A Hockey Card Test....

Hockey ... Hockey Players ... and a Test ....

Since I have such a love for hockey, it wouldn't be surprising to know I like more than just going to games. Yes, I watch hockey on TV but I prefer to go to the games. I am talking about other interests, particularly hockey cards.

Yes, I'm a geek. I collect hockey cards. I took a few years off because it was something Mike & I used to do but over the past months I've gotten back into it. Yes, I know. I'm a geek.

In the process of collecting cards and trying to make a set, you end up with a lot of leftovers. Kinda sucks but thems are the rules of the game. Even though I had thought of it before, I had never really put any effort into actually following through with the idea of sending the extras off to the players to get signed. Well, this year - I'm testing out that theory and seeing how well it pans out. I don't have high expectations but hopefully something good comes of it.

This pages is going to keep track of the players that actually send the card back. Once I get a few back, I'm going to mount them and put them on this big blank wall in our living room. I'll take a picture of it when it gets going.

As a side note - I had no idea hockey players were so gracious. For their kindness in returning the cards - I'll always have high regard for them. This is one fan who will always be rooting for them - no matter the jersey!

February 8, 2006:

I got my very first TTM card! I sent a letter with this card to Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 23, 2007 - shortly after the All Star game. And just a little over two weeks later, I got his signed card!! Yay! My very first one. So cool - I'm excited about continuing my project now!

March 13, 2007:

Yay! Another card!! This one is from former Shark, now commentator - Marty McSorley! And yes, that very McSorley who caught all that shit for hitting Brashear. But all should be forgiven - it's been so long ago and really, Brashear has done plenty of his own shit.

So far, my 3rd card! I sent him a letter on February 9th and less than a month later - he replies. How very cool is that?!?!

March 15, 2007:

The fun keeps coming! I got another card today ... this one was initially mailed on March 1 - so 2 weeks later, I get it back. How freaking cool is that. This is of Derek Armstrong of the Los Angeles Kings! He's going to be one to keep note of because this is only his third season and he's only getting better.

I have to say that it's soooo nice to get these cards back. What class acts!!

March 28, 2007:

I don't know when it came in but when I got back from Reno, I had this card as well! The coolest thing is that he also included two signed 3x5 cards! I don't know what I'll do with those but it was super cool ... Nolan Pratt from the Tampa Bay Lightning - you rock!

That's two for Tampa Bay as well!

March 30, 2007:

The fun keeps coming! I sent this off on March 1 and just a month later, I get it back! Considering the schedule is crazy right now, all I have is admiration for Jay McClement of the St. Louis Blues. And he even wrote my name! Can't get any better than that.....

April 2, 2007:

Wow. So I have got a few really good cards from great players. BUT ... this card? Alexei Yashin is one of the best. I mean, there are a TON of amazing players in the NHL but Yashin is one to take note of. I sent this off on March 12 and less than a month later, a signed card. Wow!! (And for those who don't know who he is - he's a Center on the New York Islanders.

April 10, 2007:

And they keep coming!

This one is the first that I've received messed up. The ink was still wet when the card was slid back into the sleeve - so sadly, it smeared a bit. At least it wasn't horribly smeared.

So this is an auto of Rene Bourque of the Chicago Blackhawks - definitely one to watch over the next few years. I have a feeling he'll be a name we'll hear over and over again. Perhaps filling another Bourque shoes? :)

April 13, 2007:

Yay! And wow!

Chris Osgood is a name anyone into hockey should recognize! I'm actually surprised I got it but I can't tell you how pleased I am to add it to my growing collection.

This is Chris Osgood, a goalie legend, who has played for the Detroit Red Wings for many many years. What a pretty autograph!

April 13, 2007:

Yup - not one but two cards today! This one is actually pretty special. Scott Thornton used to be a Shark and even though he probably didn't get the publicity that his cousin Joe gets - he was definitely an unsung hero. The stuff he did for the community was amazing ... the list was at least a page long!! So yea, I'm pretty honored he sent back the card.

Right now he plays for the Los Angeles Kings but that's because we traded him. Hate that we did ... I so wanted to see him play with Joe!