from selling out last year, so getting some fans deeply behind them might be a good idea.  Anyway, here is the photos of what I did get.

Wayne Gretzky TTM Update

I mailed Wayne Gretzky a McFarlane base on March 11, 2009.  I mailed it to the Phoenix Coyotes with a return envelope and US stamps.  I had a success with him there when he first started there on a card so I thought I would give this a shot.  On Sept. 10, 2009, I got it back unsigned with a letter.  So, I guess Gretzky is no longer doing TTM stuff.  He used to autopen TTM items.  My card may be an autopen, I have no idea.  In my mind it is an auto, and I don't care really.  I did get him in person at the NHL draft 2 years ago in Ottawa.

Norm Ullman TTM Update

I mailed 3 cards to Norm Ullman on August 21 and received all 3 back signed on Sept. 1. Great response out of this hall of famer. He even added the HOF inscription. I really like the 01-02 Fleer Greats of the Game set. I think I now have about 20 autos or so from that set. It would be nice to complete the ones that are not deceased, but that includes Gordie Howe and Bobby Orr among others. Pipe dream I guess.

Lou Fontinato TTM Update

I mailed 2 cards to Lou Fontinato on August 21, and received 1/2 back on Sept. 1. He kept the one card, so I assume he may have needed it for his own collection. Happy to get another auto and in less than 2 weeks too.

Lyle Overbay TTM Update

I mailed to Lyle Overbay on May 27th and received 1/2 back on August 26th. Very nice signature on the one he did sign though. The Jays started off really hot but cooled off really fast. Hopefully they fire J.P. Riccardi soon and get someone in there that knows what they are doing. The cleanup could be messy, but the Jays have alot of young talent that are ready for MLB time.

Harry Howell TTM Update

I mailed Harry Howell on August 14 and received back 4/2 on August 24th. I only sent him 2 cards and he sent me back a 3rd card and another blowup Hall of Fame card. He personalized all of them and even added an inscription on some. Amazing response from this hall of famer. I am very happy to added these to my collection.

TTM wait list

I thought I would post the list of players I am waiting on this year. Also, I would like to know if anyone else has gotten responses from some of these guys.

Mike Komisarek - sent Feb.17 c/0 Canadiens
Roberto Luongo - sent Feb.17 c/o Canucks
Sam Gagner - sent Mar. 5 c/o Oilers
Wayne Gretzky - sent Mar. 11 c/o Coyotes
Maxim Lapierre - sent Mar. 11 c/o Canadiens
Matt Stajan - sent Mar. 12 c/o Leafs
Mike Bossy - sent Apr. 15 c/o NHL Alumni Association
Ryan Kesler - sent Apr. 30 c/0 Canucks
Scott Rolen - sent Apr. 30 c/o Blue Jays
Lyle Overbay - sent May 27 c/o Blue Jays
Andy Bathgate - sent Jul. 2 home
Harry Howell - sent Aug. 14 home
Paul Ysebaert - sent Aug. 19 home
Norm Ullman - sent Aug. 21 home
Lou Fontinato - sent Aug. 21 home

Johnny Bower TTM

I mailed 1 8x10 photo to Johnny Bower on 07/15/2009 and received it back signed on 07/22/2009. Great signature on a photo with him and the cup. I have met him a couple of times and he is always super nice and very talkative. I am extremely happy to add this to my collection.

Guy Lafleur TTM

I mailed to Guy Lafleur on 07/02/2009. I received 3/3 back on 07/17/2009. All 3 were great signatures. I have always been a big fan of this guy. I have been a lifetime Habs fan and have been fortunate enough to meet him in person a couple of times. I wanted to get some cards of his signed for my collection to go with my McFarlanes, pucks and photo. You will be hard pressed to find an ex-pro hockey player, nicer than Guy.

Rick Meagher Golf Tournament IP

Rick Meagher played for the St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, Hartford Whalers, and the New Jersey Devils. He is known for being one of the best defencive forwards of his time and a winner of the Frank J. Selke trophy in 89-90. He has hosted a tournament in Belleville, Ontario for a number of years, benefiting local handicapped children. Its a great cause and he always has a great number of NHL superstars, past and present, show up. This year was the first year I decided to actually go out and hound for autos. It was a resounding success. All of the celebrities were extremely courteous and happy to sign anything we had for them. Here is what I got:

Shawn Mattias: young star for the Florida Panthers. This kid is going to be a star in the NHL in the next few years. I got him to sign a Panthers puck.

Matt Cooke: Stanley Cup winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He hails from Stirling, Ontario which is a short 20 minute drive north of Belleville. Great to see him out there with the fans after winning the holy grail. I got him on a Penguins puck.

Dennis Hull: Maybe a lesser known Hull, next to Brett and Bobby. Dennis had quite a career of his own. A 90 point season in 72-73 with the Blackhawks is a highlight of a career, not matched by many. He spent all but 1 season with the Hawks, the lone season at the end of his career with the Red Wings. He was all too kind to sign a puck for me.

The following I got on cards:
Jim Pappin: A stallwart with the Blackhawks who also played for the Leafs, Golden Seals and Barons.

Rick Meagher, as mentioned above, he was so pleasant as we got him right on the tee off on the 10th hole. He is a true class act.

Guy Lapointe: I got him on a 76-77 Topps card. Good thing I had that one with me, as he stated that he would not sign anything that was new. I didn't ask why, but I did think it was odd. So, to those that send to him in the mail, keep that in mind.

Yvon Cournoyer: Always a treat to get the Roadrunner. I got him on a McFarlane base at the all-star game, so I got a card this time.

Billy Smith: I have gotten him in the past after Legend's Classics games in Kingston. He is usually a bit abrupt and seems annoyed with the fans. This time, however, he was very personable and was even chatting it up with us about how busy the Legends tour is this year. This was very nice to see as my buddy is a huge Smith/Islanders fan.

Bernie Parent: Possibly one of the best goalies to ever wear a Flyers' uniform. He was extremely polite, posed for pictures, and smoked one of the biggest cigars I have ever seen. We searched Kingston to Belleville for his McFarlane, but couldn't find one. A card was all I had.

Reggie Leach: I got him at a Legends game a few years back, and he was absolutely a treat. This time was no different. The guy is a true class act. He jokes around with the fans and seems to genuinely love the interaction.

Shawn Antoski: A local tough guy that played for the Canucks, Flyers, Penguins and Mighty Ducks.

Henri Richard TTM Update

I mailed 2 cards out to Henri Richard on 07/02/2009. I received back them back on 07/10/2009. I got my original 2 cards back signed, and he also included a Molson Export promo card signed, and a large poster card signed as well. What a great response from one of the best hall of famers!!! This is awesome to add to my collection.

Red Kelly TTM update

I mailed these cards to Red Kelly c/o his home address on 07/02/2009, and received them both back on 07/09/2009. 7 days! Amazing response. This guy is a true legend and obviously appreciates the fans. I am very happy to add these cards to my collection as I had never got him before.

Patrick Roy TTM Update

I mailed Patrick Roy, c/o the Quebec Remparts on 04/03/2009. I received the attached response on 06/08/2009. I really wanted to get my 8x10 of him hoisting the cup in 1993 to put with my Roy shrine! He sent me back a letter stating that he can't do mail requests and inserted a small photo with the Avalanche signed. Great that I got a signature from him though. I would love to meet him in person, but I don't know if that will ever happen. I would be more than happy to pay for an autograph to Frozen Pond if he was doing a public signing. I just don't want to pay for an autograph that I didn't witness I guess. Anyway, here is a scan of the letter and photo.

Paul Coffey TTM Update

I mailed this 8x10 to Paul Coffey c/o his dealership in Ontario. I sent it on 04/03/2009 and received it back on 06/04/2009. Around 2 months for this hall of fame hockey player. I got him on a hockey card in person a few years back at Feb Fest in Kingston. I got this 8x10 for another year but the opportunity to get him again didn't happen, so I thought I would mail it. Great signature from him too. He was one of my favorite Oilers when I was a kid. Very happy with this response!

Curtis Sanford TTM Update

I mailed Curtis Sanford on 05/04/2009, and received back 2/2 on 06/01/2009. Great response for a goalie in the middle of the Calder Cup! Curtis kinda got the shaft this year in Vancouver. Luongo went down hurt, so Sanford became the starter. Curtis got hurt too, so the Canucks went out and traded for Labarbera from the Kings. Once Luongo came back, this left Sanford as the odd man out, so they optioned him to the Manitoba Moose in the AHL. He took this assignment and is currently backing up Cory Schneider in the Calder Cup Finals. Hopefully we will see Curtis back in the NHL next year!

Pat Neshek TTM Update

Pat Neshek is a relief pitcher for the Minnesota Twins and get this, he is a grapher!! He collects autographs and has quite an extensive collection. Currently, he is on the DL from Tommy John surgery and will not pitch this season. He is in Florida at the Twins' spring training facility, going through rehab. Check out his website at www.patneshek.com. If you send him cards that he doesn't have in his collection he will send you his cards autographed. He states that he would never deny an autograph request through the mail, as long as the return shipping was paid. Anyway, I had 3 of his UD cards form this year so I sent them down there along with 5 autographed hockey cards that he didn't have. He sent me my 3 cards signed(which btw, he has one of the coolest signatures ever!), along with 2 of his minor league cards signed!! I sent my cards from Canada on 05/07/2009, and received them all back on 05/22/2009. Its great to see a professional athlete connect with the fans on the level that this guy does. He may just be the coolest MLB player in the world!

Mail Day

I purchased 2 really cool autos on ebay last week. A guy had a ton of 8x10s listed with starting bids of $1. I have collected Chris Gratton since his days with the Kingston Frontenacs and have gotten a variety of things signed, pucks, a stick blade and cards. I have a jersey that I want to get signed at some point, but I couldn't pass on this 8x10. I put a max of $10 on it and won it for $1. So I had a look at the others this guy had and found a cool Chris Mason 8x10 and won it for $1 too.

Autos for Trade 2

Here are some more autos I have for trade.

Steve Shutt 01-02 Fleer Greats of the Game #12.
Dale Hawerchuk 90-91 UD #53.
Jimmy Mann 01-02 Fleer Throwbacks #36.
Kirk Muller 91-92 Score #614.
Daniel Marois 90-91 Pro Set #284.

Autos for Trade

Here are some autographed cards I have for trade.

Dany Heatley 2004 Pacific Atomic Hockey #1.
Marcel Dionne 82-83 OPC #149, 81-82 OPC #150.
Bob Bourne 84-85 OPC #123.
Allan Bester 89-90 OPC #271.

Toronto Sportscard Expo - Cristobal Huet

Lucky Sports Management were selling these Cristobal Huet autographed McFarlanes, for $15 with a COA. Great deal, so I had to jump on it.

Toronto Sportscard Expo - Fergie Jenkins

Canadian baseball legend Fergie Jenkins was doing a signing at the show. For $20, you got a nice signed ball. Its a nice signature from the only Canadian in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.

Toronto Sportscard Expo

A guy was setup with a ton of signed pucks and McFarlanes. He had a big sign stating if you bought 3 items, the 4th was free. So, I "had" to find 4 things to buy. His prices were all very good, considering you were not getting a COA and he was just a grapher like myself. Apparently, he lives in Pittsburgh and gets autos all year long to just come to the Toronto show every fall and spring. You name the player, and he had him.
I needed the David Aebischer to complete my collection of Canadiens McFarlanes, so I jumped at one that was autographed and for cheap. I then found a nice Jeremy Roenick auto Mcfarlane and then topped it off with a Carey Price puck, and a Marc-Andre Fleury puck. I think all 4 of these things cost me less than $100!

Toronto Sportscard Expo

Jean Beliveau was doing a signing at the show. You got a COA from AJ's Sportsworld with it. Great signature from him. He takes his time to make sure it is right. He even thanked me for coming to see him. It is always a treat to get these legends' signatures.

Dion Phaneuf TTM update

I mailed Dion Phaneuf an 8x10 photo on March 13. On March 31, I got it back, unsigned, but with a signed team issued photo. I guess its almost pointless to mail to the big three in Calgary as it seems like they don't sign anything that is sent to them. I mean, I am grateful that I got a couple of nice autographs from them, but I was hoping for the photos to put up on my walls. Anyway, here is the scan. Its up for trade if anyone has some offers.

TTM Update

On February 17th 2009, I mailed Jason Spezza an 8x10 photo. On March 18th, 2009, I received it back signed. Its a great sig in black sharpie. The 8x10 top loader I sent it in was destroyed. Looks like it was bent and cracked it. Only a small chip on the photo in the bottom which would be hidden in a frame anyway. So, just over a month for a response is pretty good though.

Craig Rivet Signing

I mentioned earlier that I got the Sabres at the Senators game. Well, I have been collecting Craig Rivet since he was with the Kingston Frontenacs back in 1992. I did get an in person auto from him at a game. I mailed him once he had some Canadiens cards and he sent them back quickly. I purchased a "game used" stick on ebay in 2001. It was from a guy in Philadelphia that stated that Craig gave it to him after a game down there. I have been hoping to get it signed at some point in Montreal. I guess the opportunity never arose and before I knew it, he was traded to San Jose. The Sharks don't venture to the North East very often, so I thought I was doomed. Then, he signed with the Sabres in the off season. So, going up to get the Sabres, I thought this might be the chance. Craig was more than happy to sign my stick, and I asked him if he could verify its authenticity. He did and said that he used that stick in one of his first seasons with the Montreal Canadiens!!! He signed one of the best autographs I have ever gotten on the blade and signed a puck for me. He also signed 8x10s for my buddies that were with me. For a lifelong fan of him, it was awesome to have this stick signed, but to actually get to talk with him for a few minutes. Craig is definitely a true class act. Here is the pic of the stick and puck.

Jarome Iginla TTM

I stated earlier that I mailed Jarome Iginla and received a response in 13 days. Although he didn't sign my jumbo cards, he did mail me back this team issued, autographed jumbo card. It is available for trade if anyone is interested.

Even More Autographs for Trade

Here are a few more autographs for trade. Anton Volchenkov 05-06 ITG Heroes and Prospects #90, Kirk Muller 91-92 Bowman #274, Steve Larmer 90-91 UD #242, Dale Hawerchuk 90-91 OPC #141.

more Autographs for trade

Some more autographs for trade. These were all obtained in person. Wendel Clark 90-91 ProSet #276, Steve Larmer 01-02 Fleer GOTG#24, Dave Ellett 95-96 Score#129, Dave Ellett 92-93 Pro Set #186.

Autographs for trade

Here are some duplicate autographs that I have for trade. Please send me any offers for hockey and baseball only.

Anton Volchenkov on 07-08 UD#396, Chris Phillips 99-00 UD#264, Patrick Lalime 05-06 UD#166, Shean Donovan 07-08 OPC#50.

Buffalo Sabres in Person

We were able to get the Sabres at the Sens game. These 4 guys I had never got before. Andrew Peters, Derek Roy, James Patrick, and Maxim Afinogenov. Great group of guys.

Senators in person

Went to the Sens vs Sabres game and waited around for autographs after the game. These 4 guys I had never got before. Bryan Elliott, Nick Foligno, Brian Lee, and Brendan Bell. Bell scored 2 goals that night to help the Sens win 4-2. Elliott didn't have much work but was still effective. You will never meet a more polite hockey player than Nick Foligno. He stopped by and asked us how we were doing and told us to have a good night after we thanked him for stopping. Spezza, Heatley and Alfredsson all floored it out of the parking lot without a second glance.

Autograph Update

On February 17th, I mailed Jarome Iginla a jumbo card and a regular card with return postage and a letter. On March 2nd, I received my items back from him unsigned, but with a large card of Jarome Iginla signed. It looks like a team issued card of some sort. Pretty impressive response out of one of the premier players in the NHL. 13 days to get my stuff back is pretty good. Definitely a good addition to my collection. Still no response from Komisarek, Spezza, or Luongo. I will update when I do.

Autos by mail

I got home from the all-star game with a ton of 8x10s extra unsigned. So, I have decided to go ahead and send some to the players with SASEs and see if I can get any good responses. This week, I am mailing to Roberto Luongo, Jarome Iginla, Mike Komisarek and Jason Spezza. I will update later on the response times for these guys, if at all. I have to start with CDN teams as I don't have and US stamps to return from the US. If anyone out there would like to trade or sell me current US stamps, that would be great.

All-star game update

So, myself and 3 buddies headed up to Montreal to take in the all-star game festivities for the weekend and to hound for some autographs. We were pretty disappointed to find out that the NHL were charging for absolutely everything up there. The NHL Jamboree was spread out over 3 different "buildings", and once you went into 1 building and left, you couldn't come back into that building without purchasing a new ticket. When you purchased a ticket for the jamboree, it cost $12.50 for a 2 hour window. The week before the game, the NHL all-star website stated that the sportscard show would not be under the 2 hour ticket. This was not the case once we were there. The Jamboree did have some great autograph guests however, that were signing for "free", minus the admission price. We obtained Yvon Cournoyer and Pete Mahovlich on the Friday night. Also there that night were Maxim Lapierre and Georges Laraque, but the lineup for those guys was well over 1 hour in length, so we decided to not do that.

Upperdeck had 3 of the top rookies signing at their booth on Friday night. No personal items would be signed by them though. You got a blowup rookie card signed. Luke Schenn, Drew Doughty and Steve Stamkos were the 3. While at the Jamboree, we got some insider information that Guy Lafleur was doing a signing at the Bell Store on Saturday, so we added that to our mix for that day.

We had tickets to the All-Star Game practice, which we thought started at 8am, but didn't actually start until after 10am. We bought tickets on Kijiji for $32 each, which we found out once we got to Montreal, that we could have bought them at McDonalds for $15 each.
It was sort of entertaining, but thats about it.

The Reebok store had a few autograph guests as well. Some that we didn't care to get though. We got there just in time to get J.S. Giguere, and my buddy actually missed him, but Giguere's brother took his 8x10 in the back to get J.S. to sign it for him. What a guy. We also found Willie O'Ree at the Reebok store which was cool.

We went from there to find the red carpet area. Once we found out where it was, we found out that it was a special ticket that you had to have to get in. Some sort of VIP ticket. I had no idea where you could get a ticket. They had closed off the Card show building for the red carpet and were letting no one in without a ticket. We snuck in one of the exit doors though and managed to get a few sigs there. I got Lecavalier, Iginla, Parise and Guy Lafleur in there. It was insanely packed with morons taking pictures of the stars, eating up prime autograph spots. Guy was impressive, he signed for every single person that requested him to. He even signed about 7 cards for one kid down the line from me. His signature is always pristine too. Definitely a class act. My buddy was able to get Jonathan Toews only, but that was his goal. I almost had Ovechkin and Crosby but they were ushered into the building.
Our whole plan was to hound the hotel. Typically, teams stay at the Marriott, or at least they had. Someone told us that the reason they stayed there was that Serge Savard owned it, and they wanted to show loyalty to a former player. I guess he sold it last year, so now teams stay wherever. The stars were staying at the Sofitel which someone told us on Saturday, but we forgot the name and had to hunt for it. So, on Sunday we trekked out to find it. We found it alright and got a fair amount of autographs there prior to the game. Just standing at the bottom of the steps, we got Parise, Kaberle, Niedermayer and Stephane Robidas. There were some youngstars coming and going, but I had no idea who they were. Once the busses pulled up to take the players to the game, we split up. Myself and a buddy on the west side, and 2 other buddies on the eastern side. Dany Heatley ended up signing for both sides as he thought his bus was the west one. I also got Iginla and Luongo on 8x10s. Great sigs from both. Ovechkin signed for only a few on the other side, but my one buddy did get him on his McFarlane base.

That was the end to our weekend freezing our asses off. It was about -30 everyday, which sucked badly.

Autograph Hounding the All-Star game

A few of my buddies, and I, will be heading to Montreal next weekend to attempt getting autographs from some of the NHL's biggest stars. The amount of star power in one place is a huge draw for any autograph seeker. I would like to hear from anyone else that is heading up there. I do have a bit of insider information on good hounding spots. There is plenty going on up there everyday. Lays Fan Fest is happening in the parking lot in front of the Bell Centre as well as a card show hosted by Spawn and UpperDeck at the old Windsor station. There is some stuff happening at the Pepsi Forum which I believe you have to have some sort of a travel package to get in there. We have tickets to the Saturday morning all-star practice. These tickets cost us $32 on www.kijiji.ca from a selling in Montreal. Of course there is also the NHL Super Skills Competition on Saturday night and the Youngstars game on Saturday afternoon.
I just read yesterday, that Carey Price may not play in the all-star game. I would be extremely disappointed if I don't at least get the opportunity to get his autograph.
I will post after the weekend to let everyone know how we made out and which stars signed without problems and which ones were rude.

Lecavalier a Hab???

So everyone has heard the rumors on the Lecavalier trade to Montreal for a plethora of players and draft picks. If not, here is the skinny. Montreal has offered, Tomas Plekanec, Chris Higgins, Josh Gorges, P.K. Subban and 4 draft picks at the 2nd round or higher. I am a Habs fan and would love nothing more than to see this happen. However, I don't think it ever will happen. The ownership group of the Lightning would be telling their fans to not come to the arena by making this trade. Lecavalier is the fan favorite in Tampa, and he has done so much volunteer work in the community down there. Vinny has won a Stanley Cup already and he has a good 10 years or so left in the NHL at the very least. Rebuilding is difficult for sure, but with a few years of good draft picks, Tampa could become the Penguins very quickly. Stamkos is struggling this year, mostly due to poor coaching and a revolving door of players coming up from the AHL. He will be alot better over the next few years for sure.
Vinny's no trade claus comes into effect on July 1. So, in effect, the Lightning can move him any time they want to before then, but out of respect for the player and the fans, any deal would not be done without asking him first. If Vinny says that he doesn't want to leave Tampa, and they trade him anyway, the fans will be mad and will not come to games(attendance is already low). If he does get moved, I think the Habs would be the only team he would consider.