Pavel Datsyuk

Today I recieved one of my favorite players back. Pavel Datsyuk! It came in and is the first to start my collection of pucks of the 2002 Stanley Cup Detroit team. I did ask for him to inscribe "Stanely Cup '02" along the bottom, but thats ok. Its a little smudged, though I sent along a paint pen instead of a silver sharpie like I normally do. I like knowing they are much more permanent, though the smudging is the risk I take. I know Sharpies do fade though too, so, it's not quite a win win situation, haha.

When I get my brothers camera back I'll throw up a picture of it. Maybe I'll try a little later again in the season and try my luck again, and maybe get the inscription on the bottom as well.

Johnny Bower

This month has gone by pretty slow for me. Picking up in the beginning but now dying out slowly since the middle til now. In the mean time, I've only recieved one autograph, and without a camera i couldn't take a picture of it for everyone.

I sent out my request to Mr. Bower because I heard he was a stud signer. I didnt have any cards for him to sign, so I went ahead and got a puck instead, because in all honesty, i'll take autographed pucks over cards anyday, just my personal preference. He returned it back to me in less than a month, which is very exciting news for me. I asked him to also include his Hall of Fame inscription on the bottom of it, as you can see, he obliged with the HOF '76. I'm happy to that even in his older age he still signs.

You can never have too few Hall of Famers in your autograph collection, so chances are i'll go out of my way to find some Bower cards, and get a few signed from him as well.

Ryan Miller

I really didn't start following Ryan's career until last year, with the big "Buffalo is the greatest team assembled" thing at the start of last season. I originally was not a fan due to the fact he went to Michigan State, and being a U of Michigan student, well, he wasn't kosher with me. I'd rather watch Al Montoya. But that changed.

As a goaltender myself, i couldn't believe how huge this guy could make himself look in his equipment, being scrawny without his stuff on him. After a while of watching, dare I say he grew on me, and I like this guy. He's got a lot of potential, and with a little more expierence, he's going to be one of the top 10 goaltenders in the league I think. So i'm happy to have gotten his autograh now.

The wait on it was a little more than 3 months, and I did send to his home in East Lansing. Maybe his parents house, I'm not quite sure. But regardless, I'm very thankful I did get a reply from him. I just wish I could see his signature a little better. I should've sent a gold pen, even though i hate gold for autographs.