Can't Miss Prospects; Tyler Seguin

If you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll know that I often try to get autographs from up and coming hockey players. I've done pretty well collecting autographs from prospects, before they make the NHL. Some past successes include Ryan Callahan (NYR), Jeff Carter (PHI), Mike Richards (PHI), Jonas Gustavsson (TOR), John Tavares (NYI), and Sidney Crosby (PIT)...just to name a few.

I'm hoping this will become, somewhat of, a series in my blog...from time to time.

The first in this series is focusing on, who is slated to the 1st overall pick in the 2010 NHL entry draft, the OHL's Plymouth Whalers' forward...Tyler Seguin.

Can't Miss Prospects; Tyler Seguin















I picked up the local Guelph newspaper, the Guelph Tribune, and noticed the advertisement across the bottom of the front page. The ad belonged to the Guelph Storm, this city's OHL team, and it was displaying the upcoming 2 games. One of the 2 games was for Wednesday, February 10, 2010. The Storm opponents were going to be the Plymouth Whalers, on a discounted ticket night. The ad also spoke about one the players in the game. "Come out and see Tyler Seguin, projected top draft pick in the 2010 NHL draft!".

I wasn't sure that I could make the game, but I did want to try to meet Seguin, and ask for an autograph.

I checked a few websites, to see if there was any pictures worth printing of Seguin...to possibly get signed.

In checking for pictures, I got to find out about Seguin's career (to this point!).

The kid is good.

In his rookie OHL campaign (last season), Seguin had 21 goals in 61 games, but added 46 assists for 67 points in those 61 games. He did that as a 16 year old, who turned 17 halfway during the season in January. Great numbers. When the playoffs started, Plymouth was a favourite, based on the 17 year old's abilities. Tyler Seguin went on to play in 11 games in the OHL playoffs, and scored 16 points! 5 of which, were goals. That was an incredible pace, for a first year player.













This is his sophomore season, and it's turning out to be incredible for Seguin.

In only 51 games played so far, 10 less than his total last season, Seguin has incredible 86 points! 37 goales scored, 49 assists added, which all equals first overall in OHL scoring leaders!














Simply outstanding.

The hockey world is noticing.

The OHL invited Seguin to this season's All-star game. He also played for the OHL All-Stars at the Canada-Russia Subway Super Series game, that was in Windsor. He attended Canada's World Junior selection camp in Regina for the World Junior Championships. And finally, he captained Team Orr at the 2010 Home Hardware CHL-NHL Top Prospects Game on January 19-20 in Windsor.














With all these invitations, Central Scouting, the organization that determines the rankings of the best junior players in the world, placed Tyler Seguin number one in their ranking on November 17, 2009.

This means, Seguin could go first overall in the 2010 NHL entry draft.

While searching for a picture, to possibly to get signed, I came across a cool image of Seguin.

It's an image of Seguin in the (above mentioned) Canada-Russia Subway Super Series game. He's just finished taking a faceoff against Russia's Sergey Chvanov. I thought it was a great picture, worth printing, and getting signed.















When Tuesday came around, the day before gameday, I spoke to my wife, Corinna, about wanting to go get an autograph before the game. Since we had plans for the evening, we couldn't make the game itself, but if the team bus was to arrive around 5pm for the 7pm start...we could show up for a quick autograph.

With our plans agreed upon, we went to Walmart to print the picture into an 8x10. It came out quite well, and I prepared for the meeting the next day. Got the camera ready, checked my Sharpies, and packed it all up in my bag.

When gameday arrived, I figured the bus would arrive between 5 and 5:30pm, at Guelph's Sleeman Centre. I waited for Corinna to come home from work, and when she did, we left for the Sleeman Centre scheduled to arrive around 4:45 pm. I decided to find parking in front of the arena on Woolwich street, and wait near the players dressing rooms entrance...where I've scored hundreds of autographs, and consider this location the best place in the world for junior hockey autograph collectiong!

But when we got in viewing distance of the Sleeman Centre, panic struck!

The team bus was backing into it's parking spot! The Plymouth Whalers were here...and we weren't even parked yet!

And of course...there was no parking spot on the street to be seen! Hello stress.














After pulling a U-turn, we got a quick spot...slightly illegal maybe?, and jogged inside the Sleeman Centre. When we arrived at the bus portal doors, the team was just unloading their equipement off the bus.

We made it...just in time.

The Whalers began to enter into the lobby, walking past us, into the dressing room area carrying their hockey bags. It seemed all the players entered in, and there was no Tyler Seguin. The coaching staff walked in, and Corinna started to get a littled worried.

"Did he walk by, and you not notice him?" She asked. "I don't think so, unless he got off the bus, and ran in first...before we got to the doors" I answered.

Corinna was checking our camera, when the bus portal doors, opened one more time.

Tyler Seguin, carrying his hockey bag, walked into the Sleeman Centre's lobby.

I sprung into action immediately.

I opened my binder, exposing the Seguin 8x10, and then popped open my blue Sharpie.

"Hi Tyler, can I get your autograph please?" I asked the number NHL prospect in the world.

He looked shocked!

I guess he wasn't expecting to be asked for an autograph before game time. Or maybe he was surprised that I asked him, while he was carrying his game-gear. Regardless, he answered me positively.

"Yeah, sure man" is what he answered very quietly.

He adjusted his hockey bag over his shoulder, instead of putting it down, and then took my blue Sharpie. He looked at my photo, and checked it out for a good couple seconds...kind of making me wonder if he's ever seen this image before. He went to sign it on the lower area of the 8x10, but moved his hand to the top left corner, and signed exactly where I was hoping he would.

My awesome wife, Corinna, took a great picture of Seguin signing for me.














He put a very cool looking autograph across my 8x10, adding his traditional number 9...instead of the number 12 he was wearing in the photo, which was fine. I was very pleased that he just stopped to sign for me!

I asked Seguin if I could get a picture with him, and he said sure, so we posed for a photo, while Corinna took it. Sadly, our camera ran out of memory for this posed picture...so I never got a posed picture, this time.

After our camera malfunction, I turned to the OHL All-star, and thanked him for his time and wished him luck on the remainder of the season. He quietly said thanks, smiled, and disapeared into the dressing room area.

He was great to approach, ask, and deal with.















All said and done, we spend about 5 minutes...including parking.

Walking back to the Highlander, I looked at Corinna, and said "I love when a plan works out nicely!".

She laughed!

Thanks for checking out this posting, hope your enjoyed it...and will keep an eye for Tyler Seguin in the NHL!

Chris

2 Nascar Champions in 2 Weekends! Part 2 of 2

Hope you enjoyed the first part of this story, about meeting the 1989 Winston Cup Champion, Rusty Wallace. Let's finish up the Nascar story, with the telling of part 2.

2 Nascar Champions in 2 Weekends! Part 2 of 2; Matt Kenseth

In 2000, a Nascar rookie was on the scene that won the famous Coca-Cola 600 race. The Coke 600 is the longest race on the Nascar schedule, at 600 miles in race length. So, when a rookie won the race...he turned a few heads. In fact, that race was the only Coke 600, to be won by a rookie.













That rookie went on to win Nascar's 'Rookie of the Year' honours, finishing 14th in Cup points. That year, his rookie year, Matt Kenseth participating in 34 races and became a serious threat to win every race afterwards, for Rousch Racing.

Only three years later, Kenseth was on top of the Nascar world.

In 2003, the DeWalt Power Tools sponsored driver won only 1 race...Las Vegas. However, his fantastic performances in other races; 11 top fives and a series-high 25 top-10 finishes, caused Matt Kenseth to remain 1st for 33 consecutive weeks in overall points, and setting a new modern-era record for most weeks at No. 1. The previous mark was 30 weeks, set by the late Dale Earnhardt during his first title season of 1980.

Matt Kenseth won the 2003 Nascar-Winston Cup Championship. It was DeWalt/Roush Racing first Champion also. For his efforts that year, he won $9.4 million in race winnings.

In 2009, Kenseth finally won the 'big race'. February 16, 2009 was the date of the "Great American Race", and Kenseth was hoping for a good day. Kenseth, who went winless in 2008, participated in his 10th Daytona 500. The Daytona 500, which is the most popular race on the Nascar schedule, is the most desirable win for all drivers. On lap 146, Matt Kenseth took the lead from Elliott Sadler, and didn't look back. On lap 152, the cars came into pit road under the red flag; Kenseth remained in his car while other drivers stayed in theirs and others exited their cars, during the rain. At 6:49p.m. EST, sixteen minutes after the start of the red flag, NASCAR officials decided to call the race declaring Kenseth the winner.

"It's going to be really wet out here because I'm crying like a baby," said Kenseth moments after the race was declared. "I tell you what, after last year, winning a race means a lot to me," Kenseth later said!












With that said, when a Champion like Kenseth comes to my area for an autograph appearance...I take notice.

...And that's what happened.

While I getting things ready for the Wallace signing, I found out that Matt Kenseth was going to be appearing at the Canadian Motorsports Expo, situated at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.

I went to the CME last year, to meet my all-time favourite driver...Canadian legend; Jacques Villeneuve. I felt it was a nicely ran event, and I enjoyed meeting JV at the CME. I got an 16x20 signed by Canada's greatest driver, that day. It's one of my absolute favourite autographs.

So, after my good experience at the CME last year, I decided to go back again this year to meet Matt Kenseth, and check out what the Expo had to offer.

Normally, I talk about the 'big hunt' to find something to get signed, around this point...but I already was set in the department! A few years ago, when 2-time Daytona 500 winner; Michael Waltrip came to a local NAPA store, Corinna got a diecast and more importantly...a panoramic print of the Daytona International Speedway signed by Waltrip. We picked up the print at the Nascar store in Woodbridge, Ontario...and thought it would nice to collect a few Daytona winners on it. Little did we know, how difficult this project would be.

Like I mentioned, in part 1, Nascar drivers don't really come to Canada often...especially former Daytona 500 winners! So, when Kenseth announced that he was coming to the CME...I knew excatly what I getting signed!

However, I did want a diecast signed also...for my small collection of signed cars. I found a seller in Brampton, Ontario on craigslist.ca, thanks to a Spawn.com board member who pointed me in the right direction. This was a special diecast...it was the 2003 Championship edition of Kenseth. After agreeing on a price, the deal was done.

The CME was scheduled to happen the weekend after the racing event in London, which worked out nicely for me. 2 champs, in 2 weekends. (Title drop!)

After picking up the Kenseth diecast the night before, the Saturday arrived. I decided to bring my son, Joshua, along to see the Expo. He enjoyed meeting Doug Gilmour (see 'Killer' entry, for that story), and seems to be enjoying autographing. I told him that often Nascar drivers show up to signing with their own photos, called 'Hero Cards', and sign them for fans...for free. He got excited at the prospect of a free signed picture.

After driving to the International Centre, which is across from Toronto's Pearson airport, we got a good parking spot...which could be a problem sometimes. Once we bought our tickets for the Canadian Motorsports Expo, we entered the show around 12:30pm. The signing was scheduled to begin at 2:30pm, but the CME greeter told us that people had already started lining up for Kenseth's signing. Two hours early?! I kind of dismissed it, as Josh and I walked in and started looking at all the cool race cars on display.














We saw Porsches, Audis, Outlaws, Dirt track races, classic races, go-karts, and a 2010 Corvette ZR1. Paul Tracy's Player's Indy car was also on display.














But the highlight of the CME's cars were the two Nascar show-cars on display.

CME had superstar drivers, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr's show-cars on display. Gordon's Dupont 24 and Dale Jr's Amp Energy 88 were really popular, as alot of people were getting photos with the stock cars. Hendrick racing had brought the cars to the CME, and were also handed out (unsigned) 'Hero Cards' of Gordon and Dale Jr to those who visited the show-cars.














Josh and I spent some time looking at these cars, and took some pictures with them. Josh also collected the pictures that were handed out, by Hendrick Racing.















After looking at some other displays, we made our way to the back of the CME, where the Q&A/autograph pavillion was located. We immediately saw the line-up. It was pretty early to line up for Kenseth's autograph, but judging by the amount of people still walking around in Kenseth/DeWalt gear, I decided to bite the bullet...and get in line.

It turned out to be a good move.

We were about 50th in line, and in the span in 15 minutes...another 100 people lined up. After 30 minutes, he entire line had about 400 people. At that point, we were still an hour away from the beginning of the Kenseth appearance. People in line were told how the signing was to happen. The first 100 people or so, were going to be brought into the Q&A area, where they could sit down and watch Kenseth's interview. Afterwards, we would then be first to get Kenseth's autograph, going to the stage area...row by row.

I was relieved to hear, that we were going to sit down for abit! After that bit of good news, the Michelin man walked by. I got Josh to pose for a picture...even though he didn't want to!














Just before the line was to move into the Q&A area, I decided to check out the length of the line. When I stood at the front of the line, I couldn't see the back! Walking along the line, I was stunned to see how people were here. There must of been 1000 people waiting for their chance to meet the Daytona 500 winner!














Finally, our time came to move into the seated area. Once we were sitted, in the 4th row, Josh and I got our stuff ready. Josh wanted to get the special diecast signed, leaving me with the Daytona print to get autographed. I then noticed that the emcee of the CME, lifted a box onto the signing table, and started pulling out hundreds of 'Hero Cards'. I pointed this out to Josh, and he got pretty excited at the chance of getting a free signed picture for his own collection. I was kind of excited too...I enjoy getting free autographed pictures!

After sitting for about 10 minutes, Matt Kenseth was introduced. He got a nice round of applause from those in attendance! He was intereviewed for a few mintues, which he discussed becoming a team owner, and what it was like having his son drive for him. He also talked about racing his son, and being very thankful to beat him! He ended the interview by talking about his first time in 10 years being with a different sponsor. His longtime sponsor, DeWalt Power Tools, are leaving Nascar, and Crown Royal is stepping up as Kenseth's new sponsor. He also added, that he was getting a new crew, which he was excited about. I wish him luck...in purple, instead of black and yellow!














Soon after, the signing began.

The emcee spoke that since there was an incredible amount of people, there would be only one autograph per person (If I've only had a dollar for everytime I've heard that statement), and that no posed pictures will happen...so everyone could get an autograph. Fine by me.

Josh was concerned at this point, for getting a free 'Hero Card'. I told him, that those were giveaways, and all he had to do was ask nicely for one. He smiled at the prospect, again.

After the first three rows went up, it was showtime for Joshua and I. Josh had the diecast carefully in his hands, and I had the print unrolled, as we climbed the stage to meet the new Crown Royal driver.


















Josh handed the diecast to Kenseth's helper, and asked for a picture...as the stack of 'Hero Cards' were in front of him. The helper said sure, and put a picture with the diecast, in front of Matt Kenseth. Kenseth noticed my 11 year old son, and asked how he was doing?














For the second time, in as many signings, Josh was star-struck! Josh didn't (or perhaps couldn't) respond, as Matt Kenseth picked up a silver Sharpie and beautifully autographed the number 17 DeWalt diecast.






















Quickly, Kenseth switched Sharpies, picking up a black one, and signed the 'Hero Card' for Josh. I hope Josh said thank you, but I'm not sure...it was my turn.



























Kenseth's helper wanted to take my Daytona 500 print from me, but I wasn't having that! The print, itself, is a large photo that has to be unrolled properly...and I had the spot that I wanted Kenseth to sign rolled open. I didn't want to hand it off, losing the spot...right beside Michael Waltrip's autograph. She, the helper, decided not to rock the boat, as I placed the print directly in front of Kenseth. Since, he already had the black Sharpie in his hand, he went directly beside Waltrip's autograph, and signed a beauty for me!














I congratulated him on the Daytona win, and asked for a 'Hero Card'. "Thanks alot, sure!" he replied. He signed the picture for me, as I wished him well for the upcoming Nascar season. We shook hands, then I collected my things and my son. He said "Thanks" again, as Josh and I departed the stage area. He was really cool to meet and greet.









Josh and I stopped at a table set off to the side of the stage, and properly put away our autographed items. As I rolled up the print, and Josh put the diecast in it's box, I asked Josh, if he heard the Nascar champion ask him how he doing. Josh slowly looked at me stunned..."He asked me something, Dad?!".

That's my boy.

This concludes this two-parter, hope you enjoyed it!














See you soon,
Chris

2 Nascar Champions in 2 Weekends! Part 1 of 2

Welcome back!

Time for a shift in the traditional sports that I've been blogging about lately, time for Nascar!

2 Nascar Champions in 2 Weekends! Part 1 of 2; Rusty Wallace












One day, while playing Mafia Wars on Facebook, I noticed an advertisement on the side of the screen saying something about meeting Rusty Wallace in London, Ontario.

I clicked on the ad, after finishing up on FB, and it took me to a website for the "CPT Racing Experience". After checking it out, I realized that it was basically a racing expo for South-western Ontario. Many tracks, drivers, speed products, and sponsors were scheduled to be on display over the weekend. The highlight of the weekend was that 2 Nascar drivers were going to be at the Western Fair Agriplex for a Q&A and autograph session. The drivers scheduled to appear were Ken Schrader and the 1989 Nascar Champion Rusty Wallace. Schrader was to appear on Sunday, with Rusty on Saturday.

I've met other Nascar drivers before, and enjoyed getting Diecast cars autographed. There is quite a large autograph movement that collect autographed 1:24 Nascar cars. And from what I understand, drivers have no problem signing their 1:24 scaled cars; this is because they make good money from each car sold! Not only that, but in comparison to the 'big 4' sports (NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB) Nascar drivers are some of the nicest celebrities going, and seem always to have time for their fans.


















On any given weekend across North America, I can guarantee that there is a Nascar driver(s) autograph signing going on...for free. Nascar and their drivers, always give back to their fans.

Living in Ontario, I don't always have access to these signings. But, when drivers are in travelling distance...I usually try to make an effort to go. My wife, Corinna and I, have collected a few drivers lately including, two-time Daytona 500 winner; Michael Waltrip, former rookie of the year; Kasey Kahne, and Nascar race-winner; David Reutimann. All of which, were very friendly and great signers!

I spoke to Corinna about the London event, and the wanting to meet Rusty Wallace on the Saturday. She said that it was great coincidence that we had a very important (and personal) appointment on that very Saturday, in London! Our appt was for 11:30am, and the Wallace signing was scheduled to start at 12:30pm. It didn't seem to be a problem. For days, I searched for an Wallace diecast car, and couldn't find one.

Finally, after searching Kijiji.ca, I found someone who was selling a few Nascar diecasts. So, I sent him a message, asking if he had a Rusty Wallace and if it was still available, and he got got back to quickly that he did have one left. So, I went to Kitchener to meet him, and to buy the car.



























After picking up the 2005 Retro version MGD car of Rusty Wallace, Corinna and I made plans for the Saturday.












I had to work Saturday morning, then travel to London for our important personal appointment, and then go to the Race-car show. When the Saturday came around, Corinna dropped me off at work. When the time came for me to leave, I ran out of work with a couple of coffees, and met her outside!

We drove to London (enjoying our coffees), from Cambridge (where I work), and traffic was surprisingly light...and we made our appointment on time. Afterwards, we left for the Fairgrounds, where the show was taking place.

We arrived at the Western Fairground of London, 10 minutes later, and the parking lot was jammed full! We had to park a good 5 minute walk away! Once we paid and got inside of the Race-car show; we saw alot of cool stuff.

There were potential sponsors, race tracks, amateur drivers, vendors, and other racing stuff all on display. Lucas Oil had a large display, talking about their product, and the drivers and races they sponsors. Delaware Race Track, from Ontario, had a display showing the races they coming up for the season. Even Mighigan Speedway, came up to promote the Nascar races they had for this new year. There were many new and old race cars on display. Some were former Nascar cars, funny cars, outlaws, and exotics. I'm not much of a car guy, but some of them really cool to see!

At the end of the hall, was the stage and autograph area. Corinna and I went and got in for Rusty Wallace's autograph, and we were about 40th in line. He still has alot of loyal fans, as there were a large amount of people wearing Rusty's clothing. There were Miller Lite jackets, MGD jackets, hats, and Rusty t-shirts. People had photos, cut-outs, die-cats, and even car parts! Everybody around, seemed to have purchased something with Rusty Wallace's name on it!

We stood in line, and waited for Rusty to arrive and the Q&A period to begin. After waiting for abit, Rusty Wallace came out and took to the stage, to a thunderous ovation!

Many questions were standard Q&A type questions..."Where is your favourite track?", "What was your favourite win?", and "Who do you like this year?". One question was; "What advice do you have to new, young drivers trying to make it?". I thought he'd say something like "Try your hardest, or never give up" or some standard type of answer. But I was wrong.














He replied; "Always smile, always talk to every single person in the room, always have time for fans. You never know who you're dealing with...could be a potential sponsor. And those people who are quiet, never get a second chance...so always speak up, and to everyone".


















I thought that this was excellent advice. He didn't bother to talk about racing itself...just what it takes to get to race professionally. I really respected his answer.

At this point, Rusty cut off the Q&A himself, and said he wanted to meet all these nice people, and start signing some autographs! He said this, with his southern accent, that made everyone smile.

He exited the stage, to his left, where a table was set up for the signing, and started meeting people right away!


















He was very friendly, smiling, and chatted with people, while he signed. I have to admit, some of those Nascar jackets that people were getting signed, looked incredible with his awesome signature on it! Both Corinna and I were a little jealous of these people and there signed items!

When it finally our turn, Corinna stood off to side to take pictures (for this blog!) of my chance to meet Rusty Wallace. When I approached him, I took out my diecast car, and said; "Hello Rusty, how are you?". "I'm good, how are you?" the former Winston Cup Champion replied. "Great! When you sign these do you prefer to sign the windshield or the hood?" I asked, handed him my car. He looked at it for a second, just checking it out, then looked at me, and said; "I like to sign the windshield". He picked up his silver Sharpie, and did just that.














Rusty Wallace signed my diecast across the windshield, and added his famous number 2 to his autograph. I thanked him for his autograph, and shook his hand. "You're welcome!" Rusty said, shaking my hand. Cool thing was, he seemed incredibly genuine.
















I walked towards Corinna, smiling, and showed her the signed car which she thought was awesome. We checked the car out, for a few more seconds, then she showed me the photographs she took. All good stuff. She's quite the shutterbug!
























We left after checking out the rest of the event, and headed back to Guelph.

It was a good day.

Chris

PS- Hope you enjoyed my first blog on a Nascar driver. I will blog the second part of this entry very soon. Want a hint on who the Nascar driver is? Okay...think DeWalt.

Killer

I've posted about a few great athletes lately in my blog...(most recently) Terrell Owens, Lee Evans, and Ilya Kovalchuk. But this blog edition, will focus on a true Toronto Maple Leaf icon; The Killer...Doug Gilmour.

Killer

Normally, I talk about my subject's acomplishments...but in this case, I won't. Most people who read my blog are based in Ontario, are Leafs fans, and know something about hockey. In the case of Doug Gilmour, if you don't know who he is...or how he capitivated an entire city in the 90's...stop right now and google him!

In a previous blog entry, I wrote about how easy it was to recieve autographs in Guelph's Sleeman Centre. The one drawback about getting autographs there, is that most autographs are from OHL players...not NHL'ers or other hockey superstars.

Most OHL coaches are former NHL players, but rarely are former star players.

Last season, the Kingston Frontenacs changed all that. Desperate for major change, Kingston hired one of there most famous sons as new head coach of the franchise...Doug Gilmour.













Gilmour, who retired in 2003, was an assistant coach for the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, took the head coaching job of the Frontenacs, on November 17, 2008.

He has quietly turned the struggling team around. As I write this, the Fronts are currently sitting third in their division, 1 game below .500, and are in a playoff position. Not bad considering that in his 1st season with the team, they won only 13 games. In his 2nd season, they've already reached 17 wins!

The last time I met Killer, was back in 2005, when he did a small autograph signing at a hockey store opening. About 15 people showed up, to the non-publicized event. I had a team photo signed by him, and an 8x10 that I had personalized to my friend (and eventual best-man at my wedding) Chris...as a birthday present. Gilmour was really cool about signing the birthday gift for Chris, I was abit nervous about asking him personalize the photo for someone birthday. He inscribed it; "To Chris, Happy Birthday, Doug Gimour #93". I was pleased with it, and Chris was incredibly happy with it! Chris still has the photo today, framed and hung above his computer. I'm not really sure if I could ever top that Birthday gift!

At that signing, I had a picture taken with Gilmour and hoped to get it signed one day.














When Gilmour became the coach of the Fronts, I knew that I would have a chance to get it signed. Kingston has to play Guelph, in Guelph, once a season. I just had to hope for the game to be played when I wasn't working.

When the 2009/10 OHL scheduled was announced this summer, I immediately checked for the Kingston in Guelph game. December 13th was the scheduled game...a Sunday. I mentioned it to Corinna, who had little interest. "If we're not going to the game...I'm not going autographing!" is what she said, as the date approached. I really didn't want to go to the game, as the Bills were playing the Chiefs...and I love the Bills. But my son, overheard the conversation, and spoke about it afterwards.

"Hey Dad, did Doug Gilmour ever play for Team Canada?" Josh asked. "Yes, he has...a few times, in fact he helped coach Team Canada at the Spengler Cup recently" I answered. "Could I go with you to get his autograph, I have a Team Canada puck he could sign?" he asked. Could I say no?!

The morning of the game(s), Josh and I got ready for the signing. I recently picked up Gilmour's McFarlane figure to get signed, along with the photo of us to get signed. Josh had his puck, and brought along my camera to take photos of our encounter...for my blog!















With a blue and silver Sharpie, with headed to the Sleeman Centre to beat the team bus, so we could meet Gilmour before the game. We got there in decent time, and did beat the bus. Unfortunately, we weren't the only ones with the idea.

There was a group, possibly a family, of about 5 people waiting for Killer too. They had jerseys and photos that I could see. This didn't bother me, as I know Gilmour is a good signer and would probably sign everything everybody had...as long as there wasn't alot of people.

At this point, I had a small talk with my son. I told Josh, that I wanted him to take pictures of Gilmour signing my photo and his puck, so that I could use them for my blog. "No problem dad!" he smiled, proud to be in charge of taking pictures. I also told him, that after Gilmour signed for me, I would take the camera and take a picture of Josh getting his autograph and a posed picture with Douggy. He was good with this.

Josh was going to get the McFarlane signed for me, with the blue Sharpie. I was going to get the photo and puck autographed, with the silver Sharpie.

While waiting, we got to talking with two guys, who were waiting for Killer too. both were named Mark. The elder Mark, was there to get a couple of cards signed by Douggy, while the younger Mark, was hoping to get a jersey and hockey stick signed. We all chatted about Gilmour, the Guelph Storm, and how late the Kingston bus was getting! We all found out that the team stayed in Guelph that previous night, and was currently at a team lunch. That was abit relieving, as I worried about Gilmour already being inside the dressing room!

After chatting for a few minutes, the younger Mark asked if we could take his picture with Gilmour, and email it to him afterwards...not a problem was my reponse. We also chatted about other signings, and of course...this blog!

After waiting for a half hour, there was about 15 people waiting for Gilmour...when the team bus arrived. I told Josh that we would get him last...that way Josh to take photos of Gilmour signing for me, and then I could take a picture of Gilmour and Josh, and the picture for Mark.

Gilmour came in, saw the people waiting for him, and told everyone that he'll back out in a few minutes. He wanted to drop off his briefcase and coat. The entire team walked by, and nobody asked for an autograph...strange. We all wanted Killer's signature.

We he returned to the foyer area of the Sleeman Centre, everybody was lined up nicely. He signed for everybody there, I'm not sure if he signed every single item, but he did sign multiple things for people. He was signing incredibly fast, and tore the line in record time. When it was my turn, I handed the former captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs my silver Sharpie, and proudly displayed the photo of him and I, with the Team Canada puck sitting on top of it. While he signed the photo, I realized something...a flash didn't occur.














Gilmour then signed Josh's puck, without a flash again. I thanked him for his time, while Mark stepped in for his two items to get signed. When I turned to Josh, he was literally on my hip, with stars in his eyes!

Josh failed to take pictures of Gilmour signing for me, because he got star-struck!

It's all good!

















I quickly spoke to Josh, and he snapped out of it. I took the camera from him, placed my signed items on the floor, and told josh to ask Gilmour to sign for him. It's a good thing Josh spoke up...Gilmour was leaving.

When Douggy heard Josh's request, he bascially ran back to Josh...apologizing that he missed my son!


















He signed, with blue Sharpie, the McFarlane figure's base and agreed to a pose for a quick picture with Josh.


















After his posing with Josh, I got Mark (who was waiting patiently nearby) to stand with Gilmour, and have a picture with him. After I took their picture, Doug Gilmour was gone.















In about 3 minutes, he signed for everybody, took a few pictures, and had gone inside the Sleeman Centre to prepare his team for the game...and all his fans outside, were very happy and pleased!

After getting Mark's email address, Josh and I left to go home. On the way home, Josh and I had a little talk about getting 'star-struck'!














Later that afternoon, after the Buffalo Bills beat the Kansas City Chiefs 16-10, I checked the Guelph/Kingston game. Frontenacs beat the Storm 5-3.

Way to go Killer.


















PS- Thanks for reading! Happy New Year to all! If you enjoy reading my blog, please leave a message or consider following it by submitting your email. It'll send you a direct link everytime I post a new blog!

~C

T.O. in T.O.

Merry Christmas all!

This is just a quick posting to wish everyone the best of the holiday season!

Sorry about the delay with postings lately.

But I do, have a little something to share, to hold everyone over to next couple blogs!

My awesome wife took some time last week to travel to Toronto's Eaton Centre, to meet a true superstar...for me! (stupid work getting in the way!)

Corinna got the chance to meet 'n greet with football great Terrell Owens!














T.O. and my wife apparently chatted briefly about Twitter, while he signed our Dallas Cowboys jersey. (No, I didn't have a Bills one...the Cowboys one was on sale! Go Bills!)



















She said he was very nice, and friendly. Not like media makes him out be!














After she got home, I sent a brief message to T.O. about Corinna meeting him and thanking him for signing our jersey.

To my surprise, Terrell Owens responded!

terrellowens@cold_chris I remember her! She ws sweet! U're welcome

7:27 PM Dec 18th from UberTwitter in reply to cold_chris

What can I say?!

A special thanks to my super/fantastic/awesome wife, for this supergift!

Again...Merry Christmas all!

Chris

PS- I'm finishing up two entries, and WILL have them posted during the next week! I'm on vacation, with lots of free time now! ;)