Top Shelf: Vinny Lecavalier

Provided you arrive early enough -- as in 90 minutes, at the least -- a promotional signing is a hockey fan's best friend. It's one-on-one access in an autograph-happy environment. Like little else in life, it's a sure thing.

But when one of these signing sessions involves one of the game's big names, well, as a hockey hound, you take full advantage of the situation. That's exactly what Colin and I did Wednesday afternoon for Tampa Bay's Vinny Lecavalier.

The Lightning captain, at a Champs store at International Plaza with teammate Alex Tanguay, was throwing down some pretty nice signatures, as these items, including a well-worn Lecavalier Bolts third jersey personalized at Colin's request, will attest:

Just a couple days ago, I stumbled upon this card tin for Vinny at a local Target. Different enough, I believe, to get signed. Did you notice, like Colin did, that the hockey pants are dark blue, instead of the normal black?

And, for good measure, he also signed these two cards.

Four nice signatures in less than a minute? Certainly worth our wait.