The Next Johnny Bower Or Eric Fichaud?

Welcome back.

This is one of three entries I'm working on.

This blog entry is about 'the hype', as I refer to him.













James Reimer, the rookie goaltender of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has captured the attention of 'Leafs Nation'...dragging the team to the doors of the NHL playoffs, only to miss the dance by the narrowest of margins...8 points.

I, for one, was stunned the Leafs made it so close to the playoffs. But, unlike most Leafs fans, I'm a realist when it comes to the 'Blue & White'...but once I looked at Reimer's numbers, I quickly knew the truth about the Leafs. He was almost single-handily pulling the team along.

Reimer made his NHL debut for the Leafs on December 20th, 2010. He was put into the game, against the Atlanta Thrasher, when Jonas Gustavsson was pulled...after allowing 5 goals on 18 shots. Reimer played 14:09 of that game, stopping all 4 shots he saw. The Leafs lost, surprise...surprise.















Reimer would finally get into another NHL game, this time starting for the Leafs against their rival...the Ottawa Senators, on New Year's day. On the 33 shots he faced, Reimer let in one goal. Toronto destroyed the Sens, 5-1 that day. Strangely, he wasn't one of the three star selections.

James Reimer has gone onto to play in 37 games for Toronto, this season.

He has won 20 of them.

Currently his personal statistics are; 20 wins, 10 losses, 5 OTL. 2.60 goals against average. .921% save percentage. And 3 shutouts.

He's played in less games than the season holds, put has more wins than all the other Leafs goalies...COMBINED. Funny enough, he has less losses than both of the other goalies too.

It's plain to see, the Leafs are just a better team, with 'Optimus Reim' in the net.












Now...is he the real deal? ...or just a flash in the pan?

We've seen this before, with Leaf goaltenders. Bring up a kid, let him win a few games...burn him out. Or have the Leafs done it right this time? Keep him in junior, then mature him in the AHL, and finally give him a shot?

Reimer could be the next Johnny Bower...cool under pressure, no fear, and led the Leafs to the promised land, winning 4 Stanley Cups...in the Leafs final dynasty.













Or could he be the next Eric Fichaud? Drafted 1st round, 16th overall in 1994, by the Toronto Maple Leafs. In his draft year, he led his team to the Memorial Cup finals, winning a host of awards, including the top goaltender and playoff MVP awards. A classic butterfly goaltender in the Patrick Roy mold, Fichaud looked to be a future NHL starting netminder. Fichaud never lived up to the lofty expectations his fantastic junior career had led to, bouncing between the minor leagues and the NHL. In only 95 NHL games, Fichaud won 22 games, losing 47.

















Time will tell.

However, the 23 year old is hot.

...And he's doing a free signing.

That's just enough fuel, for me to get his autograph!

It was announced that on Sunday, April 10th, James Reimer would be making his first ever public autograph appearance. Pickering Flea Market is hosting the free event.

I decided instantly that I would go. Hard part is...I figured every other Leafs fan out there will be going too.

I also decided that I would blog my travels...in a different format. I decided that I would make this entry, 'real time based'. Hope you like it.

Let's roll.

The Next Johnny Bower Or Eric Fichaud?

Saturday, April 9, 2011 (Day before autograph signing)

12:35pm; Freshly out of shower, deodorized, and fully dressed, I find myself on my laptop seeking out images of James Reimer...suitable for signing. I decided that I would print out a 16x20 of Toronto's hottest rookie, in years, and have him autograph the large picture.

12:38pm; Found the image I wanted. It's abit different...but definitely cool!













12:43pm; Finished searching internet for JR pics, loaded image onto flashdrive.

1:12pm; Absolutely beautiful day! Glad I'm in t-shirt and shorts for the first time in 2011! Arrived at Wal-mart, hitting up the Kodak printers.

1:29pm; After realizing that the Guelph Wal-mart is apparently now allergic to McFarlane figures, time for a quick lunch at McDonald's. Gave this stuff up months ago, just having 2 Chicken snack wraps, while 16x20 is being printed.

1:55pm; With 16x20 in hand, and happy with it's turn out, I'm out of Wal-mart. I'm now ready for the signing.

4:15pm; 16x20 is now in spare top-loader for safe keeping. Safe from Caesar's sharp Chihuahua teeth!


















7:31pm; My great friend, Richard, just messages me from New Brunswick saying he found 2 McFarlane variants for me! What a guy! He's now going to bring a Jimmy Howard (Detroit Red Wings goalie) and a Dion Phaneuf (TML Captain) home for my collection! I tell him thanks...and that I'm going to Reimer's signing tomorrow, he mentions that he'd like JR's autograph on his Leafs jersey. Not a problem for my, retired soldier, friend.














11:49pm; After watching dozen's of episodes of Battlestar Gallactica, I just found out the Leafs lost to the Habs. Now, I'm going back to update all the stats I listed earlier about Reim's!

Sunday, April 10, 2011 (Day of autograph signing)

8:40am; Alarm goes off.

9:02am; Awake. Kind of.

9:27am; Hit shower. Super hot...loosen up sore, tight muscles. Meh.

9:55am; Walking out front door, with 16x20...in need of caffeine. Something feels off though.

10:07am; Hitting the 401 eastbound (and down!), looks like rain. Still feeling weird about something.

10:09am; Text both Bill and Ryan, to see if they're on their way, and to save a spot in line.

10:11am; 680news says smooth sailing throughout Toronto, however there seems to be alot of traffic this morning. Making good time. ETA is 11:10am, for Pickering.

10:18am; Both Bill and Ryan, respond...on their way to Reim's. Am I breaking the law, here?

10:28am; Fully caffeinated. But, something is still off.

10:36am; Feel bladder filling up. Not good. Passing Yonge Street, starting to rain. Also, not good. Glad I put the 16x20 in a top loader, where it should be ok from the rain.

10:43am; Passing the Scarborough Town Centre, and it hits me like a tonne of bricks...I suddenly realize what's wrong! I FORGOT RICHARD'S MAPLE LEAFS JERSEY, BACK IN GUELPH. Frak.

10:44am; Feeling terrible, can't turn back.

10:51am; BBM from Corinna; "You forgot Richard's jersey". The return of the guilty feeling, again.

11:01am; Entering Pickering. Downpour. Meh.

11:07am; Text from Bill; "Hurry up!". I knew it...it's going to be a madhouse!

11:20am; Parked, not easy. At least I'm here. Pickering's current population...plus one.

11:22am; Inside the Flea Market, shaking off rain from myself and pic. Still glad I wore t-shirt and shorts, though. Gotta love the spring!


















11:25am; Find Bill and Ryan in line. Not too far back, good spot. Line is massive already though. They're both chatting with the promoter of the signing, Aaron. (Of The Heritage Stick Co.) Free plug.














11:28am; Just dicussed that I have to pay for my 16x20 to get signed...because of its size, but if I purchase an 8x10...that'll get signed for free. Well, I'm buying the 8x10 photo...I owe that much to Richard. I'm thinking I'll get it personalized to him, too.

11:31am; With our spot saved in line, we check out the photos available for the rookie. Looks like 6 different images. I select the 'licensed NHL/NHLPA' image. Acutally, I really the pic...that's why I selected it. Man, they have alot of pics here, to purchase. They also have game-model goalie sticks, and tonnes of pucks. Hope they sell a few.

11:35am; Looking at promoter's old signed stock. He's selling autographed 8x10's for $5 bucks, and signed pucks for $10. Nice looking stuff. But I'm a 'in person' guy. Unless, someone gets it signed for me. So, I pass on various signed items...however Bill and Ryan make a healthy donation to Aaron's company!

11:41am; Wandering around the market, with Ryan, looking at the various booths...searching for a ATM for him, and the washroom for me.

11:47am; Various McFarlane dealers/booths are distracting us, from our goal! I just saw a Buffalo Bills Drew Bledsoe variant for 8 bucks! I have one opened...but I'd love another is mint packaging!

11:48am; Bladder wins, I pass on the DB variant. Another time, Drew...another time.

11:52am; Ryan has cash, and I have an empty bladder. Back to the line.

11:56am; We're not good at this...we keep getting distracted! We just spotted a James Reimer painting, framed, for $90 bucks. Ryan is checking it out. Then turns to me and says; "It was $60 earlier". Nice.

11:59am; Return to the line, tell Bill about the painting. Then find out, Ryan can get it for around $20. He might be on to something here.

12:05pm; BBM Corinna that I'm getting Richard an 8x10. She agrees with the idea.

12:17pm; Various chats about current Leafs, and their signing habits. James Reimer? Great signer.

12:24pm; Find out that Bill is going to the Marlies game tonight, against the Heat. No, not Miami...the other Heat. The Abbotsford Heat. He's hoping to get Leland Irving. Another goaltending prospect.

12:26pm; Quickly counted we're around 60th in line. Impressive. I'm guessing there is around 500 people here now. Good for the promoter!

12:31pm; Bill, Ryan, and I are checking out what we brought to get signed by Optimus Reim. Bill has a Marlies giveaway, cards, and a photo. Ryan has a team jersey, photos, and cards. I still only have my 16x20 and Richard's 8x10.

12:34pm; Ryan shows the Leafs jersey...looks great! Already has Dion Phaneuf, Clarke MacArthur, amongst others.

12:35pm; Bill has been here since 10:30am. That's commitment to a hobby, baby.

12:41pm; Line moves forward. No JR isn't here yet, it's security moving line tighter together. Meh. Bill notices the line has actually circled where we are.

12:46pm; Part of line that circled us...just moves forward now! Bill notices this, we all share a little laugh in amazement!

12:47pm; I mention that I'd like a picture of the line for my blog...Bill says why don't you go for walk along the entire line and video tape it to for the amount of time to walk the length of the line! Great idea...not sure if I have the memory available for the walk on my Blackberry! This is one monster line!

12:49pm; I take a quick pic of the line.
















12:51pm; Bill shows us a picture he had taken at a travelling "Wipeout" display, promoting the Canadian broadcast of the TV show. It's Bill getting punched in the face, along the boxing glove wall! Hilarious! All free!












12:56pm; Bill and Ryan step outside for a quick cylinder of tobacco. Still raining.

1:00pm; Start of signing. However, James Reimer still isn't here yet! Actually Bill & Ryan are still outside.

1:09pm; Hearing applause from front of the line. Guess I know, who's here!

1:10pm; Bill & Ryan return. Bill says he walked in behind Reimer!

1:14pm; Line is moving. Good news.

1:22pm; We find ourselves in front of the booth selling the merch. All the photos are sold out! Incredible! Simply incredible! Good for Aaron's company! Seems like this is a total success! We're about 10 feet away from TML's goaltender of the future.

















1:23pm; It's Ryan first, myself second, and Bill third. Two people in front of us.

1:24pm; One person. They got the "Optimus Reim" inscription...that's great!

1:25pm; Uh oh...Ryan is having problems getting his stuff out of protection! He remains calm, and tells me to go ahead. I quickly hand my ticket to the handler, pull out both the 8x10 and 16x20 out of protection, and step in front of the signing table...where Aaron is sitting beside James Reimer. It's my turn.

1:26pm; It put my 2 items down, putting the 8x10 first to get signed...Richard first. Then the 16x20 image. Aaron comments that the 16x20 is really a cool shot! I agree, and pull out my BB and get the camera going. I greet James Reimer with a hello! He says hello, and I quickly ask him to make the autograph out "To Richard". Instantly he starts with the personalization! He signs it afterwards, near the bottom right corner. I took a quick shot of JR signing for Richard.














1:27pm; I move the 16x20 in front of JR, and he stops to check it out. I told him, this is the final shootout of the season, where you won the game for the Leafs! I mentioned; "I like the picture, because it has you buried in the net, looking up to the Lord...thanking him!". James smiled at that, and reached for the blue Sharpie. I quickly spoke again. "James, can you sign a large autograph and add the Optimus too?". "Sure" he said. James Reimer signed a large autograph in the perfect spot on the 16x20, adding the 'Optimus Reim' inscription! I took another quick shot of JR signing for me.

















1:28pm; I gathered my items, and thanked James for signing for me. He looked at me and said; "No problem...that's a real cool picture!" I smiled and said thanks again.

1:29pm; It's Ryan's turn with Optimus Reim. I took a quick shot of Ryan getting his stuff signed by the rookie.
















1:31pm; Finally, the last of out trio is up. Bill is now with the goaltender. I took a quick picture of Bill getting his items signed...however Bill moves like the '6 million dollar man', and blurs the shot!














1:33pm; As we do after every signing, we show eachother our stuff signed. Ryan isn't too happy with some of his cards. A couple of them bled, making the autograph kind of watered-looking. We try to figure out, if the problem is because of the gloss, Sharpie, or if Reimer signed it too quickly. Bill showed his cards...not as bad, but a few thin parts in JR's auto. I'm chalking it up to a quick signature.

1:36pm; We all agree, that was pretty cool. I throw out the idea of lunch. Bill mentions he has to run to the Marlies game, and that Ryan has to head home. Oh well, next time.

1:40pm; We say our goodbyes, shake hands, and part ways...all with our newest additions to our ever-growing collections.


















1:42pm; Started up the Highlander, and BBM Corinna..."I'm on my way home". Looks like the rain has passed.















Epilogue;
For the record, I think that Reimer is a fantastic piece to the Leafs puzzle. Will he be a Cup contender goalie? Time will tell. However, I hope the Leafs don't burn him out, like they have with rookies of the past. If the Leafs can add a touch more firepower up front, continue to develop youngsters (like Kadri, Colborne, McKegg, etc...), and use Reimer and Gustavsson properly next season...The Toronto Maple Leafs will make the 2011/12 playoffs. You heard it here first.

Thanks for the read.
C.

Autograph Questions With...Hayley Wickenheiser (2nd Edition)

In memory of #17 Mandi Schwartz. Cancer took away a future gold medalist on Sunday.

Note; Believe it or not, I am working on a normal, full length blog entry...but I thought I'd give an quick entry, in the mean time.

Back on May 5th, 2010, I introduced a new feature to my blog. "Autograph Questions With..." was a success with my readers, friends, and family. I still get questions, now and then, about who was the nicest person I've ever interviewed for my blog. My answer is still the person I interviewed first. I got so much positive feedback from interviewing Hayley Wickenheiser last year...that when the oppourtunity presented itself on April 3rd, 2011, to speak to her again...I jumped at the chance.














This past weekend, Hockey Canada brought in around 30 hopefuls to make the 2011 IIHF World's Women Championship. Hayley was one of the invitees. The camp was held at the Mastercard Centre, in south Etobicoke (Toronto).














On Sunday, I made my way down to hopefully gain a few autographs. When I arrived, Hayley and the rest of the Team Canada's hopefuls arrived afterwards. Hayley signed for everybody, who asked for her autograph.













It was at this point, I thought I would ask her again, if I could interview her for my autograph blog. After a few moments in the dressing room, Hayley came out to the stands surrounding the ice surface...to tape up a few hockey sticks. She walked into the seats, sat down, and began to tape up her sticks. I decided, it would be now or never!

I walked over to where she was sitting, and introduced myself; "Hi Hayley, my name is Chris...we met at a Canadian Tire signing you had last year...where you were kind enough to answer some questions about autographs and autographing, for my blog!". She said she remembered, but kept on taping. I continued, "I was hoping if you had a minute or two, that I could ask you a few more questions about autographs and autographing...I had alot of positive responses from that entry!". "Sure", she responded...and kept on taping.

Let's roll.











Autograph Questions With...Hayley Wickenheiser (2nd Edition)

How often per week do you get asked to sign an autograph?

HW; "I get asked everyday!"














What do you get asked to autograph the most?

HW; "Mostly, hockey cards and pictures."











Where is the weirdest place you've ever been recognized and asked for an autograph?

HW; *Gave this question some thought, before answering "I would have to say...on a beach!"














Can you remember the first item, you were ever asked to autograph?
HW; "Yes, my first hockey card."


















Do you have any autographed items, on your walls, at home?

HW; "Yes, I have autographs of Jann Arden, Mark Messier, and Bill Clinton!" *She didn't mention was items were autographed by the three celebrities, and I didn't ask.














And finally, Hayley, do you collect your own memorabilia?

HW; "No. I mean, I kept some things like 'key pucks and sticks', but that's it."











...And with that, I thanked her for time, shook her hand, and left her to continue taping her hockey sticks.

She was kind enough to sign to sign a puck & card (thanks for the card, Bill) for me this past weekend...and posed for a quick picture! Of note, she was super-kind enough to give an inscription on the Team Canada puck; 02, 06, 10 Gold...representing all 3 Olympic victories!














Hayley, even when appears to be busy, always has time for her fans. Something truly appreiciated here, and by my close friends. Not all celebrities are like that...making Hayley truly a Canadian icon!














Thanks for the read,
Chris

PS- "4 out of 5" is half way done. Watch for it, in the next 2 weeks.
PS deux- Comments are always welcomed! However, PLEASE leave a name/handle! If you just say..."nice"...I have no clue in who you are! :)

The Weekend At Wegz (Day 1)

There's a super-bar in Woodbridge, Ontario called Wegz Stadium Bar. It's a massive sports bar on Rutherford Rd, that boasts over 100 HD tv's, a sportsbook, and seating for over a thousand. This sportsbar, was the setting for an incredible weekend!










The Weekend At Wegz
Day 1

I was looking at my home page on Facebook, when I got a notice from the Buffalo Bills. The notice said that this Saturday and Sunday, at Wegz Stadium Bar, there will be a EA Sports Madden 11 challenge, featuring 2 NFL players in attendance! The two players were Detroit Lions quarterback, Matthew Stafford and Buffalo Bills wide receiver, Stevie Johnson!

This was great news! Two awesome football players in Ontario! The bad news was, I had about 36 hours to prepare for the first player to appear at Wegz, which was Matt Stafford.

...And finding NFL items, like official footballs, helmets, and official 8x10's are difficult to find in Canada, to say the least.

I decided to ask my best friend Chris, the best man at my wedding back in '06, if he wanted to go and check this event out...he said yes. I also asked my good friend, Richard (a decorated retired Canadian soldier), if he wanted to join us...a guy's night out! Richard agreed to come out, and help out with an autograph if possible. I also talked to my friend Ernie, if wanted to come out...as he's a huge NFL fan, too...however, he had a hockey game Saturday evening, and decided to pass.

However, Ernie did some looking around Kitchener-Waterloo for some Lions items to get signed, Saturday morning. I was doing the same...scouring Guelph and Cambridge, with Corinna. Corinna found a Lions autograph white football, which she picked up. Sadly, Ernie and I found nothing. Ernie and I decided that we would have to go the homemade 8x10 route, if we wanted additional autographs. By the way, did I mention that Ernie wanted me to pick him up an autograph, while he was on the ice?!

Not a problem. That's what friends are for.

Returning home, I hit the familiar websites searching for pics of Matt Stafford. I found two great shots. One of him playing the Buffalo Bills, and the other of him from his college days...when he was a Georgia Bulldog.


























Matthew Stafford began his football career, playing QB at Dallas' Highland Park High School. Even then, he was touted to be a NFL QB. After high school, he joined Georgia, as started as a true freshman. After 3 excellent years in the NCAA, where he won 3 Bowl games, and threw for 51 touchdowns & 7731 yards, he decided to pass on his senior season...and enter the 2009 NFL entry draft.

Already after the 2008 NFL Draft, several NFL analysts predicted Stafford would be the #1 pick in the 2009 draft if he chose to leave school early. He eventually did, and on April 24, 2009, agreed to record contract terms with the Detroit Lions to become the first overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, one day before the draft was held. The six-year contract reportedly contains $41.7 million in guaranteed money and carries a total value of up to $78 million.

In his first season in the NFL, playing for the Detroit Lions, Stafford started 10 games and threw for 13 touchdowns & 2267 yards. He rushed for 2 more TD's. Sadly he was picked 20 times as a rookie.

He 2nd season with the Lions, 2010, was a injuried riddled campaign. He appeared and started in only 3 games. He did manage to throw 6 touchdown and gain 535 yards. He also rushed for a touchdown. He managed to turn the interception problem around. He was only picked once, in year 2.

After selecting the photos, putting them on a flashdrive, it was off to Walmart to print them off. I decided to print one of the Bulldog pic, for myself and 4 of the Lion pic. One for myself, Chris, Richard, and Ernie. 5 in total got printed. After lunch with my wife, it was time to get ready to head out to Wegz.

I picked up Richard, and headed to Mississauga to pick up Chris. After picking up Chris, we headed to Rutherford Rd, in Woodbridge...where Wegz is located. We walked into Wegz, and were amazed.


















This place was huge! Screens were everywhere! Signed memorabilia were all over the walls! Gretzky, Jordan, Pele...just to name a few of the signed jerseys! The 'Bud Girls' were there, with a photobooth set up! And of course...EA Sports was set up, with about 20 screens of Madden 11 gaming! The screens were split evenly between Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles...for your gaming preference.










I'm an 360 man, myself! However, if anyone wants to buy me a PS3...I may just switch my alliance!

After getting a table, we (Richard, Chris, and I) decided to check out the Madden 11 Tournament, and how we enter to win prizes. After getting the details, which were...simply book a time with an opponent, on your system of choice, you were given a ticket for the draws. If you won your game, you were given another ticket for the draws. After about 15 minutes of gaming, we had alot of tickets!

Taking a break from playing as the Buffalo Bills...Bills to the end, baby!...we decided to sit down and have a cold one. During this time, we were invited up to have our picture taken with the two Bud Girls, in front of a green screen. I didn't want to...being married and all that...but the guys wanted to, so who was I to say no?!! (Smiles)













After taking a pic with the Bud Girls, we selected the background we wanted in the photo...a football stadium, we gathered our new pics and 'Bud Beads' the Bud Girls gave us! We then returned to our table to watch Chris' New Orleans Saints take on the underdog Seattle Seahawks...and to play some more Madden 11 games, when it was our turn.

Oh yeah...the signing!

During this time, we found out that Stafford was going to play Madden 11 with 5 lucky draw winners...then do a autograph signing afterwards. I have to admit...there was maybe 15 people there for autographs! I liked my chances of getting everything signed!

While we sat, and had a pop or two...my friend Ryan showed up, and joined us. Ryan had two photos for Stafford to sign. During this time, Wegz kept drawing tickets for prizes. The Prizes included Madden 11 for Xbox 360, Madden 11 for PS3, and a NFL prize bag which included a NFL duffel bag, NFL long-sleeve t-shirt, NFL logo hat, NFL logo jacket, and a NFL replica football. Needless to say...we wanted to win!

We kept playing our tournament games, earning tickets, and just kept having a great time! When we weren't playing, we were relaxing at our table with a cold one, watching the Seahawks somehow handling the defending Super Bowl Champions! Chris was not impressed with his Saints, at this point. At this point, Ryan's friend Wayne showed up and joined us. After introductions, I asked Wayne what he brought to get signed? He said that he had brought a jersey to get signed! I mentioned to him, that I was searching everywhere for a Stafford jersey to get signed...that's when he said that he had an extra one for sale with him, from his friend! After agreeing a price, the jersey was mine!

Yes! Now, I was up to a jersey, a football, and 5 photos to get signed! And looking at the minimal amount of people there for autographs...I was incredibly confident that everything would get signed! This was turning out to be a fantastic evening! Just after Wayne sold me the Matthew Stafford jersey, guess who walked in the front door...completely unnoticed?! Yup...Stafford walked in. I said to the boys, "Hey, there's Stafford right there!" pointing him out! He walked into the employees lounge, and disappeared for awhile.

We kept playing, gathering more tickets for the draws...hoping to get the chance to play Matthew Stafford in Madden 11! After watching more of the Saints & Seahawks game, the Wegz staff, with the Lions quarterback, began to announce the ticket numbers, for those to play Stafford in Madden 11 (on the Xbox 360 console). First number...not us.














Second number...

RICHARD!

Yes! Richard quickly left our table with his winning ticket, and I followed with my camera! Chris took over looking at my tickets. Third number...not us. Fourth number...not us.














Fifth and final number...

Not us.

At this point, it didn't really matter...because one of us won the main prize!

Richard went up to the organizers, and Stafford, to show his ticket. After verifying his ticket, Richard was in! He was to play Stafford second, and they told him that he some cool prizes too! Richard won a full-size replica Detroit Lions helmet signed by Matthew Stafford! He also won an official Wilson NFL Super Bowl XLV football! This rare football is worth $150, and is incredibly collectable!

We all walked down to the gaming area, where Stafford played his first opponent. Richard appeared to be just soaking it all in! Richard saw me in the small crowd, and came over and told me about his awesome prizes! I told him how lucky I thought he was. It was at this point, that Richard stunned me.

Richard leaned over the bar table, and said to me; "Whatever one of the two prizes you want Chris...it's yours!". I said "Are you serious?!". I believe he said, "I'm serious, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here anyways...whatever one you want, it's yours!"

I didn't need to be told again, at that point! I was stunned by his incredibly kindness and generosity! I knew immediately which prize I liked...the helmet! I already have two signed helmets at home, and I thought that the Lions helmet would look great with those helmets, in my basement!

"Richard, if you're sure...I'd like the helmet...that's what Corinna and I went looking for today!" I responded.

"It's yours" was all Richard said, smiling! I can't remember if I shook his hand, or told him that he was too kind, or if he was a great friend...it's kind of a blur!

Anyways, after Richard's kind gift...it was his time to play the 2009 first overall pick of the NFL, and starting quarterback of the Detroit Lions...Matthew Stafford. Richard and Stafford shook hands, and they chatted for abit, while the game loaded up. I was standing off to the side, taking photos of the pair. Richard told Stafford that he never played Madden football before! They continued to chat, when the game finally started. Richard at some point, mentioned that him and his friends had some things to get signed, and apparently Stafford said not a problem, that he'd be signing autographs after all 5 winners played him, in Madden 11.

By the way, Matthew Stafford took the Detroit Lions, in the video game...and played as himself!














Anyways, Stafford wasn't taking it easy on Richard...at all. I can't remember what the score was, maybe 10-0 with only abit of time left in the game, when Stafford dropped back into the shotgun, spotted Johnson down field...and let the ball fly. Well...Richard was telling the truth that he never played Madden 11 before, but on this play...he was like a pro!













Richard moved his cornerback, slightly in front of Stafford's reciever...and intercepted him! Wegz irrupted in cheers for Richard, as he turned that player around...and starting running! After the longest 80 yards that Stafford had to watch...Richard ran that interception back for a touchdown! The bar cheered for Richard! Stafford was laughing at his bad luck!














"Picked off by a rookie!", I hollered at Stafford!

It was a great moment, to witness! What a great night! Richard and Matthew Stafford shook hands, as Stafford did win the game! Richard came over to where I was, and I told him again, that I couldn't believe his incredible luck! We all went back to our table...where we finished watching the biggest upset in NFL history!

As former Buffalo Bill, Marshawn Lynch ran for the final touchdown of the game...Chris knew that his team was finally done for the year. I reminded him that at least his team has a Super Bowl win. And that's all I'm going to say about that.

After, the gaming was done...we lined up for autographs. I went up with my newly acquired jersey and 3 photos. Chris took my football and a couple photos too. Richard decided to stay at our table.

This is where the night changed.

A lady cut the line, and got in front of me. After seeing that she had 2 8x10 photos, and wanting to see if she'd get them both signed...I decided not to raise an issue. The line moved incredibly fast, as Stafford's handler moved the line along at a expedited rate...cutting off anyone chatting with Stafford or trying to get a photo with him! Rude, I thought as there was about 8 people in front of me...and maybe 5 behind me!

The lady went up, and got both photos signed. Yes! I thought...he's signing everything! I turned to Chris, and said that he's signing everything! Chris said great! When I turned back...it was my turn with the quarterback.

I placed my jersey in front of Stafford, with the 8x10's underneath the jersey. I told him that I was Richard's friend, as I handed him a blue Sharpie...instead of the black he was using. As he signed it, I told him that his win in the Sugar Bowl was awesome! He smiled, and said thanks alot! I lifted up the beautifully signed jersey, and pushed up the pics to get signed. Stafford went to sign them, when it went bad. This handler, if that's the proper term, said 'Just one buddy'. Stafford looked at me, and handed back the Sharpie.

I was shocked.














Chris was up next, and got the football signed nicely too. And then was cut-off also, when he tried to get an 8x10 signed...by this handler.














Then it was Ryan's turn...as I handed him back his blue Sharpie, and guess what? Yup...only 1 item signed!

Then, I decided on the fly, to hop back in line...I wasn't going to go home with 5 unsigned photos! And instantly security stopped me, saying the autograph signing was over! What the hell?!


















Chris, Ryan, and I walked back over our table. I told Richard what just happened, and he jumped up and grabbed a photo to get signed. Chris and Ryan followed, both armed with a photo each, to get signed by the 2009 first overall NFL pick. I stayed at the table, to watch over the autographed items. As Stafford, who was swarmed by security and that idiot handler, made his way back towards the lounge, Richard leaned against a wall...that Stafford had to pass. Chris got close, beside Richard. As Stafford passed Richard, Richard spoke up "Hey, Matt can I get that autograph now?". Stafford instantly stopped the mob, and signed the Georgia Bulldog 8x10 for Richard. I saw that the handler was visibly angry! When Stafford finished, Chris handed Stafford his 8x10 to get signed, asking Stafford to autogrpah it...the handler cut it off, saying no more autographs...moving the mob along again. Ryan was shutout too.

When the three of them returned, Richard handed me the autographed picture. For an autograph that was signed in a mob of security...it was signed very nice! I turned to Chris, who was visibly disappointed...and gave him the signed Matthew Stafford Georgia Bulldog 8x10 photo. No one goes home empty handed, I said. Chris thanked me. The four of sat around for the next 10 minutes, complaining about the handler...and saying that Stafford wanted to sign for us. Regardless, I was happy with stuff I got done. And I was thankful for everyone's help with my hobby.

As Stafford left, we tried again...with no luck...guess why?

Afterwards, we returned to our tables, and had a pop. We watched somemore football, as the Chiefs and Ravens played. Then Wegz began to pull more tickets for the NFL prize packs! This instantly got us excited! And we decided that if any of us won...we'd split up the bag and stuff inside between us all!

Sadly...none of our tickets won a prize again that night. However, it was one hell of a night out with the boys!

Richard was given his prizes from the Wegz staff, and promptly told me the helmet was mine! He posed for some pictures with his haul, which Wegz quickly posted on Facebook...along with gaming photos of him with Stafford!





























As we finally left, One of the guys asked me, if I was coming back tomorrow to meet Buffalo Bills Wide Reciever, Stevie Johnson. Naw, I said...I don't think so, I responded.
















I thought to myself, there is no way...tomorrow could top the fantastic night, we just had!

Man...was I ever wrong.

After dropping off Chris and Richard, I got home and showed Corinna what the evening produced. She asked if I was going back the next day, and if I was...she wanted to go! Well, how can I say no, now?

Thanks for the read,
Chris

Watch for "The Weekend At Wegz (Day 2)" in the next few days!

What happens in Vegas...gets blogged?!!!

So, Corinna and I went to Las Vegas for a Christmas vacation. Being a huge autograph fan...I did some investigating before leaving Canada to see if any celebs were going to be signing during the time that we'd be in Sin City.

After some looking around online, I found out that Pete Rose signs autographs (basically) everyday in Vegas! He has a deal with the superstore "Field of Dreams", in the shops of Caesar's Palace. After talking with Corinna, about visiting the store, we decided that it could be an interesting autograph to obtain.

What happens in Vegas...gets blogged?!!!

For those of you who don't know who Pete Rose is...I'm just to say this; He is the ultimate baseball hero to some, and the ultimate baseball villain to others. He is controversial, to say the least. He's a 3 time World Series champ, 17 time All-Star selection, 1963 NL Rookie of the Year, 1975 World Series MVP, 2 time Gold Glove winner, and a Silver Slugger award winner.














His greatest achievement is arguably the greatest record in all of baseball...

Pete Rose has 4256 career hits! 2nd place belongs to (who I feel is the greatest ball player of all time) Ty Cobb, with 4191 hits.

Rose actually owns 2 more MLB records. 3,562 career games played and 14,053 career at-bats.

He's arguably one of the greatest of all time.















Now...the villain part.

In August 1989, three years after he retired as an active player, Rose agreed to permanent ineligibility from baseball amidst accusations that he gambled on baseball games while playing for and managing the Reds, including claims that he bet on his own team. In 2004, after years of public denial, he admitted to betting on baseball and on, but not against, the Reds.

After Rose's ban was instated, the Baseball Hall of Fame formally voted to ban those on the "permanently ineligible" list from induction. Previously, those who were banned had been excluded by informal agreement among voters. The issue of Rose's possible reinstatement and election to the Hall of Fame remains a contentious one throughout baseball.

So, I decided that I wouldn't get Rose on my HOF autograph baseball, and just get him on a normal MLB baseball...hopefully on the sweetspot, with an inscription.

After flying out of Detroit, transferring in Dallas, we arrived in Las Vegas. 2 days later...we visited Caesar's Palace, and Field of Dreams!


















Here's my encounter with "Charlie Hustle"!



Pretty cool, eh?!

I asked him to inscribe "I enjoyed Montreal baseball", but he seemed hesitant to put that. I told him that I was Canadian, and then he mentioned that he got his 4000th hit as an Montreal Expo, on opening day. I instantly said sure, as I wanted a little bit of "Canadiana" as an inscription!














I'm incredibly pleased with my newest autographed baseball!

Thanks for your time!
C

PS; After leaving Caesar's Palace, we went back to New York, New York...our hotel in Las Vegas. Corinna and I, went to the Sports Bar to watch Monday Night Football and have dinner...in hopes of watching the Falcons win, so I could win my little parlay! While there, I spotted NHL All-Star Sheldon Souray! As he was leaving, I asked him for a quick photo...which he was happy to do!


















Star spotting...not bad, eh?!

By the way...the Falcons lost.

From Management...

Have a wonderful Christmas, Happy New year, and a very safe holiday season...from your favourite blogger!

;)

Take care...stay tuned!

Chris!