Sven Baertschi TTM Success

Mailed:  11/02/2012
Received:  11/19/2012
Days:  17
c/o: Abbotsford Heat

Sven has 14 points in 15 games so far this year with the Heat.  After a stellar WHL season last year, he was brough up by the Flames at the end of the year.  He had 3 goals in 5 games.  The 2011 1st round pick is poised to do great things in the NHL, once play resumes.

Louis Leblanc TTM Success

Mailed:  10/30/2012
Received:  11/16/2012
Days:  17
c/o: Hamilton Bulldogs

Louis would be playing in Montreal this year if not for the lockout.  He had 10 points last year in 45 games in 2011-12 with the Habs.  He has only played in 3 games with the Bulldogs this year, but has 2 goals.  Its always nice to add an auto of a Habs prospect!

Matt Puempel FAIL

I sent to Ottawa Senators' prospect, Matt Puempel, care of the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL.  I received a form letter back from the Rangers, stating that they don't allow their players to respond to mail in autograph requests.  That is really sad that a junior team would do that.  So, to anyone who has thought about writing to the Rangers, don't waste the stamps.

Aaron Palushaj TTM Success

Mailed:  01/17/2012
Received:  10/05/2012
Days:  262
c/o: Hamilton Bulldogs

Aaron was the player the Canadiens received for Matt D'Agostini, from the St. Louis Blues, back in 2010.  He has put up pretty good numbers with the Bulldogs, but still hasn't gotten much playing time in Montreal.  He had 35 points in 35 games in Hamilton last year, and added another 5 points in Montreal.

Sam Hornish Jr. IP

I went to the Sylvania 300 this past weekend, in Loudon, NH.  The race itself was quite boring, but the experience is still cool.  We had pre-race pit passes for the second year in a row.  This year was even more disappointing than last year.  They are really restrictive, and not worth the money spent.  I doubt we will be back to New Hampshire Motor Speedway.  I tried to hound near the drivers' meeting, but none of them stopped to sign where I was.  A few drivers/crew members did walk over and signed for a few fans on their way in.  I ended up getting Sam Hornish Jr. as he was leaving the washroom, of all places.  He was cordial at least.  He has been filling in at Penske Racing, for the released A.J. Allmendinger.  He has done a great job, but he is not getting that ride full time after the season ends.  Hopefully, he can get a full time ride with another team for next year, rather than be relegated back to Nationwide for another year.

Danny Taylor Autographed Game Used Stick

A friend of mine that I play hockey with, knows Danny Taylor's wife's family really well.  He also knows that I have Danny's old pads that I use to play with currently.  He was at their house for a party leading up to their wedding this summer and asked Danny if he had any sticks laying around that he didn't want anymore.  Danny went back into the garage and pulled out this beauty.  Its a game used stick from this season with the Abbotsford Heat of the AHL.  He signed it on the blade as well.  Man is this thing beat up.  I still gotta find a spot for it up on my wall, but I am sure I will find some room.

Wendel Clark TTM Success

Mailed:  05/28/2012
Received:  09/07/2012
Days:  102
c/o: Restaurant in Vaughn, ON

Wendel is one of the most popular players to ever wear a Leafs' jersey.  He had many "Gordie Howe Hat Tricks" over his career and I remember watching every Detroit/Toronto game when I was growing up, just to see Wendel and Bob Probert go at it.  This is also an addition to my 01-02 Fleer Greats of the Game set.