Gaston Gingras

Gaston Gingras

Retired player.

Fan letter sent: September 14, 2009.

Autograph received: November 27, 2009.

Can you believe I've had that 1988-89 card of Gaston Gingras since...well, 1989. Twenty years later, and I finally got it signed. Mr. Gingras autographed all three cards in black Sharpie marker.

Craig Anderson

Craig Anderson

Currently with the Colorado Avalanche.

Fan letter sent: September 14, 2009.

Autograph received: November 18, 2009.

When I re-started collecting autographs TTM three years ago, Craig Anderson was my first success of the new millennium. Way back in November 2006, he was kicking it in the AHL with the Rochester Americans. Three years later, he is one of the top goalies in the NHL. And yet, he is still willing to sign autographs.

In a recent interview on Hockey Night in Canada, he mentioned how important the fans are to him. It is great to see that his success has not gone to his head thus far.

The still-humble Anderson signed both cards I sent in black Sharpie marker.

Grant Mulvey

Grant Mulvey

Retired player.

Autograph obtained in person on October 21, 2009.

My friend Jim got me this autograph when he went to a Blackhawks game on October 21. Mulvey wrote "To Sal, Go Hawks," and added his name and #22 (his uniform number). It's a nice autograph, but you think they could have found a slightly better picture? It looks like a JPEG that was taken off of the internet, sized up and printed on glossy paper. Still cool to have.

Steve Poapst

Steve Poapst

Retired player. Currently the head coach of the Chicago Steel (UHL).

Autograph obtained in person on November 9, 2009.

I went to the Chicago Blackhawks game on November 9, and Steve Poapst was signing autographs in the lobby. Each game, the team has a former player sign before the game and during intermissions. I got the photo signed before the game, and then got my two cards signed during 1st intermission.

Poapst had a long road to the NHL: 4 seasons of NCAA hockey, plus 2 in the ECHL and another 3 in the AHL before getting a 3-game shot with the Washington Capitals in 1995-96. He'd toil in the minors for another few years, but finally became somewhat of a regular in the NHL in 2000-01, when he split time between the Blackhawks and the Norfolk Admirals. He would then go on to play three full seasons for the 'Hawks before the lockout, and split the 2005-06 season with the Penguins and the Blues.

Troy Loney

Troy Loney

Retired player.

Fan letter sent: September 14, 2009.

Autograph receiveds: November 2, 2009.

Troy Loney played from 1983 to 1995 in the NHL. He started his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. When the Anaheim Mighty Ducks joined the league in 1993, Loney was claimed by them in the expansion draft. He would be the Ducks' first team captain. After one season with Anaheim, he would split his final season--the lockout-shortened 1994-95 campaign--split between the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders.

Loney neatly signed all five cards sent in black Sharpie marker.

Kelly Kisio

Kelly Kisio

Retired player. Currently the General Manager of the Calgary Hitmen (WHL).

Fan letter sent: September 14, 2009.

Autograph receiveds: October 27, 2009.

Kelly Kisio played from 1982 to 1995 in the NHL. As you can see from the cards above, he played for the Red Wings, Rangers, Sharks and Flames. Kisio generously signed all six cards sent in black Sharpie marker. He is currently the GM of the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League.