Thursday, May 31, 2012

Zac Dalpe

Date received: February 23rd, 2012
Total players responses: 445
Total 2012 responses: 48

I received this card in my heros and prospects for this year's set.  I believe I've gotten Zac's autograph before, through SPx.  I'm quite happy with this auto regardless.  Thanks Zac (or In the game!)

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Nathan MacKinnon

Date sent: March 10th, 2012
Date received: March 19th, 2012
Total time: 9 days
Total players responses: 444
Total 2012 responses: 47

An incredible 9 days return from potentially the next Sidney Crosby! Nathan MacKinnon is posted to have the talent and all the characteristics that Sidney Crosby has.  I personally haven't seen Nathan play, but TSN, among other media outlets, have hailed him to go 1st overall in the 2013 entry draft.  I'm super happy to have gotten this return from Nathan as it'll most likely ever be the only autograph I get from him!  Thanks Nathan!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Blake Geoffrion

Date sent: October 20th, 2011
Date received: February 27th, 2012
Total time: 130 days
Total players responses: 443
Total 2012 responses: 46

Blake Geoffrion most recently made headlines for his famous bloodlines.  He was the first player in NHL history to be a fourth generation player.  He was traded to the Montreal Canadiens from the Nashville Predators.  Blake signed this Milwuakee Admirals card in a silver sharpie, which looks pretty nice.  Thanks Blake!

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Tyler Ennis

Date sent: October 20th, 2011
Date received: April 18th, 2012
Total time: 181 days
Total players responses: 442
Total 2012 responses: 45

A great return from young star Tyler Ennis.  Tyler began his career by being drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2009.  Tyler was sent down that same year for the majority of the season, although was called up earlier in the season, in which he scored his first NHL goal vs Ray Emery.  Tyler nicely signed my Heroes and Prospects card.  Thanks Tyler!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Ryan Miller

Date sent: January 12th, 2011
Date received: April 18th, 2012
Total time: 462 days
Total players responses: 441
Total 2012 responses: 44

This was one heck of a return, a long return I mean.  I'm super happy to have gotten all-star goaltender Ryan Miller's TTM return, as I haven't had the chance to get him in person.  Ryan is a spectacular goaltender, who has previously played for Team USA during the 2010 Olympics.  His Buffalo Sabres didn't do so hot this year, narrowly missing the playoffs.  When Ryan is on his game, the Sabres can go far.  

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Brandon Maxwell

Date sent: February 29th, 2012
Date received: March 14th, 2012
Total time: 14 days
Total players responses: 440
Total 2012 responses: 43

This is my first return from anyone in a Kitchener Rangers uniform!  Luckily for me, Brandon Maxwell was traded from Kitchener to the Mississauga St.Michael's Majors.  He seems to have a decent future ahead of him, but was drafted in the later rounds (6th round) so it appears as if the writing is on the wall for him.  Hopefully he'll turn out to be the next Henrik Lundqvist (drafted 205th overall) or Nikolai Khabibulin (drafted 204th overall)!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Zach O' Brien

Date sent: March 1st, 2012
Date received: March 16th, 2012
Total time: 15 days
Total players responses: 439
Total 2012 responses: 42

A super quick return from Zach O'Brien of the Acadie-Bathurst Titans.  Zach has been written about in the "hockey news" as perhaps one of the best undrafted gems.  He has been inquired about by the Sharks, Canucks and Leafs.  He finished 2nd overall in scoring, with 101 points and first overall in goals with 50.  Who will pick up this natural born sniper?   

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Mark Pysyk

Date sent: September 26th, 2011
Date received: March 15th, 2012
Total time: 171 days
Total players responses: 438
Total 2012 responses: 41

Mark Pysyk is a great up and coming superstar who currently plays for the Edmonton Oil Kings.  He was drafted 23rd overall, by the Buffalo Sabres and has progressively been tallying more and more points each season he plays in Junior.  This past year, he wasn't as statically as good as last year, but he did play half a dozen games less.  Now that the Oil Kings are pursing their memorial cup aspirations, Mark has been tremendous, piling up 11 points!  That's 11 more points than the previous two seasons combined.  Great job Mark!  

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Bernie Federko

Date sent: February 26th, 2012
Date received: March 14th, 2012
Total time: 17 days
Total players responses: 437
Total 2012 responses: 40

A nice autograph from Bernie Federko who is a former top 10 draft pick in the 70s.  Bernie is a HHOF inductee and has some legendary stats to go along with that honor.  He has played in 1,000 games and 1,100+ points to show for.  He holds numerous records for St.Louis, in which he played 13 seasons for.  Of course, I happen to have his card for the ONLY season which he didn't play for the Blues, which would be Detroit and be the final year in his career.  Thanks for the autograph Bernie!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Curtis Lazar

Date sent: February 29th, 2012
Date received: March 14th, 2012
Total time: 14 days
Total players responses: 436
Total 2012 responses: 39

A great return from Oil Kings' Curtis Lazar.  Curtis is a rookie in the CHL, drafted 2nd overall in the WHL bantam draft.  He's originally from Vernon, BC, but I'm sure he'll welcome going to a team like the Oil Kings, whom are doing spectacular so far in the dub.  Thanks Curtis!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Boone Jenner

Date sent: February 28th, 2012
Date received: March 14th, 2012
Total time: 15 days
Total players responses: 435
Total 2012 responses: 38

A pretty nice return from Boone Jenner of the Oshawa Generals.  Boone was drafted 37th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Basing off his stats, he'll be a decent player, averaging about a point a game player this past season.  Although the Generals only placed 8th in their conference this season, Boone was 81st overall in OHL scoring, 6th on his team.  Thanks for the auto Boone!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Kirk Mclean

Received IP: April 1st, 2012
Total players responses: 434
Total 2012 responses: 37

Captain Kirk Mclean was one of my favorite hockey players in the early 90s.  He led the Canucks to the Stanley Cup finals vs the NY Rangers in '94 and was integral to their success.  A good goalie, he played for about half a dozen teams, before finally retiring, as a NY Ranger.  Funny how these things come full circle.