Oldtimers Hockey Challenge IP

The K-ROCK Centre in Kingston, Ontario was home to the Oldtimers Hockey Challenge.  This year, in celebration of the Boston Bruins winning the Stanley Cup, they had an all Bruins alumni team.  The headliner was Ray Bourque!!  Other players in attendance were, Ken Linseman, Rick Middleton, Mike Krushelnyski, Bob Sweeney, Daniel Marios, Terry O'Reilly, Rick Smith, Bruce Shoebottom and a few others that I can't remember of hand.  The list wasn't published ahead of time at all this year.  The radio broadcast that Bourque was going to be there and other Bruins alumni.  I got completely screwed out of getting Bourque's autograph by a buddy that thought he could get a picture taken with Ray while there was 50 people swarming him.  So in his mad rush to get his damn camera to another buddy to take a picture, he butted me out of the way and all I could do was watch Ray get on the bus without signing my puck.  Not impressed.
Anyway, here is what I did get:

When we got there, Kerry Fraser was out at the souvenir table signing copies of his book and anything else people had for him.  I had a card from 90-91 Pro Set for him to sign.  He is very friendly and if you get a chance, look up his blog on www.tsn.ca or follow him on twitter @kfraserthecall

Terry O'Reilly was one of the toughest guys to ever play the game.  I got him to sign a card from 09-10 UD Champs.

Bob Sweeney was a monster of a power forward playing for the rival Bruins and Sabres through the late 80s and early 90s.  All I had to get him on was a puck.

Mike Krushelnyski was part of the Wayne Gretzky trade to LA in 1988.  He played his first 3 season in the NHL for the Bruins.

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.

NHL Oldtimer's Hockey Challenge IP

The Oldtimer's Hockey Challenege tour came through Kingston, Ontario this past week.  I go to this event nearly every year to get some autographs of NHL legends.  This is by far the best NHL Alumni tour that is around.  Their website is www.oldtimershockey.com.  Check their site for a schedule. 

Here is what I got:

I got Steve Shutt to sign my McFarlane base.  His "free" signature is pretty crappy compared to the signature he uses on certified autographs.  I am not selling it though, so no big deal. 

I got Rick Vaive on this Sabres card.  I got him at another alumni event last month.

I got Craig Simpson on these 2 cards.  He was great.  Chatted with the fans and made a talked a bit about Battle of the Blades. 

I got Dave Ellett on this card as well.

Former olympian, Lori Dupuis was part of the roster as well.  She was a member of the 2002 Gold Medal team and the 1998 Silver Medal team.  She was great with the fans and signed for everyone.

Billy Smith pulled up in his car to get Steve Shutt.  I was one of the only people that recognized him so I got him to sign my 8x10.