Casey Wellman

Casey Wellman

Currently with the San Antonio Rampage (AHL).

Signed insert card. Purchased online in November 2012.

Casey Wellman has played in 41 games for the Minnesota Wild over the past 3 seasons. Right now, he's playing for the San Antonio Rampage in the American Hockey League.

This card is from the 2010-11 SP Authentic autographed "Future Watch" set. It is signed on-card in blue Sharpie marker. I still need a ton of cards to complete the master set.

Ian Cole

Ian Cole

Currently with the Peoria Rivermen (AHL).

Signed insert card. Purchased online in November 2012.

Ian Cole was the first round pick (18th overall) by the St. Louis Blues in 2007. Since then, Cole has played 3 seasons for Notre Dame (CCHA), and then split the past two seasons between the AHL and the NHL.

Currently, Cole is the second-highest scoring defenseman for the Rivermen.

This card is from the 2010-11 SP Authentic autographed "Future Watch" set. It is signed on-card in blue Sharpie marker, which nicely compliments the St. Louis Blues uniform.

Bruce Cassidy

2012-13 TTM Stats
Letters sent: 55
Successes: 24
Percentage: 43%

Bruce Cassidy

Retired player. Currently the Head Coach of the Providence Bruins (AHL).

Fan letter sent: November 26, 2012.

Autographs received: December 28, 2012.

Bruce Cassidy had a monster season with the Ottawa 67s of the OHL in 1982-83. That year, the defenseman scored 25 goals and 86 assists for a total of 111 points in 70 games. That was good enough to get drafted in the first round--18th overall--by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft.

Unfortunately, 3 knee operations would hinder Cassidy's NHL career. Thus, he spent most of his time in the old International Hockey League (IHL), then 3 seasons in Europe before returning for a final 3 seasons in the IHL.

Since 1996-97, Cassidy has worked as an assistant or head coach, with the exception of the 2004-05 lockout. He was the head coach of the Washington Capitals for 2 seasons, and is currently the head coach of the Providence Bruins of the AHL.

Cassidy autographed my three cards in black Sharpie marker. He also put a post-it note on the Saginaw Hawks card--perhaps so that the ink would not smear?

Angela James

Angela James

Retired player.

Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2010. 

Signed insert card. Purchased at a card show in November 2012.

Last week, I wrote about an autographed Mike Richter card that I found for one dollar.

This card tops it.

At the very same card show in November, I found this autographed card of Hall of Fame player Angela James--for one dollar! I was shocked and surprised that the dealer only wanted a buck for it.

Then again, it may very well be because the bottom of the card has a crease. But I don't care. James was one of two women (Cammi Granato was the other) inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2010. The card is signed in black Sharpie marker. I will say that Ms. James has a lovely signature. I wish all hockey players signed autographs this nice.

Luke Richardson

2012-13 TTM Stats
Letters sent: 55
Successes: 23
Percentage: 41%

Luke Richardson

Retired player. Currently the Head Coach of the Binghamton Senators (AHL).

Fan letter sent: December 10, 2012.

Autographs received: December 24, 2012.

Luke Richardson played a solid 20 seasons in the NHL. He got his start with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1987-88, and also played with the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators.

Richardson is now the Head Coach of the Binghamton Senators, the AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators. He autographed my 5 cards in black Sharpie marker. He also added his jersey number beneath his signature--2 on his older cards and 22 on his later cards. A great return from a guy who played a long, long time in the NHL.

Peter Mannino

2012-13 TTM Stats
Letters sent: 55
Successes: 22
Percentage: 40%

Peter Mannino

Currently with the Manchester Monarchs (AHL).

Fan letter sent: December 10, 2012.

Autographs received: December 24, 2012.

Peter Mannino has played in 3 games for the New York Islanders, 2 for the Atlanta Thrashers and 1 for the Winnipeg Jets. I watched him play for the Chicago Wolves (AHL) in 2010-11, back when the Wolves were affiliated with the Atlanta Thrashers.

Mannino signed my 2010-11 Panini All Goalies card in black Sharpie marker, adding his jersey number 24 next to his autograph.

Brayden Schenn

Brayden Schenn

2012-13 TTM Stats
Letters sent: 50
Successes: 21
Percentage: 42%

Currently with the Adirondack Phantoms (AHL).

Fan letter sent: November 23, 2012.

Autographs received: December 20, 2012.

Brayden Schenn is the brother of Luke Schenn. He is currently playing in the AHL with the Adirondack Phantoms. He has enjoyed a fine season thus far, being a point-per-game player; through 28 games, Schenn has scored 12 goals and 17 assists for 29 points.

Schenn signed both of my cards in black Sharpie marker.

Two RTS from the Charlotte Checkers

Letters Sent: December 10, 2012.

RTS Received: December 19, 2012.

I recently received two envelopes marked RETURN TO SENDER from Charlotte Checkers' players Justin Peters and Marc-Andre Gragnani.

This is the incorrect address I was using:

Charlotte Checkers
212 S. Tryon St.
Ste. 675
Charlotte, NC 28281-0007

This is the correct address:

Charlotte Checkers
210 E. Trade St. #E480
Charlotte, NC 20202-2404

I have updated this address on the AHL Team Addresses page.

Brandon Segal

Brandon Segal

2012-13 TTM Stats
Letters sent: 47
Successes: 20
Percentage: 42%

Currently with the Connecticut Whale (AHL).

Fan letter sent: November 23, 2012.

Autographs received: December 15, 2012.

Brandon Segal is a veteran of 102 NHL games. He has played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Los Angeles Kings and Dallas Star, as well as several AHL teams. Last season (2011-12), he served as the team captain of the Rockford Icehogs.

Segal signed my two cards in silver Sharpie marker, which looks great against his black uniform on each card.

Dimitry Orlov / Дмитрий Орлов

2012-13 TTM Stats
Letters sent: 47
Successes: 19
Percentage: 40%

Dimitry Orlov /
Дмитрий Орлов

Currently with the Hershey Bears (AHL).

Fan letter sent: November 23, 2012.

Autographs received: December 15, 2012.

That teeny, tiny squiggle in black Sharpie marker is an autograph from defenseman Dimitry Orlov. I'm not sure what name he signed, but I do recognize that he put "81," his uniform number, after his "signature."

FYI, just once I'd love to get an autograph from a Russian player signed in the Cyrillic alphabet. Wouldn't that be cool? 

Anyway, this is my 8th signed card from the 2012-13 O-Pee-Chee set. It is becoming one of my new sets to focus on.

Luke Adam

Luke Adam

2012-13 TTM Stats
Letters sent: 47
Successes: 18
Percentage: 38%

Currently with the Rochester Americans (AHL).

Fan letter sent: November 26, 2012.

Autographs received: December 14, 2012.

Another autograph from an NHL player "banished" to the minors! Luke Adam is currently plying his trade with the Rochester Americans of the AHL while the NHL and NHLPA sort out their differences.

Adam signed both of my cards in black Sharpie marker. He personalized the O-Pee-Chee card, but not the Score card.

Dylan Olsen

2012-13 TTM Stats
Letters sent: 47
Successes: 17
Percentage: 36%

Dylan Olsen

Currently with the Rockford Icehogs (AHL).

Fan letter sent: December 10, 2012.

Autographs received: December 14, 2012.

4 Days
Round Trip!

Wow! Four days is all it took to get back these 3 cards from Chicago Blackhawks prospect Dylan Olsen. I mailed these cards out on a Monday morning, and got them back Thursday afternoon. Then again, it's only a 2-hour drive to Rockford from Chicago, so it isn't like my cards had to travel all that far.

By the way, 4 days is tied for my fastest-ever return. (I also received autographs from Al MacIssac and Martin Lapointe in 4 days).

Olsen signed my 3 cards in black Sharpie marker.

Mike Richter

Mike Richter

Retired player.

Signed insert card. Purchased at a card show in November 2012.

I've wanted Mike Richter's autograph for a long time. He is the very first hockey player I remember.

Back in 1988, I watched the Winter Olympics, and actually watched a few hockey games. Olympic hockey did not impress upon me like NHL hockey did a year later, so I was not instantly hooked on the sport. The only player I remember on the U.S. team was Mike Richter, because he made a ton of saves ("Richter! With the Save!" "Save by Richter!" etc.) 

Richter went on to have a long and successful professional career in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup in 1994. He also represented the U.S. numerous times in international competitions.

This card is from the 1997-98 Pinnacle Be A Player autographed insert set. It is signed on-card in black Sharpie marker. The best part about it is that I found it for A DOLLAR at a recent card show. ONE DOLLAR! Wow!

Roman Horak

2012-13 TTM Stats
Letters sent: 47
Successes: 16
Percentage: 34%

Roman Horak

Currently with the Abbotsford Head (AHL).

Fan letter sent: November 23, 2012.

Autographs received: December 12, 2012.

Roman Horak is definitely gaining some benefit from playing in the minors during the lockout. Last season, he scored 3 goals and 8 points in 61 games for the Calgary Flames--solid numbers if you are a fourth-liner. Thus far with the Abbotsford Heat this season, Horak has scored 13 goals and 5 assists in 26 games. That's about 2 points for every 3 games--not amazing numbers for an AHLer, but not shabby either.

Horak signed my 2012-13 O-Pee-Chee Hockey card in black Sharpie marker. Earlier this month, I received an autograph from Horak's teammate, T.J. Brodie.

Ryan Johansen

2012-13 TTM Stats
Letters sent: 36
Successes: 15
Percentage: 41%

Ryan Johansen

Currently with the Springfield Falcons (AHL).

Fan letter sent: November 26, 2012.

Autographs received: December 8, 2012.

Ryan Johansen was the 4th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Last season, he played 67 games for the Columbus Blue Jackets, scoring 9 goals and 12 assists.

Prior to the lockout, Johansen was assigned to the American Hockey League.A lot of young guys who played in the NHL last year were "demoted" due to the lockout, but it is probably a good thing, as they will get more ice time and more practice in key situations. So far, Johansen has 9 goals and 10 assists in 25 games for the Springfield Falcons this year.

I sent Johansen a card from the 2012-13 O-Pee-Chee Hockey set. He autographed it in black Sharpie marker. Turnaround time was just 12 days.

Andrew Bodnarchuk

Andrew Bodnarchuk

Currently with the Manchester Monarchs (AHL).

Signed insert card. Purchased online in November 2012.

Andrew Bodnarchuk has played his entire professional career in the AHL, save for 5 games in 2010-11 with the Boston Bruins. That year, he was included in several hockey card sets, including SP Authentic.

As far as autographed cards go, the 2010-11 SP Authentic set was pretty nice. The autographs are on-card in blue Sharpie marker, and there is ample white space for the signature.

Nick Spaling

Nick Spaling

Currently locked out from playing for the Nashville Predators.

Signed insert card. Purchased online in November 2012.

Spaling was a regular with the Nashville Predators during the past 2 seasons. He is currently not playing for any team during the lockout.

This card is signed on-card in blue Sharpie marker. It is part of the 2010-11 SP Authentic set, which I am slowly trying to complete. I bought a few more cards from this set, which you will see featured here and there throughout the month.

Nino Niederreiter

Nino Niederreiter

2012-13 TTM Stats
Letters sent: 36
Successes: 11
Percentage: 30%

Currently with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL).

Fan letter sent: November 26, 2012.

Autographs received: December 6, 2012.

Nino Niederreiter was drafted in the 1st round (5th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders. Like fellow European defenseman T.J. Brodie, Niederreiter would be in the NHL right now if not for the lockout.

Niederreiter signed both of my cards in black Sharpie marker. It took only 10 days round trip for this return.

T.J. Brodie

2012-13 TTM Stats
Letters sent: 36
Successes: 13
Percentage: 36%

T.J. Brodie

Currently with the Abbotsford Heat (AHL).

Fan letter sent: November 23, 2012.

Autographs received: December 6, 2012.

T.J. Brodie played 54 games with the Calgary Flames last season. Due to the lockout, he's currently with the Abbotsford Heat in the AHL.

Brodie signed my 2012-13 O-Pee-Chee card in blue Sharpie marker. Turnaround time was just under 2 weeks.

Mario Gosselin

2012-13 TTM Stats
Letters sent: 36
Successes: 12
Percentage: 33%

Mario Gosselin

Retired player.

Fan letter sent: October 23, 2012.

Autographs received: December 5, 2012.

Mario Gosselin tended the nets for the Quebec Nordiques, Los Angeles Kings and Hartford Whalers.

I remember him best with the Kings, as I think he played in a game or two against the Blackhawks while with the Kings.

Of course, I also think of him as a Kings player because of the AWESOME hockey card you see to the left. Quite possibly the best hockey card of all time. It feels good to have this card signed after owning it all these years.

Gosselin signed my 5 cards in black Sharpie marker. He also added 33, his jersey number with the Nordiques. He put 33 on his Kings cards, too, even though he wore 31 during his season with L.A.

Matt Gilroy

Matt Gilroy

2012-13 TTM Stats
Letters sent: 36
Successes: 11
Percentage: 30%

Currently with the Connecticut Whale (AHL).

Fan letter sent: November 23, 2012.

Autographs received: December 1, 2012.

Matt Gilroy signed both of my cards in black Sharpie marker. The young defenseman is currently plying his trade in the AHL while the NHL is on lockout.

The week of November 26 to December 1 was very good for my autograph collection. I received 6 responses from AHL players, adding another 12 signed cards to my collection.

This was my second return on December 1--the first was Oliver Ekman-Larsson of the Portland Pirates. 

Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Oliver Ekman-Larsson

2012-13 TTM Stats
Letters sent: 36
Successes: 10
Percentage: 27%

Currently with the Portland Pirates (AHL).

Fan letter sent: November 23, 2012.

Autographs received: December 1, 2012.

The successes from "The A" just keep rolling in. On December 2, I got 2 more responses from two AHL players. One was from Oliver Ekman-Larsson (the other one I'll tell you about tomorrow).

Ekman-Larsson signed both of my cards in black Sharpie marker. He is currently playing defense for the Portland Pirates while the NHL is on lockout.

Joel Bouchard

Joel Bouchard

Retired player. Currently the President and General Manager of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL).

Signed insert card. Purchased at a card show in November 2012.

Joel Bouchard was a journeyman during his professional hockey career, usually splitting time between the NHL and the minors. He played for the following pro teams:
Calgary Flames
Saint John Flames (AHL)
Nashville Predators
Dallas Stars
Phoenix Coyotes
Grand Rapids Griffins (IHL)
New Jersey Devils
Albany River Rats (AHL)
New York Rangers
Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL)
Pittsburgh Penguins
New York Islanders
Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL)

That is 14 teams--8 NHL teams and 8-minor league teams--in 14 seasons.

Bouchard is now the President and GM of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the QMJHL.

This autograph is signed on-card in black Sharpie marker. It is from the 1997-98 Pinnacle Be A Player autograph insert set.

Aaron Miller

Aaron Miller

Retired player.

Signed insert card. Purchased at a card show in November 2012.

Although Aaron Miller made his NHL debut in 1993-94 with the Quebec Nordiques, he did not become an NHL regular until 1996-07. By then, the team moved to Colorado. He also played for the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks before retiring in 2007.

This card is from the 1997-98 Pinnacle Be A Player autograph set. It is signed on-card in black Sharpie marker.

Nick Leddy

2012-13 TTM Stats
Letters sent: 36
Successes: 9
Percentage: 25%

Nick Leddy

Currently with the Rockford Icehogs (AHL).

Fan letter sent: November 23, 2012.

Autographs received: November 28, 2012.

5 Days
Round Trip!

Nick Leddy played in a full 82 games for the Chicago Blackhawks last season, scoring 3 goals and 34 assists. Before the lockout, the 'Hawks sent Leddy to the AHL, so he has played this year with the Rockford Icehogs.

Leddy was the fourth and final return I received on Wednesday, November 28. The Icehogs played a game against the Chicago Wolves Wednesday evening. All my envelopes were postmarked "CAROL STREAM IL 27 NOV 2012." Carol Stream is a suburb of Chicago--the city I live in--so Leddy, Shaw, Hayes and Bollig mailed their cards when they came to town to play against the Wolves. This explains the super-fast return from 4 players in 5 days.

Leddy signed 3 of my cards in black Sharpie marker. He kept the 4th card, which was from the 2012-13 O-Pee-Chee set. That is my new "project set," so I am a little bummed that he kept that one. However, I think Leddy collects his own cards, and this was probably the first time he saw his 12-13 OPC issue.