Sunday morning homily I

Hockey's training camps and preseason, just like baseball's spring training, are times for hope and renewal. Everyone starts with a clean slate and as much opportunity as they can create.

In hounding, it's no different. Each season allows for a new approach. And now, with the start of Tampa's hockey hounding season less than four days away, I'm setting these three goals with the hopes that they resonate with you:

~ Improve the quality of the collection by remembering the veteran players. I used the NHL's 2004-05 lockout to load up on today's younger stars (Boston's Patrice Bergeron, Carolina's Cam Ward and Ottawa's Jason Spezza come to mind), who spent that season at AHL farm clubs and traveled to Manchester, N.H., for their all-star weekend. This should allow for more cherry-picking, as in getting Colorado's Joe Sakic and Milan Hejduk over, say, Marek Svatos and Jordan Leopold. And, no, I won't apologize for that.

~ Remember why I got into this hobby 10 years ago -- to have fun while building an awesome collection. Now that I've been around the block a time or two (or three), I'll use that experience to not just diversify the collection (adding more sticks, jerseys and helmets), but make it more enjoyable, too. There were many times last season when getting autographs felt like a job. I'll take more time to enjoy it this season.

~ Continue to pass along my love for the game to my son, Colin. Every veteran parent tells me that as he gets older, he'll want to spend less time with me. I understand that. Every child needs to grow into an independent person. All I want is for hockey to be a bond, just like love and trust, that keeps us close.

Way to go, kid

On a cold night in Lewiston, Maine, I had the pleasure of meeting one of my hockey heroes. The Quebec Remparts, owned and coached by Patrick Roy, were in town. Even with stars Angelo Esposito and Alexander Radulov away at worlds, The Colisee was nearly full.

In goal for the hometown Maineiacs was Jonathan Bernier, then a highly regarded and draft-eligible prospect. A few months later, Los Angeles, picking 11th overall in the 2006 draft, nabbed Bernier.

Last night, in London, Bernier paid quick dividends, leading the Kings to a 4-1 victory in the NHL's season opener. Not bad for someone making his first NHL start?

Granted, he'll likely spend the winter in Manchester, but I believe Saturday's win over defending Stanley Cup champ Anaheim will prove to be far more than beginner's luck.

5 Big Sigs

With two hounding opportunities in the week ahead (New Jersey on Oct. 4 and Atlanta on Oct. 6), I'm hoping to add these items:

1.) New Jersey's Martin Brodeur on Colin's Brodeur replica jersey
2.) New Jersey assistant coaches Jacques Laperriere (he's pretty tough, surprisingly) and Larry Robinson on a Montreal Canadiens replica jersey
3.) New Jersey GM Lou Lamoriello on a Providence College puck
4.) Atlanta's Marian Hossa on a Portland Winter Hawks puck
5.) Atlanta's Bobby Holik and Alexei Zhitnik as the first two players to sign the 1999 NHL All Star Game helmet

It'll be a Wild year

With Pittsburgh's overabundance of talent, it's no surprise that the Penguins have become a popular pick to carry Lord Stanley's Cup late next spring. And then, this morning, as I slowly woke up watching ESPN's SportsCenter, hockey god/analyst Barry Melrose says he's keeping an eye on the New York Rangers.

Funny thing, though, I've heard/read very little about Anaheim successfully defending its championship run. Detroit, as always, is getting some buzz, but beyond that, hockey's mainstream media is making what appears to be safe and easy picks.

So now, less than 24 hours before the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings drop the puck on the 2007-08 season across the pond in London, I offer these predictions. No picking with my heart nor head, but just a gut feeling.

And, as you'll see, I'm a little beyond the mainstream:

Eastern Conference
No. 1: Pittsburgh Penguins (Presidents' Trophy - 112 points)
No. 2: Ottawa Senators
No. 3: Atlanta Thrashers
No. 4: Buffalo Sabres
No. 5: Carolina Hurricanes
No. 6: Philadelphia Flyers
No. 7: New Jersey Devils
No. 8: Tampa Bay Lightning
Just missing: New York Rangers (Sorry, Chuck V.)

Quarterfinals:
Pittsburgh beats Tampa Bay, 4-1
Ottawa beats New Jersey, 4-2
Philadelphia beats Atlanta, 4-1
Buffalo beats Carolina, 4-3

Semifinals:
Philadelphia beats Pittsburgh, 4-3
Buffalo beats Ottawa, 4-3

Conference finals:
Philadelphia beats Buffalo, 4-2

Western Conference
No. 1: Minnesota Wild
No. 2: Detroit Red Wings
No. 3: Anaheim Ducks
No. 4: San Jose Sharks
No. 5: Dallas Stars
No. 6: Vancouver Canucks
No. 7: Colorado Avalanche
No. 8: Calgary Flames
Just missing: Nashville Predators

Quarterfinals:
Minnesota beats Calgary, 4-3
Colorado beats Detroit, 4-2
Vancouver beats Anaheim, 4-1
San Jose beats Dallas, 4-3

Semifinals:
Minnesota beats Colorado, 4-2
Vancouver beats San Jose, 4-3

Conference finals:
Minnesota beats Vancouver, 4-2

Stanley Cup finals:
Minnesota beats Philadelphia, 4-1

Individual honors
Art Ross Trophy (top point scorer):
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins, 114 points
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (perseverance and sportsmanship):
Brad Boyes, St. Louis Blues
Calder Memorial Trophy (top rookie):
Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals
Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP):
Niklas Backstrom, Minnesota Wild
Frank J. Selke Trophy (defensive forward):
Jason Ward, Tampa Bay Lightning
Hart Memorial Trophy (league MVP):
Sidney Crosby
Jack Adams Award (top coach):
Jacques Lemaire, Minnesota Wild
James Norris Memorial Trophy (top defenseman):
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
King Clancy Memorial Trophy
(leadership and humanitarian efforts):
Daniel Briere, Philadelphia Flyers
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (gentlemanly conduct):
Brad Richards, Tampa Bay Lightning
Lester B. Pearson Award (players' MVP):
Sidney Crosby
Maurice Richard Trophy (most regular-season goals):
Vinny Lecavalier, Tampa Bay Lightning, 55 goals
Vezina Trophy (top goalie):
Niklas Backstrom
William M. Jennings Trophy (fewest goals scored against):
Niklas Backstrom and Josh Harding, Minnesota Wild

Our Sabres will be OK

Given the departure of Danny Briere and Chris Drury, and, to some extent, Dainius Zubrus, it's easy to understand the furrowed brows within Sabres Nation.

How does a team, one that commanded the Eastern Conference during the regular season, cope with the loss of skill, determination and leadership?

My response is simple. The Sabres must look within:

~ Now that Briere is in Philly and Drury in the Big Apple, it's time for Buffalo's stable of young players to fully seize the opportunity being presented. It's not just Thomas Vanek, either. Buffalo needs Jason Pominville, Derek Roy and Drew Stafford (and you thought I forgot about him) to continue taking great strides forward, in terms of scoring and providing leadership.

Improved contributions from Ales Kotalik and Tim Connolly, provided he can stay healthy, would help pick up some of the offensive slack, too. Brian Campbell can pitch in as well.

~ Night after night, Ryan Miller gives Buffalo a chance to win. Are there flashier goalies in the NHL? Sure. But there are few who are more solid. In my world, substance trumps style time after time.

~ From Teppo Numminen's open-heart surgery to last season's playoff collapse against Ottawa, this team has dealt with adversity and disappointment. To some, these would be excuses. But in Buffalo and Western New York, where being an underdog is a birthright, this should provide nothing but motivation.

We're a tough lot, aren't we?

Bottom line, folks, the Sabres should have a pretty decent year. Sure, they'll make some noise in the conference. And I certainly wouldn't mind to see them learn to score in the playoffs. But, will they win the Cup? I'd be surprised.

Pleasantly surprised.

Preview: 2007-08 Upper Deck MVP

I don't know what disappoints me the most about the upcoming 2007-08 Upper Deck MVP product. There's so much to choose from:

My biggest problem, once again, relates to production issues. Mostly, my criticism centers on outdated photos. Given today's technology, from photography to printing to distribution, there's no reason why certain cards, such as Colorado's Ryan Smyth (but wearing one of the Islanders' hideous third jerseys), could have used photos taking during introductory press conferences.

At the least, a player would be shown with his new team. It could also add to the demand for this early-season 297-card release. Though Upper Deck provides a Sept. 20 release date (wink, wink; nudge, nudge), I've read it could be next week.

Other big-name players in this predicament include St. Louis' Paul "Cha-cha-cha" Kariya, Detroit's Brian Rafalski and the Rangers' Scott Gomez. For my friends in Buffalo, some of whom I've already irked, I'll refrain from mentioning others.

Another point of contention is the lack of imagination within the design of the set. The Blake card looks just like this one of New Jersey's Sergei Brylin, from UD's 2006-07 MVP release. The biggest change: minor tweakings around the photo frame. Continuity? Perhaps. Laziness? Couldn't tell you.

Finally, for hounds, the silver-foil imprinted "autographs" on most of these cards open doors to players saying they've already signed them. Yeah, most times they're kidding.

You'll find enough useful cards within the checklist -- think Colorado's Brett Clark, Boston's Dennis Wideman, New Jersey's Johnny Oduya and Philadelphia's Ben Eager, to warrant a box, especially at what should be affordable (less than $50 a box, I'd say) prices. Beyond that, though, it's your call.

Sorry, Rico

I know this won't play well back in Western New York, but I had to cast a tie-breaking vote to determine a winner in the latest Hound Central 3.0 poll.

Really, I wanted to honor my loyalties to the Buffalo Sabres. But when it came down to picking what NHL legend should be added to McFarlane's SportsPicks lineup, it really wasn't all that difficult making a decision.

Beyond the fact that Montreal's Ken Dryden, a Hall of Famer, made a greater impact on the game, as a collector, I'd rather have Dryden, striking this classic pose, over Buffalo's Richard Martin winding up for one of his laser-like boomers.

Here are the results:

Montreal's Ken Dryden: 5 votes out of 15 cast (33 percent)
Buffalo's Richard Martin: 5 out of 15 (33 percent)
NYI's Billy Smith: 2 out of 15 (13 percent)
Boston's Terry O'Reilly: 1 out of 15 (6 percent)
Detroit's Viacheslav Fetisov: 1 out of 15 (6 percent)
Toronto's Mike Palmateer: 1 out of 15 (6 percent)

Please know, too, that I'll pass along these results to the good folks at McFarlane. And should they decide to release a Dryden, maybe we will have played a minor role in the decision.

Mixing it up with Marty

It never fails to amaze me that whenever I find it within myself to praise a player for their signing habits, something happens that casts that perception in a somewhat different light. This case in point: Tampa Bay's Marty St. Louis.

Here's our exchange, which took place Monday following the Lightning's morning skate:

Marty: Whatcha got there? A store? (I will admit that I had quite the arrangement -- Team Canada goalie mask, a Lightning mini team helmet, a Lightning mini goalie mask, a dozen pucks and a book of cards.)

Me: Sorry, Marty, but nothing's for sale.

Marty (while signing the Lightning mini team helmet, shown above): Is that so?

Me: Yeah, Marty, it is. In fact, why don't you stop over to the house the next time you're in St. Pete. You can help me count out the 1,300 pucks, if you'd like. Maybe we'll look for the eight you've signed.

Marty: Jesus, 1,300 pucks?

Me: Yeah, 1,300 pucks.

Though I understand that some hockey players believe that every middle-age man seeking autographs is a dealer, I don't back down when accused of being one. Rather than being snotty, though, I try to "educate" these players that their broad-based perception is incorrect.

Enough already

I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of writing about autographs from Tampa Bay Lightning players. Given the lack of success I had with teams flying in and out for preseason games, I'm champing at the bit for the puck to drop on the 2007-08 regular season.

That's not to say, though, that I'm not appreciative of the players who stopped to sign following Monday's morning skate at the St. Pete Times Forum.

In all, I went home that day with another 18 autographs, including Marty St. Louis on a Lightning mini team helmet, embattled goalie Marc Denis on our favorite goalie mask, shown above, and eight pucks.

Besides Kyle Wanvig signing the 1,300th and 1,301st pucks of the collection, other Lightning players to sign pucks, shown at top, were:

Top row, from left: Doug Janik, Buffalo Sabres and Team USA; and Michel Ouellet, Tampa Bay Lightning
Bottom row, from left: Karri Ramo, Tampa Bay Lightning; and fan favorite Andre Roy, Tampa Bay Lightning and Drummondville Voltiguers.

Given that the regular season is just around the corner, meaning that I'll focus my efforts on the New Jersey Devils, Atlanta Thrashers and Florida Panthers within the first week, it'll be a few weeks before I hound the Lightning. Maybe.

Puck No. 1,300

Just in case you couldn't (and/or didn't) find what NHL player signed the 1,300th puck of the collection, Tampa Bay's Kyle Wanvig, a player on the bubble for the Lightning's opening night roster, provided the latest milestone.

For the record, it was the Houston Aeros puck.

Wanvig, however, got a kick out of the Red Deer Rebels puck. I'm sure it brought back pleasant memories, as he won the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy for being named the most valuable player of the 2001 Memorial Cup championship. By defeating Val D'Or 6-5 in overtime, the Rebels won their first title.

Other players from the championship team include Colby Armstrong, Martin Erat, Boyd Gordon, Ross Lupaschuk, Doug Lynch, Justin Mapletoft and Jeff Woywitka. Red Deer was coached by Brent Sutter, now coaching the New Jersey Devils.

Both sides of the story

It should come as no surprise that NHL players, especially those who are established and pulling in multimillion dollar contracts, drive pretty nice and pricey cars. And, as a hound, part of the drill is recognizing those cars as well as the players inside.

The point was driven home yesterday while I was hounding the Tampa Bay Lightning following the team's morning skate at the St. Pete Times Forum.

As a player headed home from the skate, behind the wheel of a black luxury car, for some reason I believed it was Tampa Bay's Andreas Karlsson. I waved and nodded as the driver looked toward me, telling him there was no need to stop. Boy, was that a mistake.

It turns out that the driver wasn't Karlsson, but one of Tampa Bay's Big Three -- Brad Richards. It wasn't until he rolled past, and I took a closer look, did I realize my error. Needless to say, I was pretty embarrassed at my oversight.

For all of the bragging I do when I score autographs from top-shelf players, the objective journalist in me dictates that I also share my mistakes. Going forward, I'll take a little more time and be certain who's behind the wheel.

This oughta keep you busy

Until I get finished with some hockey housekeeping and work on posts from yesterday's hounding trip, can you find what former Memorial Cup MVP signed a Red Deer Rebels puck for me yesterday? Here's a hint: He also signed the 1,300th puck of the collection.

Name this logo VI

Please excuse my abrupt honesty, but I'm a little disappointed that no one knew that last week's logo belonged to the Mobile (Ala.) Mysticks, a member of the East Coast Hockey League from 1995-06 through 2002-02. The franchise is now known as the Gwinnett (Ga.) Gladiators.

Maybe you'll do better with this week's offering. Then again, maybe not. I thought last week's was pretty easy.

And, as always, the answer can be found with a little effort at Chris Creamer's sports logo site.

File this away

I guess the biggest lesson I've learned this preseason is that teams seldom stay overnight. Not one of the Tampa Bay Lightning's preseason guests have stayed over before a game.

Less than a week ago, Dallas flew in just in time to play. Washington flew in early enough Saturday for some players, including Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin, to be seen inside of two downtown Tampa hotels. And Detroit, who lost 4-3 to the Lightning tonight, arrived before the game.

I'll have to chalk this up to experience and remember that next preseason. The season's long enough, and I don't like to waste my time and energy.

The red carpet treatment

Maybe it's nothing more than a marketing ploy to get fannies in preseason seats, but the Tampa Bay Lightning organization deserves a pat on the back for the red carpet greeting for fans and players.

Before each of the team's three preseason games at the St. Pete Times Forum, fans are invited to line a red carpet that leads players into the arena. Along the way, Lightning players stop to sign autographs.

On Saturday, after mid-afternoon showers kept me away from the Washington Capitals (paper, ink and water don't mix well), we were among the early arrivers and were able to add a handful (eight) of autographs, including this puck from Lightning goalie prospect Karri Ramo, to the collection.

From what I understand, this approach ends with Monday's preseason tilt against the Detroit Red Wings. Here's hoping that the team reconsiders its stance and makes this a regular pregame attraction.

Simply amazing

Given his skill level, intensity and hockey hardware (Stanley Cup and Hart Trophy), one might think that Tampa Bay's Marty St. Louis might be a difficult autograph to obtain.

Lately, though, that's been the furthest from the truth. For a guy who hounds should forgive for the occasional denial, St. Louis is becoming just as quick with a Sharpie or paint pen as he is on skates. He signed this puck for us before Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals.

On the sidelines

In case you haven't heard, Tampa Bay's Dan Boyle will miss the next three to six weeks after suffering a weird and nasty injury following the Lightning's 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals last night. It seems Boyle's skate fell off a hook in his locker stall and sliced through his left arm, cutting a tendon. Boyle was one of the players who stopped to sign before Saturday's game.

All that counts

Though they may not be as nice as Drew Pelto's homemade cards, my homemade cards, which I lovingly refer to as cheap skates, served their intended purpose yesterday as Tampa Bay Lightning goalie prospect Karri Ramo signed this one. I find them useful for prospects, rookies and third- and fourth-liners with nary a card.

I got blisters on my fingers

Rather than spend the past two days writing pithy comments about witty observations, I've been up to my neck sorting through cards for a season's worth of hounding. As a result, I've culled hundreds of cards out of thousands. Still, though, I have more to do.

Hopefully, the Washington Capitals will stay overnight in Tampa and Mother Nature will keep the rain away Saturday so we can get in some hounding. With any luck, we'll add Calder contender Nicklas Backstrom to The Vault.

If not, the Red Wings, provided they're staying in town, too, and the Lightning dominate Monday's early agenda. Later Monday, Colin has his first baseball game of the Fall Ball season

San Jose batting .500

Maybe it's just me, but I'm disappointed in the San Jose Sharks. How a team can go from a tremendous upgrade in its logo to these butt-ugly RBK Edge jerseys is beyond comprehension. There's something hideous about that burnt orange striping.

I won't be seeing Stars

As much as I was getting ramped up to hound the Dallas Stars before their preseason game Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, I'm getting the sense that all of my efforts may be for naught.

Taking a look at their schedule, the Stars are playing home tonight against St. Louis and Thursday night against Colorado. Sandwiched in between is the game against the Lightning. All in all, a pretty hectic schedule with little time for sightseeing.

Given that it's a two-plus-hour flight to Tampa from Dallas-Fort Worth, and that none of the usual hotel suspects have reservations for any member of the team (no, I didn't ask for Mike Modano or Marty Turco), it's my guess that the team will fly in for the game, head to the St. Pete Times Forum from the airport, play and head back to Texas.

I could be wrong, but I'm thinking my first hounding trip, other than for the Lightning, will be this Saturday afternoon, after work, for the Washington Capitals. After that, I'm holding out hope that Detroit decides to stay over.

Chills and thrills

Boy, if there was a way I could get back home for New Year's Day 2008, I'd love to be a part of western New York hockey history. Wouldn't you? Who cares how cold it will be? As a kid, I sat through a couple of late-season Bills games.

Calling an audible

Rather than make my third trip to Brandon in five days, I've called off today's planned trip to the Tampa Bay Lightning's training camp. I've had pretty good luck so far, so why push it? Besides, April is many moons away.

In the meantime, I'll try to catch up on new RBK Edge jerseys:

~ The Dallas Stars, in town this week, adopted a retro look for their home jerseys, returning to the black sweater and a wordmark, rather than the star, for their primary logo. For card hounds, this is yet another jersey that renders cards useless for signing.

~ As expected, there were few surprises in St. Louis, Phoenix and Edmonton: changes to sleeve striping and elimination of striping along the bottom.

San Jose unveiled its new jerseys on Monday.

Name this logo V

Given that last week's logo was a giant white "T" on a shield of blue, I figured quite a few people would know it had something to do with Toronto. One person, an old high school buddy, got that part right.

The complete identity? The Toronto Blue Shirts of the National Hockey Association, a precursor to the NHL.

I suppose, then, that I'll have to make this week's that much easier.

As always, the answer can be found at Chris Creamer's site.

Wanna make a kid smile?

I don't know who had a bigger smile when this jersey was getting signed: Tampa Bay's Vinny Lecavalier or my son, Colin. To be honest, I was grinning from ear-to-ear, too.

Vinny knows, too

Tampa Bay's Vinny Lecavalier was making his way down the autograph line following Sunday's practice when a fellow hound reassured the Lightning star that the item he was signing, a McFarlane base, as well as these two pucks, would not end up on eBay later tonight.

"That's good," Lecavalier said. "You know, the dealers ruin it for everyone."

Being prepared, almost

There's an unwritten rule in hockey hounding that you never let an opportunity to catch a Hall of Famer pass.

That's why I've carried these two cards of Philadelphia Flyers legend Bill Barber, who now works within the Tampa Bay Lightning organization, since the team's training camp opened last week.

Now all I need is a Flyers puck.

Family day at camp

In what's becoming something of a family tradition, we all made the trip over to the Tampa Bay Lightning's training camp in Brandon earlier today. Like most other camps, it's open to the public and the players are willing to sign.

For Lisa, it's an opportunity to check out the, how shall I say this, the Lightning's new faces. For Colin, it's a chance to hook up with some friends from Bradenton. For me, it's a chance to step back and watch Lisa and Colin interact with the players.

As you can see, Colin did pretty good, getting 12 players, including Vinny Lecavalier, on one of his team sheets. Please note, too, the new Lightning logo. Most fans I've spoken with seem to like it, saying anything was better than the old one. My jury's still out. Despite my indecision, though, it didn't keep me from getting the pucks above signed by goalie Johan Holmqvist, left, and defenseman Paul Ranger.

Either way, about the only thing we'd change would be the near 100-degree temperatures and the glaring sun. Back when we lived in New England, I used to kibbutz, especially on brutally cold January days, about how much fun it would be to collect autographs down here in Tampa. Now that we're down here, I certainly wouldn't have minded one of those January breezes today.

Anyways, I digress. As expected, it being Sunday and all, the autograph pen at the Ice Sports Forum was crowded. At one time, before a couple dealers decided to pack it in, the crowd flirted with 50 people.

And while some players drove past, quite a few stopped and rewarded those of us who dealt with the heat and humidity.

NHL's fashion shows

The Atlanta Thrashers have apparently followed the Minnesota Wild's lead by transforming last season's third jersey into their new home jersey when the team, using Pascal Dupuis and Alexei Zhitnik as models, unveiled their new RBK Edge look earlier today.

Last week, the Wild opted for their Iron Range Reds, perhaps the gaudiest jersey in the NHL, for their home-ice contests.

The Thrashers weren't the only ones rolling out their updated designs:

~ The Philadelphia Flyers also used training camp to unveil their new look for the season. As you'll see, there's no major changes, other than within the sleeves.

~ The opening practice of the New Jersey Devils' training camp this morning brought more than new faces.

The Chicago Blackhawks, who showed off their new duds Friday afternoon, stayed with their traditional look

~ Hockey fans at the Honda Center in Anaheim got a look at new jerseys for the Ducks and the visiting Los Angeles Kings in their preseason opener Thursday night.

~ The Colorado Avalanche showed off their new work clothes on Wednesday.

~ In Toronto, it's simplicity.

~ Thanks to Grae, a faithful reader and Hurricanes fan, I now know that Carolina not only unveiled their new look earlier this month, but a logo marking the organization's 10th anniversary in North Carolina as well. I remember some of those early games at the Greensboro (N.C.) Coliseum, when a good crowd was more than 5,000 people and you could get coupons for a free game ticket as Subways.

A number of teams are taking the wraps off their updated looks:

Friday: Dallas Stars (updated Sept. 17)
Saturday: Phoenix Coyotes (updated Sept. 17)
Saturday: St. Louis Blues (updated Sept. 15)
Sunday: Edmonton Oilers (updated Sept. 17)
Monday: San Jose Sharks (updated Sept. 18)

Another silver lining

One of the better things to come out of the 2004-05 lockout, at least as this hockey hound is concerned, was the release of the UD Hockey All-World Edition.

If memory serves me correct, I groused a bit about the set being nothing more than a cash grab by Upper Deck. With no NHL season, it's production options were limited.

Now, though, I find these cards, such as this one of Tampa Bay's Vincent Lecavalier, are pretty cool to get signed. Not only are they different, but they also represent a snapshot in hockey history.

Something new, please

You can add Tampa Bay defenseman Shane O'Brien to the list of people waiting for upcoming releases of hockey cards.

O'Brien, who came to the Lightning from eventual Stanley Cup champion Anaheim in a late-season deal, is looking forward to cards showing him in the Lightning's colors.

"I'm getting tired of seeing Anaheim cards," he said.

Though this Rookie Class card is from last season, it's a shame that the 2007-08 Upper Deck Victory release didn't carry updated cards of players, such as O'Brien, with their new teams.

Oh well, maybe he'll have a card in Upper Deck Hockey Series I.

Training camp 2007

Given what's being called Camp Torturella, I was surprised that quite a few Lightning players stopped to sign for a sizable crowd Thursday. Though some looked whupped and winded, most players, including Vincent Lecavalier and Dan Boyle, stopped to sign.

It seems that Bolts coach John Tortorella is known for having one of the toughest training camps in the league. And while opening day at the Lightning's training camp was more about physical testing, Torts put the team through fitness testing, namely six three-lap timed speed drills.

Today, from what I hear, isn't any easier. Instead of six three-lappers, players will skate three 15-lap drills. That's right. Three gut-wrenching, and likely emptying, 15-lap drills.

Because of that, I'm staying home today. Despite my self-proclaimed tough-guy status, I gag at the sight/sound/smell of a furball.

Even moreso, though, is that I had a pretty decent day, adding another 20 autographs to the collection. Boyle and Lightning GM Jay Feaster signed the Lightning mini helmet. Marc Denis, Jan Hlavac, Vinny Prospal, Lecavalier, Shane O'Brien and Kyle Wanvig signed at least a card.

I'm sure that others stopped, too. I stayed as long as I could, heading straight to work from camp.

Pucks, shown above, are: Tampa Bay Lightning and Lightning souvenir: Michel Ouellet; Red Deer Rebels: Blair Jones

Cards, shown below, are: Marc Denis, from left, Vinny Prospal, Paul Ranger and Kyle Wanvig

Look familiar?

Tampa Bay's top farm club, the Norfolk Admirals, are among AHL teams unveiling new looks.

Doesn't the road (royal blue) version look a little like the old Kansas City Scouts jersey?

Tie-downs on both warrant a puckbucket of bonus points.

Honor their memories

Though another year has passed since that God-awful day, the message remains the same. We're able to enjoy our freedom because of the sacrifices made since Sept. 11, 2001.

As always, keep them in your prayers.

AHL's new looks

Lest we forget that the new season also means updated looks for American Hockey League teams, you might want to take a look at this feature at ahl.com. This RBK Edge jersey belongs to the Lake Erie Monsters, a first-year farm club for the Colorado Avalanche.

Giant goalie invades Florida!!!

Will you look at the size of this goalie? Dwarfs the net, doesn't he?

Actually, it's my son, Colin, imitating Carolina's Cam Ward.

And, no, that's not an official size (4-foot-by-6-foot) net.

I demand a recount

With apologies to my friends in New England, I find it hard to believe that the Bruins have produced one of the two best logo changes, as determined by Hound Central 3.0 readers, so far this season.

But, that's what happened in the past Hound Central 3.0 poll, which asked which NHL team made the best change in logos.

The results:

Boston Bruins: 3 votes out of 9 cast (33 percent)
Ottawa Senators: 3 out of 9 (33 percent)
Columbus Blue Jackets: 2 out of 9 (22 percent)
San Jose Sharks: 1 out of 9 (11 percent)
Tampa Bay Lightning: 0 out of 9

My vote, based solely on the logo alone, went to Ottawa, with San Jose coming in a close second. I'm not surprised, either, that the Lightning's updated look gathered no votes.

But the Bruins? I don't think so. Restoring serifs to the spoked B? Even with its nod to history, it's hardly an update.

If you're going to mess with an Original Six logo, as the Bruins have done over the years, it needs to be a marked improvement. I believe the Bruins' new shoulder patches, one of which (the home version) is shown above, would have made a better primary logo.

Think big

Besides an extra pack tucked into the 11-pack retail boxes of 2007-08 Upper Deck Victory hockey boxes, you'll find an 3.5"x5" oversized card, such as this one of Atlanta's Kari Lehtonen, that's great for hounding purposes. Once signed, these cards look sweet in frames.

Circle these dates (in pencil)

Take these for what they're worth, but I've found these release dates for Upper Deck's 2007-08 hockey card products:

Sept. 19: Fleer Hockey

Oct. 4: Upper Deck MVP

Oct. 23: Upper Deck Artifacts

Nov. 9: Upper Deck Hockey Series I (above)

Dec. 13: Upper Deck Black Diamond

Dec. 18: Upper Deck O-Pee-Chee

Dec. 26: Upper Deck Trilogy

Jan. 8, 2008: Upper Deck SPx

Of course, every date is subject to Upper Deck's whim.

Name this logo IV

I suspected last week's logo might be difficult for some, but I was surprised that no one knew, or even dared to guess, that it was the Renfrew Creamery Kings, who played in the National Hockey Association in 1910-11.

Maybe this week's logo will be a little easier. Then again, maybe it won't. I've made the effort. It's your turn now.

The answer can be found at Chris Creamer's sports logo site.

Too Wild?

Now that the Minnesota Wild have unveiled their new RBK Edge jerseys, I'm left to wonder whether the Iron Range Red home version, left, a variation of last season's third jersey,
is more garish than the Phoenix Coyotes' brick red. The tie-down collar is cool, though. Too bad the road jersey lacks one.

Two teams unveil their new looks in the days ahead:

Chicago Blackhawks
Friday, Sept. 14 (last question in Dale Tallon Q&A)

St. Louis Blues
Saturday, Sept. 15

The Big Three

It’s not all that often when Tampa Bay’s Vinny Lecavalier, Brad Richards and Martin St. Louis all stop to sign autographs on the same day. I’ll tell you what, though, it’s pretty neat when it happens.

It took a little hustle, but it was worth it to score these items Friday after the team's informal skate:

Lecavalier was pretty darn jovial when he signed the 8x10, out of a Lightning team plaque, for Colin. He even chuckled at my suggestion of 55-60 goals this season.

St. Louis, who gave Colin an autograph not too long ago, signed this Team Canada puck. If anyone has a Saint John Flames puck they’re willing to part with, drop me a line.

Richards, the easiest of the three as he stopped on the way to his vehicle, added to this working Lightning mini helmet.

Autographs from Captain Dave, Dan Boyle, GM Jay Feaster and, eventually, Nikolai Khabibulin will complete it.

No worse for wear

If you believe that Tampa Bay's Marc Denis might be feeling any heat after last season's disappointments, he wasn't showing it as he signed Friday following the team's informal skate.

Of course, everyone wished him well.

With last season's surprise Johan Holmqvist and prospect Karri Ramo also on the ice, Tampa Bay has three goalies gunning for two positions.

The hockey bug bites

Among my many faults, a lack of patience is among the worst. It comes, I’m sure, from my deadline-oriented life. It’s at its worst, though, about this time of year. I know hockey is coming. It's just not soon enough.

I had full intentions of waiting for the Lightning’s training camp to open next week. Once I read that most of the team was skating at the team’s practice facility, I couldn’t resist the temptation. So, on Friday, I drove to Brandon.

After adding 26 autographs to the collection, including 11 pucks, my only complaint was I waited as long as I did to make the trip. Besides snagging one each from The Big Three, I concentrated on catching up with the Lightning’s new players – Chris Gratton, Jan Hlavac, Brad Lukowich, Michel Ouellet – and last season’s acquisition, Shane O’Brien.

Pucks, shown above, are:
Top row: Portland Pirates game-used, Kingston Frontenacs and Toronto St. Michael's Majors: Shane O'Brien
Bottom row: Florida Panthers: Filip Kuba; Tampa Bay Lightning: Brad Lukowich; and Quebec Citadelles: Jason Ward

Cards, shown below, are: Chris Gratton, from left, Jan Hlavac and Michel Ouellet.

New McFarlane lineups

In case you forgot, you might want to start looking for McFarlane's SportsPicks NHL Legends Series 5 hitting retail shelves.

With a scheduled release date sometime this month (we all know what that means), we could soon have our choice of these original and repainted figures:

~ Wayne Gretzky 5, as a member of the St. Louis Blues;
~ Bobby Orr 3 (above), wearing a Chicago Blackhawks uniform;
~ Bobby Hull 2, from his days with the Winnipeg Jets; and
~ Montreal's Guy Lafleur.

Patience, too, will be rewarded in future releases. Check out these lineups and upcoming release dates, found at spawn.com, for McFarlane's SportsPicks Hockey sets. Sorry, but no pictures are available.

Series 16 (arriving November 2007): Montreal's Cristobal Huet, New York's Jaromir Jagr 3, Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby 2 and Philadelphia's Simon Gagne. An update says that these figures will show the players in their new RBK Edge uniforms.

Legends Series 6 (arriving December 2007): New York's Wayne Gretzky, Toronto's Johnny Bower, Detroit's Gordie Howe and Boston's Cam Neely.

Series 17 (arriving January 2008): Washington's Alexander Ovechkin 2, Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin, Toronto's Jason Blake (why, I ask?), Buffalo's Ryan Miller, Vancouver's Trevor Linden, wearing the team's retro winged-skate logo, and Colorado's Joe Sakic, shown in a Quebec Nordiques uniform.

Series 18 (arriving May 2008 in Canada and specialty stores): Ottawa's Ray Emery, Pittsburgh's Jordan Staal, Edmonton's Sheldon Souray and Colorado's Joe Sakic 3.

Just another among many

The Pittsburgh Penguins became the latest NHL team to show off new duds earlier today when they trotted out their latest look. What surprised me, though, was just how many designs the Penguins have had since 1967. I counted 22 different jerseys within a three-picture span in this slideshow. That's quite a bit, don't you think?

They'll call it the 'O'Reena'

Wicked nice touch by Fredericton, New Brunswick, to name its new ice arena after Willie O'Ree, a hometown kid who, at 21, broke the racial barrier in the NHL with the Boston Bruins nearly 50 years ago.

For Mr. O'Ree, and the league, the historic moment came in January 1958 against the three-time defending Stanley Cup champion Canadiens at the Forum.

Nice touch in Calgary

A tip of the helmet to the Calgary Flames for adding a touch of Canadian heritage to their new-look RBK Edge jersey. The jerseys, unveiled yesterday, feature the Canadian and Alberta provincial flags (at left) as the shoulder patches. While most teams use secondary logos there, it's nice to know that at least one team remembers the roots of the game.

Montreal also unveiled its so-called new look yesterday. Other than the NHL crest at the neck, I don't see much of a change. Do you? Besides, changing the Canadiens' look would be sacrilegious. There are just some things that should be left as they are. The Habs' jersey is one of those.

Three other NHL teams will unveil their jerseys in the days ahead:

Minnesota Wild: Sept. 7

Chicago Blackhawks: Sept. 14 (Last question in this Q&A with GM Dale Tallon)

St. Louis Blues: Sept. 15