Ron Francis

Date sent: February 26, 2012
Date received: September 13, 2012
Total time: 200 days
Total players responses: 532
Total 2012 responses: 135

A great return from one of the great players of the game, Ron Francis. Having had played 23 seasons in the NHL, Ron was able to win 2 Stanley Cups during his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was a major contributor during the 1995-96 season where he amassed 119 points. Usually you'd think 119 would be sufficient to win the Art Ross trophy, except two other teammates (Lemieux and Jagr) and Joe Sakic had more points than him that season.

Richard Park

Date sent: February 26, 2012
Date received: May 4, 2012
Total time: 68 days
Total players responses: 525
Total 2012 responses: 128

A young, young picture of Richard Park. Richard currently a member on a Swiss team in Europe. Richard has been around the block many times, having played for Vancouver, Pittsburgh, Anaheim, Philadelphia, Minnesota and New York (Islanders). He graciously signed this rookie card of his while he was on the Penguins. Thanks for the auto Richard!

Kristopher Letang

Date sent: June 22nd, 2011
Date received: December 29th, 2011
Total time: 190 days
Total players responses: 394
Total 2011 responses: 389

Kris Letang is a former Val-d'Or Foreurs member and Stanley Cup winner with his current team, the Pittsburgh Penguins.  This year, Kris was a victim of a vicious head shot.  He's currently on IR with a concussion, hopefully he'll be back sometime this year and be able to help the Pens make the playoffs.   

Nick Johnson

Date sent: June 22nd, 2011
Date received: November 1st, 2011
Total time: 132 days
Total players responses: 349
Total 2011 responses: 344

Nick Johnson, a former Pittsburgh prospect, currently plays for the Minnesota Wild.  He was claimed off waivers on September 29 of this year.  I was lucky to get his autograph on this Hot Rookies card, but unfortunately, he signed in a black sharpie, right on his black jersey! Do'h.

Brooks Orpik

Received IP: October 5th, 2011
Total players responses: 327
Total 2011 responses: 322

Brooks Orpik is the other player to have signed for my girlfriend (she waited while I was out at work!).  An odd auto, as it looks really loopy, although I guess I can't complain as that's probably what his autograph looks like for most folks!  Thanks Brooks!

Tyler Kennedy

Received IP: October 6th, 2011
Total players responses: 326
Total 2011 responses: 321

A great sign from Tyler Kennedy of the Pittsburgh Penguins when they came into town.  It was really nice of Tyler to sign for my girlfriend, as not many of the Penguins players had stopped to sign.  I'm really happy to have gotten this auto on this Rookie Class card by Upperdeck!  Thanks!

Jordan Staal

Date sent: June 28th, 2011
Date received: September 12th, 2011
Total time: 76 days
Total players responses: 305
Total 2011 responses: 300

Jordan Staal, the second oldest of the Staal brothers is a fantastic centerman for the Pittsburgh Penguins.  He signed this awesome artifacts card, in blue, which shows up beautifully!  I really love these artifact cards, and it requires no prep whatsover and can display the cards nicely.  Thanks for the sign Jordan!

Maxime Talbot

Date sent: June 22nd, 2011
Date received: August 3rd, 2011
Total time: 42 days
Total players responses: 289
Total 2011 responses: 284

Sweet, I got my four cards back from Maxime Talbot.  Standing in a 5'11, Max is a Stanley Cup champion, silver medalist and QMJHL Playoff MVP, all at the age of 27!  Not bad for a guy who was picked 234th overall in his entry draft year.  Thanks Maxime for the nice autographs!  They turned up really clear and no ink running! Yay!

Eric Tangradi

Received: June 10th, 2011

Total players responses: 250

Total 2011 responses: 245

Eric Tangradi is a future NHL player, who has played a total of 16 games, playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.  He was initially drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2007, but has been mostly toiled in the minor leagues for his pro career.  Another future star who signs his autographs with their initials.  Not that I have a problem with it, but they could learn a thing or two from the Hall of Fame players about signing!  I'm happy regardless to have gotten his autograph.

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. 

Phil Bourque

Date sent: January 27th, 2011
Date received: February 8th, 2011
Total time: 12 days
Total players responses: 33
Total 2011 responses: 28

The final post for an epic day, although these posts are in reverse order... Anyways, I had sent Mr. Bourque a fan letter on the 27th and he returned it back to me only 12 days later, capping off a 6 player response day.  My best yet!  Phil was an undrafted player, and played 18 seasons as a pro.  During those 18 seasons, he played just under 500 games in the NHL.  Now he currently works as a commentator for the Penguins.