Alex Galchenyuk

Date sent: September 9th, 2011
Date received: September 28th, 2011
Total time: 19 days
Total players responses: 318
Total 2011 responses: 313

Woah boy! Alex Galenchyuk is slated to be a Top 10/5 draft pick in this years draft!  Very exciting to have gotten his autograph, as players who have this much potential definitely are much harder to get autographs from when they hit the NHL.  He plays along side a fellow Russian in Nail Yakupov.   I hope I get his autograph soon! ;)

Tomas Filippi

Date sent: September 9th, 2011
Date received: September 27th, 2011
Total time: 18 days
Total players responses: 317
Total 2011 responses: 312

Wow!  A rookie card signed by Tomas Filippi who plays for Baie-Comeau, Drakkar.  I *believe* he is supposed to be in the NHL 2012 draft (can someone support this?).  Last year, he racked up just over 55 points in 62 games.  Not bad for a rookie in the QMJHL!  So far this year, he's been just over a point a game player, which will help his draft position if he can keep this up.  Good luck Tomas!

Russ Courtnall

Date sent: February 23rd, 2011
Date received: September 19th, 2011
Total time: 208 days
Total players responses: 316
Total 2011 responses: 311

Ahh!! Russ Courtnall, one half of the Courtnall brothers who played for the Canucks during the 90s.  Being from BC, the Courtnalls were obviously fan favorites when they joined the team and helped the team enjoy some success in the 90s.  A little hard to read his auto from this card (and scan), but I'm happy, as usual, with any hockey returns!  Thanks Russ!

Joe Pavelski

Date sent: July 18th, 2011
Date received: September 19th, 2011
Total time: 63 days
Total players responses: 315
Total 2011 responses: 310

Sweet! Another auto on these awesome SP Authentic cards.  I'm really happy with this card as Joe Pavelski is a great player for the San Jose Sharks.  Joe is an exceptional player, whom was drafted at an astonishing 205th overall.  It's great for San Jose to get such a good player so late in his draft year (2003).  Thanks for the auto Joe!

Alexei Yashin

Date sent: September 9th, 2011
Date received: September 19th, 2011
Total time: 10 days
Total players responses: 314
Total 2011 responses: 309

Wow! What a great return from Alexei Yashin, and extremely quick too I might add.  I had sent this card c/o home (I think), and returned this card really quickly.  Alexei is a former Ottawa Senator, and there were reports that he would like to return back to Ottawa.  Unfortunately, the Senators do not want him back!  Regardless, thank you for the quick return Alexei.

Stephan Lebeau

Date sent: March 11th, 2011
Date received: September 15th, 2011
Total time: 188 days
Total players responses: 313
Total 2011 responses: 308

A pretty nice auto from Stephan Lebeau.  I had initially had planned to have both Stephan and Patrick sign this card, but after a bit of research, it seems as if Patrick is playing hockey in Austria.  I'll wait until he comes back to North America before sending this card out again.  Stephan was a NHL center who played for the Canadiens and the Ducks.  I believe this card was sent to his work, Bishop College School.  Thanks Stephan!

Cody Hodgson

Received IP: September 18th, 2011
Total players responses: 312
Total 2011 responses: 307

Finally I get an autograph from Cody Hodgson on my Heros and Prospects Rookie card.  I'm happy to have his autograph as I've sent a few cards his way with no luck.  Cody is slated to become one of the better NHLers when he finally hits his stride.  It has been a long 3 years, but I do believe this year he'll finally crack the line up.  Let's hope he makes the big club and plays on the 3rd line with Manny!

Steve Pinizzotto

Received IP: September 18th, 2011
Total players responses: 311
Total 2011 responses: 306

A nice looking autograph from the Piz, and some small talk later, I managed to snag this little beauty.  I had presented Steve with this card, to which he responded "Woah, look at the beard on that picture".  Needless to say, he's a bit more clean shaven at this years Canucks training camp.  

Eddie Lack

Received IP: September 18th, 2011
Total players responses: 310
Total 2011 responses: 305

Eddie Lack is a great, young goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks organization.  I doubt he'll be able to get much games in with Roberto being here, and Schneider also playing quite well, but in a few years, who knows who will be traded away for younger players.  I waited around for Eddie after training camp practice, and it took quite a while for him to come out.  I waited about an hour and he came out with some other guys (not totally sure who they were).  All I can say, is that standing at 6'4, he's a tall dude!

Jordan Schroeder

Received IP: September 18th, 2011
Total players responses: 309
Total 2011 responses: 304

What a sweet autograph by Jordan Schroeder!  This guy is going to be a great player in the league soon, and will be playing at the highest level if the Canucks can train him properly.  He was drafted 22nd overall by the Canucks in 2009 and had helped Team USA win gold in 2010.  I managed to catch Jordan at the Canucks training camp this September, along with a few other notables that I'll be displaying in the next few days.  Keep posted!

Alex Burrows

Received IP: September 14th, 2011
Total players responses: 308
Total 2011 responses: 303

Oh Alex Burrows.  I've gotten Alex many times before, but this was my first autograph ever in Vancouver when I have tried to hound.  I managed to get this autograph during training camp for the Vancouver Canucks, but seemed to have missed the memo they like to sign autographs AFTER practice. 

Ryan Parent

Date sent: March 21st, 2011
Date received: September 14th, 2011
Total time: 177 days
Total players responses: 307
Total 2011 responses: 302

Another nice card autograph on this Rookie Class card by Upper Deck.  This card was obviously signed by Ryan Parent, who is now playing for the Chicago Wolves under the Canucks organization.  Ryan was involved in a trade which saw Shane O Brien go to Nashville.  Thanks for the auto Ryan!

Eric Staal

Date sent: June 28th, 2011
Date received: September 12th, 2011
Total time: 76 days
Total players responses: 306
Total 2011 responses: 301

The final blog for the Staal brothers comes in the form of the oldest brother, Eric.  He's currently the captain of the Carolina Hurricanes and was one of the Captains in this past years' NHL All-Star Team.  I really hope he'll be able to raise the cup once again in Carolina!  Eric also helped Team Canada win gold medal at the Vancouver 2010 games and was drafted 2nd overall in a VERY deep class in 2003.

Jordan Staal

Date sent: June 28th, 2011
Date received: September 12th, 2011
Total time: 76 days
Total players responses: 305
Total 2011 responses: 300

Jordan Staal, the second oldest of the Staal brothers is a fantastic centerman for the Pittsburgh Penguins.  He signed this awesome artifacts card, in blue, which shows up beautifully!  I really love these artifact cards, and it requires no prep whatsover and can display the cards nicely.  Thanks for the sign Jordan!

Marc Staal

Date sent: June 28th, 2011
Date received: September 12th, 2011
Total time: 76 days
Total players responses: 304
Total 2011 responses: 299

Day 2 of the Staal brother blogs!  This time, Marc has a spot on my blog featuring an autograph on my card which was signed with a nice blue, thin sharpie.  Although a little tough to read, I'm thankful that he did sign my Upper Deck rookie card.  I hope to catch him again once he comes into town and sign my SP Authentic hockey card!  Thanks again Marc, and tune in tomorrow to see the third blog regarding this hockey family!

Jared Staal

Date sent: June 28th, 2011
Date received: September 12th, 2011
Total time: 76 days
Total players responses: 303
Total 2011 responses: 298

What a sweet return from Jared Staal, the youngest of the Staal brothers!  I had sent in cards to each family member, and remarkably, all came in the mail, signed!  I'm super happy about this return, as the fan mail was sent to their parents' house in Ontario.  Jared is a great young prospect for the Carolina Hurricanes, hopefully following somewhat in the footsteps of his older brother.  I wish you the best of luck Jared!

Nolan Baumgartner

Date sent: July 7th, 2011
Date received: September 10th, 2011
Total time: 65 days
Total players responses: 302
Total 2011 responses: 297

Wow! What a nice autograph from Nolan Baumgartner, current Vancouver Canuck.  Although he isn't on their main roster as of now, he's in a position to be a depth defenseman, probably between spots 8 - 10 (I'm guessing?).  Standing at 6'2 and at the rip old age of 35 years old, Nolan can provide some height and wisdom for this team.  He's currently in the minors for the Manitoba Moose Chicago Wolves and is their team captain.  Way to go Nolan!

Thomas Vanek

Date sent: May 23rd, 2011
Date received: August 31th, 2011
Total time: 99 days
Total players responses: 301
Total 2011 responses: 296

Nice!  A great return from Thomas Vanek, with a sweet personalization to me!  I've gotten a return previously from Thomas, but I'm hoping to catch him one day when Buffalo comes into town.  This will most likely be my last return from him as I won't be sending any more letters his way.  For all of you who haven't sent a letter to Thomas, do it! He's a very consistent signer and pretty quick too.  In under 4 months he sent me my autographed cards.  

Jeremy Roenick

Date sent: January 15th, 2011
Date received: August 31st, 2011
Total time: 228 days
Total players responses: 300
Total 2011 responses: 295

Good Ol' JR is my 300th autograph!  Jeremy was a very colorful, outspoken type of player and was always willing to speak his mind.  My favorite moments were a) when he got hit in the face, and he threw water bottles out on the ice and berated the officials after the game to the media and b) starting to bad mouth Patrick Roy, only to have Roy reply about plugging his ears with his Stanley Cup rings.  Who doesn't remember these moments?!

Daniel Alfredsson

Date sent: January 15th, 2011
Date received: August 31st, 2011
Total time: 228 days
Total players responses: 299
Total 2011 responses: 294

Daniel was one of my first IP signers, as he, and the Ottawa Senators came strolling into town when I was in Calgary.  He was super nice, and signed my cards on a cold (not surprising!) day in Calgary.  I had sent these cards off shortly after, and I'm happy to see him return fan mail!  Danny is the heart and soul of the Ottawa Senators, and will hopefully be able to help them win a cup before he retires in a few years.  Good luck Daniel!

Don Cherry

Date sent: July 18th, 2011

Date received: August 24th, 2011

Total time: 37 days

Total players responses: 298

Total 2011 responses: 293

I love this return from Don Cherry.  As usual, he personalized each item he returned to me, with an extra auto from Blue himself!  I like his silver auto on this card, it makes it look really sharp.  Don is the type of person to speak his mind when he feels is necessary and is regularly seen by many hockey fans on Hockey Night in Canada.  Great job Don, thumbs up!

Red Kelly

Date sent: August 4th, 2011
Date received: August 23rd, 2011
Total time: 19 days
Total players responses: 297
Total 2011 responses: 292

Sweet! I got a great return from Leonard "Red" Kelly.  I remember as a child, scratching my head and pushing up my glasses and wondering who Red was.  Being a bit older and the powers of the Internet, I can now tell you readers that Red was an amazing player who helped the Leafs and Red Wings win 8 Stanley Cups!  That's amazing!  In addition, he also was inducted into the HHOF in 1969.  From what I see, he's a super consistent signer!

Simon Gagne

Date sent: May 23rd, 2011
Date received: August 19th, 2011
Total time: 88 days
Total players responses: 296
Total 2011 responses: 291

A nice return from newly acquired to the LA Kings, Simon Gagne.  Simon signed a two year contract, worth 7 million dollars, to be with the Kings.  I do have to say the Kings are looking pretty decent so far and are poised for a nice post season.  Hopefully I'll be able to hound Simon when I head to LA this February!  Thanks for the return Simon!

Blair Jones

Date sent: June 22nd, 2011, 2011
Date received: August 19th, 2011
Total time: 57 days
Total players responses: 295
Total 2011 responses: 290

Blair Jones, far from my previous post about a return (kind of) from the Great One, Wayne Gretzky.  Although Blair does have one award that Gretzky doesn't have, the AHL's Fastest Shot, clocking in at a sweet 100.7 mph!  Blair was drafted in 2005 by the Lightning, but has been toiling around the minors since then, being recalled here and there.  Just keep up those wicked slap shots and you'll eventually make it to the NHL, I hope!

Wayne Gretzky

Date sent: July 13th, 2011
Date received: August 18th, 2011
Total time: 36 days
Total players responses: 294
Total 2011 responses: 289

An awesome autograph (kind of) from the great one himself (kind of)!  I was super (kind of) stoked to see this return, as Gretzky is one of the greatest players to have ever played in the NHL!  Although from reading up on Gretz, I do know that he uses an autopen to sign his autograph, and this was no exception.  I knew that it was going to be an autopen, but it was still neat to get his autograph on my card.  Thanks Wayne (kind of)!

Scott Neidermayer

Date sent: January 29th, 2011
Date received: August 11th, 2011
Total time: 194 days
Total players responses: 293
Total 2011 responses: 288

A really sweet return from one of Canada's best hockey players!  Scott Niedermayer played 18 season, winning basically every single type of trophy available!  He's won the Stanley Cup (4), Olympic gold (2), Memorial Cup, World Junior Championships, IIHF World Championships and the World Cups.  Geez, as if this guy couldn't get any better, he's an avid supporter of the green-environment movement and a vocal member of PETA.  Scott now runs a Calgary based hockey school with his brother (I believe during the summers), teaching kids about conditioning, hockey skills and overall hockey knowledge.  Thanks for the return Scott!

Wendel Clark

Date sent: June 28th, 2011
Date received: August 9th, 2011
Total time: 42 days
Total players responses: 292
Total 2011 responses: 287

Another great return from one of Toronto's finest, Wendel Clark.  Clark is a former, 1st overall draft pick from the 1985 entry draft.  He was captain of the Leafs, between 1991 - 1994, where I don't believe (correct me if I'm wrong) he won any cups, but he did bring the Leafs to the post season in 1992, where they lost to Wayne Gretzky and the LA Kings.  Wendel now runs a Grill and Sports Lounge, I shall try it when I go to Toronto!

Milan Lucic

Date sent: June 28th, 2011
Date received: August 9th, 2011
Total time: 42 days
Total players responses: 291
Total 2011 responses: 286

I'm starting up my blog again, now that the season is officially here!  What better way to kick off a new hockey season with BC boy Milan Lucic, also Stanley Cup winner, who sent me some returns from my June 28th, USA trip where I sent dozens of letters out!  I'm quite happy he signed this Artifacts card, as I love the design, and provides a perfect place for players to sign.  Clean, and neat, Milan put his auto in the right place.  Thanks Milan!