Rob DiMaio

Rob DiMaio

Retired player. Currently a scout with the Dallas Stars.

Fan letter sent: December 26, 2007.

Autographs received: May 30, 2008.

Rob DiMaio played quite a while in the NHL. He was a regular in the league from 1991 until 2006. I remember him breaking in with the Islanders, as a lot of Isles games were televised on SportsChannel "back in the day". He was also a part of the Tampa Bay Lightning during their inaugural season.

This was a particularly good success (is there such thing as a "bad success"?) because I get one more signed card in each of three sets I'm building. I now have 284 signed cards from the 1990-91 Pro Set set, 41 signed cards from the 1990-91 OPC Premier set and 100 signed cards from the 2005-06 Parkhurst set.

Glen Sharpley

Glen Sharpley

Retired player.

Fan letter sent: July 9, 2007.

Autographs received: May 29, 2008.

From what I've heard, Glen Sharpley is usually a quick turnaround when it comes to signing cards. These took 10+ months to get back, but that's OK because the end result was successful. Sharpley took good care to sign the card where the autograph would be most visible.

Dan Cleary

Dan Cleary

Currently with the Detroit Red Wings.

Fan letter sent: January 22, 2008.

Autographs received: May 27, 2008.

This guy was drafted by the Blackhawks in 1997 (Round 1, 13th overall). He appeared to be a first round bust, but has done quite well with the Detroit Red Wings these past two seasons. More power to him. Cleary added his uniform number underneath his signature--a touch I always appreciate.

Enrico Ciccone

Enrico Ciccone

Retired player.

Autograph card given to me at a card shop on May 16, 2008.

I recently checked out a card shop near the school that I teach at, and purchased some hockey cards. The owner of the shop gave me a business card--which was in a penny sleeve with this Be A Player Enrico Ciccone card. I remember when this guy played in the NHL, and wonder what he is up to these days.

Marek Zidlicky

Marek Zidlicky

Currently with the Nashville Predators.

Fan letter sent: February 13, 2007.

Autographs received: May 7, 2008.

I'm surprised that it took over a year to get these cards back from Marek Zidlicky. I wrote to him in February of 2007, and got these cards back in May of 2008. He signed all three cards I sent--the third being a duplicate of the Parkhurst card you see above (which is available for trade).

Overall, I am impressed with the Nashville Predators. I have written to 14 players on the team, and 11 of them have sent my cards back signed. The Preds have got to be one of the most fan-friendly teams out there.