Scott Gomez

Date sent: February 5th, 2011
Date received: May 18th, 2011
Total time: 102 days
Total players responses: 227
Total 2011 responses: 222

Wow! Another great autograph from Scott Gomez.  If I recall, Scott was one of my earlier TTM returnees!  If you're looking for an auto from Scott, he'll definitely send you a return back in reasonable time.  Scott has been a great player for the Montreal Canadiens this year, and hopefully for a few more years to come.  Quick and skillful, he plays as hard as he can game in and game out.  Good job Scottie!

Dan Hamhuis

Date sent: January 26th, 2011
Date received: May 18th, 2011
Total time: 82 days
Total players responses: 226
Total 2011 responses: 221

Dan Hamhuis is a stud on defense for the Canucks!  He has been one of the better acquisitions for the Canucks from this past off-season and is playing regularly against the opponents' top players.  A great BC boy and a fantastic IP and TTM'er.  Finally, a different card he signed!  Thanks Dan!

Corey Hirsch

Date sent: January 16th, 2011
Date received: May 13th, 2011
Total time: 117 days
Total players responses: 225
Total 2011 responses: 220

Yay! I got a rookie card signed by the great Corey Hirsch!  Okay, I'm exaggerating a bit, but Corey was a decent backup goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks.  He had an above winning percentage in his rookie year with the Canucks, posting 17 wins and 14 losses.  Maybe around Vancouver, Corey will be remembered most for his reddish hair...

Milan Hejduk

Date sent: January 26th, 2011
Date received: May 16th, 2011
Total time: 110 days
Total players responses: 224
Total 2011 responses: 219

Milan Hejduk is the alternate captain for the Colorado Avalanche.  He was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques, but has played for the Quebec/Colorado franchise his entire career.  This past season, Milan had decided that he will extend his contract for 1 year, which will see him play through the 11/12 season in the NHL.  Great job Milan!

Tim Hunter

Date sent: March 1st, 2011
Date received: May 5th, 2011
Total time: 65 days
Total players responses: 223
Total 2011 responses: 218

Tim Hunter was part of the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, Quebec Nordiques and San Jose Sharks.  He won a Stanley Cup with Calgary Flames in the late 80's and came close again with the Canucks in '94.  Tim was known for his physical toughness, earning 3,000+ PIMs.  Tough guy, but sweet autograph! 

Dustin Byfuglien

Date sent: February 1st, 2011
Date received: May 17th, 2011
Total time: 105 days
Total players responses: 222
Total 2011 responses: 217

Oh look.  It's Dustin Byfuglien.  Also known as Big Buff.  He decimated the Canucks last year in the playoffs with his large frame.  Standing at 6'5 and weighing in at 265 lbs, he's a massive man to move.  He was extremely effective around the net, causing all sorts of mayhem.  After winning the cup, he moved on to Atlanta where he signed a nice 5 year deal estimated at 26 million dollars.  Gimme some of that money Dustin! 

Steve Bernier

Date sent: April 2nd, 2011
Date received: May 13th, 2011
Total time: 41 days
Total players responses: 221
Total 2011 responses: 216

Ahh.. Steve Bernier.  I was never really a huge fan of his.  I felt his compete level was as high as it should be, nor was he the power forward that I expected him to be.  He currently plays for the Florida Panthers, after previously playing for the Canucks, Sabres and Sharks.  Steve had his most "productive" season with the Canucks, notching 32 points in 82 games.  I like the silver... kinda.

Niklas Backstrom

Date sent: January 15th, 2011
Date received: April 14th, 2011
Total time: 119 days
Total players responses: 220
Total 2011 responses: 215

Nice! A decent auto from Niklas Backstrom, the goaltender for the Minnesota Wild.  Although it looks like the ink didn't stick as well as I had hoped, I'm still very glad he returned my fan mail.  Niklas Backstrom is definitely a top goaltender in the NHL and I'm positive he'll be around for years to come.

David Booth

Date sent: January 16th, 2011
Date received: May 16th, 2011
Total time: 120 days
Total players responses: 219
Total 2011 responses: 214

David Booth currently plays for the Florida Panthers, the team who drafted him 53rd overall in the 2003 entry draft.  He made his NHL debut in 2006 against the Bruins.  Recently, Booth became the third player in the past half a dozen seasons to record 14 shots on net.  Great job David!  

David Backes

Date sent: March 4th, 2011
Date received: April 24th, 2011
Total time: 51 days
Total players responses: 218
Total 2011 responses: 213

Drafted 62nd overall, in 2003 (as the card mentions), David Backes has seen decent scoring production, as this past season he has notched 62 points.  I sent this card back in March, and got it back about a month ago.  Pretty quick return, but since the Blues didn't make the playoffs, I suppose he had nothing better to do than to return his fan mail!

Nik Antropov

Date sent: December 23rd, 2010
Date received: April 15th, 2011
Total time: 143 days
Total players responses: 217
Total 2011 responses: 212

Nik Antropov is a Kazakhstani born hockey player currently playing for the Atlanta Thrashers.  He was initially drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1998, 10th overall. I feel like he's never really met his expectation, scoring a high of 43 points in a single season.  I am thankful for his return though! 

Kevin Bieksa

Received IP: April 9th, 2011
Total players responses: 216
Total 2011 responses: 211

What a character this Kevin Bieksa is.  He's had many funny soundbites during these playoffs, sometimes directed at former Vancouver players who have made comments about the team.  He's a hard nosed player, and likes to play with lots of emotion.  Odd, I never knew Kevin wore number 25, but I guess he did (according to the UD Game Jersey card!).  

Mason Raymond

Received IP: April 9th, 2011
Total players responses: 215
Total 2011 responses: 210

What can I say about Mason Raymond.  He's a speed winger who plays on the second line with Kesler.  Mason is starting to really utilize his speed to get around defensemen and had a great year last season.  Mason Raymond is always willing to sign autographs when approached, and I really appreciate that.  Thanks Mason!

Ryan Kesler

Received IP: April 9th, 2011
Total players responses: 214
Total 2011 responses: 209

RK17 has been another fantastic player for the Canucks this playoff season.  He's been excellent on faceoffs and wears his emotions on his sleeve.  Ryan didn't score a goal for the better part of the NHL playoffs, but now has turned it up.  Great job Ryan!  Glad to see you'll be a Canuck for a long time.

Maxim Lapierre

Received IP: April 9th, 2011
Total players responses: 213
Total 2011 responses: 208

Wow!  Max Lapierre has been absolutely outstanding in my books.  I was a bit weary when he came onto our team, as I've heard that he can take some really dumb penalties.  He's stepped up his game on the 3rd line along with Jannik Hansen and Chris Higgins.  Just amazing.  He was also nice enough to take a great picture with my girlfriend!

Cory Schneider

Received IP: April 9th, 2011
Total players responses: 212
Total 2011 responses: 207

A solid goaltender for the Canucks, Cory has definitely helped rack up some wins this season with the Canucks.  With 25 games this season, he's won 16 of those games.  Pretty impressive!  I hope him and Luongo will be the Canucks' tandem for a while as they're proving to be a solid goaltending tandem.  Thanks Cory, for all your hard work! 

Daniel Sedin

Received IP: April 9th, 2011
Total players responses: 211
Total 2011 responses: 206 

Thank goodness I got Daniel Sedin's auto!  I'm quite impressed with the way the Canucks were willing to sign many of the items I had.  Daniel is this year's top scoring player in the NHL and will give the Canucks back to back scoring titles.  He's really starting to pick up his play, as he got 2 goals in the last game vs the Sharks.  Great job Daniel! 

Dan Hamhuis

Received IP: April 9th, 2011
Total players responses: 210
Total 2011 responses: 205

Mr. Dan Hamhuis.  I've gotten his autograph before, actually on this same card, except this one doesn't have that blue spot from the ink spill my dad had.  Thank goodness!!!!

Mikael Samuelsson

Received IP: April 9th, 2011
Total players responses: 209
Total 2011 responses: 204

Another autograph from a pretty decent player in Mikael Samuelsson.  He's been very successful with NHL and International teams, scoring a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings and Gold with Team Sweden.  Although Mikael isn't my favorite player (in general), he's been relatively consistent and is always a great IP signer.  Thanks Mikael for being so fan friendly!

Chris Higgins

Received IP: April 9th, 2011
Total players responses: 208
Total 2011 responses: 203

Christopher Higgins was a late pickup for the Canucks this year, but boy, has he paid off in spades!  He has scored a few timely goals, but is playing fairly well on this years' Canuck team.  He's played for about half a dozen teams, including the Flames and Candiens.  Standing at 6' and about 200 lbs, Higgins is known mostly for being a power forward.

Jeff Tambellini

Received IP: April 9th, 2011
Total players responses: 207
Total 2011 responses: 202

Jeff Tambellini is a BC born boy playing for his home province.  He's a speedy guy, and has a pretty nice signature to boot!  The word on the street is that he's in for Tanner Glass tonight in game 2 vs the Sharks.  We'll see what type of impact Jeff has and if the management has made the right move in benching Tanner.  Good luck tonight Jeff!

Christian Ehrhoff

Received IP: April 9th, 2011
Total players responses: 206
Total 2011 responses: 201

Christian Ehrhoff is a German born NHL player who plays for the Vancouver Canucks.  He used to play for the San Jose Sharks, but is now using his great shot and mobility to get past his former team.  Great job on having such a good season and playing so well in the playoffs!  Go Canucks!

Henrik Sedin

Received IP: April 9th, 2011
Total players responses: 205
Total 2011 responses: 200

Henrik Sedin, now the captain of the Vancouver Canucks, is hopefully heating up for the playoffs.  He helped the Canucks beat the Sharks this past Sunday with a goal and an assist.  I managed to get Henrik's auto while waiting at one of the hotels that the Canucks stay at while playing against Calgary.  It's my first autograph from Henrik, so I'm happy that I got to meet him, although the autograph itself is somewhat illegible.  Nevertheless, still pretty neat!

Keith Ballard

Received IP: April 9th, 2011
Total players responses: 204
Total 2011 responses: 199

My quest at getting many of the Vancouver players' autographs didn't just stop at Roberto Luongo, I managed to snag quite a few, and Keith Ballard was one of them.  He is a recent addition from this past summers' signings which beefed up Vancouver's defense.  He currently hasn't played as many games as the other players during the playoffs, but was a good player during the regular season.  Nice signature on his Rookie Uniformity card.  Thanks Keith!

Roberto Luongo

Received IP: April 9th, 2011
Total players responses: 203
Total 2011 responses: 198

An actual Roberto Luongo autograph!  I managed to get his autograph when the Canucks were in town.  I'm not a huge fan of his autograph, but it is what it is.  Currently, Roberto is doing a great job, backstopping the Canucks in the playoffs.  Thanks for the auto Roberto! 

Jarome Iginla

Received IP: April 8th, 2011
Total players responses: 202
Total 2011 responses: 197

Jarome Iginla, the captain of the Calgary Flames', is probably the nicest guy!  He was willing to talk to all us fans, and signed everything that everyone had.  I'm super happy with his autograph because he's a top notch player and was the player who assisted on Sidney Crosby's golden goal in the Olympics this past year.  Great job Iggy!

Miikka Kiprusoff

Received IP: April 8th, 2011
Total players responses: 201
Total 2011 responses: 196

Another Flames' player which seemed to have a heavy foot when driving his car, was able to be stopped when walking on foot.  I managed to get Miikka's autograph (one that I was really wanting) on the last day of Flames practice.  Like all the Flames, he was really nice and willing to sign for fans.  Thank you Miikka.  

Olli Jokinen

Received IP: April 8th, 2011
Total players responses: 200
Total 2011 responses: 195

Olli Jokinen!  I finally got you.  Olli is notorious for stepping on the gas harder when he sees us hounders looking for his autograph.  Fortunately, on the last day of the Flames' season, he was only on his feet, so I was able to catch up with him.  Thank goodness he wasn't mean, he did sign my card.  Thank you for the challenge Olli.

Craig Conroy

Received IP: April 8th, 2011
Total players responses: 199
Total 2011 responses: 194

Another auto from a hard working Calgary Flame player.  Unfortunately, Craig was unable to complete the season (I believe due to a salary cap issue the Flames had), but instead joined their management team along side Jay Feaster.  Craig is a very friendly man and was more than willing to sign this card.  Thank you so much Craig!

Daymond Langkow

Received IP: April 8th, 2011
Total players responses: 198
Total 2011 responses: 193

Yet another auto from a Calgary Flame!  Daymond Langkow is another player who raises that age bar, as he's approaching 35 next season.  It's been said that the Flames are too old and slow to compete with other teams, and certainly a guy like this doesn't help!  Where Daymond does help is in experience and veteran leadership, donning the "A" this past season.  Great work Daymond and good luck next season!

Tom Kostopolous

Received IP: April 8th, 2011
Total players responses: 197
Total 2011 responses: 192

Drafted 204th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Tom has jumped from team to team in the 10 years he's been in the league.  He's played for almost half a dozen NHL teams, finally landing here in Calgary.  Good luck Tom! 

Steve Staios

Received IP: April 8th, 2011
Total players responses: 196
Total 2011 responses: 191

Wow! It's been a while since I've blogged, but I'm hoping to finish up the cards I've received within the next few weeks.  Of course, the amount of autos I've gotten IP have decreased dramatically as I'm in a non-playoff city right now :(.  Anyways, here's Steve Staios.  Probably near the end of his career, Steve has played for about half a dozen teams in the NHL, including the Vancouver Canucks.  He currently plays for the Calgary Flames