Sunday, April 28, 2013

Ending April With Over 100 New Graphs


There are 115 unique NHL autographs in this mail post, all acquired this month.  A big part of that total has been some great TTM success lately.  Since some of the Motown Madness autographs replace TTMs and since Carter Hutton moved from backup to official NHL player this week, my total of unique autographs stands at 2,912 after this post.   

Mark Flood and Shaone Morrisonn
These KHL cards are from a legit company called SoReal that has released a few other sets.  These are my first KHL autographs and I'm very happy to add them as neither Flood nor Morrissonn have another autograph release.  They are great looking cards on a very thick stock.  I wish more of these would have hit ebay as the majority of them are currently listed are for prices I'd never, ever pay.
Prince Edward Island native Mark Flood made his NHL debut with the 2009/10 NY Islanders but has most recently played with the Winnipeg Jets.
Shaone Morrisonn played over 500 NHL games between the Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabres. 
Iiro Tarkki and Ryan Ready
A couple more rare European releases.  The Ready is numbered /150 on the back.  Iiro Tarkki is one of only a handful of recent NHL goalies who have not been awarded a certified autograph.  Since I have a goalie weakness it was my top priority in this set. Tarkki appeared in 1 game for the 11/12 Anaheim Ducks.
A 1997 Calgary Flames draft pick, Ryan Ready played 7 NHL games, all for the 2005/06 Philadelphia Flyers.  
John Davidson and Ron Hextall
The 2002 Fleer Great of the Game set remains one of my all time favourite autograph sets.  Currently President of the Columbus Blue Jackets, John Davidson spent a few seasons as the Rangers #1 goalie.
In 1986/87 Ron Hextall was the league's best net minder.  He won the Vezina and the Conn Smythe, leading the Flyers to the Stanley Cup finals but losing to the Oilers.  He was a tough competitor and accumulated 100+ penalty minutes three seasons in a row, he holds the record for most career PIMs by a goalie.  
Andy Moog and Al Montoya
Currently a goalie coach with the Stars, Andy Moog won 3 Stanley Cup as an Edmonton Oilers; 1984, 1985 and 1987.
The 6th overall pick by the Rangers in the 2004 NHL draft, Al Montoya never developed into a reliable NHL goalie.  He made his NHL debut for the 08/09 Phoenix Coyotes but has more recently served as a backup for the Islanders and Jets.  
Nathan Lawson and Jhonas Enroth
Nathan Lawson played 10 games for the New York Islanders during the 2010/11 season.
Swede Jhonas Enroth just came off his second season as Buffalo's backup goalie.  
Brian Elliott and Anton Stralman
Brian Elliott has played over 200 NHL games between the Senators, Avalanche and Blues.  He shared the 2012 Jennings trophy with Jaroslav Halak and set NHL records that season for lowest GAA and Save % during a single season.
Anton Stralman has played over 300 NHL games between the Leafs, Blue Jackets and Rangers.  He's currently a full time member of New York's blueline.  
Paul Henderson and Dave Semenko
I tend to bid on cards over an over again until I get them at a cheap price, an ebay scavenger if you would.  I must have placed a bid on dozens of Henderson autographs until I was finally able to grab one of this Canadian icon at a cheap price.
Tough guy Dave Semenko won 2 Stanley Cups, 1984 and 1985, with the Edmonton Oilers.  
Doug Barkley and Billy Dea
Doug Barkley made his NHL debut with the 1957/58 Chicago Blackhawks but emerged as a full time player with the Red Wings.  His career ended abruptly after only 4 full seasons due to an on ice eye injury.  He later served as the Red Wings' head coach.
After making his debut for the 1953/54 New York Rangers Billy Dea would go onto play with the Red Wings, Blackhawks and the Penguins.  He was a member of Pittsburgh's inaugural first year expansion team.  Like Barkley, Billy Dea would also later serve as Red Wings head coach.  
Guyle Fielder and Floyd Smith
Like Barkley and Dea, these are both players first certified autographs.  They replace TTM autographs I had obtained of both players. Therefore, they are new to my collection but don't add to my total list.   
Brad Smith and Dennis Polonich
Brad Smith's only other autograph card, a rare 2004 ITG Original 6 card, would have cost much, much more than this card and had been on my wantlist for years so I was extra happy when Smith was included in this set.  He played 200+ NHL games between the Canucks, Flames, Red Wings and Leafs.
Enforcer Dennis Polonich retired with 1200+ career NHL penalty minutes.  
John Barrett and Larry Murphy
I was pleasantly surprised to see John Barrett get his first ever certified autograph in ITG's Motown Madness.  He played half a dozen seasons in Detroit in the 1980s and then later dressed for the Capitals and North Stars before retiring in 1988.
Hockey Hall of Famer Larry Murphy won 4 Stanley Cups during his 21 seasons in the NHL.  
Wally Stanowski and Bobby Rousseau
Stanowski is notable for being one of the oldest living NHLers, making his debut in 1939. Wally is a former NHL All-Star who has his name on the Stanley Cup 4 times.
 I have a Bobby Rousseau autograph redeemed with Panini that I've been waiting over 2 years for, this acquisition effectively ends my hope of ever receiving it.  I had requested a replacement months ago but never heard back, thanks for nothing Panini! Rousseau is a 4 time All-Star, 4 time Stanley Cup champion and winner of the 1962 Calder as NHL rookie of the year.  
Gary Unger
Gary Unger played over 1000 NHL games, appeared in 7 All-Star games and scored 30+ goals a season 9 times.  
Kevin Lowe and Phil Housley
Currently president of hockey operations with the Edmonton Oilers, Kevin Lowe won the Stanley Cup 6 times and appeared in 7 All-Star games.  He won the 1990 King Clancy trophy.
United States Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Housley played 1500+ NHL games.  He played in 7 NHL All-Star games and was runner up for the Norris as the leagues best defensemen in 1992.  
Peter Bondra and David Hale
Peter Bondra twice, 1995 and 1998, lead the NHL in goals scored.  He's a member of the prestigious 50+ goal season club, a feat he accomplished twice with the Capitals.  He retired with over 500 NHL goals scored.
Between 2003 and 2011 David Hale played 300+ NHL games.  He played for the Devils, Flames, Coyotes, Lightning and Senators.  
John Erskine and Kevin Smyth
Both of these autographs are notable for holding priority on my wantlist.  These are each players only autographs and they are both rather hard to find.
John Erskine is a long time NHL defenseman who just finished his seventh full season with the Washington Capitals.
Brother of Ryan Smyth, Kevin played 58 NHL games for the Hartford Whalers. 
Grant Stevenson and Corey Locke
Grant Stevenson played just one season, 47 games, in the NHL with the 2005/06 San Jose Sharks.  He scored 10 goals and 22 points in that short span.
Corey Locke has split his 9 game NHL career between the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators.
I've been noticing that these older Heroes and Prospects autographs have really been drying up lately.  In a few years they'll really be hard to find compared to other autograph releases.   
Ryan Whitney and Benoit Pouliot
The Penguin's 5th overall pick of the 2002 NHL draft, Ryan Whitney has played 500+ NHL games.  He won an Olympic silver medal with team USA in 2010.
The 4th overall pick of the 2005 NHL draft, Benoit Pouliot has struggled to find a place in the NHL. He's played 300+ NHL games while dressing for the Wild, Canadiens, Bruins and Lightning.  
Jamie McBain and Tomas Kopecky
Defenseman Jamie McBain recently won a Bronze medal at the 2013 World Championships with Team USA.  He has developed to one of Carolina's most reliable players.
A veteran of 500+ NHL games, Tomas Kopecky has won a Stanley Cup with both the Red Wings (2008) and Blackhawks (2010).  
Lukas Kaspar and Travis Hamonic
Between 2007 and 2009 Lukas Kaspar played 16 games for the San Jose Sharks, he scored 2 goals and 4 points.
Having just finished his third season as a New York Islander, Travis Hamonic has developed into one of their only reliable defensemen.  
Drew Miller and Marc Methot
Drew Miller won the Stanley Cup as a member of the 2007 Anaheim Ducks.  The brother of goalie Ryan Miller, he's spent the last four seasons as a Red Wing.
D-man Marc Methot has already played 300+ NHL games between the Blue Jackets and Senators.  He was a member of the extremely talented 2005 London Knights Memorial Cup winning team.  
Jonathan Sigalet and Stefan Meyer
Jonathan Sigalet is a 'one game wonder,' suiting up for the 2006/07 Boston Bruins.  His brother, Jordan, is also a 'one game wonder' of the Boston Bruins.
Stefan Meyer played 4 games with the Florida Panthers and 16 games with the Calgary Flames.  
Andy Greene and Mattias Tedenby
An undrafted Miami University graduate, Andy Greene has just finished his seventh season as a full time member of the Devil's blue line.
A 2008 first round draft pick, Mattias Tedenby has played 100+ NHL games with the Devils.  
Arturs Kulda and J.T. Wyman
Arturs Kulda played 4 games with the Thrashers and then followed the team to Winnipeg, playing a further 9 NHL games with the inaugural second generation Jets.  I rather like picking up old Thrashers cards.
J.T. Wyman has spent the majority of his 44 game NHL career with the Tampa Bay Lightning.  
Carl Klingberg and Calvin De Haan
I must say that these Elite cards are very sharp looking in hand.  Carl Klingberg played 1 game with the Atlanta Thrashers and 6 more NHL games later with the Winnipeg Jets.
Chosen 12th overall in the 2009 NHL draft, Calvin De Haan has recently been plagued with injuries and to date has only dressed in 1 NHL game.  
Colin Greening and Joe Colborne
Colin Greening has emerged as a part of Ottawa's young core.  He's already played 150+ games for the Sens.
A Boston Bruine first round draft pick, Joe Colborne was acquired by the Leafs in the Kaberle trade.  He's yet to play 20 NHL games but still has potential.  
Sergei Shirokov and Hugh Jessiman
Sergei Shirokov scored 1 goal in his 8 game NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks.
Unfortunately for Hugh Jessiman, he's bound to be known in hockey history as the biggest bust of the great 2003 NHL draft, playing only 2 NHL games.  It does, however, beat being the only first rounder to not play in the league, which he came close to being.  
Cam Fowler and Tomas Tatar
The 12th overall pick of the 2010 NHL draft, Cam Fowler jumped directly to Anaheim and has already played 3 NHL seasons.
Tomas Tatar has scored 5 goals in 27 career NHL games with the Detroit Red Wings.  
Anton Babchuk and Brandon Pirri
Ukrainian Anton Babchuk played 300+ NHL games between the Hawks, Canes and Flames.
Brandon Pirri has played 7 games for the mighty Blackhawks.  
Tim Erixon and Alexandre Picard (b. Oct 1985)
Tim Erixon has found his place in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets after being acquired from the Rangers in the Rick Nash trade.
This particular Alexandre Picard has played 67 career NHL games, all for the Columbus Blue Jackets.  
Erik Johnson and Peter Sejna
The 2006 1st overall pick, Erik Johnson did not become the franchise player the Blues thought they were getting when they drafted him.  He's since moved on to the Colorado Avalanche and his hobby value has plummeted to the point that I was able to acquire his signature for a buck.
Between 2003 and 2007 Peter Sejna played 49 games for the St. Louis Blues.  He scored 7 goals and 11 points.  
Mathieu Roy and Martin Gelinas
Mathieu Roy has seen time in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers, Columbus Blue Jackets and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Martin Gelinas retired with well over 1000 NHL games played.  He reached the Stanley Cup finals 4 times during his career and won the trophy as an Oiler in 1990.  
Shawn Horcoff and Ryan Malone
Shawn Horcoff has played a dozen seasons in the NHL for the Edmonton Oilers. He's currently the team captain.
Ryan Malone has scored 20+ NHL goals in 5 different seasons.  He won an Olympic silver medal with the 2010 team USA squad.  His father Greg was playing for the Penguins when Ryan was born.   
Tomas Fleishmann and Peter Regin
Tomas Fleishmann's best NHL season was a 27 goal outburst for the 2011/12 Florida Panthers.  He's played 400+ NHL games between the Caps, Avalanche and Panthers.
Since 2008 Peter Regin has played just under 200 NHL games, all for the Ottawa Senators.  
Brandon McMillan and Tom Pyatt
Since 2010 Brandon McMillan has played just shy of 100 NHL games.
Tom Pyatt made his NHL debut with the 2009/10 Montreal Canadiens and has gone on to play 200+ games between the Habs and Lightning.  He's the brother of long time NHLer Taylor Pyatt.  
Rickard Rakell and Christian Hanson
2011 first round pick Rickard Rakell played 4 games for this year's Anaheim Ducks.  
Between 2009 and 2011 Christian Hanson suited up in 42 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs.  His father is Dave Hanson of Slapshot fame.

Pete LoPresti and Jacques Caron
Pete LoPresti saw 175+ NHL games of action with the Minnesota North Stars.  He also played a couple games for the Edmonton Oilers.
Jacques Caron played 72 career NHL games between the Kings, Blues and Canucks.  As a goaltending coach he has won 3 Stanley Cups with the New Jersey Devils.  
Wade Flaherty and Larry Lozinski
Between 1991 and 2003 Wade Flaherty saw 127 games of NHL action.  Its really amazing he didn't get a certified autograph during that period, considering almost ever other goalie since 1990 who has played 100+ games has one.
Larry Lozinski played 1 NHL season, 30 games, for the 1980/81 Detroit Red Wings. 
Ted Harris and Bill Hay
Ted Harris won the Stanley Cup 4 times as a Montreal Canadien; 1965, 1966, 1968 and 1969 and once as a Philadelphia Flyer, 1975.
Bill Hay played 500+ NHL games for the Chicago Blackhawks.  He won the 1960 Calder trophy as NHL rookie of the year.  
Billy O’Dwyer and Allen Pedersen
Billy O'Dwyer made his NHL debut for the 1983/84 Los Angeles Kings.  He played 130 NHL games between the Kings and Bruins.
Allen Pedersen played just under 500 career NHL games.  He spent most of his time with the Bruins but also dressed for the North Stars and Whalers.  
Michael Thelven and Tom Songin
Swede Michael Thelven was a veteran player when he crossed the ocean to join the Bruins in 1985.  He spent 5 seasons in Boston, scoring 100 points from the blueline in just over 200 regular season games.  
The Tom Songin actually came back to me all the way from the USA without a return stamp, thanks for pocketing the dollar Tom!  He saw 43 games of NHL action with the Boston Bruins between 1978 and 1981.  
Ken Schinkel and Jeff Bandura
Ken Schinkel spent over a decade in the NHL.  He started his career with the Original 6 New York Rangers but was claimed by the Penguins in the 1967 expansion draft and was a member of their inaugural team.
Jeff Bandura played 2 games in the NHL, both for the 1980/81 New York Rangers. He managed to get his name on the scoresheet with an assist.  
Mark Lofthouse and Greg Theberge
Mark Lofthouse scored 42 goals in 181 career NHL games.
Greg Theberge spent his entire 150+ NHL game career with the Washington Captials in the early 1980s.  
Tim Friday and Al Karlander
Tim Friday played 1 season, 23 NHL games, with the Detroit Red wings in 1985/86.
Al Karlander played over 200 NHL games, all for the Red Wings.  He then went on to spend 4 seasons in the WHA.  
Ron Flockhart and Barry Dean
Ron Flockhart played just under 500 NHL games in the 1980s.  He played for the Flyers, Penguins, Canadiens, Blues and Bruins.  His best season was a 33 goal, point per game year with the 81/82 Flyers.
Barry Dean played 3 NHL seasons in the late 1970s, 1 for the Colorado Rockies and 2 for the Philly Flyers.  He also spent a season in the WHA.  
Tony Currie and Roger Picard
Tony Currie played in just over 300 NHL games between 1977 and 1985.  He played for the Blue, Canucks and Whalers.
An original St. Louis Blue, Roger Picard played 15 games for the 1967/68 expansion team.  He scored 2 goals and 4 points.  
Patrick Dwyer and Brett Carson
Right winger Patrick Dwyer just finished his fourth full season with the Carolina Hurricanes.  Not many players reach close to 300 NHL games these days without getting a certified autograph but Dwyer has.
Brett Carson has played 90 career NHL games between the Hurricanes and Flames.  
James Wright and Richard Clune
After being claimed off waivers from the Panthers, James Wright ended up playing nearly the full season with this year's Winnipeg Jets.  
I would have made the card with Clune as a Predator had I known he was going to leave this inscription!  He made his NHL debut with the 09/10 LA Kings but currently plays for the Preds.
Jamie Fritsch and Guillaume Desbiens
Jamie Fritsch was a one game wonder for the 08/09 Philadelphia Flyers.
Tough guy Guillaume Desbiens has 7 fighting majors in 23 career NHL games, split between Vancouver and Calgary.  
Francis Lessard and Dane Jackson
This Francis Lessard took at least a year to get back to me, it was a nice surprise as I usually lose all hope after a few months.  He fought his way to over 100 career NHL games.
In the mid 90s Dane Jackson played just over 50 NHL games between the Canucks, Sabres and Islanders.  
Jean Francois Quintin and Brad Berry
Jean Francois Quintin only played 22 NHL games but he holds the distinction of being one of the original San Jose Sharks from 1991/92.
Between 1986 and 1994 Brad Berry played 250+ NHL games between the Jets and Stars.  He has also served as an assistant coach in the NHL with the Blue Jackets.  
Chuck Lefley and Roy Sommer
Chuck Lefley played 400+ NHL games between the Habs and Blues.  His best season was a 43 goal, 85 point outburst with the 1975/76 St. Louis Blues.  He has a great looking autograph.
Roy Sommer dressed in 3 games for the 1980/81 Edmonton Oilers.  He scored 1 goal in that stint.  He later returned to the NHL as an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks.
Dennis Patterson and Pat Ribble
Dennis Patterson saw time in the NHL with the Kansas City Scouts and Philadelphia Flyers. He also played for the Edmonton Oilers when they were in the WHA.
Pat Ribble saw 350+ games on NHL action between the Atlanta Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals and Calgary Flames.  
Doug Evans and Don Barber
Doug Evans played 7 seasons in the NHL.  He dressed for the Blues, Jets and Flyers.
Don Barber played just over 100 NHL games between the North Stars, Jets and Sharks.  He was a member of the original 1991/92 San Jose Sharks team.  
Murray Brumwell and Rick Bragnalo
Murray Brumwell spent a decade bouncing around the pro hockey circuit.  During that span he saw 125+ games in the NHL between the Devils and North Stars.
Between 1975 and 1979 Rick Bragnalo played 145 NHL games, all for the Washington Capitals.  He scored 15 career goals and 50 points.  
Richard Hajdu and Daniel Poudrier
Between 1985 and 1987 Richard Hajdu played 5 games for the Sabres.  His only impact on the scoresheet was 2 penalties.
Daniel Poudrier played 25 games for the Nordiques in the mid 80s.  He scored a goal and 5 assists.  
Bill Watson and Victor Posa
I really like when players add small inscriptions like Watson did.  Winning the Hobey Baker is his most notable hockey accomplishment as he only lasted a couple seasons in the NHL.
Victor Posa played 2 games for the 1985/86 Blackhawks.  
Mario Faubert and Lou Nistico
Mario Faubert played 200+ games for the Pittsburgh Penguins before injuries derailed his career.  
Lou Nistico played 3 NHL games for the 77/78 Colorado Rockies after spending 3 years in the WHA.


On top of the 115 NHL autographs in this post I managed to add a couple "other" hockey signatures.
  
Jeff Jacques and Don Herriman
Jacques and Herriman are both former WHA players.  Jacques spent two seasons with the Toronto Toros and one with the Birmingham Bulls.
Don Herriman scored 107 points in his 155 game WHA career.  
Freeman Asmundson
'Duke' Asmundson spent 4 years in the WHA with the Winnipeg Jets.
Jamie Kompon and Joel Martin
Currently an assistant coach with the Chicago Blackhawks, Kompon won a Stanley Cup in 2012 in the same position with the LA Kings.  I'll add that at the start of the year I sent to a bunch of coaches and GMs in the league and for these requests my success rate has been very low compared to current and former players.  I don't know why as I'm sure most would get very little fan mail.
Joel Martin appeared as backup in one game, February 10th 2011, for the NY Islanders.   
Michael Hutchinson and Daniel Larsson
Hutchinson and Larsson have both appeared in the NHL as backup goaltenders.  Hutchinson with the Bruins and Larsson with the Red Wings. 

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