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.

Gregg Zaun IP at Blue Jays game

My wife and I headed up to the July 2nd Jays game vs the Royals.  We saw the Sportsnet broadcast setup out on the left field side so we headed down there to see it.  Gregg and Jamie Campbell were preparing for the telecast but a security guard told us that if we come back between the 5th and 7th innings, we could get a picture and an autograph for a minimum $2 donation to the Jays Care foundation.  What a great deal.  Gregg is one of the only catchers in history to hit homeruns from both sides of the plate in the same game!  We got a picture with him and I had him sign a baseball that I brought with me.

Kenny Hodge TTM Success

Mailed:  06/12/2012
Received:  07/03/2012
Days:  21
c/o:  Home


Ken included a note with this one.  I didn't realize that the Classic Ultimate Original 6 card had an error.  On the front, is Ed Westfall, but is labelled Ken Hodge.  On the back, it has a current head shot of Ken and all of his stats and info.  So, he signed the back of the card for me anyway.  I wish I would have known about that error.  Anyway, the main reason I wrote him was to get the 01-02 Fleer Greats of the Game card signed.

Ryan Smyth TTM Success

Mailed:  10/24/2011
Received:  05/29/2012
Days:  218
c/o: Edmonton Oilers


I mailed Ryan a few years ago in Edmonton as well, and got a nice return then.  I had these 2 jumbo cards sitting around and thought they would be neat to get signed.  Edmonton players all typically send out their mail after the season is over, so I may see a few more of these roll in.  Ryan has had a great career and I really hope he stays on in Edmonton.  I think the Oilers will be a playoff team this year for sure with all of that young talent.

Alexander Burmistrov TTM Success

Mailed:  03/09/2012
Received:  05/14/2012
Days:  66
c/o: Winnipeg Jets


I got to watch Alex play when he was with the Barrie Colts of the OHL.  He was a good skater back then with great skills.  Fans in Winnipeg got to see some flashes of what could be with him this year.  He had 28 points with 13 goals.