Believe it or not, I've been trying to finish a new blog entry...without much success. Not sure if it'll be completed...issues with the uploading process of a video. Hopefully it'll happen.
On to the present day.
I just got home from a cool autograph signing.
My friend Ernie and I, had the privilege of meeting former NHL great Gary Roberts.
Abit about Mr. Roberts...
Gary Roberts is a retired hockey player who played 21 seasons in the NHL. He was the first round pick of the Calgary Flames, 12th overall in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. Roberts played the first ten seasons of his NHL career with the Flames, winning the Stanley Cup in 1989.
A serious neck injury forced Roberts to miss most of the 1994–95 season as well as the first half of the 1995–96 season. He returned to the Flames late that year, and after scoring 42 points in 35 games, won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for perseverance and dedication to hockey. His neck did not get better, and he was forced to miss the entire 1996–97 season.
One year later, Roberts made a comeback with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he played three seasons before finishing his career with stints playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Roberts played over 1,200 NHL games in his career, recording 438 goals and 910 points.
While he was in Toronto, Roberts became an instant fan favourite for his tenacity and 'nose for the net'. #7, scored 157 points in 237 games with the blue and white. He played with Mats Sundin, most of the time, and the duo led the Leafs to the playoffs...each of the four seasons, that Roberts was a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was in the post-season, with the Leafs, where Roberts made his mark with most Leafs' fans. He scored 40 points in 50 TML playoff games.
In 130 total career playoff games, Roberts scored an incredible 93 points. He also added 332 post-season penalty minutes. His tremendous playoff efforts, paid off in 1989, as he won the Stanley Cup with Calgary.
Yesterday, I found out that a bank had a new branch opening in Mississauga, and mentioned it to my friend Ernie about the signing. Instantly, he was excited about going. And after a few minutes of talking about it, we had plans to go and meet Gary Roberts. After meeting in the morning, E-Train and I, made our way to Mississauga. We stopped at Wal-mart to print a couple photos of Roberts to get signed. E-Train also had a puck to get signed, and I had a Upper Deck 04/05 Sp Authentic hockey card. I'm actually trying to get all the cards signed, that are in that set. Insanity, at it's finest! I also had my neighbour's jersey to signed by Roberts. 2 for Ernie, and 3 for myself.
After arriving at the bank, we got in line. My best friend Chris, whom I missed at the signing, BBM'ed me saying that Gary was signing everything for everybody! Chris mentioned that one guy got 2 jerseys, 5 cards, and a book signed! Incredible! Sadly, I didn't get to see Chris this time. After a few minutes in the line, E & I were up. Ernie went up first, and got his two items signed.
I also took a picture of the big Leaf fan with the former Leaf great! After giving Ernie my camera...it was my turn.
I greeted Gary Roberts, and gave him my three items. I told him the jersey was for my neighbour, who was a huge fan...he said thanks! As he finished signing it, I asked him if I could ask him a few questions about autographing for my blog. As Gary signed my photo and card, we talked about autographs.
Let's roll.
Autograph Questions With...Gary Roberts
Whom was the first person you ever asked for an autograph?
GR; "Hmm...I didn't really have the chance to ask for autographs all that much, when I was younger. But I believe it was Lanny McDonald."
Whom was the most recent person you asked, for an autograph?
GR; (Smiling) "My son. He got his first hockey card, and I asked him to sign it for me!"
When you played in the NHL, what city did you find had the most autograph seekers?
GR; (After much thought) "Montreal"
What's the 'coolest' thing, you've ever autographed?
GR; "I'm not sure about it being cool...but I did sign a cast once!"
Well, there we have it! Roberts was incredibly approachable, and seemed to enjoy the questions! He posed for a picture with me afterwards.
And after about 15 minutes, Ernie and I left the bank...with all things signed, and a cool interview!
Notice the answer about what NHL city has the most autograph collectors?! Seems to be a trend happening here!
Thanks for your time! I hope you enjoyed AQW... with the biggest name yet!
Check back soon!
C
