Oh, yeah, now I remember

By Puckhound
Hockey Hounds Universe editor

Amid all of the NHL teams visiting Hockey Bay, it can be easy to forget that there's plenty of hounding opportunity right under my nose. They're called the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Every so often, usually on of the days off when I put in a full day of hockey hounding, I'll try to catch the Bolts after their game-day morning skate. Some days are better than others, as Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis and Steven Stamkos don't always stop. Still, you can always count on a handful to sign.

Signing cards on my most recent visit were:

Top row: Brett Clark, Victor Hedman and Mike Lundin; and
Bottom row: Mattias Ohlund, Teddy Purcell and Matt Smaby.

Nice souvenir

By Colin
Hockey Hounds Universe correspondent

When we hounded the Atlanta Thrashers last Sunday, I did a team sheet. But I also got a puck signed by Andrew Ladd, who flipped it to me over the glass before the game the last time they were in.

I told him that he gave me the puck and asked him to personalize it for me. I had to tell him how to spell my name.

Then, some dealer said "That won't end up on eBay." I'm not sure why he said that because we keep all of our pucks. That was weird.

We still had fun and a great time.

Mostly lucky seven

By Scott B.
Hockey Hounds Universe correspondent

Down here in South Florida, the Panthers recently finished a long homestand. As usual, some teams were better signers than others, but there were some surprises also.

Carolina Hurricanes: They are typically a very good signing team. This trip was no exception. We were able to get Eric Cole (6), Joe Corvo (2), Zac Dalpe (Header, or 2005-06 Parkhurst checklist cards with the teams logo on the front), Ron "Mr. I Don't Sign" Francis (1 card and 1 jersey card), Tim Gleason (3), Paul Maurice (Header), Sergei Samsonov (2), Eric Staal, Brandon Sutter (3), Cam Ward (4) and Ian White. Other players who signed, but we missed, were Chad Larose and Justin Peters. Also, we got our first refusal ever for a header card by Jeff Skinner.

Washington Capitals: They are definitely the worst signing team in the NHL. The only one who would sign on the first team bus was coach Bruce Boudreau. Then a few players who rode the second bus who came over. We got Matthieu Perrault and missed Jay Beagle. But then two miracles happened. First, Mike Green signed for three out of four people. Then, Alex Ovechkin actually signed for three of five hounds. Of course, it would have nice for them to sign for everyone, but still a miracle that either of them signed at all.

Nashville Predators: We haven't seen them in two years, so we didn't know what to expect. They turned out to be very good signers. We got Francis Bouillon, J.P. Dumont (4), Cody Franson, Marcel Goc (5), Patric Hornqvist (2), Kevin Klein, Sergei Kostitsyn, Shane O'Brien (3), Pekka Rinne, Jerred Smithson, Alexander Sulzer (Header) and Joel Ward. Also signing was Wade Belak. Shea Weber signed for hounds in the morning only.

New Jersey Devils: They're usually right behind Washington for second-worst in the NHL. But another shock occurred. They actually signed. We were able to get Jason Arnott (2 cards and 1 jersey card), David Clarkson, Patrick Elias (2 cards and 1 jersey card), Mark Fayne (Header), Andy Greene (3), Ilya Kovalchuk (1 card and 1 jersey card), Lou Lamoriello (Header), Adam Oates (1 jersey card), Brian Rolston (2), Travis Zajac (4) and Dainius Zubrus (6). Johan Hedberg signed for those who needed him. Shocking, we usually get Martin Brodeur and Colin White only and then get kicked off hotel premises.

Atlanta Thrashers: They are also really good for hounds. We got Nik Antropov (12), Alexander Burmistrov (Header), Dustin Byfuglien (5), Ron Hainsey (3), Evander Kane, Andrew Ladd (3), Bryan Little, Spencer Machacek (Header), Johnny Oduya (2), Ondrej Pavelec (3), Rich Peverley, Craig Ramsay (Header), Brent Sopel (5), Anthony Stewart, Chris Thorburn, and John Torchetti (Header). Eric Boulton also signed for people who needed him.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Again, we hadn't seen them in two years, so we didn't know what to expect. It turned out to be decent. We got Scott Arniel (Header), Mathieu Garon (5), Rostislav Klesla (2 cards and 1 jersey card), Derek MacKenzie, Rick Nash (1 jersey card), Samuel Pahlsson (2), Anton Stralman, R.J. Umberger (4) and Jakub Voracek. Steve Mason also signed for a few and then bolted for the bus.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Usually one of the better teams for hounds, I guess winning has changed most of them. We got only Victor Hedman and Martin St. Louis. Steve Stamkos signed for everyone, but Vinny Lecavalier and Simon Gagne signed for only a couple of people each. Mattias Ohlund was the first to the bus, said he would sign, then ignored everyone when returning to the bus.

All in all, there was some pretty good hockey hounding down here in South Florida.

Brag Book: OHL team sheets

Hound: Mike, Hockey Hounds Universe Toronto correspondent
Hounding opportunities: Ontario Hockey League games
Where: Ontario, Canada
When: 2010-11 season

Let the bragging begin:

BRAMPTON BATTALION, including Sam Carrick, taken 144th overall in 2010 by the Toronto Maple Leafs; Barclay Goodrow, a 2011 mid-round prospect; Zach Bell, a 2011 mid-round prospect; and Matej Machovsky, who appeared in two games for the Czech Republic at the 2010 World Under-17 championship;

KITCHENER RANGERS, including Ryan Murphy, who Don Cherry said last year would be the No. 1 pick in 2011; and Tobias Reider, a projected second-round pick in 2011;

LONDON KNIGHTS, including Vladislav Namestnikov, a projected mid to late first-round pick in 2011; Scott Harrington, a projected early second-round pick in 2011; Jared Knight, selected 32nd overall in 2010 by the Boston Bruins; Jarred Tinordi, taken 22nd overall in 2010 by the Montreal Canadiens; and Igor Bobkov, the Team Russia's gold-medal-game-winning goalie in the 2011 WJC U-20 tournament;

MISSISSAUGA ST. MICHAEL'S MAJORS, including Justin Shugg, played on the two-time defending Memorial Cup champs Windsor Spitfires and was taken 105th overall in 2010 by the Carolina Hurricanes; Casey Cizikas, taken 92nd overall in 2009 by the New York Islanders; Maxim Kitsyn, who played on Team Russia's gold-medal winning WJC U-20 team; Devante Smith Pelley, taken 42nd overall in 2010 by the Anaheim Ducks; Stuart Percy, a mid-round prospect in 2011; and J.P. Anderson, a San Jose Sharks prospect who was an emergency call-up this month;

NIAGARA ICE DOGS, including Alex Friesen, taken 172 overall in 2010 by the Vancouver Canucks; Mark Visetin, taken 27th overall in 2010 by the Phoenix Coyotes and goalie for Team Canada's silver-medal winning WJC U-20 team; Ryan Strome, a projected top seven pick in 2011; Freddie Hamilton, taken 129th overall in 2010 by the San Jose Sharks; Dougie Hamilton (Freddie's brother), a projected top five pick in 2011; and former NHL player Mike Van Ryn, an assistant coach on the team;

SAGINAW SPIRIT, including Jordan Schwartz, taken 97th overall in 2009 by the Phoenix Coyotes; Ivan Telegin, taken 101st overall in 2010 by the Atlanta Thrashers; and Brandon Saad, a top 10 prospect in 2011; and

SARNIA STING, including Nail Yakupov and Alex Galchenyuk, both projected within the top five prospects for the 2012 NHL draft.

Circus comes to town

By J.R.
Hockey Hounds Universe correspondent

As I arrived at the Buffalo Sabres hotel in San Jose a few moments in time for the morning skate hockey-hounding opportunity, a half dozen dealers were already on site. I didn't need my iPod. Entrance of the Gladiators, the soundtrack for the day, was blaring in my head. Clearly, the Ryan Miller circus was in town.

For the first few minutes, the only activity was the ever increasing number of dealers making their presence felt, growing faster than the population of (Jason) Pominville. Suddenly, the front doors of the lobby swung open and former Sharks and current Sabres defenseman Craig Rivet, Nathan Gerbe and another unidentified teammate stepped out into the chilly morning air. They immediately made a right turn, walked along the outer wall and headed down the street. I grabbed my bag and caught up to them about a half a block away.

I asked Rivet if he would please sign a puck and he nodded, not uttering a sound. When he handed the puck back to me, I noticed that the autograph came out lousy. Stupid paint pens, I thought. Upon further review, let's blame the stupid individual in charge of priming said paint pens. Apparently, this is a simple lesson that I will never learn. Puck Signing 101: Make sure your paint pens are primed and ready for action.

Back in front of the hotel, sneaking peeks at the enormous and glorious Ryan Miller photographs being handled by the dealers, I recognized Patrick Lalime walking toward me from the other end of the street. I politely asked him if he would mind signing a couple of cards (shown above with one from Rob Niedermayer) and he graciously obliged.

"Man, it's pretty cold out here," he said.

"Indeed it is," I agreed. I wanted to tell him that he is from Quebec and the temperature in San Jose was probably a little warmer than what he was used to in Canada (or Buffalo), but I chickened out. Never argue with the man holding the blue Sharpie.

Not too much time elapsed when the man everybody was waiting for made his grand appearance. Miller took one look at all of "his biggest fans" and made a subtle, yet obvious gesture of slight irritation. To his credit, though, he signed at least one item (and I saw a couple of guys get two) for every person there.

Unfortunately for me, while patiently waiting for Miller to sign my puck, I missed several Sabres as they got on the bus, including another former Shark, Mike Grier. Miller may have been annoyed, but he put marker to photos and paint pens to puck for everyone.

Truth be told, Miller was certainly my No. 1 priority, but I also wanted to get former defenseman and current Sabres assistant coach James Patrick to sign a New York Rangers puck. Patrick seemed surprised that somebody recognized him and actually wanted his autograph.

"You were one of my favorite players growing up in New York," I told him.

"Thank you," he replied. "Those were some good times."

Indeed they were, James. Good times and memories. That's what autograph collecting should be about, not dollars and cents.

Fortunately, the circus theme song is finally out of my head.

Signing pucks, show above, were, from top to bottom, Lindy Ruff, Patrick, Rivet, Miller and Tyler Myers.

Blasts from the past

By Puckhound
Hockey Hounds Universe editor

When culling cards for a visiting team, it's a good idea to remember all of the specialty sets you've likely accumulated over the years. From league-specific juniors sets to the Rookie Class offering that Upper Deck used to put out, they're an easy way to offer something beside the latest card releases.

These two, for goalie Steve Mason and forward R.J. Umberger, came in handy last week when the Columbus Blue Jackets visited Hockey Bay. They'd been sitting around for a few seasons, as we don't see the club on a regular basis.

The team's last trip, in March 2009, focused more on pucks, as I added two dozen to the collection.

Whatever works

By Puckhound
Hockey Hounds Universe editor

In prepping for hounding the New Jersey Devils, I wanted to make sure I had something for Hall of Fame defenseman Larry Robinson, an assistant coach for the club. My first task was to check for pucks. But upon seeing that he's signed Canadiens, Kings and Devils pucks in the past, I had to move onto to something else.

That's when I remembered we had a work-in-progress Canadiens jersey, limited to Montreal legends signing on the logo. Too bad, though, I couldn't find it, even after digging about a quarter way through The Vault and checking two closets.

I suppose I couldn't pursued the 8x10 photo angle, but didn't feel like tracking one down. That's why I went with the cards. After getting all four signed, though, it didn't turn out too bad. I'll admit, too, to being pleasantly surprised when he signed all of them.

From cards to a classic

By Commonkid
Hockey Hounds Universe correspondent

Doing the American Hockey League here in Springfield, Mass., and Hartford, Conn., I get to see how different collectors go about getting things done. Most here go the card route, with some adding a few 8x10 pics and a few pucks thrown in.

With most collectors trying to get nine boards done, that can get pricey as even the lowest-priced rookies can add up. Sometimes, I think a 8x10 costs less.

Another difference is how they present them to get signed. The old standard here is a piece of cardboard and photo corners, though some will use tape as well. A second way is to cut out nine pocket pages, but this is rare. On trips to Boston, I see more photos then cards and a lot of them get sticks or other team stuff signed.

With the NHL's collective bargaining agreement the way it is, many new opportunities for us hounds of the AHL have opened up. Players like Wade Redden, shown above, in Hartford and Jay Pandolfo in Springfield, who recently retired, mean that a lot of us are now able to players that unless we traveled to a NHL city would never have gotten.

The Connecticut Whale, a recent name change from the Hartford Wolf Pack by new ownership, are having an outdoor game, called the Whale Bowl 2011, against the Providence Bruins in February. For the two weeks leading up to it, many high school games as well as some college games have been scheduled.

The highlight for me comes Feb. 19 with a Hartford Whalers-Boston Bruins alumni game. To help promote the it, the team is bringing in former Whalers players for signings. In the past, the team has brought in Pat Verbeek and Nick Fotiu, shown above. Coming up will be two former Bruins stars Rick Middleton and Rejean Lemelin.

Among the rosters for the alumni game are Brian Leetch, Brad Park, Ken Linseman, Ken Hodge and Don Marcotte for the Bruins and Nelson Emerson, Gordie Roberts, Darren Turcotte and Dave and Wayne Babych for the Whalers.

Take nothing for granted

By Puckhound
Hockey Hounds Universe editor

I must admit, I've gotten lazy over the past few seasons in doing a certain aspect of my prep work before NHL teams visit Hockey Bay. Instead, I relied on my instincts, past experiences and eyesight in determining where teams are staying.

Last Wednesday, with the Washington Capitals in town, I had to have a slice of humble pie for breakfast. After staying at the same hotel for as long as I've been hounding down here in Hockey Bay, the Capitals pulled the old switcheroo and moved to a different hotel.

To drop a dime, I wasn't alone in my mistaken beliefs. Some of Hockey Bay's best hounds, as well as some novice hockey dealers, were also standing outside the hotel when a security guard told us the Capitals weren't staying there.

At first, we didn't believe him, as he tried that approach last season just as a player walked out of the hotel. Just in case he was telling the truth, though, I started the round of phone calls seeking out the team. Success came on the last call of the usual suspects.

Soon enough, we were at the right place, fortunately for us, at the right time. It wasn't long before Capitals players headed out for the morning skate.

The lesson learned: It always pays to do your homework.

Show of appreciation

By Ron Saar
Hockey Hounds Universe editor
Introducing someone to hockey-hounding adventures here in Hockey Bay comes with its rewards. You get to watch hockey fans marvel at meeting NHL players. You see the excitement in their faces when a star player stops to sign. You know memories are created.

Worthy rewards, each and every one.

Another reward comes when they ask if they can get some autographs for you. That's exactly what we have here, courtesy of the Twins, a couple of Colin's hockey teammates.

Over the holiday break, the boys joined us on three hockey-hounding adventures, including the New York Rangers on New Year's Day. After snagging quite a few in the morning, the boys talked their dad into staying until after the team's morning skate.

We're pumped, too, to taking up the Twins' offer, as they scored six cards and the two cheap skate cards, above, from New York's Michael Sauer and Derek Stepan for us. To be honest, I don't think they would've taken "no" for an answer.

Signing cards, shown above, were:

Top row: Sean Avery, Martin Biron, and Ryan Callahan; and
Bottom row: Matt Gilroy Michal Rozsival and Michael Sauer.

It's as easy as E.C.H.L.

By Moody
Hockey Hounds Universe senior correspondent

This season, I have changed my hounding focus to show my "Hockey Purist" side. I am a fan of the NHL, but will always be a fan of the lower ranks first. I would take a solid day hounding the East Coast Hockey League or juniors over an NHL team without batting an eye. However, here in Florida, those opportunities are far and few between.

Last week, I was lucky enough to hound the reigning ECHL champs, the Cincinnati Cyclones.

The team sheet (shown above) is my way of cheating a bit. I use these to find out who the player is and then rifle through my photos to get their individual signatures:

Marc Cheverie, Denver University standout and Florida Panthers draft pick


Barry Eghoetz, captain of the Cyclones, receiving the Kelly Cup

Kevin Roeder, a former Miami (Ohio) standout, on a pretty sweet celebration photo.

Kevin liked the photo so much, he asked me to send him a copy and gave me his e-mail address. Before he signed it, he took it around to several of the other guys to show it off.

Because I have hounded the Florida Everblades a few times this year, I just kind of snagged a few as they passed. I wasn't really looking to pile up:

Ross Carlson signed this Everblades shot


Jared Staal (yes, another Staal brother) signed this Everblades shot as well as one showing him with the American Hockey League's Charlotte Checkers.

It is entirely too easy to hound these guys. Typically, there are no other hounds around and you will never find a dealer. But you will see some great draft picks, international stars and college/junior standouts.

Rock solid

By Puckhound
Hockey Hounds Universe editor

After a couple of hockey-hounding seasons of working his hand-drawn team sheets, Colin finds himself running into teams during the 2010-11 campaign that have already filled out one of his creations. The Montreal Canadiens, who visited Hockey Bay last week, is one of those teams.

Rather than work cards, though, we opted for something a little different for his Habs team sheet. After Googling the term "Montreal Canadiens wallpapers," I came across this image, showing a Canadiens logo crafted out of stonework. Fifteen minutes later, it was being printed at our local drugstore.

Pretty cool, if you ask me, and most definitely beyond the ordinary. Montreal players, coaches and geenral manager must have thought so, too, as Colin scored 27 autographs, including such players as Mike Cammalleri, Brian Gionta, Scott Gomez, Roman Hamrlik, Tomas Plekanic, Carey Price and P.K. Subban, within a couple of hours.

Don't be surprised if we use this idea again. It works, doesn't it?