Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Mikko Koivu

Date sent: June 29, 2012
Date received: October 3, 2012
Total time: 96 days
Total players responses: 500
Total 2012 responses: 103

A response that I'm particuarly excited about, in Mikko Koivu.  Mikko is the current captain of the Minnesota Wild and has been a leader in the room for about 7 years now.  Mikko is quite accomplished and has a boatload of medals, Internationally, to show for.  This former 6th overall pick has certainly proven that he was worth selecting.  Thanks for the auto Mikko!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Scott Niedermayer

Date sent: June 29, 2012
Date received: October 1, 2012
Total time: 94 days
Total players responses: 499
Total 2012 responses: 102

A great autograph from Scott Niedermayer, except that this card wasn't the card that I sent to Scott.  I had actually sent a nice jersey card, superlative of all cards, to be signed by Scott.  Unfortunately, he either kept or switched the cards and sent me this one.  I can't really complain since I know never to send anything that is really meaningful to me!

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Calvin De Haan

Date received: June 5, 2012
Total players responses: 498
Total 2012 responses: 101

A sweet autograph pickup autograph I purchased online from ebay.  Calvin De Haan is a great NY Islanders prospects who was drafted 12th overall in 2009 entry draft.  He's likely to hit the NHL circuit soon, perhaps when the lockout ends or in the next season.  Another year in the AHL seems to be the prescription for this guy for now.  Calvin signed this card in a great silver sharpie.  Beautiful!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Martin St.Louis

Date sent: January 15, 2011
Date received: May 30, 2012
Total time: 501 days
Total players responses: 497
Total 2012 responses: 100

A nice and my first autograph by Martin St.Louis.  He is a fantastic player who plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning.  It's nice to see players like him, who go undrafted but then go on to very successful careers in the NHL.  I hope Martin all the best in the rest of his NHL career.  Thanks for the auto Martin!

Monday, October 8, 2012

Brett Connolly

Date sent: February 26, 2012
Date received: May 23, 2012
Total time: 87 days
Total players responses: 496
Total 2012 responses: 99

Closing in on a few milestones (almost 500 returns and nearly 100 returns for 2012).  I'm actually quite happy with getting Brett Connolly's, formerly from the Prince George Cougars, autograph.  Last year, Brett spent quite a few games up with the big club, the Tampa Bay Lightning and is destined to make the NHL as a full time player.  In addition to playing in the NHL, he's also represented Canada quite a few times, winning gold in 2009 with the U-18 squad.  

Friday, October 5, 2012

Nicklas Jensen

Date sent: February 29, 2012
Date received: April 19, 2012
Total time: 50 days
Total players responses: 495
Total 2012 responses: 98

A nice autograph from Canucks prospect Nicklas Jensen.  I had sent a Heros & Prospects card to Nicklas earlier this year, but was switched out for this Denny's card.  Although not quite the card I wanted to get autographed, I'm still happy with it.  Thanks for the auto Nicklas!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

RJ Umberger

Date sent: June 29, 2012
Date received: July 23, 2012
Total time: 24 days
Total players responses: 494
Total 2012 responses: 97

RJ Umberger was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 2001.  He's turned out to be a decent hockey player, having played no games for the Canucks.  He was involved in a trade to the NY Rangers which brought over Martin Rucinsky.  This was my first autograph from RJ (and probably last) as I'm not a huge fan of him.  Thanks for the autograph RJ!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Dion Phaneuf

Date sent: April 26, 2012
Date received: September 10, 2012
Total time: 137 days
Total players responses: 493
Total 2012 responses: 96

A nice return on this SP Authentics card by Dion Phaneuf.  Dion is the current captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs and is probably one of the more consistent signers out there.  Dion was a part of one of the greatest World Junior Teams, way back in 2005 (the time of the last lockout).  Perhaps with this years' lockout, we'll have a nice selection to choose from for the World Juniors.  Thanks for the auto Dion!

Monday, October 1, 2012

Mike Modano

Date sent: August 24, 2012
Date received: September 6, 2012
Total time: 13 days
Total players responses: 492
Total 2012 responses: 95

A real quick return from one of the best American born players to have played the game.  Mike Modano signed this SP Essentials card for me, a set which I am trying to collect.  He signed it perfectly to where I wanted it to be.  I hope this wasn't a ghost signed card, anybody can tell if it was?