Double duties

By Puckhound
Hockey Hounds Universe editor

Though I'm not in the running to win our fantasy hockey league, instead settling for the consolation round this week, I must thank Pittsburgh's Tyler Kennedy for his late-season efforts in cementing our solid finish.

A late-season pick-up off the waiver wire, I was lucky enough to add him to the Florida Kings roster about the time he went on his scoring run. Last week, with the Pittsburgh Penguins in town, he was nice enough to have him sign these four cards, too.

Brag Book: Toronto Maple Leafs II

Hound: Al, Hockey Hounds Universe's senior Toronto correspondent
Hounding opportunity: Toronto Maple Leafs practices
Where: MasterCard Centre for Hockey Excellence, Toronto
When: 2010-11 NHL season

Let the bragging begin:

Colby Armstrong;

Francois Beauchemin, since dealt to the Anaheim Ducks;

Tyler Bozak;

Jean-Sebastien Giguere;

Jonas Gustavsson;

Dion Phaneuf, signing in silver;

Kris Versteeg, since traded to Philadelphia; and

a Maple Leafs Gardens puck and card signed by Ron Ellis.

Rounding 'em up

By Puckhound
Hockey Hounds Universe editor

Unless this is your first rodeo, cowboy, it's fairly common knowledge among established hockey hounds across North America, maybe even Sweden, that New Jersey goalie Johan Hedberg is a more-than-willing signer.

If you didn't know this, though, consider yourself duly informed.

These three pucks, obtained during the Devils' recent visit to Hockey Bay, are proof that Hedberg will sign more than one item.

Newfound Enjoyment (Part 1)

By Moody
Hockey Hounds Universe senior correspondent

I have found that over the past season as well as during the current season that hounding has become a bit of a chore. It is becoming more difficult to come up with fresh items for today's NHL stars. Sure, I could use the "Go To" items like trading cards and team sheets, but it still is the same players over and over.

Yes, I've mixed it up a bit with my quest to get photos of players in non-NHL jerseys and that has sparked a bit of attention as a standout.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the friends who I've met during my hounding and always look forward to that, it's the repetition of the same players filtering through town that make it seem like I am just going through the motions.

This was laid to rest last week when I went to East Coast Hockey League game between the Florida Everblades and Toledo Walleye and decided to take a shot at getting autographs from them. Not only are there fresh faces that I haven't hounded in the past, but for the hockey purist (there are still a few around), there are some great college and junior players there.

Ross Carlson is a former NCAA champion with the University of Wisconsin Badgers.

Mike Egener is a second-round pick for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Mitch Fadden was a great scorer in the Western Hockey League and a fourth-round pick for the Lightning.

David Fischer is a former first-rounder for the Montreal Canadiens.

Bobby Goepfert was a NCAA standout and sixth-round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Beggars can't be choosers

By Puckhound
Hockey Hounds Universe editor

It must be rough being Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin, getting hounded every place you go. That must be why this is what passes for his autograph these days.

It's not that I'm complaining. I'm more than happy to add it to our collection. It's a shame, though, that such a good player has a scribble of an autograph.

Heard of these guys?

By Colin
Hockey Hounds Universe correspondent

Last Sunday, it was a hockey day. We hounded the Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins before going to the Tampa Bay Lightning game.

Finally, after three times, I got Sid the Kid to sign for me. Thanks the Lord. I got him on the McFarlane base (shown above) showing him in the 2008 Winter Classic.

Me and another kid were the only ones to get him when we saw him, though Daddy tells me that he signed for others earlier in the day. In total, we got 34 autographs from the Penguins.

I also got Evgeni Malkin on this Russian hockey card. Like Sidney, me and another kid were the only ones to get Geno as he headed out for lunch.

I didn't do a team sheet for the Penguins, just cards.

It was hectic with the Pens. Boy, am I glad it's over with.