Grapes

Welcome to a blog experiment.

I've always wondered how a video 'autograph success' would look here on my blog, and how it would be recieved?...by those who take the time to visit my site. Well, I've wondered enough and I've decided to try to take my blog to the next level. I'm proud to present the first ever CAA vlog!

Grapes

Normally, at this point I'd get right into describing the person, who's autograph I'm trying to recieve, what I'm getting signed, and how it went while getting the autograph...not this time.

To begin my experiment...push play.



Well, as you saw...that was quite the awesome package!

As you saw, this entry of CAA is about one of the most Canadians of all time...Don Cherry!

I really don't need to get into a description of Grapes...you probably know something about this great man.

Whether you agree or disagree with his opinions, you have to respect his love of Canada, and all Canadians...especially our brothers and sisters of the Armed Forces.

His love of hockey, and helping out kids who play hockey...is unmatched by anyone I know. He dedicates almost all his free time, to helping charities that encourage kids playing hockey!

Thanks again, Grapes...for your kindness!

Here are some photos of the successes;
















































Thanks for checking out my vlog experiment.

Please take the time to leave a message...let me know if you like this type of posting. I won't be posting videos everytime, however if the feedback I recieve is positive...I may post a video every now and then.

Take care,
Chris

PS- Please, vote in my poll...only a few days left!

PS deux- Again, I sent my items to Don Cherry, care of HNIC/CBC in Toronto. The turnaround time was less than 2 months!

Can't Miss Prospects; Peter Holland

Welcome to the second in the on-going series of 'up and coming' hockey players..."Can't Miss Prospects". I hope you enjoy it.

Can't Miss Prospects; Peter Holland

Last June, the highest ranked prospect of the OHL's Guelph Storm, was drafted 15th overall by the Anaheim Ducks, of the NHL.

The Guelph Storm, my favourite OHL team, continues to send first round picks to the NHL. Nine total Storm graduates were drafted in the NHL's first round; Drew Doughty, Ryan Parent, Dan Paille, Dustin Brown, Thomas McCollum, Manny Maholtra, Jeff O'Neill, and Todd Bertuzzi.

The ninth player, is the focus of this blog entry; Peter Holland.


















When I watched Holland get drafted, on TSN, I figured I'd pick up his autograph during the upcoming season, either at training camp or (if he got returned to Guelph) during the regular OHL season.

One thing led to another, and I forgot about the 15th overall pick, being in Guelph.

Until last week.

When I saw that the Storm had made the playoffs again, I figured it was now or never.

Tickets were reduced for the first round of the OHL, to just $10 dollars, and I figured it was a sign!

Once Corinna and I agreed on seeing the Storm take on the rival London Knights, on Sunday, I decided to take a look at Holland's season, and his career to date.

Peter Holland originally was choosen by the Guelph Storm, 11th overall in the 2007 OHL draft. In his rookie season with the team in 2007-08, Holland appeared in 62 games, earning 23 points which placed him tenth in team scoring. He was named the Wellington Motors/Guelph Storm Franchise's Rookie of the Year Award winner following the 2007/08 season.

It was his 2nd season in Guelph, when things took off for Holland. Holland would be given more playing time, and he improved his numbers greatly, as he scored 28 goals and added 39 assists for 67 points, which was the second highest on the Storm. He was selected to play for the Western Conference All-Stars in the OHL All-Star Classic, and had two assists. He also appeared in the 2009 CHL Top Prospects Game, playing for Team Orr. When the Storm went to the playoffs, he scored 4 goals in 4 games.

This solid season, made him popular amongst NHL scouts, and led to him being a first round prospect heading into the 2009 NHL draft in Montreal. Central Scouting and The hockey News had him ranked to go in the 19th position. Which meant, if all the NHL teams followed these prospect rankings, the New York Rangers would select Holland with their 1st pick, 19th overall.

But things, in the NHL, hardly go as scripted.

The Anaheim Ducks, needing a power forward centreman of the future, used their 1st round pick to select Holland in the 15th spot.











The Rangers eventually selected a U.S. high school player, Chris Kreider.

This past fall, Holland got to go to the Ducks' training camp, and played with the Ducks in the NHL pre-season. After playing in 2 of the NHL's pre-season games, he was returned to Guelph for the 2009-10 season.

He took the move well, and had a excellent season.

Although he only appeared in 59 games, he acheived 80 points. 30 goals and 50 assists, helped Holland finish 2nd in team scoring, and 15th overall in league scoring.
















Very impressive for a 19 year old, who could return to the Storm for one more year, next season.

If he returns to the OHL for the 2010/11 season, and not the NHL or AHL, I'm predicting him to finish in the top 3 of OHL scoring.

When gameday came, we bought our tickets online that morning. We left home with a Anaheim Ducks puck that I picked up from Frozen Pond early that week. We arrived for the Storm/Knights game at the Sleeman centre early, and had lunch at the arena's restaurant.














During the warm-up, we took our seats for game 2 of the best-of-7 game series. The Guelph Storm and London Knights rivalry is truly massive in Canadian junior hockey. Fans of each team, travel to one-another's city to cheer on their team...every rivalry game. This rivalry, in my opinion, is the biggest in the province. There is a hatred between fans, and even the players. It reminds me alot, of the Maple Leafs and Habs rivalry.














During the warm-up skate, players were chirping at eachother! The referees had to stand on the centre-line to keep the players apart. The puck wasn't even dropped yet!

The game eventually started with the Knights jumping out early. It was incredibly hard-hitting, chippy, and tough hockey. Fights broke out, a rarity in the playoffs...but these 2 teams, just plain don't like eachother!

After 60 minutes...the Knights won game two, 4-3, and took a 2-0 lead in the series.

Corinna and I made our way down to the players exit, to meet Peter Holland. Many Knights players entered the lobby area, to meet family and fans, before boarding their team bus. Storm players also began to come out to greet the public. There were 4 or 5 collectors waiting for hot-prospect Nazem Kadri. The Toronto Maple Leafs 1st round pick, came out and signed everything for all the people who were waiting for him. Kadri, who was the game's 1st star, posed for pictures with fans, and signed countless autographs. I was glad to see this future Leaf dedicate so much time to these collectors. If you've read my previous blog entries, you'll know that I've met Kadri twice before, and had him sign 2 photos (1 of those for charity) and a hockey puck. He was great to deal with, both times.

After awhile, we figured that Holland must've left threw a different exit, so we decided to leave. As we walked away from the players exit, I spotted Peter Holland with some family (I presume), in the arena's staircase area.

This rare time, I spotted the player before Corinna! I mention this, because she has 'eagle eyes' when it comes to spotting players at a distance!

I mentioned to Corinna, not so quietly; "There he is!", then she got our camera ready, to document this autograph encounter.

When I went to approach Holland, in his family circle, I was beaten to the punch...by another collector!

This guy had alot of photos of Holland. he had his kids with him, that seemed to want to get them signed. I backed off, so then Corinna and I watched their encounter.

Holland began to sign for them, when a lady in his circle...I presume his mom, asked the guy where he got the photos of Holland? She was curious where he found draft photos of Holland, that large, without the Photofile (a photography company) watermark. He seemed a little suprised, and finally offered up that he got them from the internet. She wanted the images he found, for herself, and gave the guy her email, so hopefully he would send those particular images of the Ducks prospect to her. Holland signed everything for him and his kids, which I figured was around 5 pictures...of the same image, just in different sizes.














When his mom (I think!), was giving the collector her email, Holland noticed Corinna and I, so I lifted up my puck...gesturing that I'd like his autograph also. He smiled and came over to sign my puck.

I handed the 30 goal scorer my silver Sharpie, and congratulated him on becoming a Duck. He replied; "Thanks, would you like me to add my number?", as he put the Sharpie to the Ducks puck. I was kind of surprised by this...but I quickly realized what he meant...he was asking if I wanted his Guelph Storm number, because he didn't have a permanent Anaheim Ducks number, yet. I answered, believe it or not, quickly; "Yes, but would you mind adding 'Go Ducks!' also?". "No problem" Holland said, as he signed his incredibly cool autograph! I mentioned to him that I was a Ducks fan...which is true, but only 2nd to the Leafs though. I've always like JS Giguere and Ryan Getzlaf...that's why.

Anyways.

After he signed his name through the middle of the puck, he inscribed 'Go Ducks!' across the top of the puck...making it that even more special, for my collection.

















I thanked him for his autograph and his time, and then offered my hand in a final thanks. He shooked my hand...rather strongly, and that was it.


















Smiling, I looked at the puck and was excited in the final product! I showed Corinna, who said that it was extremely cool! She understands how special, and pretty rare, inscribed additions with an autograph are.

As we walked away, headed for the parking, I realized how great Guelph is...for collecting autographs!

And how great my wife is...for her patience, for my hobby.

Keep an eye for Peter Holland in the future, he's going to be good one.

Thanks for your time,
C.

PS- Have you voted? Please check out the poll, near the top-right of the page, for one of the next blog entries!

Cujo in my backyard

Thanks to Rob Langille, for the head's up.

"Cujo in my backyard"

Some of you might be wondering, is he talking about 'Stephen King's killer St. Bernard'...in the backyard of his house?!

Nope.

I'm talking about this 'Cujo'; the three time NHL all-star and 2002 Olympic gold medal winning goaltender. Better known as Curtis Joseph.

In my backyard.

Let me begin properly.

I logged into Facebook, on February 28, and saw that I had a message waiting for me. I figured it was group message from some group that I'm a part of. I was wrong, it was a message from a friend of mine, Rob Langille. Rob sent a very simple message, titling it "Signing". This is what he said;

CUJO at the new CIBC by Walmart on March 6th.

Well, well, well.

After sending a message back to Rob, I began to consider this news.

One of most popular Toronto Maple Leafs of all time, was coming to Guelph for an autograph signing. And it was supposedly free.

I had exactly one week to plan this signing out, if I was going to attend.

But who are we kidding...If this signing was for real...I was going!

How often does any NHL'er (former or current) ever come to Guelph?! Not very often!

So, I decided to go to Kijiji.ca to try and find some interesting things to get signed. I was hoping to get a McFarlane figure or a bobblehead...something different from what I usually get signed. While I was looking for Cujo items on the internet, I told Corinna about Cujo possibly coming to Guelph.

A light went on.

She mentioned that her United Way commitee at her work, was considering asking me to get a jersey or something 'worth while' signed to donate to their charity auction to raise money for the United Way...since the highest auctioned item ever donated, was a Maple Leaf team signed jersey that I donated, 2 years ago!

How can I say no to helping the United Way?!

I told her that I'll try to find a Toronto Maple Leafs Curtis Joseph jersey, and if it's affordable...go to the commitee to purchase it, and I'll get it signed. Either at the CIBC event, if it's real, or the upcoming Frozen Pond paid signing. She agreed to take my idea to the UWC at her work.

I continued to search for Cujo stuff.

The next day, Corinna came home and said that the UWC had agreed to purchase the jersey, if I could get it signed...sounded good to me.

I quickly located a guy who was selling 2 Joseph jerseys, near my work in Woodstock. He agreed to the UWC price, and I picked up one for myself too.

I picked up a Toronto Maple Leafs Cujo jersey for the UWC, and a Detroit Red Wings Cujo jersey for myself.

And it was a steal of a deal!

Even Corinna patted me on the back for my work, on obtaining these 2 jerseys.












However, I wanted one more piece to get signed. I was thinking of a photo, but really wanted something different.

Again, I went back to Kijiji to find something.

While searching for a Cujo McFarlane figure, I came across something I haven't seen in 6 or 7 years.

I found a 2002/03 Upper Deck Mask Collection mini-mask of Curtis Joseph. The Cujo replica mini-mask was a give-away to collectors who purchase a box of 02/03 Mask Collection hockey cards. These hockey cards were geared towards goalies, featuring the best goaltenders of that season. The mini-masks that come with each box, were incredibly popular and became very valuable. Which eventually led to the masks becoming very difficult to find.

When I saw that somebody was selling their collection of these mini-masks, I quickly sent an email, asking if the Cujo mask was still available.

The seller got back, rather quickly...saying yes.

I agreed on a price, and we set a time for me to pick up the mask.

After picking up the mask, I was content with my things to meet Cujo with. A Red Wings jersey, Leafs mini-mask, and a Leaf jersey for charity...everything seemed good.


















Until I realized something.

The appearance at the CIBC, still wasn't confirmed!

When Saturday morning finally came...we had 2 sets of plans for the morning.

Plan 1; Go grocery shopping, get a oil change, and get some lunch.

Plan 2; Go to CIBC, meet and greet with Curtis Joseph, come home...write new blog entry.

Guess which one worked out?!

At 9am...CIBC confirmed Cujo's appearance for 11am, with him signing for just one hour, and then he would go outside and have some break away drills with children. Sounded great to me!

After gathering our items, we hopped into the Highlander and proceded to drive out of our driveway, turn right, drive, turn left and park at CIBC.

Yep. 2 turns. That's it. 5.2 kilometres. 3 miles. 8 minutes.

Incredible.













When we got at CIBC, a line had already formed. We were probably around 50-60th in line, at 10:10am. It was cool though...a simply beautiful day, because the sun was shining, and it seemed like a Spring day, instead of Winter!














CIBC employees were everywhere. They were walking the line handing out cookies, balloons, contest forms, free pens, pieces of cake...they really 'did it up'!

I had a cookie.

Anyways, it was at this point, that a couple of autograph collectors noticed me, and said hello...because of my blog. It was great to meet fellow collectors and people who enjoy the hobby, as much as I do. Bill and Mike were cool guys, and I hope to see them again.

Meanwhile, Corinna was chatting with my best friend, Chris, over her Blackberry, and he was interested in coming out to the signing with his kids, to meet Cujo. After a couple messages, Chris and his kids were on their way. Apparently Chris was bringing some Cujo rookie cards to get signed for himself and his family.

This was turning out to be a great day! Time with my wife, autographs with Cujo, a donation for charity, and now time with my buddy; Chris and his kids!

At this point, you're probably expecting me to write something negative happened to us while waiting in line, right?

Well, it didn't.

Cujo showed up on time, and the line slowly began to move. People started to come out of the new bank, with their signed Cujo items in tow. Mike and Bill came out after the line began to move, with their cool McFarlane figure bases signed. Yes, I was a touch jealous!

I was hoping the Chris would show up soon, so he could hop in line with us...but no such luck. We were soon at the front of the line.

When we made the final corner, entering the lobby, we saw Curtis Joseph.

He was standing, signing everything for people, and posing for pictures. I thought this was fantastic. Normally, whomever is signing, is sitting at a table, greeting people. Not Cujo...he was standing up, shaking hands, greeting people...it was nice change from the normal circuit.

It was now our turn.














Corinna went first, with the Leafs jersey and said hello. Cujo chatted for a second, took her jersey, spread it out nicely and signed across the 'one' of his number 31. He also signed a free giveaway picture from CIBC, for her.



























I was taking a picture of this scene, smiling ear to ear, when he asked her for picture together! How cool was that?! She was pretty nervous, as Corinna NEVER takes pictures with signers! But, she stood beside him, and I took their picture together! They shook hands, then she picked up her jersey and giveaway, then turned to me for our camera.

















It was now my turn.

I went up to Cujo, and told him that I've been a big fan for years, and thanked him for his time in the NHL. He thanked me for that, and took my Wings jersey that I handed him.


















He beautifully signed 'Cujo 31' across the '1' of his number 31.














I mentioned that I had this mini-mask of his, and would he mind signing it also? "Sure, no problem!" he answered nicely. He picked up a silver Sharpie, flipped the mask around, and signed it across the side of the mask.





























He handed it back to me, and I offered my hand in thanks. He shook my hand, and I asked one more thing of him.

"Can I get a quick picture with you?"

"Sure" he responded, standing beside me for the shot. I quickly put my stuff on the table in front of us, and posed for Corinna.

















A strange thing happened...

2 flashes went off, while Cujo and I stood beside eachother.

I didn't think of it twice, as I thanked the All-star goalie, for his time.

And that was it. For us, at least.

I turned to find Corinna, and saw her talking to a guy. When I approached him, he held up a recorder, and asked me if I was Christopher Hynes?

I was being interviewed!

I answered yes, and he began to ask me some questions...

Instead of me telling you what happened...

WHY DON'T I JUST SHOW YOU WHAT WAS PRINTED IN THE GUELPH MERCURY THE NEXT DAY!

Fans young and old line up for a chance to meet Cujo

Tony Saxon

GUELPH — It was hard to tell who was more excited Saturday, the kids lined up to meet former National Hockey League goaltender Curtis Joseph or their mom and dads.

Hundreds waited in line to meet Joseph, who hit Guelph for the opening of the new CIBC branch on Woodlawn Road. He signed autographs and posed for pictures before heading to the parking lot where kids got to take shots on him.

“What a great turnout,” said the 42-year-old Joseph, who wrapped up his 19-year NHL career last season.

“Occasionally you do these promotions and they’re either not promoted properly or they’re in the wrong place, and there’s nothing worse than that,” Joseph said. “Today there’s tons of people. It’s lots of fun.”

The man they call Cujo played for six different teams, including a five-season stop with the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was the blue and white memorabilia and jerseys that found itself at the end of Joseph’s Sharpie most often Saturday.

“We came down for my son,” said Dale Bain of Alma, who was wearing a smile twice the size of his son Michael when posing for a quick picture with the potential Hall of Fame goaltender.

“I’ve been a Leafs fan since 1967, which is the same year (Joseph) was born. It’s always nice to meet someone like him.”

Corinna and Christopher Hynes took turns taking one another’s picture with Joseph.

“He was my favourite player for years,” beamed Christopher. “I had other plans today but changed them for the chance to meet him.”

Hynes met Joseph several years ago, but said Saturday’s handshake and photo were just as exciting as when he was a kid.

Tamara Jonathan and her son Andrew stood in line for about an hour before getting to meet Joseph.

“It’s for the kids and myself. I was actually a bigger fan when he played for Detroit, because my dad was a huge Detroit fan. But he looks a lot younger than I thought he was,” said Jonathan.

After retiring last year, Joseph said he is taking things easy and “doing family things. Giving back to my family a little bit.”

The Toronto-area resident has three sons who play hockey, but he doesn’t coach any of them.

“I coach in the car, like every other hockey parent,” he said.

Like most other Canadians, Joseph was glued to his television recently, watching the Canadian hockey team on its path to Olympic gold.

He took in the gold medal game at home with his family.

“It was awesome. Saw all the games,” he said.

He might have been feeling a bit for goaltender Martin Brodeur when he found himself on the bench for the rest of the tournament after a tough game early in the round-robin portion.

Joseph suffered a similar fate at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake. Coach Pat Quinn benched Joseph in favour of Brodeur after a bad game and Canada went on to win gold.

“That’s kind of the nature of it. The goalies are the best in the world. It’s just the way it goes.

“We’ve all got a lot of pride and we all want to be ‘the guy,’ so I know how he felt,” Joseph said of Brodeur this year.

“We won the gold medal. So what are you going to do?”

PRETTY INCREDIBLE, ISN'T IT?!

Yep...I made the paper! Actually...WE made the paper!

So, that was the second flash...it was the Guelph Mercury's Tony Saxon taking a picture of Corinna, taking a picture of Cujo and I.

And yes...that picture made the paper!


















On a side note...this is the 1st time I've ever been in a newspaper!

Anyways, let's go back to that day.

When we went outside, after being interviewed by Tony Saxon, there was Chris and his kids...sadly, 2 minutes, too late.

Chris and I chatted for a minute about what happened, when my work friend Corey walked by and said hello! After introductions, we all chatted for a few minutes about various things. It was a cool scene. After abit, Corey had to check on his vehicle getting fixed, and Chris jumped in line...to meet Cujo, with his two kids.

I told Chris, that I would go inside and take pictures of his family meeting Cujo. I could tell Chris was a little nervous about meeting his favourite team's best goalie of the last 15 years!















When it was Chris' turn, Cujo was still smiling like when it was our turn, previously! Cujo said hello to all of them, and signed Chris' son's "Cujo" t-shirt, a giveaway for his daughter, and all of Chris' rookie cards!

I gotta tell ya...Chris was nervous! He looked star-struck, but that was cool to see!
















When it was all said and done for Chris, he looked like a kid in a candy store! His kids were just as excited! Corinna and I were both happy for them.

We stepped outside, and I got Chris to show off his, now valuable, autographed Cujo rookie cards.

















Afterwards, we all chatted for a few more minutes, before it was time for Chris and his kids to head back to Mississauga for their plans.

We said our goodbyes, and then Corinna and I headed to the CIBC barbeque. We each got a hamburger and water, and thought about waiting to see Cujo take a few shots with some kids.

CIBC has set up a outside rink, with a net for Cujo to play some street hockey with some kids. After we finished our little lunch, Cujo came walking out of the bank...IN GOALIE GEAR!

















Man...this was cool to see!



















Sure enough, the Olympic gold medalist got in net, and kids got to go one-on-one with Cujo! There were some breakaways, some wristshots, and the odd slapshot on the netminder! He stopped a few, but this morning...most of the kids scored!



























It was a great experince for Corinna and I...on many levels!

It's also a day, we'll never, ever, forget.

C

PS- Thanks to Curtis Joseph and to CIBC Woodlawn Road. Thanks to Chris, and his kids for coming out, and to Corey for saying hi...and scoring a signed puck! Thanks to Rob, again, for the head's up...I owe ya one. Nice meeting you Bill and Mike. And last, but not least...to Corinna, for everything.

PS deux- Thanks to Tony Saxon and the Guelph Mercury, for publishing our experience that day, and using our photo in their great newspaper and internet site. The article used is property of both Saxon and the Mercury, and is not my own, or affiliated with my blog.

The original article is located here;
http://news.guelphmercury.com/Sports/article/606154 (my image, is image 2!)

PS trois- I've posted a poll, in the top right corner of my blog, for you to vote on...for the next article of my blog! Take a second to vote, and check back in soon!

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