The Future of the Franchise

For Phil and Aaliyah.

The Future of the Franchise













Every year the Toronto Maple Leafs, my favorite NHL team, are envolved in an "Rookie Tournament." At this tournament they invite 3 other NHL clubs to showcase their rookies and prospects in a round-robin tournament. Usually, the Ottawa Senators are guaranteed to be one of the other clubs. This year was no different, as the Sens, Boston Bruins, and Pittsburgh Penguins (Stanley Cup champions) all decided to showcase their youngsters with the Leafs.














Sounds pretty cool, eh? Here's the best part...it's all in Kitchener, basically in my backyard! SWEET!

In the past, I've gotten a few autographs at the games. Some would include Justin Pogge, John Ferguson Jr, Paul Maurice, Jiri Tlusty, and Dale Mitchell...just to name a few Leafs rookies and club management. The most shocking autograph of all would have to be, Mr George Armstrong. Now, that's a story! I'll lead with George's story...then get back into the true subject of the entry.

Corinna and I went to the Leafs camp; Senators rookie game, 3 years ago, and were watching the game. during the intermission...I went to work! I got photos with alot of former players and management types. Bryan Murray, Jacques Martin, and Craig Hartsburg, just to name a few. Walking around the Kitchener Auditorium (The Aud), we decided to poke our heads back into the ice area, from the concourse area, to see if the players had taken the ice. What I saw instead, was shocking.

A father and his very young son, approached the Hall of Fame, Maple Leafs legend, George 'Chief' Armstrong. The father said to his son, who Armstrong was, and George smiled. The father at that point asked George to sign his young son's Leafs jersey.

Now...

All true hockey autograph collectors know three things about the history of hockey signers.

1st- Bobby Orr only personalizes, if you're lucky enough to find him. This means he'll sign for you, but he'll put "To your name" on all his autographs, this is meant to deter the selling of his autograph.












2nd- Wayne Gretzky does NOT sign his 88/89 O-Pee-Chee and Topps hockey cards. These are the first cards of The Great One in his Kings uniform. He signed these cards for his children exclusively, and no one else. Trust me...I found that one out, the hard way.


















3rd- George 'The Chief' Armstong, the captain of the 1967 Toronto Maple Leafs, the last Leafs team to win the Stanley Cup, DOES NOT SIGN AUTOGRAPHS...period.
















So, with those 3 bits of info...you're basically good to go in the world of collecting hockey autographs in person.

Back to Armstrong...

So, the father asks Armstrong to sign his son's Leafs jersey. The child couldn't be more than four...so he really had no clue who he was or what was going on, really! But, for the first time in my life...George Armstrong took a sharpie in his hand. In fact...he was cordial about it! I guess the father had no clue on Armstrong's signing habits (or lack there of)...and Armstrong liked this guy and his kid.

Before I continue...why doesn't Armstrong sign autographs?

Hmmm....

There are lots of theories and stories, but most come down to him being soured because a store was selling his autograph, back in the 1980's. In fact, apparently he threatened to sue the owner, claiming it was his signature and he didn't want that person to make money off of him...or something close to that. Well...that store ruined it for everybody. And I mean EVERYBODY. Back in 1992, when the Leafs went to the final 4...I approached him for an autograph, on a newspaper clipping, and was turned down. In fact, his autograph is so rare, most hard-core collectors haven't even seen one. Armstrong has turned down charities, paid signings, and even a 1967 reunion dinner...all because of his signing habits.

Well, my friends...Geroge Armstrong signed that child's jersey.

I saw it.

He bent down, and signed both his first and last name...every single letter. The father was very apprieciative, and thanked him.

...and I went to work.

I threw off my backpack, and reached deep inside its pocket searching for the only Toronto Maple Leafs collectable I had with me...a Leafs logo hockey puck. Telling Corinna, as fast a I humanly could on how rare this was, I reached for my sharpie...and approached the worst signer in NHL history. I quickly lifted my puck and sharpie towards George Armstrong, as the father and son departed, and spoke...

"Mr. Armstrong, could I get your autograph too?"

He looked at me for about 2 seconds, which TRULY seemed like an eternity, and his face changed. He went from smiling from his previously encounter, to thinking "oh great...a seller", and his face became very plain. He looked me over, and lifted his hand.

What you're about to read, most won't believe really happened.

George Armstrong, took my sharpie...then collected my puck, and quickly signed across the Leafs logo. He, as fast as he took it...handed it back to me, autographed.

To say I was shocked, would be the understatement of my life, to this point!

He truly wasn't happy that he signed it...I can remember that much, but that's about it.

I wish I could tell you that I told him thank you, or thanks, or that my dad loved your play, or that you mean so much to an entire generation of Leafs fans, or that you're the greatest captain in NHL history!

I wish I could tell you I said any of things! But I can't. I don't remember, what I said to him. That's how stunned I was that he signed for me.

Please understand how rare this is! I've gotten Gretzky, Lemieux, Roy, Crosby, Hull, Howe, Rocket...all the legends (minus Orr), and all of their autographs, no matter how rare...are available somewhere.

George Armstong's autograph is not.

But, I got it.

I remember showing Corinna, telling her how special this was...and then noticing the signature itself. Remember, I wrote he signed every letter, both first and last name for that child? Not so much for me. It's more of a "G Armstrong or G strong or Armstrong". Regardless...it's his autograph on my puck.

And no, it's not for sale.


















So, with all that said...anything is possible, when it comes to autographs...just be ready for action!

Let's return to the main topic.

This year is no different. The Toronto Maple Leafs actually have a few rookies of note, going into this tournament. Christian Hanson, Tyler Bozak, '09 pick Jesse Blacker, 1st round pick Nazem Kadri, and the much hyped...goalie Jonas 'The Monster' Gustavsson...just to name a few rookies.

Another big draw, for me, is the chance to meet and; greet with various teams' upper brass. You see GM's, coaches, scouts, agents, and former players all make these games to watch and judge these players, just to see if they warrant an training camp invitation. With Pittsburgh in town, there's always the faint chance of Mario being there. And, how about Boston...how about 'number 4'? Truth be told...it would nearly impossible to get to them, IF...they made the trip to Kitchener. However, some Hall of Famers could be there, like former Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher, Uber-coach Scotty Bowman, and V-P Cam Neely.

All of which, would look great on my new Hockey Hall of Fame photo/project!

Plus, the chance of getting some prospects, on hockey pucks is always fun!

The Monday, of the long weekend, rolls around and game one is hours away. I gather up three Leafs pucks I have, my camera, and my Hockey Hall of Fame 16x20 photo. Corinna and I, head out to the Aud, about 2 hours before game time...without tickets.

Shouldn't be problem, I thought.

We arrived in Kitchener 10-15 minutes later, to find the lobby jammed full...just to get tickets. Damn it! Well, we got in the 150-175 people deep line-up. Of note, I had the chance to pre-buy tickets through Toyota...but of course, I don't bother. Meh.














Thankfully, the Aud had all the ticket booths open, and the line moved quicker than a snail. After baking in the lobby, we got our tickets and entered the ice area. Oh Canada finished up, and we finally sat down. I quickly noticed that half of the rink was blocked off for scouts, team management, and the media. The other half were Leafs fans, minus a dozen or so Bruins fans!

After the 1st period, 4 fights finished and the Bruins were up. I noticed that Jonas 'The Monster' Gustavsson, wasn't dressed, and was sitting the blocked off section with a few other scratched rookies. The intermission began, as the players left the ice, and I went to work. Corinna and I went to the blocked off area's entry way. You see, there is no exit to go outdoors in that area and more importantingly...no washroom! So, if anyone in that area wanted a smoke, decent signal for their cell, or to pee...they'd have to cross my path! Hehehe.

Well, it didn't take long as a former All-Star came out to use the facities. Waiting until he came out of the washroom, and was heading back to the blocked off area...I asked Kevin Stevens for a photograph with me. The two-time Stanley Cup winner, said 'sure'. He was dressed in a Pittsburgh Penguins track-suit, as he's scout for the reigning Cup champions. After the picture was taken by Corinna, I thanked him for his time and he seemed to be pleased that he was noticed.


















Just a note about Kevin, on May 14, 1993, the Penguins were playing the New York Islanders in game seven of the Patrick Division Finals when Kevin Stevens suffered a terrible injury. Early in the first period, Stevens skated in and attempted to hit Islanders defenceman Rich Pilon, but instead was met by Pilon's visor which promptly knocked Stevens unconscious. He fell and hit the ice face first, and was unable to use his hands or arms to cushion the blow. Stevens then needed extensive reconstructive surgery on his face. Doctors cut an incision below his hairline from ear-to-ear, which was later closed with over 100 stitches, peeled back his skin and reassembled the bones in Stevens face with the use of metal plates. Stevens came back to have one more strong season for the Penguins in 1993–94 (41 goals, 47 assists), before being traded the next year.






His wife said, in a television interview afterwards, he looked better! His nose finally got corrected! Nice eh?!

After the interaction with Stevens, Corinna and I went back to our seats...after Bobby Orr and Mario Lemieux failed to appear!

The game went back and forth, with the Leafs' Nazem Kadri and Christian Hanson dominating offensively. The game was incredibly physical, and the pressure of all the scouts et al, being in the house got the rookies fired up.

2nd intermission.

As the Leafs and Bruins left the ice, I quickly left the seating area, bound for the roped off area. I was hoping maybe 'the Monster' would step out for a moment or two! No such luck on Gustavsson...yet. However, as I was waiting, Claude Julien quietly appeared. The head coach of the Boston Bruins came out of the roped off area. He got into a conversation with a friend, before I made my move. Which was fine, as I realized...Corinna was still in the washroom!

She reappeared, with the trusty Fujifilm camera, and I told her what the situation was. I wanted my picture taken with the 'coach of the year' winner. She said sure, not really knowing who he was. I would quickly refresh her memory, as Coach Julien is a friend of a good friend of ours.

Claude Julien is a former Memorial Cup winning head coach. He won junior hockey most coveted prize with the Hull Olympics, of the QMJHL. That season, our good friend Shawn Camp was the assistant coach of the team. 'Camper' later went on to become the head coach of the Guelph Storm, and his wife (Kara), gave us tickets to our first date...which was a Storm pre-season game! That season, Shawn and his Storm, dominated the OHL...eventually winning the OHL Championship! They went to the Memorial Cup, but eventually fell the Kelowna Rockets who won it all that season. Corinna and I went to over 30 games that year, as we fell in love.

Now, with that bit of info out of the way...I reminded Corinna about Shawn and Claude's relationship. Immediately he face lit up, as she realized that the man who gave our friend a chance...was in front of us. She asked me, if I was going to mention 'Camper', but Coach Julien seemed pretty rushed, I said "maybe just the photo". After Claude Julien finished up, I moved up to him quickly, and asked the coach of the year winner for a picture. He nodded, and waved me around a corner. It seemed kinda strange, the way he did it.

I looked at Corinna, to ask her if I should go or not...as he walked away from me. She said "Ummm...is he going to take a picture with you?", I responded with "I'm not sure! Let's follow him!".

When I took the corner, he was standing there. He reached out for me and put his arm around me, to pose for the picture. Alright! "I just don't want other fans to rush me right now, but I don't mind taking a photo with you!" he spoke. Corinna got into position and said "Smile!"

After our shot, I thanked him for his time, and shook his hand. I wanted to scream GO LEAFS GO! into his face...but I just have alot of respect for the man...so I saved the immaturity and wished him well on the upcoming season. He was thankful, but gone in mere seconds, back into the 'Management Only' area. There went the man, who got our friend...a Memorial Cup Championship ring. Let me rephrase that...there went the man who got 'Camper' the job...'Camper' earned that ring.


















After our encounter with the Bruins' bench boss, we went back to our seats.

Back and forth went the game. Leafs up. Bruins tie. Bruins up. Leafs tie. At the end of 60 minutes...5 -5 tie. Overtime, baby. After chances from both sides...Zach Hamill and (former Guelph Storm) Jamie Arniel moved in on the Leafs goalie. With a quick pass from Hamill, Arniel buried it fast...ending the game, in the Bruins favour.

Damn.

Now...off to work.

We quickly left the ice area, and went down into the bowels of the Aud, where the Leafs dressing & workout area was located.

We made it down as far as the barricaded off area, that leads directly from the ice surface into the dressing room. The only way a person would get in, without passing me, would be by coming off the ice directly. Sweet. That meant that all brass, media, agents, etc...would walk directly pass me.

Could Bobby Orr or Mario Lemieux be in the building? If they were...they would pass me! And trust me...I'd be on them like white on rice!

First along, was the man who I really wanted a photo with. Brian Burke is the new General Manager (and President) of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he was walking towards Corinna and I. With a quick nod to my beautiful wife, she knew who he was, and what I wanted. I saw her flick on the camera, as I approached the man who just drafted Nazem Kadri in the first round. Burke is apparently good to fans, taking time for photos and autographs...so I wasn't really worried, plus the fact it was just Corinna and I, was a bonus as no other fans were around. I asked him; "Brian, could I get a picture with you please?", he quickly stopped and said sure, and posed for Corinna with me. Done. This would be the 2nd photo with a Leafs GM for me, taken at the Aud. I got a photo with John Ferguson Jr, previously, when he was guiding the franchise. Afterwards, I thanked him, and he went inside the dressing room.


















Just a few seconds after Burke left, the assistant coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs came along. I quickly gave the signal to Corinna, as Rob Zettler approached casually. Zettler is a former Leafs defenseman, who played in the NHL for 13 years with 6 teams. He was an original San Jose Shark, after being claimed by the new team from the Minnesota North Stars in the 1991 dispersal draft. I've met 'Zetts' once or twice, with him always being cordial and signing autographs. Today, however, I was just hoping for a quick photo with the former Memorial Cup player. I asked Rob for a photo with him, which he was happy to oblige. We stood together, as Corinna took our picture, and afterwards I wished him luck on the upcoming season with Toronto. Nice guy.


















After Rob Zettler entered the Leafs' prospects private area, Things got a little tense for me.

Remember, I'm not actually there for photos with former players...I'm there for autographs of hot prospects and hall of famers (on my 16x20 project).

The Toronto Maple Leafs head coach was heading towards us. Ron Wilson, who is now into his 2nd season with the Leafs, was walking towards me...right behind him was Cliff Fletcher. Uh-oh.

I really wanted a photo with the Head Coach of the Leafs, as I've enjoyed his work...and hey...it's the coach of the Leafs!! But...Cliff Fletcher, former two-time General Manager, is an member of the Hall of Fame. So, I need his autograph on my project. Since they were basically together, I didn't want to stop them both...one for a photo...then the other for a photo and sutograph! So, I made an executive desicion, on the fly! I'd get fletcher, if he'd sign, and hope to Ron Wilson later in the day to try to get a photo.

Ron Wilson looked at me, as I approached him and Cliff Fletcher. I went to Fletcher immediatley, and spoke to the 'Silver Fox'. "Cliff, could I get your autograph, sir?". He stopped in his tracks, and said "Yes". As I reached for my Hall of Fame photo, and asked him "You're in the Hall of Fame aren't you?". He smiled and spoke "Yes, yes I am!" as he saw what I had for him to sign. I pulled the photo from it's protective casing, enough for him to autograph...while I also handed him my trusty blue Sharpie. Cliff took the photo, and went to work signing it. As he was signing it, one thought crossed my mind...this is the guy who he robbed Calgary, a team he managed to the Stanley Cup in 1988, for Doug Gilmour!. I wanted to say thanks for bringing 'Killer' to Toronto, and changing the face of the franchise forever...but, I didn't want to sound like a ravenous fan, and take all his time. When he finished, I thanked him for taking the time to sign my photo, and he said "You're welcome".


















Cliff Fletcher, to me, will always be the best Leafs GM of my time. He managed the Leafs to consecutive final four appearances, brought us Doug Gilmour, Curtis Joseph, and Mats Sundin...just to name a few of his accomplishments. What you may not know about Fletcher, is the fact, in the late 90's, he signed Wayne Gretzky to a contract to play for the Leafs. Imagine...Gilmour, Sundin, and Gretzky as your centremen?!!! Anyways, Leafs ownership vetoed the contract, and the greatest player of all time, went to the New York Rangers instead.

True story. Sad, but true.











After Fletcher moved inside the private area, I noticed a former NHL player, who kept going in and out of the Leafs area.

Steve Smith is a former defenseman, who played for 15 years in the NHL, and more importantly won 3 Stanley Cups. However, he is not remembered in Edmonton or Calgary for that. Nor...do I remember him for that.

On April 30, 1986 (his 23rd birthday), Smith and the Oilers were playing in Game 7 of the Smythe Division Final against the arch-rival Calgary Flames. In the third period, with the score tied at two, he made a pass from behind his own net that inadvertently ricocheted off goaltender Grant Fuhr and into the Edmonton net. The Oilers never recovered and ultimately lost the series, while Calgary went on to the Stanley Cup Finals.

So, he did end up staying in Edmonton, and winning the Cup 3 times. However, in 1992 he moved to Chicago...and I met him in 1993, when he was still a Chicago Blackhawk.

I used to go to Maple Leaf Gardens, to try to get autographs every so often. One day, the Blackhawks were in town...so I figured it would nice to meet some good players. Chicago had Jeremy Roenick, Ed Belfour, Chris Chelios, and former Oiler Steve Smith. As I waited for players to enter the Gardens, they all signed autographs upon arrival. Roenick was fantastic with fans, signing everything you had for him. Belfour was very quiet, and preffered to sign for fans wearing Chicago clothing...but still signed. Chelios, was a different dude. Some days he signed cards, saying no photos. Other days, no photos...only cards with him a Hawks jersey. Some days...no cards or photos, only pucks. Chelios really kept collectors on their toes! But, on that day...he signed my photo! Then, the 3 time Cup winner, Steve Smith showed up. When I asked him to sign my (only) card, he said no. When another collector presented a photo...no also. When a puck was put in front of him...negative. It wasn't like he ran in, he stopped and talked to us collectors! He finally commented that he didn't sign because his son, asked him not too.

Right.

Truth is, Smith was worried that most autograph collectors in Toronto, were sellers of autographs. Which is fine, and most likely true for him to think that way. But, here is the hard truth...Smith's autograph, even then, has/had no real value. There aren't too many people who collected defenseman autographs...even fewer who collect playes with an infamous 'own goal' on their resume.

However, he was open and approachable about it. One kid, went to him with a sheet of paper, and asked for a signature. This time, he signed. I guess, he figured nobody would but a sheet of autographed paper, if this kid sold it. I think he was right.

Anyways, I don't think in all my time at the Gardens, I ever did get a Steve Smith autograph...but like I said, I did see him sign one.

Now, fast forward 16 years later, here he was again...in front of me. I instantly reconigized him, as I am a former Oiler fan, and remembered his signing habits...or lack there of. I knew he didn't work for the Leafs, but I was sure who he worked for a club, as he was carrying around an attache case. I gave the nod to Corinna, she got the camera ready. I approached Steve Smith, for the first time in 16 years, and this time...asked for a picture with the man. He seemed a little surprised to be reconigized, and quietly said...yes.

He stood beside me, and we posed for a photograph together. He was very nice about it, afterwards saying thanks to me! I wonder if I had a card that day, if he would of signed it...being away from being hounded all the time? Well, I'm not sure, but he was very gracious that day...and I kind of think he would of.


















After Smith, Corinna and I figured all the Leafs brass, were inside and that there really was nobody else to come along. So we left that area, and went to the team bus area...hoping to get a few hot prospects autographs, and maybe a Hall of Famer!

When we leaving we ran into the other Leafs assistant coach, Tim Hunter, outside. There were a few collectors there, whom he was signing for. I figured since I asked Zettler for a photo, I ask that other assistant for a photo too!

Tim Hunter is a legendary NHL tough guy. He fought with all the heavyweights in his day. No fear. He led the NHL in penalty minutes twice! First in 86/87 with 361 minutes, and finally in 88/89 with 375 minutes. He was with Calgary for those seasons. He currently ranks 8th on the NHL's all-time penalty minute leaders list with 3,142. That's more penalty minutes than Gretzky has points! His play served his team well, the Calgary Flames, as they won the Stanley Cup in 1988.

I approached Hunter, in the Aud's parking lot, after he finished signing autographs for some collectors. I asked him if I could get a picture with him, and he was more than willing to agree! Corinna took our photo, and I thanked him for his time.
















We continued to where the Toronto Maple Leafs team bus was parked, waiting for the prospects to emerge from the Aud, to take them back to the their hotel. When we walked around to where the bus was, we found a couple of collectors waiting for the prospects too. I gathered out my 3 Maple Leafs pucks to be autographed, and discussed with Corinna, whom I hoped to have sign them.

We agreed on the three hot Leafs prospects. We chose Nazem Kadri, Christian Hanson, and Jonas Gustavsson. Since they would have to pass us, and the two other collectors, to board the bus...I figured it wouldn't be too difficult to acquire their autographs. Hopefully, I could get a photo with each also.

First out of the Aud, was the 2009 1st round pick by the Leafs...Nazem Kadri.

Nazem Kadri is a player of Lebanese descent who was drafted seventh overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Nazem played in the OHL for the Kitchener Rangers and the London Knights. He is considered a top prospect and a top player in the future. Nazem is the second player of Lebanese descent to be drafted in the NHL. On July 6, 2009, Kadri signed a 3-year entry level contract with the Maple Leafs.

The two other collectors approached Kadri first, and he happily signed their photos! Once, he finished with them, I asked him for an autograph also. He kindly signed my Leafs puck, and handed it back to me, smiling. I asked him if it would be okay to have a picture with him, which he said sure and threw his arm around me! Corinna got our camera, and took our picture together. Afterwards, I thanked him, and congratulated him on the recent draft...which he smiled ear to ear, saying thanks! You could tell, he was drafted by his favourite team! That's always a bonus, for any hockey player!
































Once my interaction with Kadri, who was just sent back to the OHL as I write this, was finished...we went inside the atrium of the Aud, to meet the players, instead of being outside in the heat. After a few other prospects left (Jesse Blacker and Kenny Ryan) we spotted another prospect that we wanted to meet.

Last March, there was two hot undrafted prospects that every team in the NHL were coveting. Tyler Bozak and Christian Hanson, both of the NCAA hockey league, were making a name for themselves, and the NHL had taken notice. Toronto's GM, Brian Burke, was incredibly agressive in his pursuit of both these propects. Incredibly Burke signed not one...but both of these young university players, which pleased many Leaf fans. With a weaker line-up, Burke basically promised these two players, that they would a very strong chance of playing in the NHL quickly. That was a promise that had kept. When the NCAA season finished, both Hanson and Bozak made appearances in the NHL, wearing the blue & white.

Playing in just his third NHL game, Christian Hanson scored his first goal in the Maple Leafs' 4-1 win in New Jersey on Tuesday night. He also spent his first two minutes in the penalty box, going plus-1 with two shots on goal. An impressive start for the son of the famous 'Slap-shot' star, Dave Hanson. Hanson played in 5 games for the Leafs, scoring a goal and adding an assist.

As Christian Hanson was approaching us, bound for the team bus, I signaled to Corinna to take a picture of him signing for me. I asked Hanson for an autograph, before the other 2 collectors did, on my 2nd Maple Leafs puck.

Remember what I said about players, who were concerned about people selling their autographs? The way they try to prevent the selling of their autographs, is simply by personalizing the autograph...by adding an "To (your name), All the best/Best wishes, Their name". It does work, in the prevention of selling of their signatures, but like I've said many times...I don't sell autographs.

I just asked Christian Hanson, veteran of just 5 NHL games, for his autograph on my 2nd of 3 pucks (I had), and he replied; "Sure, what's your name?".

To say I was surprised, would be an understatement.

The last time an unproven telent demanded a personalization of their autograph, was John Tavares. A true legend in his own mind. That's all have to say about him. However, JT, did have reason to personalize...his autograph was in great demand on eBay et al...because he was the "next can't miss prospect", and everybody wanted a piece of him. However, he is not very approachable, and will often say no...or change his signature. I just don't like him.

Anyways, Christian Hanson, as coveted as he was...is no John Tavares. His autograph, while desired by some Leafs fans, isn't in high demand across the NHL. So, when he asked for my name, I was taken aback by his request.

Now, don't get me wrong...he was very nice, and didn't hesitate to sign for me...I guess he's not a fan of people selling his autograph, for whatever personal reason. I really wanted his autograph, as I feel he could become a solid 2nd line player for years to come, I told him my name was Esteban Carlos Sanchez.

Just kidding folks! Just seeing if you're still paying attention!

I said my name was Chris, and he quickly went to work signing my puck. "To Chris, Christian Hanson". Actually, it looks pretty good! I don't mind personalizations, I just prefer to ask for it, instead of it being forced on me...and my item. Regardless, I just recieved Hanson's autograph...and was happy to have it!


















Hanson signed for the 2 other collectors, who were clearly autograph sellers, and personalized their photos too. Well done, Christian. Just a quick note...Hanson has been sent to the Marlies to begin the 09/10 season.
















Corinna asked if I wanted a posed photo with Hanson, and decided to pass...as he was basically walking out the doors when she asked. She mentioned that she got a photo of us, when he was signing...and I was content with that photo, after she showed it to me.

Two pucks signed, one to go.

The last one was for the Monster.

As much popularity there was around the courting and eventual signing of Bozak and Hanson, they paled in the comparison to the courting of Jonas 'the Monster' Gustavsson.

In late June, there was four NHL teams who wanted to sign the best undrafted goaltender on the planet. Jonas Gustavsson, had somehow, gone undrafted into the NHL and was playing in the Swedish Elite League for Färjestads BK. He just finished a 42 game season and put up an incredible 1.96 GAA. He led Färjestads BK into the SEL playoffs, putting up a shocking 1.03 GAA with 5 shutouts! His save percentage was .961...simply dominating shooters. This is why Toronto, Dallas, San Jose, and Colorado all made contract offers to Gustavsson.

'The Monster' chose Toronto, because he felt they would put him in the NHL immediately as the back-up to Vesa Toskala...giving Gustavsson a chance to unseat the number one, if he plays well enough...so he could quickly become the starter of the Toronto Maple Leafs. I'm sure Brian Burke used that strategy, in signing Gustavsson, on July 7th, 2009.

When Corinna and I were talking about Christian Hanson personalizing my puck, one of the other collectors interupted us by asking; "Is that Gustavsson?"

I turned to look in that direction, and said yes.

Coming towards us, was the hype. And he was a monster! Jonas Gustavsson is 6'3", but doesn't seem that big, until he's beside you. His nickname might be 'the Monster', but he is very approachable looking and seems like a nice guy! But being 6'3" and almost 200 lbs, when he's got his goalie equipement on and is on skates...he's a huge monster in front of the net!


















I went to Gustavsson first, and asked him for an autograph. He quietly said sure, and took my puck, and autographed it nicely. When he handed it back, I asked him if it was okay to get a picture with him? He agreed, and posed for a picture with me, as Corinna took our photo. I was very happy to have met the much-hype goaltender, and to be successful in acquiring his signature!


















Afterwards, the two other collectors got autographs from Gustavsson. At final count, Gustavsson signed 8 autographs for them...no problem. Greedy much? I was quite happy with my puck, and I'm sure they were happy with their signed photos...which you could probably find on eBay for the nice price of 20 dollars! Seriously though, Gustavsson seemed to have no problem signing multiple autographs for them...something that will probably end quickly playing in Toronto.


















I felt pretty good with the day's events. Pictures with some hockey greats, one Hall of Famer's autograph, 3 can't miss prospects' autographs, and one heck of a hockey game...all 15 minutes from home!

I looked at Corinna, and she looked at me...tired. My beautiful wife asked me; "Are we done, now?".

"Yes", I answered.

Thanks for the long read, hope you enjoyed it.

PS- There is a variety of signings coming, I should be blogging the experiences...if they're worth a story!

With a Mario Lemieux signing coming...you can expect that blog shortly after!

I plan on showing a 'highlight' or 'top 10 list' of my greatest successes, since I get asked often "What's your best autograph?"...that'll happen one of these days.

Keep checking in.

Chris,
5-Oct-09