To me, it's a classic case of protectionism vs. expansion. Do we keep a possession close to home? Or do we share it with others?
When it comes to the NHL playing games outside of North America, Hound Central 3.0 readers, by nearly 2-to-1 margin, made it very clear: NHL game in Europe are a bad thing.
Down here in Humidity Bay, the Lightning will open their 2008-09 campaign against the Rangers on Oct. 4 in Prague, the Czech Republic. Add exhibitions in Germany (Sept. 28) and Slovakia (Sept. 30) and it means that the Bolts camp in Tampa Bay will be considerably shorter than others.
Despite that, I believe it's a good idea for the NHL to play games overseas. Beyond the much-needed exposure, it's a way to say thank-you to fans who, until recently, could only watch their favorite sons on television.
Question: NHL games in Europe?
Bad: 9 out of 14 votes cast (64.3 percent)
Good: 5 out of 14 votes (35.7 percent)
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The puck has dropped
Consider it a promise kept: Hound Central 4.0 is now officially open for your review.
As always, folks, I appreciate all of the time that you've spent here. I hope Hound Central 4.0, even in its infancy, proves useful and entertaining.
In fact, Puckhound has already scored the first six pucks of his 2008-09 hockey-hounding campaign. Who signed? Click the link above.
As always, folks, I appreciate all of the time that you've spent here. I hope Hound Central 4.0, even in its infancy, proves useful and entertaining.
In fact, Puckhound has already scored the first six pucks of his 2008-09 hockey-hounding campaign. Who signed? Click the link above.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Breaking news
Faithful readers of Hound Central 3.0 should take note that the wait for Hound Central 4.0's official launch can now be measured in hours, rather than days.
Look for the journal that will chronicle the 2008-09 hockey hounding season to open for business, so to speak, sometime Saturday night.
In the meantime, see how your hounding bag stacks up against mine.
As always, thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your patience. Hopefully, it will be rewarded.
Look for the journal that will chronicle the 2008-09 hockey hounding season to open for business, so to speak, sometime Saturday night.
In the meantime, see how your hounding bag stacks up against mine.
As always, thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your patience. Hopefully, it will be rewarded.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Getting closer
Though we're still a few days away from its official launch, you'll find Puckhound's review of 2008-09 Victory Hockey at Hound Central 4.0.
Monday, August 18, 2008
A new preseason game?
I keep hearing reports about a Hurricane headed toward the Tampa Bay area. The last I knew, the Hurricanes aren't supposed to arrive until Oct. 11, the Lightning's home opener.
And who is this Fay character? I don't remember Carolina signing anyone named Fay, do you? Maybe it's some Finnish free agent who flew under the NHL radar.
Addendum (Aug. 19): Fay's only a tropical storm, not a Hurricane.
And who is this Fay character? I don't remember Carolina signing anyone named Fay, do you? Maybe it's some Finnish free agent who flew under the NHL radar.
Addendum (Aug. 19): Fay's only a tropical storm, not a Hurricane.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Consider it done
Given that more than 58 percent of Hound Central 3.0 readers want to see a Hound Central 4.0, who am I to disagree. That's why, even before the poll ended, the new blog for the 2008-09 season has, indeed, found its way into the hockey blogosphere.
Though Hound Central 4.0 is up and running, we're still a few days away from its official launch, when preseason features, such as fearless prognostications and my annual thoughts on the best young players in the game, will fill in the days until my first trip to the Lightning's training camp.
In the meantime, Hound Central 3.0 will continue to run its course. I hope you don't mind.
Question: Hound Central 3.0 or Hound Central 4.0?
Launch Hound Central 4.0: 10 out of 17 votes cast (58.8 percent)
Keep Hound Central 3.0: 4 out of 17 votes (23.5 percent)
Don't care: 2 out of 17 (11.8 percent)
Shut it down (Sorry, Johnny Boy): 1 vote (6 percent)
Though Hound Central 4.0 is up and running, we're still a few days away from its official launch, when preseason features, such as fearless prognostications and my annual thoughts on the best young players in the game, will fill in the days until my first trip to the Lightning's training camp.
In the meantime, Hound Central 3.0 will continue to run its course. I hope you don't mind.
Question: Hound Central 3.0 or Hound Central 4.0?
Launch Hound Central 4.0: 10 out of 17 votes cast (58.8 percent)
Keep Hound Central 3.0: 4 out of 17 votes (23.5 percent)
Don't care: 2 out of 17 (11.8 percent)
Shut it down (Sorry, Johnny Boy): 1 vote (6 percent)
Friday, August 15, 2008
How can they resist?
Other than death and taxes, it's a popular belief that there are no sure things in life. I believe that adage goes far beyond that, namely a kid with a baseball at a minor league park stands a darn good chance to get some autographs.
Take Wednesday night at Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater, Fla., for example.Staked out near the Clearwater Threshers dugout, Colin scored 14 autographs on a ball he retrieved from batting practice (drawing scorn from a grumpy old usher for running into a closed section) as well as his hand-drawn shark poster before the game's first pitch.
Among those signing were Michael Taylor (shown above), who crushed two home runs in the Threshers' 8-1 drubbing of the Lakeland Flying Tigers in Class-A Florida State League action.
Also signing the ball were Phillies prospects Quintin Berry, Gus Milner, Joe Savery and John Urick.
Granted, very few of these players will make it to the big leagues, but it didn't matter to Colin. For him, and me, it was another instance of quality time spent together during our summer break.
All about the sharks
All summer long, Colin's fascination with sharks has grown. We traveled to a marine research facility in Sarasota to check out their specimens. He just a got a book with 1,000 facts about sharks. Heck, he even has a pair of shark sunglasses.But, I get the sense that his summer wasn't complete until he got a bunch of Clearwater Threshers players -- Single-A prospects for the Philadelphia Phillies -- to sign his hand-drawn poster before a game earlier this week.
As usual, the players got a kick out of the poster, nearly every one asking whether he had drawn it.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Act now, save a bunch
I normally wouldn't pass along store specials, but if you're expecting to use any paint pens during the upcoming NHL season, you might want to stop by your local Michael's arts and craft stores.
It seems that DecoColor Liquid Silver opaque paint markers (paint pens for short) as well as other color are only $1.99 each, rather than the normal $3.49. I spent a little over $10 to get five, saving $7.50 (or about three pucks) in the process.
It seems that DecoColor Liquid Silver opaque paint markers (paint pens for short) as well as other color are only $1.99 each, rather than the normal $3.49. I spent a little over $10 to get five, saving $7.50 (or about three pucks) in the process.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Hard at work
For those of you who may believe I've been talking to lawyers over the past few weeks, I now have proof that I've been busy creating the ninth and 10th titles to my suite of hockey collecting blogs:
Sweet Swatches: Fourteen of the sweetest memorabilia cards (primarily swatches of jerseys and patches) in our collection.
Young Guns: A look at our top-shelf Upper Deck Young Guns, the gold standard of hockey rookie cards.
Taken together, I believe all 10 offer one of the most comprehensive arrays of hockey hounding/collecting blogs on the Internet.
Check them out, won't you?
Also, keen observers may notice that Hound Central 4.0 has had its "soft" launch. The official launch is still a few days away, but the 2008-09 hockey hounding journal is up and running.
Sweet Swatches: Fourteen of the sweetest memorabilia cards (primarily swatches of jerseys and patches) in our collection.
Young Guns: A look at our top-shelf Upper Deck Young Guns, the gold standard of hockey rookie cards.
Taken together, I believe all 10 offer one of the most comprehensive arrays of hockey hounding/collecting blogs on the Internet.
Check them out, won't you?
Also, keen observers may notice that Hound Central 4.0 has had its "soft" launch. The official launch is still a few days away, but the 2008-09 hockey hounding journal is up and running.
Design a mask
So, you think you're an artist, eh? And you love hockey. The Vancouver Canucks are offering a contest just for you, with the opportunity to design backup goalie Curtis Sanford's mask.
Personally, I'd rather design Roberto Luongo's mask. He's a much better goalie (a mild understatement) and, as the Canucks' starter, the design would get much more exposure.
With that in mind, perhaps the Canucks should let fans design Sanford's hat, seeing he'll be more likely to wear that from the comfort of the bench than his mask this season.
Personally, I'd rather design Roberto Luongo's mask. He's a much better goalie (a mild understatement) and, as the Canucks' starter, the design would get much more exposure.
With that in mind, perhaps the Canucks should let fans design Sanford's hat, seeing he'll be more likely to wear that from the comfort of the bench than his mask this season.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
It's been awhile, hasn't it?
Here you go, a handful of items to occupy idle moments.
Don't forget to vote in the latest Hound Central 3.0 poll, too.
Have fun.
Name this logo
From what I remember, the chance to identify this little quizzical visual usually drew some interest.
Heck, even my wife likes this one.
Let's see how many educated guesses we get with this logo.
Remember, too, that complete answers get full credit.
Hockey Word Association
New third jerseys =
Ted Nolan =
Detroit Red Wings =
Jaromir Jagr =
Best young defenseman =
Hockey Scrambled
Injo Kapentin =
Ancdnu Ethik =
Virast Jaacz =
Tigrebl Luber =
Striku Rofets =
Hockey math
Tony Toesave gave up 169 goals on 1,980 shots faced in 66 games. What is Tony's goals-against average and save percentage?
A.) 2.89 GAA, .905 SP
B.) 2.37 GAA, .921 SP
C.) 2.73 GAA, .911 SP
D.) 2.56 GAA, .915 SP
Don't forget to vote in the latest Hound Central 3.0 poll, too.
Have fun.
Name this logo
From what I remember, the chance to identify this little quizzical visual usually drew some interest.Heck, even my wife likes this one.
Let's see how many educated guesses we get with this logo.
Remember, too, that complete answers get full credit.
Hockey Word Association
New third jerseys =
Ted Nolan =
Detroit Red Wings =
Jaromir Jagr =
Best young defenseman =
Hockey Scrambled
Injo Kapentin =
Ancdnu Ethik =
Virast Jaacz =
Tigrebl Luber =
Striku Rofets =
Hockey math
Tony Toesave gave up 169 goals on 1,980 shots faced in 66 games. What is Tony's goals-against average and save percentage?
A.) 2.89 GAA, .905 SP
B.) 2.37 GAA, .921 SP
C.) 2.73 GAA, .911 SP
D.) 2.56 GAA, .915 SP
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Easy pickings
In hounding, there must be a law of averages. For every tough autograph you get, there seems to be another that comes pretty darn easy.Take this one from Tampa Bay's Akinori Iwamura. Rather than wait outside in the sweltering heat and humidity, all we had to do was enter a contest inside air-conditioned Tropicana Field before today's thrilling 10-7 walk-off victory over Cleveland.
Though autographed cards from some of the Rays' bigger names were picked clean, we certainly had no complaints about adding this one to the collection.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
But, wait, there's more
McFarlane's Sports Picks also promises a release this month. The lineup of its NHL Hockey Series 19, combining heroes past and present, features Don Cherry 2, Tony Esposito, Grant Fuhr (in Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs uniforms), Alex Kovalev, Bernie Parent (shown above) and Ryan Smyth 2.Looking ahead, McFarlane's promises these releases deeper into the season:
NHL Legends Series 7 (release date of October 2008): Doug Gilmour (who, like Fuhr, will be available in Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs uniforms), Gordie Howe 2, Mark Messier (in Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers uniforms), Stan Mikita and Maurice Richard (shown at left)
NHL Hockey Series 20 (release date of November 2008): Daniel Briere, Jonathan Cheechoo (shown at left), Jarome Iginla 3, Nicklas Lidstrom 2, Dion Phaneuf, Daniel Sedin 2 and Vesa Toskala.
Feeding the habit
As we all go through our various stages of hockey withdrawal, here's one instance of hope to hold onto until NHL clubs open training camps for the 2008-09 season.
Despite conflicting release dates (July 9 or Aug. 5?), we should soon expect to see Upper Deck offering Victory Hockey, the first cards for the upcoming season, featuring 200-card base and 50-card rookie sets.
Looking past its low-end reputation, meaning it'll likely be ignored by "elitist" collectors, I believe Victory provides autograph stock for quite a few big-name prospects:
~ Boston's Milan Lucic;
~ Chicago's Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews;
~ Edmonton's Andrew Cogliano and Sam Gagner;
~ Los Angeles' Jack Johnson;
~ Montreal's Carey Price and Andrei Kostitsyn;
~ the Rangers' Marc Staal;
~ Phoenix's Martin Hanzal;
~ St. Lous' Erik Johnson; and
~ Washington's Nicklas Backstrom
Key rookies, primarily late-season call-ups who enjoyed a couple of sips from their NHL cups of coffee last season, include Dallas' Mark Fistric, Los Angeles' Erik Ersberg, the Islanders' Kyle Okposo and Ottawa's Brian Lee.
A quick check of the Fleer hockey page, a subsidiary of Upper Deck, shows no future release dates. Disappointing, if you ask me.
Despite conflicting release dates (July 9 or Aug. 5?), we should soon expect to see Upper Deck offering Victory Hockey, the first cards for the upcoming season, featuring 200-card base and 50-card rookie sets.
Looking past its low-end reputation, meaning it'll likely be ignored by "elitist" collectors, I believe Victory provides autograph stock for quite a few big-name prospects:
~ Boston's Milan Lucic;
~ Chicago's Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews;
~ Edmonton's Andrew Cogliano and Sam Gagner;
~ Los Angeles' Jack Johnson;
~ Montreal's Carey Price and Andrei Kostitsyn;
~ the Rangers' Marc Staal;
~ Phoenix's Martin Hanzal;
~ St. Lous' Erik Johnson; and
~ Washington's Nicklas Backstrom
Key rookies, primarily late-season call-ups who enjoyed a couple of sips from their NHL cups of coffee last season, include Dallas' Mark Fistric, Los Angeles' Erik Ersberg, the Islanders' Kyle Okposo and Ottawa's Brian Lee.
A quick check of the Fleer hockey page, a subsidiary of Upper Deck, shows no future release dates. Disappointing, if you ask me.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
The next step
As you can see, I'm seeking input, through the latest Hound Central 3.0 poll, on the future of my hockey-hounding blog. Do I continue writing this version, covering my hounding efforts of the 2008-09 NHL season? Or do I start anew, launching Hound Central 4.0?
Unlike others I know, I'll be honest. Keeping Hound Central 3.0 alive through the upcoming season would be taking the easy way out. No starting from scratch, just picking up where I left off. And that, my friends, has great appeal.
Still, though, the idea of building Hound Central 4.0 offers its own set of rewards. It's satisfying to watch something grow from the first page view. It's a hoot, too, trying out new ideas and, hopefully, fresh approaches. It'll give me another set of 999 posts.
That's where you folks come in. Provide some guidance, please. So far, eight readers have shared their opinions.
Do the right thing. Take part in the poll, won't you?
Unlike others I know, I'll be honest. Keeping Hound Central 3.0 alive through the upcoming season would be taking the easy way out. No starting from scratch, just picking up where I left off. And that, my friends, has great appeal.
Still, though, the idea of building Hound Central 4.0 offers its own set of rewards. It's satisfying to watch something grow from the first page view. It's a hoot, too, trying out new ideas and, hopefully, fresh approaches. It'll give me another set of 999 posts.
That's where you folks come in. Provide some guidance, please. So far, eight readers have shared their opinions.
Do the right thing. Take part in the poll, won't you?
Friday, August 1, 2008
Love conquers money
I'm not sure who I believe more. Those who said, in Hound Central 3.0's latest poll, that the love of the game would motivate them to play in the NHL or those who would play simply for the money.
One approach is altruistic. The other is not. One preserves the game's basic integrity. The other preserves a bank account. There are plenty of reasons to choose one answer over another. And, in the interest of full disclosure, I voted for the love of the game.
The best answer, I believe, is twofold.
For the love of the game, a person will bust their tail just to make it to the NHL. Once there, though, I wouldn't blame them for grabbing as much money as they could. Life's too short and all it takes is one bad second for a career to evaporate.
In the end, ideals trumped income. Overwhelmingly, too.
Question: What would be your motivation to play in the NHL?
Love of the game: 19 out of 24 votes cast (79.2 percent)
Love of money: 5 out of 24 votes (20.8 percent)
One approach is altruistic. The other is not. One preserves the game's basic integrity. The other preserves a bank account. There are plenty of reasons to choose one answer over another. And, in the interest of full disclosure, I voted for the love of the game.
The best answer, I believe, is twofold.
For the love of the game, a person will bust their tail just to make it to the NHL. Once there, though, I wouldn't blame them for grabbing as much money as they could. Life's too short and all it takes is one bad second for a career to evaporate.
In the end, ideals trumped income. Overwhelmingly, too.
Question: What would be your motivation to play in the NHL?
Love of the game: 19 out of 24 votes cast (79.2 percent)
Love of money: 5 out of 24 votes (20.8 percent)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Quick work
Want to know when happens when you get a tip that Evan Longoria, the Tampa Bay Rays' star rookie third baseman, is visiting a nearby establishment? That's easy.
You enlist one of Longoria's biggest 7-year-old fans, quickly put together a few items (the Tampa Bay Devil Rays bat, shown above, and Rays mini helmet, at left), make sure you have the proper signing instruments and, after getting out of our pajamas, head over to the establishment.As you can see, we got there in plenty of time. In fact, the entire trip took about 30 minutes.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The full run
Though I shared my top five hounding trips for the 2008-09 NHL season down here in Humidity Bay, here's a complete listing of the planned campaign:
Preseason
TBD: Lightning training camp
Monday, Sept. 22: Pittsburgh Penguins (Will Sidney sign?) %
Tuesday, Sept. 23: New York Rangers %
Regular season
Saturday, Oct. 11: Carolina Hurricanes (Lightning's home opener) *
Thursday, Oct. 16: New York Islanders
Saturday, Oct. 18: Minnesota Wild (Redemption, please) *#
Tuesday, Oct. 21: Atlanta Thrashers
Saturday, Oct. 25: San Jose Sharks (Welcome back, Dan Boyle) *
Saturday, Nov. 1: Ottawa Senators (Working a team helmet)
Thursday, Nov. 13: Detroit Red Wings *#
Tuesday, Nov. 18: Florida Panthers (Working a team helmet)
Friday, Nov. 21: Nashville Predators *
Wednesday, Nov. 26: New York Rangers
Thursday, Dec. 4: Boston Bruins (Welcome back, Patrice) *#
Saturday, Dec. 6: Buffalo Sabres %
Thursday, Dec. 18: Colorado Avalanche (Another five from Joey?) *
Tuesday, Dec. 30: Montreal Canadiens (Considering a team helmet)
Thursday, Jan. 15: Philadelphia Flyers
Monday, Jan. 19: Dallas Stars (Welcome back, Brad Richards) *#
Wednesday, Jan. 21: Buffalo Sabres
Tuesday, Jan. 27: Montreal Canadiens
Thursday, Feb. 12: Toronto Maple Leafs %
Tuesday, Feb. 17: Chicago Blackhawks (Hello, Mssrs. Kane and Toews) *#
Thursday, Feb. 19: New Jersey Devils
Sunday, Feb. 22: Boston Bruins *
Tuesday, March 3: Pittsburgh Penguins
Friday, March 6: St. Louis Blues *
Thursday, March 19: Washington Capitals %
Tuesday, March 24: Columbus Blue Jackets *
Tuesday, April 7: Pittsburgh Penguins %
Thursday, April 9: Washington Capitals (Lightning's home closer)
* = One of the 12-plus games we'll attend this season
# = Part of Top Five trips
% = Optional trip
Preseason
TBD: Lightning training camp
Monday, Sept. 22: Pittsburgh Penguins (Will Sidney sign?) %
Tuesday, Sept. 23: New York Rangers %
Regular season
Saturday, Oct. 11: Carolina Hurricanes (Lightning's home opener) *
Thursday, Oct. 16: New York Islanders
Saturday, Oct. 18: Minnesota Wild (Redemption, please) *#
Tuesday, Oct. 21: Atlanta Thrashers
Saturday, Oct. 25: San Jose Sharks (Welcome back, Dan Boyle) *
Saturday, Nov. 1: Ottawa Senators (Working a team helmet)
Thursday, Nov. 13: Detroit Red Wings *#
Tuesday, Nov. 18: Florida Panthers (Working a team helmet)
Friday, Nov. 21: Nashville Predators *
Wednesday, Nov. 26: New York Rangers
Thursday, Dec. 4: Boston Bruins (Welcome back, Patrice) *#
Saturday, Dec. 6: Buffalo Sabres %
Thursday, Dec. 18: Colorado Avalanche (Another five from Joey?) *
Tuesday, Dec. 30: Montreal Canadiens (Considering a team helmet)
Thursday, Jan. 15: Philadelphia Flyers
Monday, Jan. 19: Dallas Stars (Welcome back, Brad Richards) *#
Wednesday, Jan. 21: Buffalo Sabres
Tuesday, Jan. 27: Montreal Canadiens
Thursday, Feb. 12: Toronto Maple Leafs %
Tuesday, Feb. 17: Chicago Blackhawks (Hello, Mssrs. Kane and Toews) *#
Thursday, Feb. 19: New Jersey Devils
Sunday, Feb. 22: Boston Bruins *
Tuesday, March 3: Pittsburgh Penguins
Friday, March 6: St. Louis Blues *
Thursday, March 19: Washington Capitals %
Tuesday, March 24: Columbus Blue Jackets *
Tuesday, April 7: Pittsburgh Penguins %
Thursday, April 9: Washington Capitals (Lightning's home closer)
* = One of the 12-plus games we'll attend this season
# = Part of Top Five trips
% = Optional trip
Monday, July 28, 2008
Hot dates
A quick run through the Tampa Bay Lightning's 2008-09 home schedule shows that I'll be making at least 25 trips over to Tampa to hound visiting teams in the months ahead.
All told, nine teams visiting from the Western Conference should help diversify the collection. Three teams -- the Blackhawks, Blue Jackets and Blues -- offer first-time hounding opportunities.
Here are my top five trips:
Saturday, Oct. 18 - Minnesota Wild: Despite having a ton of pucks, health reasons forced me to skip the Wild's visit last season. The early season appearance allows an opportunity for redemption.
Thursday, Nov. 13 - Detroit Red Wings: Though I'm expecting this team to draw a large crowd, the prospect of snagging some of the Wings' big names makes this too tempting to pass up. At the least, I need Marian Hossa to complete last season's Thrashers team helmet.
Thursday, Dec. 4 - Boston Bruins: This could be Patrice Bergeron's first visit to Humidity Bay in more than a year. His little buddy can't wait to see him.
Monday, Jan. 19, 2009 - Dallas Stars: Our Brad Richards collection wouldn't be complete without an autographed Stars puck. I'm sure, too, that I'll find something for Mike Modano.
Tuesday, Feb. 17 - Chicago Blackhawks: Hopefully, one Buffalo kid (me) will meet another Buffalo kid (Patrick Kane). If not, there's always Jonathan Toews, whose autograph would look good on a University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux puck.
All told, nine teams visiting from the Western Conference should help diversify the collection. Three teams -- the Blackhawks, Blue Jackets and Blues -- offer first-time hounding opportunities.
Here are my top five trips:
Saturday, Oct. 18 - Minnesota Wild: Despite having a ton of pucks, health reasons forced me to skip the Wild's visit last season. The early season appearance allows an opportunity for redemption.
Thursday, Nov. 13 - Detroit Red Wings: Though I'm expecting this team to draw a large crowd, the prospect of snagging some of the Wings' big names makes this too tempting to pass up. At the least, I need Marian Hossa to complete last season's Thrashers team helmet.
Thursday, Dec. 4 - Boston Bruins: This could be Patrice Bergeron's first visit to Humidity Bay in more than a year. His little buddy can't wait to see him.
Monday, Jan. 19, 2009 - Dallas Stars: Our Brad Richards collection wouldn't be complete without an autographed Stars puck. I'm sure, too, that I'll find something for Mike Modano.
Tuesday, Feb. 17 - Chicago Blackhawks: Hopefully, one Buffalo kid (me) will meet another Buffalo kid (Patrick Kane). If not, there's always Jonathan Toews, whose autograph would look good on a University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux puck.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Internal accounting
Because of a dissolution of a friendship, the following items -- gifts that the unnamed sender believed were unreciprocated -- have been removed from Hound Central 3.0's collection and, with other items, will be returned to the source this week:~ two Bobby Orr autographed pucks;
~ an autographed Wayne Gretzky Team Canada jersey;
~ an autographed Bruins helmet from Boston's Patrice Bergeron (a birthday gift to a 7 year old); and
~ a Boston Red Sox batting helmet autographed by David Ortiz (another birthday gift to a 7 year old).
Blog postings related to these items have also been deleted.
Granted, these are pretty significant items. Still, the relief that comes with this move far outweighs the burdens associated with retaining them.
I still believe, though, that we possess a respectable autographed sports memorabilia collection. Please know, too, that the autographed puck collection now stands at 1,538.
Addendum (July 28): The items have been sent. The image shows the postal service receipts. The smudges on the receipts are there to protect identities.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Hounding 2007-08: Season in review
Going into the 2007-08 season, I said I wanted to slow down a bit and become more selective in my puck-hounding efforts. So much for slowing down, though quality wasn't sacrificed for quantity.
After snagging 258 pucks in my first full season down here in Humidity Bay, I added another 263 during the 2007-08 campaign. Going into the season, my goal was to add only 225 pucks, rounding out at a cool 1,500. Instead, The Vault now holds 1,538 pucks.
In the interest of full disclosure, the total includes seven pucks signed outside the NHL's regular season and playoffs. To me, a hounding season begins at training camp. Anything within the next 365 days is within the season.
The Vault would have been more stuffed, too, had I not been sidelined for Minnesota and Vancouver. Thankfully, the Wild comes back in 2008-09.
All in all, though, it was another solid season.
It wasn't just about the pucks, either. My biggest accomplishment was helping Colin build his collection. We've become very fond of our team sheets; they're easy to make and get signed. Now, we've got to work on his patience. The apple, I'm afraid, didn't fall too far.
Three new projects -- an American-born goalie stick, a Slovakian team jersey and a 1999 NHL All Star Game helmet -- can claim respectable, if not somewhat remarkable, beginnings. You'll also notice a handful of summertime forays into the American pastime.
Here are the highlights, culled from my 446 posts since Aug. 14, 2007, of the 2007-08 hounding season:
~ Putting in a long day to create a Tampa Bay Rays team ball.
~ Having former Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk provide some good advice on skating to Colin.
~ Adding baseball Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry to the collection.
~ Goin' racing at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix.
~ Finishing the regular season with a strong performance by the playoffs-challenged Tampa Bay Lightning.
~ Adding value to a pair of gloves from Tampa Bay defenseman Paul Ranger's rookie NHL season.
~ Having Atlanta's Kari Lehtonen sign the Thrashers team helmet.
~ Meeting a season milestone when Atlanta's Todd White signed the 250th puck of the 2007-08 campaign.
~ Choosing hounding over sleeping so I could get the 2008 NHL All Star Game's MVP to sign a puck.
~ Correcting a mistake on a 2004 Stanley Cup Game 7 puck.
~ Snagging pucks from Tampa Bay's short-lived Big Three 2.0.
~ Getting little thrill out of Boston's Phil Kessel signing a Team USA jersey and a wallpaper image.
~ Watching Colin fill up a Boston Bruins wallpaper image.
~ Having Boston's Tim Thomas sign a 2008 NHL All Star Game puck for the 1,500th of the collection.
~ Ending the debate between blue and black Sharpies.
~ Knowing that Florida's Jay Bouwmeester is a top-shelf player.
~ Getting back three players in a week from my TTM project.
~ Being pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to get an autograph from Edmonton's Ales Hemsky.
~ Catching a Rocky Mountain High from the Colorado Avalanche.
~ Showing my appreciation after Colorado's Joey Sakic, one of my favorite players, signed five items.
~ Being more than happy to add Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin to the puck collection.
~ Having very low expectations for Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby.
~ Watching Colin experience the luck of the Irish.
~ Scoring 50 autographs from the Montreal Canadiens in a single hounding session, including four from rookie goalie Carey Price
~ Being in absolute shock when Carolina goalie coach Tom Barrasso, one of hockey's toughest autographs, stop to sign.
~ Catching up to Toronto's Alexander Steen to complete a pretty neat wallpaper image.
~ Loading up on the Calgary Flames, a day after hearing most of the team was in a grumpy mood.
~ Playing a hunch with Calgary's Jarome Iginla.
~ Getting a hat trick of pucks from Calgary's Miikka Kiprusoff.
~ Marking the Tampa Bay Lightning's 15th year in the NHL by having Vinny Lecavalier sign a puck commemorating the milestone.
~ Snagging pucks from Ottawa's Dany Heatley, Jason Spezza and Andrej Meszaros.
~ Appreciating the eagerness of Ottawa rookie Nick Foligno in signing autographs.
~ Having Boston's Tuukka Rask reinforce my belief in homemade cheap-skate cards.
~ Improving upon a jersey swatch card of Carolina's Eric Staal.
~ Knocking out a team helmet from the Atlanta Thrashers in an afternoon.
~ Getting a pair of pucks signed by Hall of Famer Denis Potvin.
~ Showing that I learned a lesson after watching Hall of Famer Phil Esposito walk by.
~ Sending get-well wishes to Boston's Patrice Bergeron.
~ Not complaining when only two of 42 autographs from the Buffalo Sabres were on pucks.
~ Getting pumped up after Marian Hossa signed a pair of pucks.
~ Realizing New Jersey's Martin Brodeur is a much better playing goalie than he is at spelling Colin's name.
~ Experiencing a peak and a valley with Tampa Bay's Marty St. Louis.
~ Wondering who had the biggest grin at this meeting during the Lightning's training camp.
~ Hearing Tampa Bay's Vinny Lecavalier's sentiments toward dealers.
~ Snagging autographs from Tampa Bay's Big Three in one day.
~ Reacquainting myself with the Lightning during my first trip to the 2007-08 training camp.
There you have it. All of the 2007-08 hockey hounding season, with a little baseball tucked in for good measure, in a single post.
Want more? Here you go: Hounding 2006-07: Season in review
As always, folks, thanks for stopping by.
After snagging 258 pucks in my first full season down here in Humidity Bay, I added another 263 during the 2007-08 campaign. Going into the season, my goal was to add only 225 pucks, rounding out at a cool 1,500. Instead, The Vault now holds 1,538 pucks.
In the interest of full disclosure, the total includes seven pucks signed outside the NHL's regular season and playoffs. To me, a hounding season begins at training camp. Anything within the next 365 days is within the season.
The Vault would have been more stuffed, too, had I not been sidelined for Minnesota and Vancouver. Thankfully, the Wild comes back in 2008-09.
All in all, though, it was another solid season.
It wasn't just about the pucks, either. My biggest accomplishment was helping Colin build his collection. We've become very fond of our team sheets; they're easy to make and get signed. Now, we've got to work on his patience. The apple, I'm afraid, didn't fall too far.
Three new projects -- an American-born goalie stick, a Slovakian team jersey and a 1999 NHL All Star Game helmet -- can claim respectable, if not somewhat remarkable, beginnings. You'll also notice a handful of summertime forays into the American pastime.
Here are the highlights, culled from my 446 posts since Aug. 14, 2007, of the 2007-08 hounding season:
~ Putting in a long day to create a Tampa Bay Rays team ball.
~ Having former Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk provide some good advice on skating to Colin.
~ Adding baseball Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry to the collection.
~ Goin' racing at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix.
~ Finishing the regular season with a strong performance by the playoffs-challenged Tampa Bay Lightning.
~ Adding value to a pair of gloves from Tampa Bay defenseman Paul Ranger's rookie NHL season.
~ Having Atlanta's Kari Lehtonen sign the Thrashers team helmet.
~ Meeting a season milestone when Atlanta's Todd White signed the 250th puck of the 2007-08 campaign.
~ Choosing hounding over sleeping so I could get the 2008 NHL All Star Game's MVP to sign a puck.
~ Correcting a mistake on a 2004 Stanley Cup Game 7 puck.
~ Snagging pucks from Tampa Bay's short-lived Big Three 2.0.
~ Getting little thrill out of Boston's Phil Kessel signing a Team USA jersey and a wallpaper image.
~ Watching Colin fill up a Boston Bruins wallpaper image.
~ Having Boston's Tim Thomas sign a 2008 NHL All Star Game puck for the 1,500th of the collection.
~ Ending the debate between blue and black Sharpies.
~ Knowing that Florida's Jay Bouwmeester is a top-shelf player.
~ Getting back three players in a week from my TTM project.
~ Being pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to get an autograph from Edmonton's Ales Hemsky.
~ Catching a Rocky Mountain High from the Colorado Avalanche.
~ Showing my appreciation after Colorado's Joey Sakic, one of my favorite players, signed five items.
~ Being more than happy to add Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin to the puck collection.
~ Having very low expectations for Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby.
~ Watching Colin experience the luck of the Irish.
~ Scoring 50 autographs from the Montreal Canadiens in a single hounding session, including four from rookie goalie Carey Price
~ Being in absolute shock when Carolina goalie coach Tom Barrasso, one of hockey's toughest autographs, stop to sign.
~ Catching up to Toronto's Alexander Steen to complete a pretty neat wallpaper image.
~ Loading up on the Calgary Flames, a day after hearing most of the team was in a grumpy mood.
~ Playing a hunch with Calgary's Jarome Iginla.
~ Getting a hat trick of pucks from Calgary's Miikka Kiprusoff.
~ Marking the Tampa Bay Lightning's 15th year in the NHL by having Vinny Lecavalier sign a puck commemorating the milestone.
~ Snagging pucks from Ottawa's Dany Heatley, Jason Spezza and Andrej Meszaros.
~ Appreciating the eagerness of Ottawa rookie Nick Foligno in signing autographs.
~ Having Boston's Tuukka Rask reinforce my belief in homemade cheap-skate cards.
~ Improving upon a jersey swatch card of Carolina's Eric Staal.
~ Knocking out a team helmet from the Atlanta Thrashers in an afternoon.
~ Getting a pair of pucks signed by Hall of Famer Denis Potvin.
~ Showing that I learned a lesson after watching Hall of Famer Phil Esposito walk by.
~ Sending get-well wishes to Boston's Patrice Bergeron.
~ Not complaining when only two of 42 autographs from the Buffalo Sabres were on pucks.
~ Getting pumped up after Marian Hossa signed a pair of pucks.
~ Realizing New Jersey's Martin Brodeur is a much better playing goalie than he is at spelling Colin's name.
~ Experiencing a peak and a valley with Tampa Bay's Marty St. Louis.
~ Wondering who had the biggest grin at this meeting during the Lightning's training camp.
~ Hearing Tampa Bay's Vinny Lecavalier's sentiments toward dealers.
~ Snagging autographs from Tampa Bay's Big Three in one day.
~ Reacquainting myself with the Lightning during my first trip to the 2007-08 training camp.
There you have it. All of the 2007-08 hockey hounding season, with a little baseball tucked in for good measure, in a single post.
Want more? Here you go: Hounding 2006-07: Season in review
As always, folks, thanks for stopping by.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Monster effort
Sure, it may have taken three trips to Tropicana Field in a single day and nearly nine hours to get it done, but to snag 26 autographs from Tampa Bay Rays players, coaches and the general manager is, to me, pretty darn remarkable.After hearing that the Rays would hold an off-day workout during the All Star Game break, Colin
and I decided to try our luck with the team last Thursday. Our hunches and hard work paid off, too.Our first trip of the day, in
which we arrived at the Trop around 11 a.m., provided better information than autographs. Though we did put the first three signatures on it, the best part was learning the time of the workout.Unfortunately, a bit of a misunderstanding led to a lengthy wait at the beginning of the second trip of the day. At first, I thought the player said the workout would start at 2:40 p.m.
As a result, we arrived back at the Trop around 1 p.m. with high hopes. About 30 minutes after arriving, a team clubhouse worker told us the workout wouldn't start until 5 p.m.Rather than head home and come back, we stuck it out, taking a walk around the Trop, laughing at lizards and watching a baby frog try to climb over a sidewalk curb. After a while, our patience was rewarded, as player after player, including Scott Kazmir, Evan Longoria and James Shields, all heeded Colin's call and added to his team ball.
Our last trip of the day, timed with the close of the workout, put the finishing touches on the ball, as Carlos Pena, Dioner Navarro, B.J. Upton and Jonny Gomes all signed.
Who signed where?
Top photo (signatures listed from top to bottom): J. P. Howell, Akinori Iwamura, Grant Balfour, Carl Crawford and B.J. Upton
Second photo: Tom Foley (coach), Jason Hammel, Dan Wheeler, Steve Henderson (coach), Evan Longoria, Dave Martinez and Dioner Navarro (along the right side)
Third photo: Detail of Evan Longoria's autograph
Fourth photo: Andrew Friedman (GM), Andy Sonnanstine, Jonny Gomes, Scott Kazmir, Tim Bogar (coach), Joe Maddon (manager) and Cliff Floyd
Fifth photo: Carlos Pena, Willie Aybar, Shawn Riggans, Edwin Jackson, Jason Bartlett, James Shields and Gary Glover.
Players we didn't get (yet): Matt Garza, Gabe Gross, Erik Hinske, Trever Miller Troy Percival, Al Reyes and Ben Zobrist
Grumpy old men (We asked, but they wouldn't sign): George Hendricks and Don Zimmer
A work in progress
While Colin was filling up his team ball last week, I occupied myself getting the first few signatures on a cherry-picking Tampa Bay Rays mini helmet.All told, seven Rays players signed it, providing a respectable start to what will hopefully
become a cool addition to our fledgling baseball collection.Top photo: James Shields, from left, Carl Crawford, Jonny Gomes and manager Joe Maddon
Middle photo: Cliff Floyd, left, and Akinori Iwamura
Bottom photo: J.P. Howell, left, and another view of Shields' autograph
The remaining names on the want list: Grant Balfour, Matt Garza, Scott Kazmir, Evan Longoria, Dioner Navarro, Carlos Pena, Troy Percival and B.J. Upton
Wish me luck, won't you.
Friday, July 18, 2008
He knows the game
Just because Tampa Bay's Evan Longoria is a rookie, it certainly doesn't mean he isn't a veteran at the hounding game. The Rays' rising star of a third baseman said Thursday he'd sign my jersey, but only if he could personalize it.Seeing that I'm a collector, and wasn't trying to make money off of his signature, I had no problem with his request. Besides, it was a real hoot meeting him before the Rays' late afternoon workout at Tropicana Field.
My bad
If you look hard enough, and long enough, maybe even subjecting your eyes to a tear-inducing squint, you might make out a faint autograph from Tampa Bay's B.J. Upton along the bottom of the number on Colin's replica Rays jersey.Rather than use a silver paint pen, I thought a bright blue paint pen would offer an even nicer contrast on this Rays jersey. It wasn't until Upton started signing it yesterday did I realize that the fabric would soak up the ink.
As much as I hate to do things twice (ask anyone who knows me), I'll have to make amends and get Upton to re-sign this jersey for Colin.
On the mound
Less than 48 hours after winning the 2008 MLB All Star Game, Tampa Bay pitcher Scott Kazmir was one of the many Rays' big-name players to stop and sign items for us yesterday. This is the base to a McFarlane figurine for Kazmir.Granted, it has nothing to do with hockey. During the summer, though, an autograph is an autograph. And, down here in Humidity Bay, the Rays are a pretty hot item.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Review: 2007-08 Be A Player
It's a little weird, I suppose, that an autograph hound like myself actually looks forward to a release of a signature-laden product like Upper Deck's 2007-08 Be A Player Hockey. Still, though, there's something about the thrill of the chase in busting a box.
I was more than a little psyched, too, to get this double signature card of Philadelphia's Mike Richards and Mike Knuble.Richards is a darned-good, hard-nosed captain-in-waiting, something that plays well in Philly. As for Knuble, I've been a big fan since his Bruins days riding shotgun with Joey Thornton. In my book, you won't meet a nicer NHL player than Knuble.
It's hard to get critical of one of favorite products. As a reviewer, though, I must. Like most everyone else, I wish the caliber of the players signing was a little better.
Though it's nice pulling signatures from such players as (top photo, from left) Florida's Keith Ballard (shown with Phoenix), the Rangers' Markus Naslund (shown with Vancouver) and New Jersey's Zach Parise, it's a tad deflating when you get one from a player like Jamal Mayers, Jarkko Ruutu or Jason Williams.
The 200-card base set is decent, but predictable. From a purely hounding standpoint, I'd rather have a few more recognizable tough guys or fifth defensemen rather than yet another card of, say, Rob Blake, Rod Brind'Amour or Brendan Shanahan.
Kudos, too, for showing trade-deadline-day movers in new team colors. Notable names include Dallas' Brad Richards and rentals Marian Hossa, as a Penguin, and Brian Campbell, as a Shark. Lightning fans can find goalie Mike Smith in his Tampa Bay duds.
Product snapshot: Be A Player Hockey
Something nice: A double-signature card of Philadelphia's Mike Richards and Mike Knuble and an opportunity to offer Upper Deck my copy editing talents on a freelance basis
Something not so nice: At nearly $12-$15 a pack, I want better quality among the autographs. Another UD product with a less-than-inspiring checklist. An additional one or two rookie cards would've been nice, too.
Puckhound's grade: 2.5 out of 5 pucks
My kind of six pack
Now that former NHL goalie Mike Vernon has become the special assistant to Brian Lawton, Tampa Bay's vice president of hockey operations, I'll have to add another stack to my Lightning-only puck-hounding want list. And, no, I'm not complaining.
Not only did Vernon win Stanley Cups with Calgary (1998-99 season) and Detroit (1996-97 season, winning the Conn Smythe), but he also won a Memorial Cup with the Portland Winter Hawks of the Western Hockey League.
Though he's not in the Hall of Fame, a player of Vernon's stature is certainly worthy of pursuing an NHL career collection. Maybe I'll make it a side project this season, meaning I'll also need pucks of the Lightning, Panthers and Sharks.
Not only did Vernon win Stanley Cups with Calgary (1998-99 season) and Detroit (1996-97 season, winning the Conn Smythe), but he also won a Memorial Cup with the Portland Winter Hawks of the Western Hockey League.
Though he's not in the Hall of Fame, a player of Vernon's stature is certainly worthy of pursuing an NHL career collection. Maybe I'll make it a side project this season, meaning I'll also need pucks of the Lightning, Panthers and Sharks.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Freelance gig, maybe?
Rather than rag on Upper Deck for some shoddy copy editing, shown above on the back of a 2007-08 Be A Player Player's Club card (49/99) of Ottawa's Jason Spezza, maybe it's a sign that the card company needs some professional copy-editing help.And though I subscribe to the theory that folks in glass houses should never throw stones, I openly admit that my postings are often in need of solid copy editing. I'm much better catching other's mistakes.
In case you can't find the error, it's "quarterback," not "quateback."
On a side note, Upper Deck's low-end Victory cards, the first product of the 2008-09 season, carry an Aug. 5 release date.
Moment of recognition
How can a hockey hound tell when he's become a recognizable face? When Tampa Bay's Vinny Lecavalier, the signer of thousands of autographs, remembers you as he inks a 2008 NHL All Star Game puck.Normally, this recognition could easily become the death knell for any collector, as the thinking goes that once this happens, the player has decided that he's done signing for you.
But when our brief meeting, held yesterday during a meet-and-greet with Lightning season-ticket holders, ended with a firm handshake and his telling me that he'll see me at training camp, I got the sense that I'll have little to worry about.
If I'm wrong, I'll take solace in knowing it was the 10th puck that Lecavalier has signed for us. And, to be perfectly honest with you, I'm running out of pucks for him to sign.
Then again, maybe he was in a good mood after officially signing a contract (11 years, $85 million) that will make him a Lightning for life. Right now, though, I'll take Vinny at his word.
Multidimensional, that's me
Just to prove that I'm much more than just pucks, I added to Colin's autograph collection yesterday, asking Lightning Girls Karen and Eva to sign this team sheet while waiting to get Vinny Lecavalier's autograph.It's a tough job being a Daddy, but I'm more than happy to be one.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Patience, please
In checking this blog's visitor stats recently, I could only chuckle when I discovered that someone found Hound Central 3.0 by searching for "Hound Central 4.0 best young defensemen" on Google. A few days later, another person went so far as to see whether Ottawa blueline prospect Brian Lee was on the defensemen list.Now, faithful readers of the Hound Central hockey-hounding franchise know that these features, based solely on my perceptions of the NHL's young talent at forward, defense and goalie, have become an annual installment. The only problem, though, is that they aren't produced until early September.
Mainly, I wait until The Hockey News produces its annual preseason magazine, most often devoted to hockey pool junkies. It's there that I begin my research, culling the top players at these basic positions before settling on the best five at each position.
Until then, folks, we'll all have to be patient. As much as I'd like to have the season starting, it's still a number of weeks away. Let's enjoy the summer, shall we?
Sunday, July 13, 2008
On Patrice, Vinny and online shopping
Three hockey-related thoughts before I head off this afternoon to inform and enlighten readers of the St. Petersburg Times up north in Hernando County:
~ It's great reading that Boston's Patrice Bergeron, a favorite of Hound Central 3.0, joined the Bruins' youngsters last week at the team's development camp north of Boston.
Bergeron, who sustained a nasty concussion early last season after a questionable hit from Philly's Randy Jones, said he's looking forward to playing again.
"I want to make sure I'm ready," he told NHL.com correspondent John Bishop. “That’s why I came down here this week, to skate and work out and make sure I’m in the best shape I can be.”
Down here in Humidity Bay, we can't wait to see Bergie play again. Like most Bruins fans, we missed him last season.
~ Great, but expected, move by the Lightning's new ownership to lock up Vinny Lecavalier, signing the team's superstar to an 11-year, $85 million contract. Since he was drafted first overall by the Lightning in 1998, Vinny's been the face of the organization.
This deal, expected to be a hot topic Tuesday at a meet-and-greet autograph session (a future posting, perhaps?) for season-ticket holders, is expected to keep Lecavalier a member of the Lightning for life. I certainly hope so.
~ Why is it whenever I believe I've found a good online deal on a piece of hockey equipment for Colin, be it gloves, shin guards or pants, the supplier never has it in his correct size?
Sure, I understand the concept behind closeouts (supplies are limited and no exchanges are allowed), but offering only a handful of products in useless sizes rivals conduct that would earn a chippy player an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Low prices may lure people to Web sites, but if they can't find products at those advertised prices, a move that may steer some (but not me) to pay for more expensive gear, then they run the risk of alienating customers.
I, for one, took our business ($125, this order: helmet with faceshield, pants, gloves and shin guards) elsewhere.
And it wasn't any Florida-based pro shop; their prices ($44 for an off-brand pair of youth gloves, for instance, while I paid $25 for Mission Fuel 60s) are even higher.
~ It's great reading that Boston's Patrice Bergeron, a favorite of Hound Central 3.0, joined the Bruins' youngsters last week at the team's development camp north of Boston.Bergeron, who sustained a nasty concussion early last season after a questionable hit from Philly's Randy Jones, said he's looking forward to playing again.
"I want to make sure I'm ready," he told NHL.com correspondent John Bishop. “That’s why I came down here this week, to skate and work out and make sure I’m in the best shape I can be.”
Down here in Humidity Bay, we can't wait to see Bergie play again. Like most Bruins fans, we missed him last season.
~ Great, but expected, move by the Lightning's new ownership to lock up Vinny Lecavalier, signing the team's superstar to an 11-year, $85 million contract. Since he was drafted first overall by the Lightning in 1998, Vinny's been the face of the organization.
This deal, expected to be a hot topic Tuesday at a meet-and-greet autograph session (a future posting, perhaps?) for season-ticket holders, is expected to keep Lecavalier a member of the Lightning for life. I certainly hope so.
~ Why is it whenever I believe I've found a good online deal on a piece of hockey equipment for Colin, be it gloves, shin guards or pants, the supplier never has it in his correct size?
Sure, I understand the concept behind closeouts (supplies are limited and no exchanges are allowed), but offering only a handful of products in useless sizes rivals conduct that would earn a chippy player an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Low prices may lure people to Web sites, but if they can't find products at those advertised prices, a move that may steer some (but not me) to pay for more expensive gear, then they run the risk of alienating customers.
I, for one, took our business ($125, this order: helmet with faceshield, pants, gloves and shin guards) elsewhere.
And it wasn't any Florida-based pro shop; their prices ($44 for an off-brand pair of youth gloves, for instance, while I paid $25 for Mission Fuel 60s) are even higher.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Lots for the Lightning
Given all of the movements made by the Tampa Bay Lightning's new ownership, with the team drafting Steven Stamkos first overall and signing such free agents as Olaf Kolzig, Ryan Malone, Mark Recchi, Gary Roberts and Radim Vrbata, I could very well add another 75 pucks from the Lightning alone this season:Len Barrie (co-owner): Lightning and Kamloops Blazers
Brandon Bochenski: Lightning *
Matt Carle: Lightning and San Jose Sharks
Adam Hall: Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators
Andrew Hutchinson: Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes *
Olaf Kolzig: Lightning, Washington Capitals new logo, Washington Capitals eagle, Washington Capitals original logo, 2000 NHL All Star Game, Washington Capitals 25th anniversary (above, right), 1998 NHL All Star Game (above, left), Rochester Americans, Portland Pirates and Tri-City Americans
Oren Koules (co-owner): Lightning and Saw DVD cover
Tom Kurvers (co-assistant GM): Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils
Brian Lawton (director of hockey operations): Lightning and Minnesota North Stars
Vincent Lecavalier: Lightning three-stripe (above) and 2008 NHL All Star Game
Claude Loiselle (co-assistant GM): Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils and Quebec Nordiques
Ryan Malone: Lightning
Barry Melrose: Lightning, NHL 2Nite, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets
Andrej Meszaros: Lightning
Vinny Prospal: Philadelphia Flyers
Kari Ramo: Tampa Bay Lightning-Norfolk Admirals (at left), Norfolk Admirals and Springfield Falcons *
Mark Recchi: Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Montreal Canadiens and Kamloops Blazers
Gary Roberts: Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins
Matt Smaby: Lightning, Tampa Bay Lightning-Norfolk Admirals first year affiliation, Norfolk Admirals and Springfield Falcons
Mike Smith: Lightning, Dallas Stars and Utah Grizzlies
Steven Stamkos: Lightning, Lightning three-stripe and Team Canada
Rick Tocchet (assistant coach): Lightning, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes and Phoenix Coyotes geodesic design
Mike Vernon (special assistant to Brian Lawton): Lightning, Calgary Flames, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, San Jose Sharks and Portland Winter Hawks #
Radim Vrbata: Lightning, Phoenix Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks and Carolina Hurricanes
Wes Walz (assistant coach): Lightning, Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild inaugural season (at left)
Ty Wishart: Lightning, San Jose Sharks and Prince George Cougars *
I'll have no pucks for Jussi Jokinen, Jeff Halpern, Mike Lundin, Shane O'Brien, Paul Ranger and Martin St. Louis.
* Provided, of course, he makes the team;
# provided he visits Tampa
What do you think?
I was thinking of adding this program from the 2008 NHL Entry Draft to my want list for Tampa Bay's top pick Steven Stamkos.I suppose, too, I should try to get fellow first-rounders Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings, second overall), Alex Pietrangelo (St. Louis Blues, fourth overall), Tyler Myers (Buffalo Sabres, 12th overall), Zach Bogosian (Atlanta Thrashers, third overall) and Luke Schenn (Toronto Maple Leafs, fifth overall).
Monday, July 7, 2008
Busy, busy, busy
Every summer, NHL teams try to retool their lineups for the season ahead. In some cases, it's the addition of a key free agent or the promotion of a vaunted rookie. In others, there will be a modest amount of change, perhaps two to three new faces.
Down here in Humidity Bay, though, Lightning fans have witnessed a near-wholesale change in the lineup, given the team's uberactive wheelings and dealings. How busy have the Lightning been? On opening night, there could be as many as eight or nine new faces in the lineup and one mulleted mug behind the bench.
From a hounding standpoint, what I thought would be an easy season of hounding the Lightning, focusing on Vinny Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis, now presents a challenge worthy of my time and expertise:
Olaf Kolzig: Nearing the end of his NHL career, he tops my list of new Lightning faces. Though the Lightning represent only his second NHL team, there should be ample opportunities to have him sign some specialty (AHL, All Star Game and anniversary) pucks.
Steve Stamkos: Being the No. 1 overall draft pick puts a bull's eye on his autograph. Given the team's pre-draft publicity surrounding him, it should be relatively easy to snag quite a few more autographs from him. My wish lists includes Lightning pucks, magazines, a Team Canada jersey and that picture of he and Colin at the team's meet-and-greet.
Gary Roberts: Brought onto to the team to provide some grizzled leadership to Stamkos, I've had the pleasure of getting his autograph numerous times. Still, though, it won't keep me from having him sign a Lightning puck.
Mark Recchi: Here's another player brought aboard to provide leadership. Like most veteran players nearing the end of their runs, he's become much more willing to sign. That's good, because I'll have four to five pucks for him to sign throughout the season.
Ryan Malone: Another addition designed to add some grit to the Lightning's soft lineup. I'll focus on cards more than multiple pucks. Having hounded him in the minors, all I really need from Malone is a signed Lightning puck.
Radim Vrbata: My most recent puck order contains three pucks for him: Lightning, Blackhawks and Avalanche. I might as well get him while I can, right?
Matt Carle: Of all the new faces, I predict that he'll make one of the biggest differences in the lineup. Coming off of a sophomore slump, the former Hobey Baker Award winner should show why he's certainly worthy of pucks.
Adam Hall: Playing for his fifth team (Nashville, Rangers, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay) in four seasons, he represents the proverbial handful for puckhounds such as myself. Given his ever-decreasing point total, though, I'll likely limit him to two pucks -- Nashville and Tampa Bay.
Brandon Bochenski: Yeah, he's bounced around a bit lately, becoming the NHL's poster boy for adventure-seeking job-hoppers. That doesn't mean I'll load up on pucks, though. Maybe a Lightning puck, but that's about it.
Andrew Hutchinson: Not exactly a household name, but he did win a Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes. That alone, I believe, is worthy of at least a couple pucks to go with the Nashville Predators and Milwaukee Admirals pucks in the collection.
Barry Melrose: Though I'll resist the temptation to have him sign a mullet wig, I'd like to find an ESPN NHL 2nite promotional puck for him to sign. Until then, I'll use the L.A. Kings, Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets pucks I've ordered.
Down here in Humidity Bay, though, Lightning fans have witnessed a near-wholesale change in the lineup, given the team's uberactive wheelings and dealings. How busy have the Lightning been? On opening night, there could be as many as eight or nine new faces in the lineup and one mulleted mug behind the bench.
From a hounding standpoint, what I thought would be an easy season of hounding the Lightning, focusing on Vinny Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis, now presents a challenge worthy of my time and expertise:
Olaf Kolzig: Nearing the end of his NHL career, he tops my list of new Lightning faces. Though the Lightning represent only his second NHL team, there should be ample opportunities to have him sign some specialty (AHL, All Star Game and anniversary) pucks.
Steve Stamkos: Being the No. 1 overall draft pick puts a bull's eye on his autograph. Given the team's pre-draft publicity surrounding him, it should be relatively easy to snag quite a few more autographs from him. My wish lists includes Lightning pucks, magazines, a Team Canada jersey and that picture of he and Colin at the team's meet-and-greet.
Gary Roberts: Brought onto to the team to provide some grizzled leadership to Stamkos, I've had the pleasure of getting his autograph numerous times. Still, though, it won't keep me from having him sign a Lightning puck.
Mark Recchi: Here's another player brought aboard to provide leadership. Like most veteran players nearing the end of their runs, he's become much more willing to sign. That's good, because I'll have four to five pucks for him to sign throughout the season.
Ryan Malone: Another addition designed to add some grit to the Lightning's soft lineup. I'll focus on cards more than multiple pucks. Having hounded him in the minors, all I really need from Malone is a signed Lightning puck.
Radim Vrbata: My most recent puck order contains three pucks for him: Lightning, Blackhawks and Avalanche. I might as well get him while I can, right?
Matt Carle: Of all the new faces, I predict that he'll make one of the biggest differences in the lineup. Coming off of a sophomore slump, the former Hobey Baker Award winner should show why he's certainly worthy of pucks.
Adam Hall: Playing for his fifth team (Nashville, Rangers, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay) in four seasons, he represents the proverbial handful for puckhounds such as myself. Given his ever-decreasing point total, though, I'll likely limit him to two pucks -- Nashville and Tampa Bay.
Brandon Bochenski: Yeah, he's bounced around a bit lately, becoming the NHL's poster boy for adventure-seeking job-hoppers. That doesn't mean I'll load up on pucks, though. Maybe a Lightning puck, but that's about it.
Andrew Hutchinson: Not exactly a household name, but he did win a Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes. That alone, I believe, is worthy of at least a couple pucks to go with the Nashville Predators and Milwaukee Admirals pucks in the collection.
Barry Melrose: Though I'll resist the temptation to have him sign a mullet wig, I'd like to find an ESPN NHL 2nite promotional puck for him to sign. Until then, I'll use the L.A. Kings, Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets pucks I've ordered.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
The rich? Well, they get richer
It's bad enough that the Red Wings won this past season's Stanley Cup. Now, they go out an ink Marian Hossa, selected by Hound Central 3.0 readers as this summer's top unrestricted free agent, to a one-year, $7.4 million deal.
Though far from unanimous, Hossa, who will play for his third team in less than a season, easily outdistanced the competition, snagging nerly 80 percent of the relative few votes cast.
Given Detroit's talent-laden lineup (featuring Mssrs. Lidstrom, Datysuk, Zetterberg, Holmstrom, among others), a gnawing rumble in the pit of my stomach tells me that the Red Wings may very well do the same in 2008-09.
Oh, the humanity.
Question: Who's the top UFA?
Marian Hossa: 11 out of 14 votes cast (78.6 percent)
Wade Redden (NYR): 2 out of 14 votes (14.3 percent)
Jaromir Jagr: 1 out of 14 votes (7.1 percent)
Cristobal Huet (CBH): 0 out of 14
Though far from unanimous, Hossa, who will play for his third team in less than a season, easily outdistanced the competition, snagging nerly 80 percent of the relative few votes cast.
Given Detroit's talent-laden lineup (featuring Mssrs. Lidstrom, Datysuk, Zetterberg, Holmstrom, among others), a gnawing rumble in the pit of my stomach tells me that the Red Wings may very well do the same in 2008-09.
Oh, the humanity.
Question: Who's the top UFA?
Marian Hossa: 11 out of 14 votes cast (78.6 percent)
Wade Redden (NYR): 2 out of 14 votes (14.3 percent)
Jaromir Jagr: 1 out of 14 votes (7.1 percent)
Cristobal Huet (CBH): 0 out of 14
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Proof positive
Imagine my surprise just a few minutes ago when checking out the Tampa Bay Lightning's Web site I stumbled across this photo gallery image of Steven Stamkos signing Colin's jersey earlier today during a meet-and-greet with season-ticket holders.To see the gallery, click on the link inside this story. Colin's is the fourth of seven photographs.
A good start
Say what you will about new Tampa Bay Lightning coach Barry Melrose (he's been out of the game too long to what's up with the mullet?), but he certainly has a knack for putting people at ease.Though Lightning officials asked that autographs be kept to one per person and that posed photos wait until another day, Melrose entertained nearly every request Thursday during a meet-and-greet with Lightning season-ticket holders.
My question? Will John Buccigross, Melrose's journalist sidekick during ESPN's NHL 2Night run, be joining the Lightning front office?
"Nope, Bucci's staying in Connecticut," Melrose said, laughing. "Right where he belongs."
Not sweating the details
I might have been the only one to notice, but the new Tampa Bay Lightning sign hanging outside the St. Pete Times Forum contains a pretty serious error.The sign, sandwiched between a couple of tall ads for Heineken, shows the Lightning's newly anointed Big Four -- Vinny Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, Dan Boyle and Steven Stamkos, the team's No. 1 draft pick for 2008.
The only problem, however, is that the sign shows Stamkos, wearing a No. 91 Lightning sweater in game action, as a lefthanded shot. Sorry, but he's a righthanded shot.
And, for the sake of accuracy, it matters.
Mission accomplished
Seeing that it rains down here in Humidity Bay nearly every afternoon during the summer, our trip over to downtown Tampa was in doubt for awhile earlier today. It wasn't so much the rain, though, as it was the nasty thunder and lightning.Still, once the storm passed we headed east, dodging a few raindrops along the way, for some more Lightning. Namely, the team's No. 1 overall draft pick, Steven Stamkos.
After the meet-and-greet with season-ticket holders, we were able to get Stamkos to sign this Sarnia Sting puck. Sure, I had more items that I would've liked to gotten signed, but there was a strict one-per limit. Colin had him sign his Lightning jersey.
Once Stamkos signed, we completed a neat little autograph trick -- getting two No. 1 overall picks within a week. Last Thursday, we scored Tim Beckham, the Tampa Bay Rays' first selection in the 2008 MLB draft.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
One down ... one to go
With a little bit of luck, we might be able to add autographs from two No. 1 overall picks in little more than a week.Last Thursday, with the Cubs in town for an interleague matchup with the Rays, Colin scored Tim Beckham, Tampa Bay's top 2008 pick on June 5, on an official practice ball (see stamp on top of ball) that someone gave to him during batting practice.
Tomorrow, we'll head over to Tampa to get Steven Stamkos, taken first overall last Friday by the Lightning in last week's NHL draft. The event is for season-ticket holders, so we'll have to catch him outside. New coach Barry Melrose will be there, too.
A side note on the baseball: Had I been thinking, we should have had Beckham's brother, Jeremy, a 17th-round pick (503rd overall) of the Rays, sign the ball. He was there. It'll have to wait, I suppose.
Hockey always comes first.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Wasn't even close
As expected, the Tampa Bay Lightning made quick work of their No. 1 overall pick at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, selecting center Steven Stamkos of the Sarnia Sting. Still, though, that didn't end the drama inside Scotiabank Place in Kanata, Ontario.
The biggest question, it seems, was who would go second overall -- Guelph's Drew Doughty or Petersborough's Zach Bogosian?
Once again, Hound Central 3.0's readers proved their hockey IQ by overwhelmingly picking Doughty, who went second to Los Angeles, over Bogosian, taken third by Atlanta.
Question: Who will be the No. 2 pick overall at the 2008 NHL Draft?
Drew Doughty: 15 out of 21 votes cast (71.4 percent)
Zach Bogosian: 6 out of 21 (28.6 percent)
The biggest question, it seems, was who would go second overall -- Guelph's Drew Doughty or Petersborough's Zach Bogosian?
Once again, Hound Central 3.0's readers proved their hockey IQ by overwhelmingly picking Doughty, who went second to Los Angeles, over Bogosian, taken third by Atlanta.
Question: Who will be the No. 2 pick overall at the 2008 NHL Draft?
Drew Doughty: 15 out of 21 votes cast (71.4 percent)
Zach Bogosian: 6 out of 21 (28.6 percent)
Friday, June 20, 2008
Gee, what can I do with this?
If the Tampa Bay Lightning makes, as is expected, Steven Stamkos the No. 1 overall pick of the NHL Draft tonight, do you think this Sarnia Sting puck might come in handy? I do.Though I've read that Stamkos is planning to spend the weekend in Kanata, Ontario, where the draft is taking place, I'm sure the Lightning will be making the Sarnia Sting star available to its fan base soon enough.
I'm hoping to have this, as well as a few other items, signed by month's end. If not, there's always rookie camp.
Stamkos fans would be well-served to visit this site at the St. Petersburg Times. The newspaper (disclosure notice: my employer) has created a five-card set of Stamkos, available for download, printing and, I imagine, getting autographed.
Please note, though, they won't be considered his true rookie cards.
I'm confused
I'm not 100 percent certain, but I believe I pulled an Sweet Stitches "oopsie" from a tin of 2007-08 Upper Deck Sweet Shot.Though I'd hardly complain about a three-swatch card, I don't believe Los Angeles' Anze Kopitar ever wore the purple-and-yellow throwback sweater for the Kings in an NHL game.
Kopitar didn't play in the NHL when the Kings last wore the throwbacks, Dec. 2 and Dec. 16, 2004. In fact, Kopitar, who scored two goals in his NHL debut on Oct. 6, 2006, was playing for Sodertalje in the Elitserien in 2004-05.
Now, if you read Upper Deck's certification language, it doesn't specifically state that it was Kopitar who wore the sweater.However, calling it an "Anze Kopitar Game-Used trading card" certainly leads a reasonable person to expect that the jersey swatches did, indeed, come from a sweater worn by Kopitar.
I've seen other variations of this card showing black and white swatches, but I can't find anything else like this one.
Is it an error card? If not, what would you call it?
I suppose I'll have to ask Upper Deck. Maybe, it'll be able to tell me.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Take 'em when you can get 'em
Just because the NHL season is over doesn't mean that you can't snag an autograph or two. Look at the three we added to our collection earlier this evening.The old school Buffalo Sabres and Tampa Bay Lightning pucks, shown above, were signed by former NHL player John Tucker, who runs a pro shop and coaches teams at the Clearwater Ice Arena.
I'd been carrying the pucks with me for a couple weeks now, as Colin skates and takes lessons at the arena. Tonight was the first time I'd seen Tucker when he wasn't on the ice.
This card, signed to Colin by another former NHL player Chris Dingman, was obtained following Colin's skating practice when we returned to the Wing House restaurant in Pinellas Park, where the Lightning were holding a live radio broadcast and an event for season ticket-holders.Now, some might say that these former players are hardly worth the effort. With all due respect, however, I disagree. Sure, both are unlikely candidates for the Hockey Hall of Fame. But, both also played in the NHL, something that, in the grand scheme of things, not too many people get to do.
Even though I'll plead guilty to cherry picking during the season, I'm always happy to add autographs during the offseason.
I think I'll wait
I was going to order three 2008 NHL Draft pucks today from Sensations, the Ottawa Senators' team store at Scotiabank Place in Kanata, until I learned that the shipping to Florida would be $30.
It's bad enough the puck was $7. I get mine for less than $2.75. I'd pay $5 for shipping. Maybe even $8. But $30? I don't think so.
Hopefully, my patience will be rewarded. It's my guess Steven Stamkos, projected as Tampa Bay's first overall pick Friday night, will be around Humidity Bay for quite a while.
It's bad enough the puck was $7. I get mine for less than $2.75. I'd pay $5 for shipping. Maybe even $8. But $30? I don't think so.
Hopefully, my patience will be rewarded. It's my guess Steven Stamkos, projected as Tampa Bay's first overall pick Friday night, will be around Humidity Bay for quite a while.
No complaints here
Though Buffalo's Ryan Miller is one of the more willing signers in the NHL, I wasn't the least bit disappointed to snag this 2007-08 Upper Deck Sweet Shot card. No, sirree, not one bit.
Hockey, Scrambled: 2008 Draft edition
Though it's likely to be busy today down here in Humidity Bay (the NHL is set to vote on the proposed $200 million sale of the Lightning), don't let that keep you from figuring out who is who in this special edition of Hound Central 3.0's Hockey, Scrambled:
~ Tinika Tifoval =
~ Leax Girtapeleon =
~ Vesnet Kosmtas =
~ Limkek Drokebe =
~ Chaz Chubkoy =
For proper credit, please leave your answers in a message. Thanks.
~ Tinika Tifoval =
~ Leax Girtapeleon =
~ Vesnet Kosmtas =
~ Limkek Drokebe =
~ Chaz Chubkoy =
For proper credit, please leave your answers in a message. Thanks.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Sunday morning homily XXX
Now that I've dried off and got the water out of one of my ears following a mid-morning battle with super soakers (my Father's Day present) with Colin (that's him, on the right, with me at a Bolts game), it'll be much easier to share with you why, from my point of view, that Father's Day is, indeed, the best holiday of the year:~ Fathers get to revel in the joy that they have helped to create. From skating backwards to fishing to sharing a recliner, spending time with your children is the best thing a father can do. Granted, most fathers I know, myself included, want to spend more time with their children and families. At least, though, we all have today.
~ Fathers get to pass along their experience, their love and their beliefs. From working hard at everything you do to remembering to look both ways when entering an intersection after the traffic light has turned green, it's our job, as a child's most important role model, to pass along the wisdom we've gained over the years.
~ If you're lucky (like I am), you'll get one of your better meals of the year today. For me, it'll be grilled steak, marinating for the past three days; twice-baked potatoes, including real bits of bacon and sour cream; and one of my favorite foods -- canned carrots. A slice of cake (or two or three) will top it off.
And though it was nice to open cards and unwrap presents on this day, the best gift I'll ever get is the one I receive every day from Colin -- a hug, a kiss and my favorite words: "I love you, Daddy."
To me, it just doesn't get any better than that.
Stoked, and stocked, for Stamkos
Maybe I'm jumping the gun a bit here, but I can't wait for this Friday, when the 2008 NHL Entry Draft kicks off in Kanata, Ontario. If perception becomes reality, that is when the Tampa Bay Lightning, picking first overall, will draft Sarnia's Steven Stamkos, a talented center who many believe is NHL-ready.
Really, it's not that I'm the biggest Lightning fan down here in Humidity Bay. Sure, they're my most recent "hometown team," and I'll root for them to do well every season, but they reside a couple notches down the list.
No, what I'm waiting for is Stamkos' first public visit to Tampa. I'm certain the Lightning, given their "Seen Stamkos" campaign, will be more than happy to show off their latest star. Work schedule permitting, I plan on attending as many introductory events as I can.
Why? Another no-brainer. I have quite a few items -- three pucks, a couple of magazines, a few cards and a Team Canada jersey waiting to be signed. And that, my friends, is just the beginning.
Thanks, again and again and again
As I bring the final Sunday morning homily of the season to a close, I want to thank everyone who has taken time to stop by Hound Central 3.0. I know this blog is an acquired taste, focusing much more on autographs than hockey in general.
And while the summer always represents a slowdown in the hockey autograph cycle, I'm hoping that there's enough news -- within hockey and my hounding activities -- to offer, at the least, a weekly posting until training camps open in September.
As always, folks, I appreciate your support.
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