Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Ryan Getzlaf

Received IP: March 30th, 2011
Total players responses: 179
Total 2011 responses: 174

Ryan, you eluded me the last time you were here.  You eluded me earlier in the day, but I finally got his autograph!  Ryan signed this Fleer Ultra photo-worn jersey card, with a blue sharpie.  Ryan played with Team Canada recently at the Olympics and tallied 7 points in the 7 games played.  This year, with the retirement of Scott Niedermayer, he was voted the captain of the team, which really shows that his teammates believe in Ryan as a leader.  Keep up the great work Ryan!

Kyle Chipchura

Received IP: March 30th, 2011
Total players responses: 178
Total 2011 responses: 173

Born and raised in Westlock, AB, Canada, Kyle is playing, on average, half a season each season during his NHL career.  He was initially drafted by the Montreal Canadiens, 18th overall in the 2004 entry draft.  His career year came in his rookie year with the Montreal Canadiens where he posted 11 points in 36 games.  Keep up the great work Kyle!

Randy Carlyle

Received IP: March 30th, 2011
Total players responses: 177
Total 2011 responses: 172

The current coach of the Anahiem Ducks, is Randy Carlyle, who had played in the NHL before his coaching duties.  He began his NHL career in Toronto in 1976/77 season before being traded in to Pittsburgh where he enjoyed his best seasons.  He recorded career-highs of 67 assists and 83 points, won the Norris Trophy and voted to the NHL First All-Star Team.  I think some of the hounders had made him angry as he made a comment about how they're annoying him!

Bobby Ryan

Received IP: March 30th, 2011
Total players responses: 176
Total 2011 responses: 171

Bobby Ryan is a great, young player, generally on a line with Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf.  He recently represented Team USA, winning a silver medal, at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.  Currently ranked fourth on team scoring, he was recorded as the first Ducks rookie in franchise history to score a hat trick, and the fastest of any player in Ducks' history.  I'm happy to get his autograph because he's awesome!

Saku Koivu

Received IP: March 30th, 2011
Total players responses: 175
Total 2011 responses: 170

Mr. Koivu nicely signed my card for me, which is a real treat because I really liked him when he was with the Montreal Canadiens.  Standing at about 5'10, he's on the smaller side, averaging about 50 points a season.  Being from Finland, he has regularly represented Team Finland, most recently at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics where they captured a Bronze medal.  Thank you Saku! 

Dan Ellis

Received IP: March 30th, 2011
Total players responses: 174
Total 2011 responses: 169

Dan Ellis was drafted 60th overall, picked by the Dallas Stars in the 2000 entry draft.  He made his debut in 2004 vs the LA Kings, posting a 4 - 3 win.  Dan came under hot water when he tweeted, complaining about a pay cut.  Of course, most of us wouldn't feel bad, making an NHL salary, but Ellis felt that they deserved more because they are specialists.  Good luck trying to convince the most of us that you need more money!

Ray Emery

Received IP: March 30th, 2011
Total players responses: 173
Total 2011 responses: 168

Ray was recently picked up by the Anaheim Ducks in February of 2011.  He is currently on a hot streak, posting 5 wins in the 5 games he's appeared in, letting in 11 goals in the process.  Ray is well known for his slick style and frequent problem being late to practices.  Thanks for signing Ray, and yes, he did look well dressed today. 

Teemu Selanne

Received IP: March 30th, 2011
Total players responses: 172
Total 2011 responses: 167

Teemu Selanne is having such a fantastic season this year!  At the young age of 40, he's second on team scoring with 75 points, notching a hat trick in his last game versus the Colorado Avalanche.  Known as The Finnish Flash, he bursted on to the NHL scene with the Winnipeg Jets, scoring 76 goals!  An amazing feat, considering the previous record was set at 53 goals. 

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Martin Havlat

Date sent: January 19th, 2011
Date received: March 29th, 2011
Total time: 69 days
Total players responses: 171
Total 2011 responses: 166

Drafted 26th overall, Martin Havlat currently plays for the Wild.  Martin is a great player with some soft hands and good wheels.  He was awarded a nice contract with the Wild, a 6 year deal worth 30 million dollars after negotiations fell through with the Chicago Blackhawks.  In his 11 year career in the NHL, he's totaled over 450 points during the regular season and 49 in the playoffs.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Ryan Stone

Date sent: February 23rd, 2011
Date received: March 28th, 2011
Total time: 33 days
Total players responses: 170
Total 2011 responses: 165

Ryan Stone, has jumped from team to team going from Pittsburgh, to Edmonton and finally landing with the Calgary Flames, mind you, he was waived by the Flames, and sent down to the Abbotsford Heat.  A tough start to his playing career, no doubt, but with a bit of hard work, Ryan will hopefully be able to make the NHL one day.  He's a proven scorer in the WHL, scoring 240 points in 239 games. 

Friday, March 25, 2011

Milan Michalek

Date sent: January 29th, 2011
Date received: March 25th, 2011
Total time: 55 days
Total players responses: 169
Total 2011 responses: 164

Another Ottawa TTM return, this time from Milan Michalek.  Ottawa remains as one of the top teams to return mail to their fans.  Milan has played most of his career with the San Jose Sharks, but was traded in 2009.  Milan has consistently put up 20 goals seasons in the NHL, and with the lack of depth on the Sens team, they'll need every goal they can get!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Bryan Trottier

Received IP: March 24th, 2011
Total players responses: 168
Total 2011 responses: 163 

An autograph from hall of fame player Bryan Trottier is really something!  Bryan was inducted into the HHOF in 1997 along side Mario Lemieux and Glen Sather.  His autograph was attained at a London Drugs in Vancouver.  I do have to write that I didn't get these myself, but my girlfriend got these for me.  Thanks for waiting =D.

Glenn Anderson

Received IP: March 24th, 2011
Total players responses: 167
Total 2011 responses: 162

Glenn Anderson, hall of fame player who previously played along side Wayne Gretzky with the Edmonton Oilers in the 80s.  I have to give a big shoutout to my girlfriend who went by herself to get this at a London Drugs in Vancouver.  Along with Glenn, were Billy Smith, Theo Fleury and Bryan Trottier.  She only had cards from Trottier and Anderson, while Smith wasn't really into signing anything.  What a jerk!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Thomas Vanek


Date sent: March 4th, 2011
Date received: March 23rd, 2011
Total time: 19 days
Total players responses: 166
Total 2011 responses: 161

Thomas Vanek, currently leads the Buffalo Sabres, another team on the fence if they'll make the playoffs, in point scoring.  In 72 games, he's amassed 62 points including 10 PPG.  If the Sabres are going to make the post-season, they're going to need Vanek to carry them on his back.  Good luck in the playoffs Thomas! 

Phil Kessel

Date sent: March 10th, 2011
Date received: March 23rd, 2011
Total time: 13 days
Total players responses: 165
Total 2011 responses: 160

Phil Kessel currently plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team that is highly scrutinized for their current play and current standings.  The Leafs are somewhat close to making the playoffs, but still have a huge uphill climb if they want to make it.  I'm quite surprised at the speed of this return, but happy nevertheless.  Thanks Phil!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Becky Kellar



Date sent: February 2nd, 2011
Date received: March 22nd, 2011
Total time: 41 days
Total players responses: 164
Total 2011 responses: 159

Becky Kellar is an Olympic gold medalist who represents Team Canada.  She has most recently represented Canada at the Vancouver Olympics this past year where she notched three assists in five games.  Along with being the oldest player on Team Canada during the winter Olympics, she was also the first woman on the team to have a child.  Congrats Becky!

Joe Sakic

Date sent: December 21st, 2010
Date received: March 21st, 2011
Total time: 90 days
Total players responses: 163
Total 2011 responses: 158

WOW!  An autograph from one of NHL's great players when I was growing up.  Joe Sakic, dubbed "Burnaby Joe", being from Burnaby, BC, was a skilled offensive player with a lot of heart.  Joe played his entire career with the Nordiques/Avalanche franchise, which spanned 20 years.  It's kind of amazing to see what type of players this Quebec team had.  In addition to Joe, they also had Guy Lafleur, Peter Stastny, Michel Goulet, Mats Sundin, Owen Nolan and Eric Lindros. 

Brian Rolston

Date sent: January 18th, 2011
Date received: March 21st, 2011
Total time: 62 days
Total players responses: 162
Total 2011 responses: 157

Brian Rolston has a nice list of hardware which he has won during his almost 20 year career.  A Stanley Cup with the Devils in '95, World Cup of Hockey in '96 with Team USA, Silver in the '02 Winter Olympics,  Bronze during the World Juniors back in 1992.  A veteran player which adds leadership and experience, a trait any young team would love to have, but hey, what do I know?  Rolston was waived in December by the Devils, in which nobody picked him up.

Curtis McElhinney

Date sent: March 4th, 2011
Date received: March 21st, 2011
Total time: 17 days
Total players responses: 161
Total 2011 responses: 156

Curtis McElhinney, a former Calgary Flame draft pick, is currently on the cellar dwelling Senators.  I could've gotten Curtis while he was here with Anaheim, but had JUST missed him as I arrive as all the players boarded the bus.  Do'h!  At least he signs through TTM which I'm happy about.  =D

Zach Boychuk

Date sent: January 15th, 2011
Date received: March 21st, 2011
Total time: 65 days
Total players responses: 160
Total 2011 responses: 155

Zach is currently on the Charlotte Checkers' hockey team, the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes.  Zach is a great young player with tremendous upside.  He helped Team Canada win gold in both 2008 and 2009.  He most recently had his first multi goal game versus Ottawa on December 29th. 

Friday, March 18, 2011

Craig Anderson

Date sent: March 9th, 2011
Date received: March 18th, 2011
Total time: 9 days
Total players responses: 159
Total 2011 responses: 154

Wow! A total of 9 days for Craig Anderson from the Senators.  I've sent two previous requests via the Avalanche, and I haven't received them (and probably will never get them back).  Craig has been great for Ottawa, but most likely won't be being able to get into the playoffs this year.  Maybe a 1st round draft pick?

Dan Cloutier

Date sent: January 26th, 2011
Date received: March 18th, 2011
Total time: 51 days
Total players responses: 158
Total 2011 responses: 153

Dan Cloutier, former Vancouver Canuck goalie, may be remembered for a goal that he let in by Nick Lidstrom during the playoffs which was shot from center ice.  From then on, the Canucks lost four straight games to the Red Wings.  On another note, I really hate the look of this card.  

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Matt Duchene

Received IP: March 17th, 2011
Total players responses: 157
Total 2011 responses: 152

Matt Duchene, currently tied for 1st on the Avalanche's scoring list and 1st on the team in goals.  Matt is a great young player that will help this Avalanche team back into a playoff spot (obviously not this year).  Matt was one of the two players I managed to get autographs from.  Thank you very much Matt, for making my hounding session not a complete waste!

David Jones

Received IP: March 17th, 2011
Total players responses: 156
Total 2011 responses: 151

Blah! I missed a large portion of the Colorado Avalanche as I had gotten to the hotel about 10 - 15 minutes too late.  Luckily, I was there for the second bus which only consisted of a few players that I had cards for.  One of them was David Jones.  Currently, David is ranked 5th on the Avalanche's scoring list. 

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Shane Doan

Received IP: March 15th, 2011
Total players responses: 155
Total 2011 responses: 150

Shane Doan, drafted 7th overall in 1995, is the captain of the Phoenix Coyotes.  Shane has been on many Team Canada teams, where he brings his skill and leadership so many teams need.  Although not selected for the Olympics in 2010 in Vancouver, Shane has 2 gold medals and 3 silver throughout his International career. 

Ray Whitney

Received IP: March 15th, 2011
Total players responses: 154
Total 2011 responses: 149

Ray Whitney, is the oldest (I think) player on the team at age 38.  He's a solid player, currently 3rd in scoring on the team.  Ray plays left wing and has played for over half a dozen teams in the NHL.  I'm hoping that Ray stays in the league for a few more years, so he's able to hit the 1,000 point mark.  Good luck Ray!

Taylor Pyatt

Received IP: March 15th, 2011
Total players responses: 153
Total 2011 responses: 148

Taylor Pyatt, a former Vancouver Canuck, was the heartthrob of Vancouver when he was playing for the Canucks.  I guess it's his eyes, or something that makes him so attractive.  Anyways, I was never really a huge fan of Pyatt's because I felt he was a little too slow and not physical enough.  Seems like he's doing alright on Phoenix though!  

Kyle Turris

Received IP: March 15th, 2011
Total players responses: 152
Total 2011 responses: 147

I'm really happy with the way this card turned out.  Kyle signed my jersey card, with my blue pen and the auto looks pretty legible (I'm a stickler for a nice autograph that I can actually read!).  He'll definitely be a star in the league.  Thanks for the sweet auto Kyle!

Lee Stempniak

Received IP: March 15th, 2011
Total players responses: 151
Total 2011 responses: 146

Lee was drafted 148th overall in the 2003 entry draft by the St.Louis Blues.  He has played for the Blues, Leafs and now the Coyotes, where he recently signed a 2 year deal.  He signed my card, which by the way shows up nicely in blue.  Happy that I got his autograph! 

Keith Yandle

Received IP: March 15th, 2011
Total players responses: 150
Total 2011 responses: 145

Boy! Are the Phoenix Coyotes lucky to have someone like Keith Yandle.  Keith, a defenseman, is leading the team in scoring with 57 points.  Definitely a surprise, as previous career high in a season has been 41.  A breakout year, hopefully he'll be able to reproduce what he's done this season, next season!

Radim Vrbata

Received IP: March 15th, 2011
Total players responses: 149
Total 2011 responses: 144

Radim Vrbata is a right winger who plays for the Coyotes (perhaps the Jets next season????).  He has racked up 40 points this season and is set to surpass last seasons' point total of 43 points.  Radim has played for the Avalanche, Hurricanes, Hawks and Lightning before landing with Phoenix.  

Derek Morris

Received IP: March 15th, 2011
Total players responses: 148
Total 2011 responses: 143

Derek Morris, an Alberta born player, signed this card for me while waiting outside their hotel.  I actually like this signature, because you're able to make out his name.  Derek was initially drafted by the Calgary Flames and has played for four other teams before landing in Phoenix. 

Andrew Ebbett

Received IP: March 15th, 2011
Total players responses: 147
Total 2011 responses: 142

Andrew Ebbett, an undrafted NHL player born in Vernon, BC, is currently with the Phoenix Coyotes, his fourth team since going pro.  His best season came with the Ducks, scoring 32 points in 48 games.  This year, he has played 22 games, notching only 3 points.  Hopefully he'll be able to ramp up his scoring the last few games of the season and go into the playoffs hot.  

Sean Burke

Received IP: March 15th, 2011
Total players responses: 146
Total 2011 responses: 141

Sean Burke, currently the goaltender coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, has played for many NHL teams.  When I was waiting at the Saddledome, Sean was the only player to come over and sign for us.  On his way back, he almost slipped, but luckily he caught his balance and didn't fall!  Thanks for signing Sean.

Ilya Bryzgalov

Received IP: March 15th, 2011
Total players responses: 145
Total 2011 responses: 140

Let's all be honest that a lot of the success from the Phoenix Coyotes has relied well on the shoulders of Ilya Bryzgalov.  Ilya currently has 31 wins in 58 games played with a 2.58 GAA.  Great job Ilya and good luck in the playoffs!

Mikkel Boedker

Received IP: March 15th, 2011
Total players responses: 144
Total 2011 responses: 139

Mikkel Boedker is a Danish NHL hockey player whom plays for the Phoenix Coyotes.  He currently has 11 points in 25 games played with the big club.  Mikkel has also been on the cover of EA Sports' Danish version of NHL 11.  I must say, this is one messy signature.  It's all over the place!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Cory Sarich

Received IP: March 15th, 2011
Total players responses: 143
Total 2011 responses: 138

Another signed autograph from Cory Sarich.  A solid defenseman for the Calgary Flames whom has 15 points for the season.  Known most likely more for his defensive play, we all know he probably won't be winning any Rocket Richard trophies.  Keep up the good work in Calgary Cory!

Christian Hanson

Date sent: February 28th, 2011
Date received: March 15th, 2011
Total time: 15 days
Total players responses: 142
Total 2011 responses: 137

Christian Hanson plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs... yeeeaaappppp.

Cam Ward

Date sent: January 12th, 2011
Date received: March 15th, 2011
Total time: 62 days
Total players responses: 141
Total 2011 responses: 136

Cam Ward, star of the Carolina Hurricanes, participated in the most recent all-star game.  He was picked first overall (probably because Eric Staal was one of the team captains).  Cam is doing well this year, but still needs some extra help up front if they want to make it into the playoffs.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Cliff Ronning

Date sent: January 18th, 2011
Date received: March 14th, 2011
Total time: 55 days
Total players responses: 140
Total 2011 responses: 135

Cliff Ronning, a former Vancouver Canuck, was one of the speedier players when he played for us.  Standing at only 5'8, he had a nice 19 year career in the NHL.  Just to prove that you don't need to be a giant to make the NHL, all you need are big dreams.  Ronning currently resides in Vancouver, and coaches a local spring hockey team. 

Alexandre Burrows

Date sent: January 15th, 2011
Date received: March 14th, 2011
Total time: 58 days
Total players responses: 139
Total 2011 responses: 134

Yay? Another Alex Burrows response (I should probably stop, since I don't have many more Burrows cards to send), but I would have much rather have gotten his autograph in person.  When the Canucks were in town, I approached Burrows and asked him to sign, where he promptly said "I already signed for you.".  What can I say to that?  I wasn't about to argue with him that that was the first time I've ever talked to him.  Oh well, they're in town in April, so I'll try to get him then!

Gary Leeman

Date sent: February 3rd, 2011
Date received: March 14th, 2011
Total time: 39 days
Total players responses: 138
Total 2011 responses: 133

Gary Leeman, former Canuck, Flame, Canadien, Leaf and Blue, signed nicely on the cards that I sent him.  You can see the fold he put in the bottom left corner, as he did with all my cards.  The signature itself is actually quite complete, unlike some players who simply write their initials, or a few lines of up and down.  I really appreciate the time he's put into this.  Thanks Gary!

Carla Macleod

Date sent: February 18th, 2011
Date received: March 14th, 2011
Total time: 24 days
Total players responses: 137
Total 2011 responses: 132

Carla MacLeod is another Team Canada women's olympic gold medalist.  As with all the women on Team Canada, they're all really quick with replying.  Unfortunately, this card has some bends and folds in it (not seen that easily in this scan), but is most likely from the delivery of the letter.  Thanks Carla!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Roberto Luongo

Received IP: March 12th, 2011
Total players responses: 136
Total 2011 responses: 131

Yay! A Roberto Luongo autograph!  He signed this card, and another card my dad got (of course, with the "signature" blue mark on it).  Not much of a signature, but he did sign for many of us looking for autographs.  I'm so happy that I did get his autograph, as I know he's been really tough to get TTM. 

Sami Salo

Received IP: March 12th, 2011
Total players responses: 135
Total 2011 responses: 130

Sami Salo, the often injured Vancouver defenseman, is back from, you guessed it, being injured.  Reportedly, he injured his Achilles heel during a summer street hockey game.  Great to have you back Sami, although if I were a sports website, I'd list you day-to-day because you're never sure when you're gonna injure yourself! Stay healthy please.

Cory Schneider

Received IP: March 12th, 2011
Total players responses: 134
Total 2011 responses: 129

Cory Schneider, most likely a superstar goaltender in the making, is the backup goalie behind Roberto Luongo.  Still a very young goaltender, Cory is starting become relied more and more on.  This season, he's been stellar and honestly, I feel pretty comfortable with him in net.  Thanks for signing Cory, you're an all-star!  Funny story, Cory was waiting in the lobby, and the rest of us autograph seekers were waiting outside, and my dad says "Hey! I see a Sedin!".  Turns out it was Cory.  Thanks again for embarrassing me dad.

Manny Malhotra

Received IP: March 12th, 2011
Total players responses: 133
Total 2011 responses: 128

I got this card signed again, the first being of TTM type.  I'll be able to tell the difference, as this one has a lovely blue mark in the bottom right hand corner.  Thanks dad.

Maxim Lapierre

Received IP: March 12th, 2011
Total players responses: 132
Total 2011 responses: 127

Max Lapierre, brought in to be an agitator and add some playoff experience to this Canucks squad.  So far, he's been a bit quiet, but hopefully he'll get more used to his role and the limited amount of playing time on the fourth line.  Good luck with the Canucks Maxim! 

Mason Raymond

Received IP: March 12th, 2011
Total players responses: 131
Total 2011 responses: 126

Another autograph from Mason Raymond!  My first in person autograph from Mason Raymond added to the excitement of getting autographs from my favorite team.  Mason is another one of the fastest players on the team, and is having a good season (not as great as last season though).  Thanks for the nice auto Mason!

Jannik Hansen

Received IP: March 12th, 2011
Total players responses: 130
Total 2011 responses: 125

Jannik Hansen, has gone between the AHL and NHL for the past few seasons, but has been a mainstay with the big club this year.  He's been switched between the third and fourth lines, but seems to have found his place, pitching in with 24 points.  Thanks for signing Jannik!