Cam Ward

Date received: February 30, 2012
Total players responses: 479
Total 2012 responses: 82

Cam Ward is one of the best goaltenders in the league.  He won a Stanley Cup as a rookie goaltender in 2006, the first since Patrick Roy in 1986.  Cam will need to be great, again, as the Canes have a good shot at making the playoffs again with the addition of Jordan Staal and the resigning of Jeff Skinner.

John Moore

Date received: February 30, 2012
Total players responses: 478
Total 2012 responses: 81

An absolutely beautiful card signed by John Moore, presented by Panini Contenders 2012.  I love the design of the card, and how the blue sharpie really contrasts with the white background.  John was a 2009 entry draft pick, and has yet to have one full season in the NHL.  This could be the year, as he played in a total of 69 games (maybe "technically" a full season), but also played in 5 AHL games for the Springfield Falcons last year.

Matt Read

Date received: February 30, 2012
Total players responses: 477
Total 2012 responses: 80

Another nice autograph from Matt Read of the Philadelphia Flyers.  Originally born in Calgary, AB, Matt grew up in Ilerdon, Ontario.  He was an undrafted player, who worked his way up the ranks to become a player who is able to compete at the NHL level.  Matt scored his first goal on October 8, 2011.  Best of luck Matt, and I hope all works out for you. 

David Rundblad

Date received: February 30, 2012
Total players responses: 476
Total 2012 responses: 79

A nice auto from a box of Panini Contenders that I had opened up a few months back.  David Rundblad is a 1st round draft pick that still has yet to permanently crack the NHL roster as he's shifted from the Ottawa org. to the Phoenix org and is now playing the with Portland Pirates.  Hopefully he'll be in the NHL soon.. that's if it even starts this year!

Dustin Brown

Date sent: June 22, 2011
Date received: May 17, 2012
Total time: 330 days
Total players responses: 475
Total 2012 responses: 78

Dustin Brown, captain of the 2012 Stanley Cup champions, returned this card to me in just under a years' time.  He was definitely one of the better leaders this year, leading by example in his regular rough and tough nature.  I'd love to have this guy on my team, as he's the prototypical captain that every team should have!  Thanks for the auto Dustin.

J.D. Watt

Date sent: April 26, 2012
Date received: May 22, 2012
Total time: 26 days
Total players responses: 474
Total 2012 responses: 77

A good return from former Vancouver Giant (circa 2006) of the WHL.  JD put up some decent numbers while playing junior hockey, but so far hasn't amounted to much.  He was drafted by the Flames in the 4th round, and has been with the Abbotsford Heat for the past few years, but was most recently (well, 2011) signed by the Manchester Monarchs.  Seems like he may never be a full time NHL player, although he's only 25, and has plenty of time (well not a heck of a lot) to make the big leagues.

Johnny Bower

Date sent: April 14, 2012
Date received: April 25, 2012
Total time: 11 days
Total players responses: 473
Total 2012 responses: 76

A nice return from Mr.Johnny Bower, which was expected as this is wasn't my first return from him.  He was one of the greatest goaltenders of his era and has won numerous awards, including the Vezina in 1961 and 1965.  He helped the Leafs win the Stanley cup for 3 years in the 60s.  Thanks for the auto Johnny!

Francois Tremblay

Date received: March 3, 2012
Total players responses: 472
Total 2012 responses: 75

Another great hit in my BTP hobby box, this time an autograph from Francois Tremblay. Francois has a similar build to previous post Kent Simpson.  Both are about 6'2, with Francois being a bit heavier at 200 lbs. Unfortunately, Francois was drafted in the 5th round by the St. Louis Blues, and will need a few years to become the goalie they hope he can be. 

Kent Simpson

Date received: March 3, 2012
Total players responses: 471
Total 2012 responses: 74

Another hit from this BTP hobby box that I picked up.  This time it was Kent Simpson, from the Everett Silvertips. Kent was acquired by the Hawks in the 2nd round in the 2010 entry draft.  He's got decent size, standing at 6'2" and 182 lbs.  Nice auto though, although if I were to guess this guy's signature, I definitely would get it wrong.

Semyon Varlamov

Date received: March 3, 2012
Total players responses: 470
Total 2012 responses: 73

A great autograph from a box set which I had opened up called Between the Pipes (one of my favorite boxes!).  I pulled out this Semyon Varlamov autograph, which I'm quite pleased about.  The next few posts will be the cards that I hit when opening this box!

Derrick Pouliot

Date sent: October 20, 2011
Date received: May 23, 2012
Total time: 216 days
Total players responses: 469
Total 2012 responses: 72

Derrick Pouliot is a (former?) Portland Winterhawk who was drafted in the 2012 entry draft this past year.  He was drafted 8th overall by the Penguins.  Derrick has many awards and honors attached to him.  He was a 1st overall draft pick in the WHL Bantam Draft, selected obviously by the Hawks, and also a few gold medals from the Ivan Hlinka Tournament.  Most recently he was selected to be a part of the CHL Top Prospects game.