FAILURE - Joffrey Lupul

Joffrey Lupul
Not an actual autograph

Currently with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Fan letter sent November 9, 2007.

Unsigned cards received July 22, 2008.

Normally, I don't mention on this blog when my cards come back to me unsigned, or when the letter I sent gets sent back to me stamped "Return to Sender" (RTS).

From now on, though, I decided that I will also track my failures here. This particular FAILURE is Joffrey Lupul of the Philadelphia Flyers. Lupul did not sign the three cards I sent him, but he (or someone at the Flyers) sent me a 5 1/2-inch by 8 1/2-inch photograph with a pre-printed signature on it. I'm not sure why he does not sign through the mail. If anyone knows why, drop me a line.

FYI, the return address on the envelope read P.O. Box 2429, Philadelphia, PA 19147.

Adam Burish

Adam Burish

Currently with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Autographs received in-person at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

The last autographs I got at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention were those of winger Adam Burish. Shellie got his 2006-07 Upper Deck Young Guns cards signed, while I opted to get a more unique item autographed.

On Friday, The Second City did a live improv/sketch show at the 'Hawks Con. Adam Burish and Brent Seabrook joined the improv players on stage for a few scenes. I took this photo of Burish that you see here at that show. I then printed it out and brought it to get signed. Yeah, it's not a hockey card. But I think it's a pretty neat photo. When I got it signed, I told him that I'm currently studying improv, and him props to Burish for some of the funny things he said on stage. I also gave him a copy of this picture, which he thanked me for.

Cam Barker

Cam Barker

Currently with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Autographs received in-person at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 20, 2008.

Shellie got these two cards signed for me while I waited in line to get Adam Burish's autograph.

Stan Mikita

Stan Mikita

Retired player. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.

Autographs received in-person at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 20, 2008.

Yes! Yes! Awesome! Friggin' awesome! It was a long wait, but it was worth it!

During the third day of the Blackhawks Convention, Shellie suggested that we wait in line for Stan Mikita's autograph. I didn't really feel like it--I knew the wait would be long, and our chances would be iffy--but it paid off. We waited for three hours. Actually, she waited for three hours (she knitted 1 1/2 socks during that time), while I went ahead and got Martin Havlat's autograph. We both took turns waiting in the "Mikita Line" while we each got Jim Pappin's signature.

Mikita came out at 11:15 am and started signing. If he had left at 12:30, like he was scheduled to, then we would not have gotten these Parkhurst Tall Boys cards signed. But Mr. Mikita stayed for about an extra hour. That was super awesome of him to do, as it made a lot of fans happy.

Jim Pappin

Jim Pappin

Retired player.

Autographs received in-person at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 20, 2008.

On the third day of the Chicago Blackhawks convention, Shellie and I each got a card signed by Jim Pappin.

Martin Havlat

Martin Havlat

Currently with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Autograph received in-person at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

One thing I noticed about Martin Havlat is that when he signs autographs, he keeps things moving. He is friendly, but he doesn't mess around. I got into the end of his autograph line at 9:45 am and by 10:15 I was walking away with an autograph on this 2006-2007 Chicago Blackhawks team-issue card. For the record, I now have 21 out of 25 cards from this set signed.

Brian Noonan

Brian Noonan

Retired player.

Autographs received in-person at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

Several retired Blackhawks--including Steve Larmer and Brian Noonan--were at a panel discussion about the 1991-92 season. That was the year the 'Hawks lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals.

After the discussion, I walked up to the stage to get Brian Noonan's autograph. He signed two cards and an 8" x 10" photo for me, commenting on "how young" he was when those trading cards were made (they were his first cards, printed the year after his rookie season). Shellie also got another Noonan card signed for me, a 1991-92 Pro Set Platinum card. It smudged a tiny bit at the beginning of the "B".

Overall, on July 19 at the Blackhawks Convention, I walked away with 22 in-person autographed items: two pucks, five 8" x 10" photos, and 15 hockey cards. Not bad for a day's work.

Steve Larmer

Steve Larmer

Retired player.

Autograph received in-person at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

Several retired Blackhawks--including Steve Larmer and Brian Noonan--were at a panel discussion about the 1991-92 Blackhawks. That was the year the 'Hawks lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals. After the discussion, my girlfriend Shellie ran up to the stage to get Larmer's autograph. Mr. Larmer signed a jersey for a kid, this photo for Shellie, and then turned and left. So, I guess we were lucky that he signed one thing for us, as many other people who wanted his sig did not get it.

Brian Campbell

Brian Campbell

Currently with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Autographs received in-person at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

Brian Campbell was signed by the Blackhawks as a free agent on July 1, 2008. There is much anticipation about what he will bring to the team, as he is a puck-moving defenseman capable of helping out the 'Hawks sorry power play.

Since my friend Danny could not make it to the show, I wanted to get him an 8" x 10" photo signed by the newest Blackhawk. Danny's second-favorite team is the Buffalo Sabres, so it seemed natural to get him Campbell's autograph.

My girlfriend Shellie and I got into the autograph line for Brian Campbell at 4:30. Campbell showed up a few minutes before 5:15 and started signing right away. At around 5:45, we were up. I got one 8" x 10" photo signed--the limit was, after all, one autograph per person. But Shellie, being a cute girl and all, struck up a short conversation with Campbell as she nonchalantly put forth an 8" x 10" and a hockey card. Campbell signed both, as they briefly exchanged notions of Chicago having the best restaurants of any city. Overall, Campbell was relaxed and friendly. I look forward to watching him play in the upcoming season.

Steve Konroyd

Steve Konroyd

Retired player. Currently the In-Studio Analyst for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Autographs received in-person at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

While walking around at the Blackhawks Convention on Saturday, my girlfriend Shellie and I ran into former Blackhawks defenseman Steve Konroyd, who was walking about, signing things for fans. We got five cards signed. Konroyd even pointed out the 1982-83 O-Pee-Chee card, saying "Hey that's my rookie card. That was 27 years ago." (meaning his rookie year).

Konroyd has always been a nice guy to meet in person. I remember getting his autograph at several "Skate with the Hawks" during the early 1990s, as well as at several different charity events. I am glad that he is still around and involved with the 'Hawks.

Steve Dubinsky

Steve Dubinsky

Retired player.

Autographs received in-person at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

During the Chicago Blackhawks Convention, I ran into ex-Blackhawk Steve Dubinsky while perusing the dealer room. Dubinsky nicely autographed four cards for me, adding his uniform number to each one. He also commented on the card of him with the Indianapolis Ice, saying how cool those uniforms were.

Eric Daze

Eric Daze

Retired player.

Autograph received in-person at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

I wanted to get two photos signed by Daze--one for me and one for my sister. Shellie got this photo signed while I waited in line for Dennis Hull, so I ended up getting one autograph from each (it was limited to one autograph per person at the 'Hawks Con).

Since Daze was my sister's favorite player during the 1990s, I'll probably give this to her...but only if she asks me nicely.

Dennis Hull

Dennis Hull

Retired player.

Autograph received in-person at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

This is another one of those "1972 Team Canada" pucks that I bought on eBay. One of my goals for the Blackhawks Convention was to get this puck signed by Dennis Hull, along with the other puck by Dale Tallon. To get this autograph, I probably waited in line for over an hour. My perseverance paid off, as I got both pucks signed.

Hull was very talkative and friendly. He asked me if I knew where this puck came from. When I told him I did not, he told me that they came packaged with a bottle of Bacardi Rum in Canada. He also told me the tale of one fan who had to buy 50 bottles of rum to get the Dennis Hull puck, since you didn't know which one you got until you opened up the box. Hull is a funny guy, and I really wish I could have gotten a few more things signed by him. He also signed this puck really well, putting his signature under his portrait and adding his uniform number 10.

Dale Tallon

Dale Tallon

Retired player. Currently the General Manager of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Autograph received in-person at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

Although I never saw Dale Tallon play, I remember him well as the color commentator for the Blackhawks for many years. When I saw this puck on eBay, I bought it so I could get it signed by Mr. Tallon in-person at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention. But getting this puck signed proved harder than I thought.

My girlfriend Shellie and I got to the 'Hawks Con at 9 am on Saturday. However, the show was so unorganized that we were not allowed into the autograph area until 9:25. Mr. Tallon was signing from 9:00 to 9:45, so getting in the room at 9:25 did not help our cause. Tallon also left the room at 9:40--a few minutes early--and was replaced by Cliff Koroll at the autograph table. I got Koroll's autograph on two cards, but still wanted to get this puck signed.

Shellie suggested that I try "stalking" Tallon--something I usually don't do. But I really wanted to get this 1972 Team Canada puck signed. Tallon and a few other front-office types were giving a lecture. We showed up about 15 minutes before their lecture was over. As soon as it ended, I made a beeline for the stage. Tallon begrudgingly signed for a few people, as his "handlers" repeatedly told us that he had some place to go. I said "Hey Dale, you gotta love this puck", and he took my silver marker and signed the it. While I am thankful that he signed this for me, I miss his autograph of yesteryear. Tallon used to do an "every letter" signature, signing an autograph, like someone signs a check. I also wish he signed under his photograph, but I guess he did not want to cover up any part of his photo. Regardless, this was one cool autograph for me to get.

Cliff Koroll

Cliff Koroll

Retired player.

Autographs received in-person at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

On the second day of the Chicago Blackhawks Convention, I waited in line to get some autographs. My girlfriend Shellie and I got into line for former 'Hawk and current General Manager Dale Tallon's autograph, but he left several minutes before he was "supposed to". Cliff Koroll came out to replace him at the autograph table. No problem, as I always come to these kinds of things prepared.

Shellie and I each got a hockey card signed. Koroll shook my hand and thanked me for coming. I thanked him, too. But Shellie had a really cool, yet short conversation with Mr. Koroll. The back of the card that she got signed had a little cartoon illustration--as many old hockey cards of the 1970s did. The drawing had a sweating little hockey player with a caption that read "Cliff is one of the NHL's hardest workers." When Shellie pointed this out to him, he laughed, smiled, and told her "That's why I made it into the NHL."

Glen Hanlon

Glen Hanlon

Retired player.

Autograph purchased at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

I wrote to Glen Hanlon when he was the Head Coach of the Washington Capitals, but so far he has not sent back my cards. He was fired around the middle of last season, so that might be a reason for the delay.

This here was another $2 purchase at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention--one that I could not pass up because I always liked this card of Hanlon for some reason.

Valeri Kamensky

Valeri Kamensky

Retired player.

Autograph purchased at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

Kamensky played a long time in the NHL, mostly for the Quebec Nordiques / Colorado Avalanche franchise. I hear that he regularly signs through-the-mail for fans, but for $2 I could not pass it up. I'll probably write to Kamensky anyway, as there are a few other cards of his I'd like to get signed.

Igor Chibirev

Igor Chibirev

Retired player.

Autograph purchased at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

This guy played for the Hartford Whalers for 45 games. He also played for the Central Red Army, as you see here. That had to be one of the coolest names for a hockey team--Russian or otherwise. I mean, would you want to F with a team called "The Central Red Army"? I imagined it sounded more like going to war than going to play hockey when NHL teams faced these guys. Not to mention that this squad was pretty good back in the day.

Danny Gare

Danny Gare

Retired player.

Autograph purchased at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

Another $2 purchase, this signed card of Danny Gare brings me to 71 signed cards from the 1981-82 Topps Set. The set has 196 "signable" cards plus two checklists, bringing me to about 36% completion.

Andre Savard

Andre Savard

Retired player.

Autograph purchased at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

I am trying to get all of the 1981-82 Topps cards signed. Since I don't know where to find Andre Savard--so that I can write him a letter/autograph request--I figured this was worth the $2 I paid for it.

Greg Millen

Greg Millen

Retired player.

Autograph purchased at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

I always admired Greg Millen during his days with the St. Louis Blues. He was hard as hell to beat. Hockey writer Stan Fischler rated Millen as number five in his top goalies of the 1980s. Millen was a good "angles goaltender".

I remember when he was traded to the Quebec Nordiques--a "dick move" by the Blues. Certainly he deserved better than to be traded to the NHL's worst team at the time.

Millen was later traded to the Chicago Blackhawks, but then was usurped by a rookie Ed Belfour, during the 1990 playoffs. Even though Millen was pulled several times in favor of Belfour, he did not sulk. He was up on the bench, waving his arms, clapping and encouraging the fans to cheer on the rookie netminder. That's something I won't ever forget--Millen was a team player all the way.

For the record, I now have 286 signed cards from the 1990-91 Pro Set set.

Dan McCourt

Dan McCourt

NHL Linesman.

Autograph purchased at the Chicago Blackhawks Convention on July 19, 2008.

I am not sure if Dan McCourt is still officiating in the NHL, or if he is retired. When this set came out back in the early 1990s, I was glad that they made cards of Referees and Linesmen. Those guys work hard and have a thankless job--and they skate around for 60 minutes without line changes.

Rogatien Vachon

Rogatien Vachon

Retired player. Currently works in the front office for the Los Angeles Kings.

Fan letter sent: May 21, 2007.

Autographs received: July 19, 2008.

Rogatien "Rogie" Vachon works for the Los Angeles Kings as a "Royal Ambassador". Sounds like a cool job, though I'm not quite sure what he does. Anyway, I wrote to him in May of 2007, and received the cards today--approximately 14 months later. Mr. Vachon beautifully signed all four cards in blue Sharpie marker. Indeed, he is royalty.

As I have mentioned before, I have recently moved to a new apartment--about 1/2 a block from my old apartment of six years. However, this letter was not forwarded to me by the Post Office--even though I filed a change of address form (and they did forward the last cards I got back in the mail). That was one of my greatest concerns when moving--that some letters, like this one, would fall through the cracks and not get forwarded.

Fortunately, I left a note in my old apartment for the new tenants, asking them to please bring or mail to me any letters that they might get for me. And thankfully, they did forward this one onto me. For that I am grateful. I will have to send them a thank you note...and maybe a few more stamps to cover any future post office screw ups.

Fernando Pisani

Fernando Pisani

Currently with the Edmonton Oilers.

Fan letter sent: November 19, 2007.

Autographs received: July 3, 2008.

Fernando Pisani recently battled an illness called ulcerative colitis, which caused him to miss a good portion of the 2007-08 season. He did return to the Oilers lineup shortly after I sent out this letter.

Understandably, it has taken him some time to respond to his fan mail. However, Pisani included a polite note with my signed cards, which reads.

I apologize for the delay in returning your cards and/or photos to you. After my recent illness, I have received many letters from people offering their encouragement and support as well as requesting my autographs. It has taken me much longer than usual to open and respond to so many letters. Thank you for your understanding!

Fernando Pisani

No explanation was necessary. Hell, some players take over a year, and never explain why. Other times, lesser players don't sign your cards. It's neat that this guy signed my cards, but felt the need to mention why it took him so long to do so.

By the way, this was the first autographs I have received at my new address. I have recently moved into an apartment with my girlfriend, and have since forwarded my mail to my new address. Of course, I was concerned that the Post Office wouldn't forward my autograph return envelopes to my new address. But they did, so hopefully the other 114 outstanding requests from the past 1 1/2 years find their way to my new place.