First Mail Post of 2016 - 40 Autographs

Since the last mail post I've acquired 40 new NHL autographs, putting the grand total of unique player signatures to 4,783 for 65.7% of everyone who has every played in the NHL since its creation in 1917. 

This particular box of autographs took forever to get to me. For some reason the border held it for close to two months yet it doesn't appear to have been opened or tampered with. God knows where or why it was stuck for so long.

I get to check off some long overdue names from my want list such as Esposito, Gartner and Hasek. The last big names I need are Brett Hull, Jagr, Messier, Neely, Patrick Roy, Shanahan, Toews, Kane and Yzerman. After that handful of players I'll have an autograph of every modern day "star" or notable player. My attention is increasingly being focused towards TTM requests and finding obscure players, specifically from the 70s and 80s. 

Phil Esposito

Phil Esposito is one of hockey's biggest legends. The Hockey Hall of Famer has a trophy case that includes 2 Stanley Cup championships, 5 Art Ross Trophies, 2 Hart Trophies and 2 Lester B. Pearson Trophies. He was also instrumental in Canada's 1972 Summit Series victory over the USSR. In 1282 regular season NHL games Esposito scored an astonishing 717 goals and 1590 points. Esposito has managed to keep an incredibly consistent and beautiful signature over his entire storied career. Although he has a number of signatures on the market, they rarely sell for less that $20, which speaks to Esposito's tremendous popularity among fans. 

Mike Gartner

From 1979 to 1998 Mike Gartner played 1432 regular season games in the NHL and scored an impressive 708 goals and 1335 points. Gartner was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001. RANT: I'm not a fan of Upper Deck and the text on the back of this card is a prime reason why I've always stayed away from "game used" jersey cards. The back reads, "the memorabilia has been certified to us as having been used in an official hockey game." Therefore, I've little idea if it was worn in an NHL game, an old-timers game, a scrimmage or a rec game? We have the technology to be quite a bit more precise, Ideally I'd like to see the date from when the jersey was worn. At the very least knowing if its an NHL jersey would be nice. Its clear to me that by being so vague Upper Deck is attempting to deceive its customers.

Wayne Cashman

Wayne Cashman played over 1000 games in the NHL, all with the Boston Bruins. He helped Boston win the Stanley Cup in 1970 and 1972. In 1972 he also helped Canada win the Summit Series. From 1977 to 1983 Cashman was captain of the Bruins. Cashman is also notable for being the last NHL player from the Original Six era.

Rick Middleton

From 1974 to 1988 Rick Middleton scored 448 goals and 988 points in 1005 career regular season games in the NHL. For half a dozen years he was one of the most prolific goal scorers in the NHL and in 1981/82 broke the 50 goal mark when he ended the season with 51 tallies. That season also saw the three time NHL All-Star bring home the Lady Byng Trophy. In 1984 he was a member of the Canadian team, playing on Wayne Gretzky's line, that won the Canada Cup.

Rod Gilbert
Rod Gilbert was a star player for the New York Rangers in the 1960s and 1970s. He scored over 1000 points for the Rangers and in 1982 was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The 10 time NHL All-Star has his #7 hanging from the rafters in Madison Square Garden. He's also notable for being on Team Canada's 1972 Summit Series team.

Borje Salming

Swedish defenceman Borje Salming was inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996. From 1973 to 1990 he played over 1100 games in the NHL, all but one season in Toronto and the last in Detroit. He was one of the first Europeans to star in the NHL.

Dominik Hasek

There's no question that Dominik Hasek is one of the best goalies ever to play the game. He's a two time Hart Trophy winner, two time Stanley Cup champion, six time Vezina Trophy winner and in 1998 he lead Czech Replublic to an Olympic Gold. In 2014 he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. 

P.K. Subban

This is my favourite autograph of the post. Even though I'm the farthest thing from a Habs fan, PK Subban is still my favourite current NHLer. I admire his off ice contributions to society. Subban also doesn't sign much for the card companies so there are relatively few of his signature on the market compared to similar players. Subban won the Norris Trophy in 2013 as the NHL's best defenceman and in 2014 he won an Olympic Gold with Canada.

Hannes Hyvonen

Finnish forward Hannes Hyvonen played 6 NHL games with the 2001/02 San Jose Sharks and another 36 NHL games with the 2002/03 Columbus Blues Jackets. He was originally drafted by the Sharks in 1999 and spent most of his career in Europe. The 40 year old still plays pro hockey in Sweden. 

Wayne Simmonds

Since 2008 Wayne Simmonds has played well over 500 games in the NHL, dressing for the LA Kings and Philadelphia Flyers. He's scored 25+ goals three times in his NHL career and in 2013 represented Canada at the World Championships.

Gustav Nyquist

Gustav Nyquist took an unusual route to the NHL for a Swedish forward. After being drafted by the Red Wings in 2008 he went on to play three season in the NCAA with the University of Maine. He made his NHL debut in 2011 and has played well over 200 games with Detroit. He's become a solid NHL scorer, netting 72 goals and 140 points with Detroit. Nyquist won a Silver medal at the 2014 Olympics with Sweden.

Patrice Bergeron

Patrice Bergeron is a member of the 'Triple Gold' club, having won the Olympics, World Championships and the Stanley Cup. He won the Worlds in 2004, Olympics in 2010 and 2014 with Canada and in 2011 he won the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins. Bergeron is an NHL All-Star who has also won the Selke Trophy three times as the NHL's best defensive forward. 

Dougie Hamilton

Dougie Hamilton was drafted 9th overall by the Boston Bruins in 2011. The offensive defenceman was recently traded to the Calgary Flames. He's already recorded 100 points in the NHL, playing over 200 games between Calgary and Boston. His brother, Freddie, has also played in the NHL. 

Mike McKenna

Since 2009 Mike McKenna has played 22 games in the NHL. The journeyman goalie has played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, Columbus Blue Jackets and Arizona Coyotes. 

John Gibson

John Gibson was drafted 39th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 2011. In 2013 Gibson, still playing junior, lead Team USA to a Wold Junior Championship Gold medal. He was named the tournament's MVP and best goalie. A few months later he represented USA at the World Championships, winning a bronze medal at the pro level. He's entering his second season in the NHL and was recently named to the 2015/16 NHL All-Star team. 

Antti Raanta

From 2013 to 2016 Antti Raanta has played 50 NHL games between the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers. He was a member of the 2014/15 Hawks but didn't qualify to have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup because Scott Darling had taken his job come playoffs. Chicago, however, did present Raanta with a Cup ring and his day with the Trophy. 

Zemgus Girgensons

The Buffalo Sabres drafted Zemgus Girgensons 14th overall in 2012. The Latvian forward represented his country at the 2014 Winter Olympics. He's already nearing 200 career NHL games and represented the Buffalo Sabres at the 2015 NHL All-Star game.

William Karlsson

Swedish forward William Karlsson was drafted in the second round of the 2011 NHL draft by the Anaheim Ducks. He made his NHL debut with the Ducks in 2014 but in 2015 he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Karlsson has become a regular on the Jackets' roster.

Stuart Percy

Stuart Percy was a first round pick, 25th overall, by the Maple Leafs in 2011. The defenceman played 9 games for the 2014/15 Leafs, recording 3 assists.

Martin Marincin

What an awful signature! Martin Marincin is a Slovakian defenceman who was drafted 46th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2010. Since 2013 he's played well over 100 NHL games between the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs. He participated in the 2014 Winter Olympics with Slovakia.

Ryan Strome

Center Ryan Strome was drafted 5th overall by the New York Islanders in 2011. He's since played over 150 games with the Islanders, scoring 29 goals and 85 points. His younger brother, Dylan, was drafted even higher, 3rd overall in 2015.

Patrick Brown

Undrafted forward Patrick Brown spent four seasons playing NCAA hockey for Boston College, he also wore the captain's C in his senior year. Brown was held pointless in 7 NHL games with the 2014/15 Carolina Hurricanes. His father, Doug Brown, was a long time NHLer. 

Joonas Nattinen

Finnish forward Joonas Nattinen was drafted 65th overall by the Canadiens in 2009. He spent three seasons in North America and played just one NHL game in 2014. He's since moved back to Europe.

Evgeny Kuznetsov

The Capitals drafted Russian forward Evgeny Kuznetsov in the first round of the 2010 NHL draft. They let him stay in the KHL until 2014. Kuznetsov has developed into an offensive force in the NHL and this season has 44 points in 45 games.

Mirco Mueller

The Sharks drafted Swiss forward Mirco Mueller 18th overall in 2010. Since 2014 he's played 49 NHL games with the San Jose Sharks.

Connor Carrick

A former member of the prestigious US National Development team, Connor Carrick was drafted by the Capitals in 2012. In 2013 he helped the Americans win Gold at the World Junior Championships. The defenceman has already played 37 NHL games with Washington. 

Jiri Sekac

Czech forward Jiri Sekac was a late bloomer and signed as a free agent by the Montreal Canadiens in 2014. He played one season with the Montreal before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks. He's played 90 career NHL games between the Habs and Ducks, scoring 10 goals and 24 points. 

Valeri Nichushkin

Russian foreword Valeri Nichushkin was drafted 10th overall by Dallas in 2013. Nichushkin proceeded to make the jump straight into the NHL and had a solid rookie year with Dallas, scoring 14 goals and 34 points. Injuries have slowed his progress but he still remains a full time Dallas Star.

Josh Jooris

Josh Jooris was an undrafted forward who earned an NHL contract after three solid season of NCAA hockey with Union College in New York. Jooris is in his second season as a full time member of the Calgary Flames. So far he's scored 15 goals and 31 points in 88 career NHL games with the Flames. His father, Mark, was a longtime pro hockey player who never made it to the NHL. 

Nicolas Deslauriers

Nic Deslauriers was drafted by the LA Kings in 2009 but was unable to crack their roster. In March, 2014 he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres and a couple days later made his NHL debut. He's since played well over 100 NHL games with Buffalo.

Patrik Nemeth

Swedish defenceman Patrik Nemeth was drafted by the Dallas Stars 41st overall in 2010. He helped Sweden win Gold at the 2012 World Junior Championhips and in 2014 helped the Texas Stars with the AHL's Calder Cup. He's recorded 4 assists in 40 career NHL games with the Dallas Stars.

Justin Fontaine

Justin Fontaine spent four seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth before making his way to the Wild. Fontaine is entering his third season as a full time member of the Wild and has already played 150+ games in the NHL.

Brandon Saad

The Blackhawks drafted Brandon Saad 43rd overall in 2011. He emerged as a top tier NHLer with the Hawks and won a Stanley Cup in 2013 and 2015. In the summer of 2015 he was traded and signed to a big contract by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Mike Zibanejad

Mika Zibanejad was drafted 6th overall in 2011 by the Ottawa Senators. The skilled Swede has already played 244 regular season NHL games with the Sens. 

Nathan Beaulieu

The Montreal Canadiens drafted Nathan Beaulieu 17th overall in 2011. He had a strong junior career with the Saint John Sea Dogs, winning two league championships and in 2011 winning the Memorial Cup. In 2012 Beaulieu won a Bronze medal at the World Juniors with Canada. The offensive defenceman has already played 132 regular season games in the NHL with Montreal.

Matt Nieto

Matt Nieto represents the massive gains hockey has made in California. He's a native of Long Beach and rose through the hockey ranks by attending the US National Development Program and then spending three years at Boston University. The Sharks drafted Nieto in the second round of the 2011 NHL draft and he's already played nearly 200 NHL games with San Jose.

Jerry D'Amigo

Since 2013 Jerry D'Amigo has played 31 games in the NHL between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres.

Michael Raffl

Austrian Michael Raffl was signed by the Flyes as an undrafted free agent. He's entering his third season in the NHL and has put up a respectable 36 goals and 61 points in 176 games. He represented Austria at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Jayson Megna

Jayson Megna was never drafted but was signed as a free agent by the Penguins after playing just one season of NCAA hockey in Nebraska-Omaha. From 2013 to 2015 Megna scored 5 goals and 10 points in 48 NHL games with the Penguins. He was recently signed by the New York Rangers and has since played another 4 NHL games with the club, netting a goal and an assist.

Sean Collins (born 1983)

From 2008 to 2012 Sean Collins played 21 NHL games with Washington. He retired in 2013 and I've been unable to locate his whereabouts. There is another Sean Collins (born 1988) who currently plays in the NHL. Since the other Sean Collins played for the Washington Capitals and there is a third Sean Collins who was born in the same year as this Collins and also played pro hockey for a number of years, its hard to do any kind of specific search for this Sean Collins. For these reasons I decided to spring on this cheap purchase from a trusted seller.

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The 41st and last autograph of the post goes into my 'Backup Only' binder.

Eric Hartzell
Eric Hartzell dressed as backup goalie for the Pittsburgh Penguins in one NHL game during the 2012/2013 season. He dressed as backup to Tomas Vokoun on April 22 when Marc-Andre Fleury missed a game due to the birth of his first child. Hartzell was an undrafted free agent signing from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut where he was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. Hartzell spent a couple seasons in Pittsburgh's organization but was never able to get an NHL start.

Overdue TTM Post - Over 60 Returns

Going home for the holidays (from Ottawa to Prince Edward Island) allowed me to get my TTM (through the mail) returns. I still use my PEI address because as a graduate student I've lost count of how many places I've lived in the last few years and will no doubt be moving again soon. Since some TTM request take years, it makes sense to keep sending them to my childhood home. All but three of the autographs in this post came via snail mail.

43 of the autographs in this post are from people who appeared in the NHL. That increases my All-Time NHL player autographs to 4,743 unique player signatures and increasing the percentage to 65% of everyone who has played in the NHL since ints creation in 1917.

I was hoping that this month would also feature another 30 certified autographs that I had bought on COMC.com.  Unfortunately, it seems that our god awful postal service here in Canada, Canada Post, has struck again. COMC shipped my package on November 2, over two months ago yet nothing has arrived. At this point I've all but lost hope. Since beginning my Masters program at school I've been too busy to work, heavily affecting my hobby spending. That makes this lost package ever the more hard to take because it represented a huge chunk of my leisurely spending money. Damn you my old enemy Canada Post, damn you.

I'm happy to report that I was given some stamps for christmas, something I always ask for but usually don't receive since people consider it a 'boring' gift. For me, they will provide hours of entertainment in digging up new addresses and writing to new players. The sky high price of stamps usually keeps me from writing many more letters.

Sidney Crosby

I'll start off this post with one of the three certified autographs of this post, the other two being at the very end. Quality beats quantity here. I've needed a Crosby certified autograph for my collection for a while. I had met him years ago and have a couple other autographs, that I've since framed, but as per my grand collection, a certied autograph card was needed for my binders and the cost pushed me away. The story of this card starts with an impulse Walmart buy of a 2015/16 Upper Deck Series 1 box. I struck gold and pulled a Jack Eichel canvas young gun rookie card. Since I don't really collect unsigned cards, I offered it up for trade on a hockey hobby message board. An easy 1 for 1 deal was struck and the Eichel turned into this beauty. I really don't have to say anything about Mr. Crosby's amazing career. From my observations, his lacklustre 15/16 season hasn't much affected the high value of his recognizable signature.

Bryce Salvador
From 2000 to 2015 the recently retired Bryce Salvador was a reliable NHL d-man. He played 786 regular season NHL games between the St. Louis Blues and New Jersey Devils. From 2013-2015 he served as the 10th captain in New Jersey franchise history. I had been patiently awaiting his first certified autograph but one was never produced. For a modern day NHL captain to not have a certified autograph is a rare and unique occurrence. 

Doug Janik
From 2002 to 2012 Doug Janik played nearly 200 career NHL games. The defenceman was well travelled. He suited up for the Sabres, Lightning, Stars, Canadiens and Red Wings. He retired in 2015 and currently coaches in the AHL.

David Van Drunen

I dug around the internet but couldn't uncover an NHL picture of David Van Drunen. He played 1 career NHL game with the 1999/2000 Ottawa Senators. He was a long time minor-leaguer who played pro hockey until 2011.

Kevin Quick
Defenceman Kevin Quick played 6 career NHL games with the 2008/09 Tampa Bay Lightning.

Nick Tarnasky
From 2005 to 2010 gritty forward Nick Tarnasky played 251 regular season+playoff games in the NHL. He played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nashville Predators and Florida Panthers.

Greg Rallo
In 2011 Greg Rallo made his NHL debut as a 30 year old. He had played 4 yeas at Ferris State University but was never drafted. Rallo signed his first pro contract in the ECHL and worked his way up to the NHL from there. He played 11 career NHL games with the Florida Panthers and scored 1 goal. 

Carl Sneep
The Penguins drafted Carl Sneep with the 32nd overall pick of the 2006 draft. He spent 4 season at Boston College before turning pro. Sneep played 1 career NHL game with the Penguins in 2011.

Bill Arnold
Bill Arnold had a stellar college career at Boston College. He formed a lethal line with future NHLers Johnny Gaudreau and Kevin Hayes. The team won a National Championship in 2012. Arnold has played 1 NHL game with the Calgary Flames in 2014.

Carter Bancks
Undrafted forward Carter Bancks played 2 NHL games with the 2012/13 Calgary Flames.

Christopher Breen
6'7" defenceman Chris Breen played 9 NHL games with the 2013/2014 Calgary Flames. He's currently in the Boston Bruins organization. 

Kevin Czuczman
Defenceman Kevin Czuczman was signed by the Islanders as an undrafted member of Lake Superior State University. He played 13 NHL game with the 2013/2014 NY Islanders.

Brett Gallant
Tough guy Brett Gallant accumulated 17 penalty minutes in 4 career NHL games with the 2013/2014 New York Islanders. He's a fellow Prince Edward Islander so this autograph is an extra special addition to the collection. Only a handful of players from my province have recently made it to the NHL.

John Persson
Swedish forward John Persson scored 1 goal in 10 career NHL games with the 2013/14 New York Islanders.

Julien Brouillette
Julien Brouillette was never drafted but worked his way to the NHL. After junior he spent 3 seasons in the ECHL, worked his way up to the AHL and after another 4 seasons of pro hockey he finally made his NHL debut. Defenceman Brouillette played 10 NHL games with the 2013/14 Washington Capitals and 1 game with the 2014/15 Winnipeg Jets.

Julian Melchiori
Defenceman Julian Melchiori played 1 NHL game with the 2013/2014 Winnipeg Jets.

Paul Carey
From 2013 to 2015 Paul Carey played 22 games with the Colorado Avalanche. He was later traded to the Boston Bruins and recently signed with the Washington Capitals.

Brian Dumoulin
Defenceman Brian Dumoulin is one of those rare full-time NHLers who don't have a certified autograph. Originally drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes but acquired in the Jared Staal trade, Dumoulin has played almost 50 NHL games with the Penguins. 

Brad Hunt
Brad Hunt has played 14 career NHL games for the Edmonton Oilers. He's an undrafted Benji State University alumni.

Brett Bellemore
From 2012 to 2015 defeceman Brett Bellemore played 121 NHL games with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Mike Sislo
An undrafted University of New Hampshire alumni, forward Mike Sislo played 24 NHL games for the New Jersey Devils between 2013 and 2015.

Zach Sill
Undrafted grinder Zach Sill made his NHL debut as a 25 year old rookie with the 2013/14 Pittsburgh Penguins. He's also played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals.

Ted Fauss
In the letter I wrote to Mr. Fauss I mentioned that I was unable to find a picture of him with the Leafs and so made a custom index of him with the Nova Scotia Voyageurs. He not only singed that but also included this great little picture of him with the Leafs that I've decided to keep instead. From 1986 to 1988 D-man Ted Fauss played 28 career NHL games with the Leafs.

Dick Gamble
Dick Gamble is best known for wining the Stanley Cup with the 1953 Montreal Canadiens. He played almost 200 games in the NHL at a time when there was only six teams.

Matt Ravlich
From 1962 to 1973 Dick Gamble played over 400 NHL games. A feared fighter, defenceman Ravlich spent time with the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Los Angles Kings. 

John Grisdale
From 1972 to 1979 John Grisdale played 250 games in the NHL. The defenceman was a member of both the Toronto Maple Leafs and later the Vancouver Canucks. He's currently commissioner of the British Columbia Hockey League. 

Kevin McCarthy
From 1979 to 1982 Kevin McCarthy was captain of the Vancouver Canucks. The defenceman played over 500 games in the NHL and represented the Canucks at the 1981 NHL All-Star game. He won the Stanley Cup in 2006 as an assistant coach with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Hugh Harris

Hugh Harris spent one season in the NHL, playing 60 games with the 1972/73 Buffalo Sabres. He was a solid contributor who scored 12 goals and 38 points during his short NHL career. He later moved to the WHA and spent five seasons in the league, playing well over 300 games. He was a well traveled player in the WHA, seeing time with the New England Whalers, Vancouver Blazers, Phoenix Roadrunners, Calgary Cowboys, Indianapolis Racers and Cincinnati Stingers. He was a solid contributor who scored over 100 goals and almost 300 points in his WHA career.

Dave Fenyves
From 1982 to 1991 Dave Fenyves played over 200 NHL games between the Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers. He was twice named the AHL's best defenceman and in 1987 was the AHL playoff MVP as he lead the Rochester Americans to a Calder Cup championship.

Geordie Robertson
Geordie Robertson scored 1 goal and 3 points in 5 career NHL games with the 1982/83 Buffalo Sabres. He was a prolific scorer in the AHL and won the Calder Cup in 1983 and 1986. His brother, Torrie, was a long time NHLer.

Bob LaForest
Bob Laforest scored 1 goal in 5 career NHL games with the 1983/84 Los Angeles Kings. His brother is former NHL goalie Mark LaForest.

Jim Wiemer
From 1983 to 1994 Jim Wiemer played well over 300 career NHL games, nearly 400 if you include playoff games. He was a member of the Sabres, Rangers, Oilers, Kings and Bruins. He played 12 regular season games and 2 playoff games for the 1988 Stanley Cup winning Edmonton Oilers. It wasn't enough to get his name of the Cup but he was awarded a championship ring by the team.

Brent Hughes
From 1988 to 1997 Brent Hughes played nearly 400 regular season+playoff games in the NHL. He played for the Winnipeg Jets, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders.

Mike Forbes
From 1977 to 1982 Mike Forbes played 50 NHL games between the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers.

Dave Hudson
From 1972 to 1978 Dave Hudson played over 400 career NHL games. He was a member of the New York Islanders, Kansas City Scouts and Colorado Rockies.

Bruce Cassidy
Between 1983 to 1990 Bruce Cassidy played 37 regular season+playoff games in the NHL, all with the Chicago Blackhawks. He later moved behind the bench and was head coach of the 2002/03 Washington Capitals.

Ross Fitzpatrick
From 1982 to 1986 Ross Fitzpatrick scored 5 goals in 20 career NHL games with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Stewart Malgunas
Between 1993 and 2000 Stewart Malgunas played 129 games in the NHL. He was a member of the Philadelphia Flyers, Winning Jets, Washington Capitals and Calgary Flames.

Ryan McGill
From 1991 to 1995 defenceman Ryan McGill played 151 career NHL games. He suited up with the Chicago Blackhawks, Philly Flyers and Edmonton Oilers. He recently spent time as an NHL assistant coach with the Calgary Flames.

Randy Heath
Randy Heath played 13 NHL games for the New York Rangers in the mid 1980s. He was a star junior player and lead the Portland Winter Hawks to the 1983 Memorial Cup championship.

Craig Norwich
Craig Norwich was an NCAA star who signed his first pro contract with the WHA's Cincinnati Stingers. He played over 100 games in the Rebel League before moving to the NHL. He then played over 100 games in the NHL, dressing for the Winnipeg Jets, St. Louis Blues and Colorado Rockies.

Gerry Fleming
From 1993 to 1995 tough customer Gerry Fleming recorded 42 penalty minutes in 11 career NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens.

Ben Lovejoy
I put this autograph is the final spot because its most certainly my least favourite from the post. At first glance you can barely see its signed. Not only should it be obvious to the player to sign in the big white space, but I ask them in a very short letter to please sign over the faded logo. I mean, is it not just common sense? He also used a silver pen that's hard to see over the photo. I know its hard to complain since Lovejoy did take the time to sign and return my letter, but I think I'll likely try to find a replacement for this at some point. 

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I always end my mail posts with a couple to a few hockey related signatures that fall outside of the NHL player collection. This month, I had a unusually high number of such autographs.

Ryan Vinz
Ryan Vinz appeared as an NHL backup goalie in 1 game with the 2013/14 Buffalo Sabres. He was signed to an emergency contract when the Sabres traded Ryan Miller and left without a second goalie. Vinz had never appeared in a pro hockey game before his NHL appearance. Vinz noted in his note back to me how welcoming everyone was that night and that even the players were happy for him.

Andre Tourigny
Andre Tourigny came into the hockey world as a head coach and GM with the QMHL's Rouyn-Noranda Huskies from 2003 to 2013. From 2013 to 2015 he was an NHL assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche and since the start of this season he's been an assistant coach with the Ottawa Senators.

Jeff Blashill
Jeff Blashill made his NHL coaching debut as an assistant with the 2011/12 Detroit Red Wings. From 2012 until 2015 Blashill was head coach of the Red Wings' AHL team. When Mike Babcock signed with the Maple Leafs Blashill took over as head coach of the Red Wings, making him Detroit's 27th head coach since the franchise was created in 1926.

Kevin Constantine

Kevin Constantine spent time as an NHL head coach with the San Jose Sharks, Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils. He left a priceless little note with the autograph, "Good luck in your mission. Your Sharks picture is when I was a young stud - except for the mustache."

Bill Torrey
From 1972 to 1992 Bill Torrey was General Manager of the New York Islanders. He has his name on the Stanley Cup four time and in 1995 Torrey was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Les Jackson
Les Jackson was drafted by the Boston Bruins in 1972 but never made the NHL as a player. From 1985 to 1987 Jackson spent time as an NHL assistant coach with the Minnesota North Stars. He's most notable for being co-General Manager of the Dallas Stars from 2007 to 2009.

Ray Kinasewich
Ray Kinasewich was head coach of the 1972/73 WHA Alberta Oilers. Although he never reached the NHL, Kinasewich spent a decade playing pro hockey before becoming a coach.

Jerry Rollins
Jerry Rollins played in 130 career games in the WHA. In 1972 he was drafted by the WHA's Toronto Toros and NHL's Detroit Red Wings. I asked if he was ever offered a contract by the Red Wings. He wrote back to me, "yes, Detroit offered me a contract when I signed with the Toros. When Phoenix folded, Detroit signed me and later traded my contract to Indianapolis."

Wayne Zuk
Wayne Zuk played 2 career WHA games for the 1973/74 Edmonton Oilers. He wrote back to me that his favourite memory was playing against Bobby Hull in the preseason.

Ron Walters
Forward Ron Walters spent three seasons in the WHA. He scored 44 goals and 85 points in 166 career games, suiting up for the Alberta Oilers, LA Sharks and Indianapolis Racers.

Brian Morenz
From 1972 to 1976 Brian Morez played well over 200 games in the WHA, suiting up for New York and San Diego. He's a distant relative of the legendary Howie Morenz. Brian wrote back to me that his greatest thrill was playing junior hockey in Oshawa with Bobby Orr

Cap Raeder
Cap Raeder saw action in 28 WHA games with the New England Whalers. "Montreal did offer me a contract but they had very established goales in the organization starting with Ken Dryden. Best chance to play was Whalers." Raeder is best known as a coach in the NHL. He spent time as assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning. He was head coach for 1 NHL game with the 2002/03 Sharks.

Dan Lodboa
Dan Lodboa scored 15 goals and 33 points in 58 career WHA games with the 1972/73 Chicago Cougars.

Wayne Mosdell
Wayne Mosdell played 8 games in the WHA with the 1972/73 Philadelphia Blazers.

Lori Dupuis
Loris Dupuis won an Olympic Gold medal in 2002 and Olympic Silver in 1998 with Team Canada.

Therese Brisson
Therese Brisson was a member of Team Canada's national team for a decade. From 1999 to 2001 she was captain, leading the team to Gold in multiple World Championships. She has an Olympic silver medal from 1998 and an Olympic Gold from 2002.

Lesley Reddon
Lesley Reddon was a member of Team Canada's national team in the 1990s. She was backup to Manon Rheaume in 1998 and took home an Olympic Silver medal. Like Rheaume, she also broke ground in the 1990s. With the University of New Brunswick, she became the first woman to play in mens CIS hockey.

Gretchen Ulion
Gretchen Ulion is most notable for scoring a goal and helping Team USA defeat Canada in the 1998 Olympic Gold medal game. Ulion was even featured on a Wheaties cereal box, one of the highest honours for American Olympians. I'm slowly trying to get an autograph from all members of both the Canadian and American 1998 women's Olympic teams.

Andy Van Hellemond
Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999, Andy Van Hellemond is one of the best known NHL officials of his time. He officiated well over 1,500 NHL games and 20 Stanley Cup finals.

Ron Hoggarth
Ron Hoggarth was a long time NHL referee. From 1971 to 1994 he officiated well over 1,000 NHL games.

Laura Fortino

I was able to make two trades last month, one big (Crosby) and this much smaller trade. I traded a couple of inserts from the same 15/16 Upper Deck box break to someone trying to build the set. Laura Fortina has been on Team Canada's roster since 2011. In 2014 she help Canada bring home a Gold at the Olympics. 

Jamie Lee Rattray

The only ebay purchase from this mail post, and it was a very cheap pickup. I've been slowly building by women's hockey autograph collection and the new certs from Upper Deck really help. I just hate how thick these cards are, they're difficult to store. Jamie Lee Rattray brought home a Silver medal at the 2015 World Champonships with Canada.