Joe Colborne TTM Success

Mailed:  10/24/2011
Received:  12/19/2011
Days:  56
c/o:  Toronto Marlies


Joe has been up a couple of times this year with the Maple Leafs, getting 4 points in 9 games.  He has 21 points in 18 games for the Marlies so far as well.  I think the Leafs are trying to move some players after the xmas roster freeze to make room for Joe in the lineup full time.

Louis Domingue TTM Success

Mailed:  11/23/2011
Received:  12/15/2011
Days:  22
c/o: Quebec Remparts


Louis has posted some impressive numbers for the Quebec Remparts over the last 2 seasons.  Last year was his first season as a full time starter.  He started 57 games, winning 37.  So far this season, he is 15-4-2 with 2 shutouts.  He was a Phoenix Coyotes draft pick in 2010 and will probably be up there at some point in the next couple of seasons.

Spencer Machacek TTM Success

Mailed:  11/18/2011
Received:  12/07/2011
Days:  19
c/o:  St. John's Ice Caps


Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2007 draft by the Atlanta Thrashers, he is now with Winnipeg's farm team, the St. John's Ice Caps.  He currently has 19 points in 24 games, which is pretty decent.  I would imagine that he is the next one to get a call up to the Jets.

Paul Brandt IP

I have been a massive Paul Brandt fan since I heard his song, "That's the Truth", back in 1996.  I have always wanted to see him in concert, but my wife hates country music and won't give it a chance.  So, going solo isn't really that much fun.  So, I took my mom, who I think is now a fan!  The concert was great, lots of great music and joking with fans and such.  After the concert, he came out to the lobby to pose for pictures and sign autographs.  He really took his time with everyone, talking to them and asking where they were from and if they enjoyed the show.  Follow Paul on twitter @paulbrandt
I bought a picture to get signed by him.

High Valley IP

High Valley was the opening act for Paul Brandt last night in Brockville, ON.  I have been a big fan of these guys since their songs hit the radio.  They are from La Crete, Alberta.  If you get a chance to see these guys, do it!  They are awesome!  Once they were done their set, they went out to the lobby to sign autographs for the fans.  They seem really down to earth and enjoyed interacting with the fans.  You can follow them on Twitter @highvalley
I bought a picture to get signed by the group.

Alex Tanguay TTM Success

Mailed:  09/23/2011
Received:  11/02/2011
Days:  40
c/o:  Calgary Flames

I always liked Tanguay when he was with the Avalanche.  They were sort of my second favourite team simply because I am the biggest Patrick Roy fan.  He had a short stint with the Canadiens, which only lasted 1 season.  He seems to be the only one putting up points right now for the struggling Flames.  They have some really talented players, so it is only a matter of time before they start winning games again.

Darryl Sittler IP

Darryl Sittler was doing a signing at my local Canadian Tire store.  They renovated the store and had something going on there every day.  I got Mr. Sittler last year at Feb Fest in Kingston, but, I found out about that event too late to get the 01-02 Fleer GOTG card signed.  I thought for sure I had this card but I couldn't find it at the time.  I bought one on www.ebay.com last weekend and prayed that it would arrive in time.  It arrived on Friday so I could add to my set build.  I took my daughter with me and he gave her a personalized photo as well.  Darryl has the NHL record for points in 1 game.  He scored 6 goals and added 4 assists for 10 points in a game against the Boston Bruins on Feb. 7, 1976.  I doubt that this record will ever be broken.

Toronto Maple Leafs IP

The Toronto Maple Leafs are at CFB Trenton for the next 3 days on a team building exercise and their practices are open to the public.  Trenton, ON is obviously Leaf country as there were so many people out that they had to let people in to view the practice in 20 minute shifts.  Autographs at the arena were really not happening.  David Steckel was the only player to come out and sign for people.  We thought the day was done, but we lucked out in our parking spot in that the bus went out right in front of us.  We had to go in the same direction as the bus to go home anyway, so we just lagged behind it a bit.  It pulled off into the mess hall on the base and it was open to the public there as well.  We lucked out really and got most of the team to sign for us there. 
Dion Phaneuf is a true class act.  I mean, all of the Leaf players were super nice, but Dion really stood out for me.  He even thanked the lunch ladies at the mess hall for lunch on his way out.  He was the last person to board the bus after signing for everyone.  Way to go Dion!  That is the way a true captain should be.

Nazem Kadri signed this puck.

Carl Gunnarsson signed puck.

Jonas Gustavsson signed McFarlane.  I was hoping he would add "The Monster" inscription but it was busy.

Colby Armstrong signed puck.   @armdog on twitter

Joffrey Lupul signed puck.  @jlupul on twitter

Jake Gardiner signed puck.

John-Michael Liles, David Steckel and Nikolai Kulemin.

James Reimer, Dion Phaneuf and Mike Komisarek.  @mkomisarek on twitter

Tim Connolly, Phil Kessel and Mikhail Grabovski.

Phil Esposito TTM Success

Mailed:  08/02/2011
Received:  10/03/2011
Days:  62
c/o: Boston Bruins Alumni

I mailed the 01-02 Fleer GOTG card to Phil c/o the Boston Bruins Alumni.  So, 62 days through there is actually really good.  It is awesome to add an autograph from one of the classiest guys to ever play the game.

Sylvania 300 Nascar, Loudon, New Hampshire

My dad and I went to the Sylvania 300 in Loudon, New Hampshire over the weekend.  We went last year which was my first Nascar race.  We enjoyed it so much, that we went back this year.  We also got the pre-race pit pass, which was a complete joke for $100.  Anyway, some drivers were doing appearances at their souvenir haulers, which we didn't know about because we were in the pit area.  By the time we made it up to the souvenir alley, the tickets(75) for Keselowski, Biffle and Logano were long gone.  Brian Vickers had a signing as well, but they held 25 tickets back for anyone who bought a car for $50.  I told my buddy that I would try to get the auto for him, so I figured he would be ok with getting the car signed.  Robby Gordon was also doing a free unlimited signing at his hauler so I jumped in line for that too.

Here is the Brian Vickers car that I got signed for my buddy.  Vickers had a great day racing near the front for most of the day and finishing a very good, 5th.

I was able to slip him a card to get signed for myself.

Robby Gordon signed this card for me.  He was great with the fans.  Laughing and joking around with everyone.  Unfortunately, he had some brake problems early in the race and had to retire to the garage.

Mark Martin strolled out on pit row and was the only autograph I got for my $100 pit pass.  He was great and signed for everyone who requested a signature.  I think he may be retiring this year as I know Kahne is taking his spot next year with Hendrick's motorsports.  Mark led for a good portion of the race early on but finished 24th, 1 lap down due to some unscheduled pits.

Ryan Parent TTM Success

Mailed:  01/18/2011
Received:  09/13/2011
Days:  237
c/o: Manitoba Moose

Ryan hails from one of the most remote communities in Canada...Sioux Lookout.  He won a pair of gold medals with Team Canada at the World Jr. Championships.  He played most of last season with the Manitoba Moose, and it looks like he has signed on with a 2 way contract with the Vancouver Canucks again for this season.

Glenn Resch TTM Success

Mailed:  08/02/2011
Received:  08/31/2011
Days:  29
c/o:  Home

"Chico" Resch played goal for the Islanders, Rockies, Devils and Flyers.  He won a Stanley Cup with the Islanders.  He is now a broadcaster for the New Jersey Devils.

Bobby Clarke TTM Success

Mailed:  08/02/2011
Received:  08/19/2011
Days:  16
c/o: Philadelphia Flyers

I mailed to Mr. Clarke at the Flyers because he is working for them as an executive.  He won 2 Stanley Cups with the Flyers in 1974 and 1975.  He was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987.  He had an amazing career as a player in the NHL and internationally. 

'Boston' Rob Mariano TTM Success

Mailed:  05/24/2011
Received:  08/18/2011
Days:  86
c/o: Home

I am a huge Survivor fan.  Boston Rob is my favorite Survivor competitor ever.  Amber and Rob were the reason I started watching The Amazing Race, which I have been a huge fan of ever since then.  As everyone knows, Rob finished 2nd to Amber at Survivor All-Stars, but shocked everyone when they became engaged and later married.  Russell Hantz knew to vote Rob out early in Heroes vs Villains because he was such a strong player.  Rob returned to face Russell in Survivor: Redemption Island.  It was such a fun season to watch.  Rob really masterminded the entire game and eventually won.
You can follow Boston Rob on Twitter @BostonRob or check out his website at www.bostonrobmariano.com


Considering he was filming his newest show coming out this fall, 80 Ways Around the World, 86 days for this return is pretty good.  The next season of Survivor starts on September 15.  I also look forward to seeing Rob's new show.

Taylor Hall IP

Taylor Hall was putting on a skills camp for kids with all proceeds going to Canadian Cancer Society.  The kids had to get pledge sheets and raise money to be on the ice with Taylor and get photos and autographs after.  They also had a silent auction table and Taylor came out and signed for everyone that was there.  All they asked was for a $25 donation per autograph.  That is a great deal and the money goes to a great cause.  I have gotten him a few times and he is a super nice kid every time.  I hope he has a great year in Edmonton this year!

John Erskine and Danny Taylor IP

The local NHLers and prospects participated in a charity event to raise money for Kingston Minor Hockey.  There is quite a few local guys playing in the NHL, OHL, AHL, and NCAA.  I think some of the guys left from different areas of the rink, so I missed a lot of them.  I know a lot of people were dissappointed that Taylor Hall was not there but he had another commitment in Niagara Falls.
Danny Taylor played for the Kingston Frontenacs and was drafted by the LA Kings.  Although he was born in England, he has lived in Kingston, ON for most of his life.  He has only played 1 period of play in the NHL and he has bounced around in the minors quite a bit before going over to Europe to play last season.  He is currently a free agent, so hopefully he will get signed by a North American team.  I actually purchased his used pads from the Kingston Frontenacs a few years ago, and I have been using them ever since.  I have every NHL card of him that has ever been made.  08-09 UD Black had letter mark cards that spelled out the players' names.  I was trying to collect them one by one, but the "Y" was short printed and hadn't come up yet.  Some one listed a whole set, so I bought it.  I waited a while and eventually another "Y" popped up on ebay, so I bought it too.  I gave Danny my second set, and he thanked me.  We chatted for a few minutes and he signed a puck for me.  He is a great guy and a great goalie, so hopefully he makes his way back to the NHL.

John Erskine is a monster of a defenceman that plays for the Washington Capitals.  He was originally drafted by the Dallas Stars in 98.

Jannik Hansen TTM Success

Mailed:  02/09/2011
Received:  07/26/2011
Days:  167
c/o: Vancouver Canucks

Jannik is one of the fastest skaters that I have ever seen.  He really came into his own this year in the playoffs for the Canucks.  He should have an expanded and full time role with the Canucks this season.

Kevin Bieksa TTM Success

Mailed:  01/06/2011
Received:  07/18/2011
Days:  193
c/o: Vancouver Canucks

Kevin was an integral part of getting the Canucks to game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.  He just signed on for 5 more season in Vancouver, and with the rest of their high end talent locked up, look for them to continue to contend for a Stanley Cup in the next few years.

Medigas Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament IP Part 2

Shawn Matthias is a former Belleville Bull and is now with the Florida Panthers.

Mike Murphy is another Kingston, Ontario product.  He played for the Bulls and was CHL goalie of the year.  He is now a Carolina Hurricanes prospect and is playing for their farm team, the Charlotte Checkers.
He also is big on twitter, so follow him @MichaelMurphy31

 Peter Mahovlich(the Little M) was there this  year as well.  He is now a scout for the Florida Panthers.

Ric Seiling, Brad Richardson, Shawn Antoski.

Danny Gare, Tony McKegney, Rick Meagher.

Gilles Gilbert, Butch Goring, Mike Murphy.

Medigas Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament IP

The Medigas Celebrity Golf Tournament was this past weekend in Belleville, Ontario.  This is definitely the best celebrity golf tournament in the area.  The list of stars and retired stars, is amazing.  This tournament was started by Rick Meagher and has grown and raised a ton of money for charity. 

P.K. Subban was a huge draw for autograph collectors...and dealers.  P.K. and the tournament organizers were getting angry with the throngs of autograph requests and were turning people away.  I had gotten P.K. at last year's event, but I told a buddy at work that I would try to get a picture signed for his son who is a huge Subban and Habs fan.  Once I told P.K. that it was for a kid and asked him to personalize it, he was fine with that.  I didn't bother asking for anything for myself at that point.

Stephane Richer was there last year as well, so this year I found a picture for him to sign.

Rick Vaive is always so nice to the fans.  I had gotten him on hockey cards every other time I saw him, but this time I thought a picture would be a nice change.

This tournament always features lots of current and former Belleville Bulls' players.  Eric Tangradi is an american born player that now plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins.  I follow him on twitter @ETangradi.  He is hilarious, so add him if you use twitter.

Billy Smith is always amazing to get at these events.  He even brought a bunch of oversize picture cards to hand out to kids.

Johnny Bucyk TTM Success

Mailed:  05/13/2011
Received:  07/07/2011
Days:  54
c/o: Boston Bruins Alumni Association

I am still working on this set.  I read online that Johnny charges $5 for TTM requests.  The Canada Post strike/lockout delayed this I am sure.  He scored 1369 points, mostly with the Bruins.  He started his career with 2 seasons for the Detroit Red Wings.  He was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1981.

Alex Delvecchio TTM Success

Mailed:  05/13/2011
Received:  06/29/2011
Days:  47
c/o:  Home

47 days with the Canada Post Lockout/Strike situation.  This is another card from the 01-02 Fleer Greats of the Game set.  Alex was inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1977 and had 1281 points in a great NHL career.  I had read online that he will only respond to autograph requests by mail with $10 included.  I sent a $10 CDN bill and that worked.

Gordie Howe In Person

Gordie Howe...Mr. Hockey, was doing an appearance at a local hearing clinic.  Technically, the event was supposed to be only for patients of the clinic.  I actually have a hearing disability, so I figured that I would give it a shot.  They were actually allowing some of the general public come in as long as it was not busy with clients.  Gordie was super nice.  He tried to figure out when the photo was taken as it was one that he had never seen before.  He likes to crack jokes and interacts very well with everyone.  Their only request was that anything signed, had to be personalized.  I had no problem with this at all.  He took his time signing the photo and it turned out awesome!  Gordie is a class act.  Its great to add an autographed photo of one of the best players to ever play the game, to my collection.

Dustin Boyd TTM Success

Mailed:  01/19/2011
Received:  06/02/2011
Days:  134
c/o:  Hamilton Bulldogs

Dustin has recently signed on to play next season in the KHL for Barys Astana.  He has 1 goal in 10 games with the Habs in a very limited role.  He had a great season in Hamilton though, registering 29 points in 47 games and following that up with 16 points in 20 playoff games as the Bulldogs almost made the Calder Cup final.

Cory Sarich TTM Success

Mailed:  01/18/2011
Received:  05/30/2011
Days:  132
c/o:  Calgary Flames

Cory is a great stay at home defenceman for the Flames.  Another Saskatchewan born guy.  He had 17 points this year as the Flames just missed the playoffs.  Always good to add another Calgary Flames' to my collection.

Jeff Halpern TTM Success

Mailed:  01/05/2011
Received:  05/12/2011
Days:  127
c/o:  Montreal Canadiens

Jeff has been a nice addition to the Habs this year.  He is great on faceoffs and works hard out there.  It was unfortunate that he was the one that tipped the series winner past Price in game 7 though.  I am not sure why he decided to half block a shot half way between the shooter and the goalie. 

Brett Connolly TTM Success

Mailed:  02/09/2011
Received:  05/03/2011
Days:  83
c/o: Prince George Cougars

Unfortunately, the Cougars went out in 4 straight games at the hands of the Kelowna Rockets in the WHL playoffs.  Brett had a great regular season though, with 73 points in 59 games.  He was a 1st round pick, 6th overall, by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2010 NHL Draft.  He also played for Team Canada at the WJHC in Buffalo, registering 3 assists in 7 games.

Roberto Luongo TTM Success

Mailed:  02/17/2009
Received:  04/27/2011
Days:  799
c/o:  Vancouver Canucks

That is right!  799 days.  I mailed this way back in 2009.  I actually mailed a jumbo card and a regular card.  He sent me back a form letter...signed and a team issued post card signed.  The post card is really cool with a great auto.  I actually like getting the letter.  It feels personal, even if someone just inserted it into an envelope.  Roberto was awesome last night in the Game 7 OT win over the Blackhawks.  Now, the Canucks are playing the Predators in round 2 starting tomorrow night.