To my son

Ten years ago today, at exactly the time this post went live, I knew what I was put on God's great earth to do. It wasn't to be a journalist. Nor was it to collect hockey autographs. It was to be a daddy.

Happy birthday, buddy boy! I love you with all of my heart.

It's not over yet

Seeing that the Tampa Bay Lightning left the Pittsburgh Penguins and their fans slack-jawed last night, there's renewed life to hockey-hounding efforts down here in Hockey Bay. Sure, it means the "hound-friendly" Washington Capitals and their potty-mouthed coach, but it'll be worth at least one trip.

It looks like we'll make one trip, next Wednesday, for the Capitals. We even have tickets for Game 4, in the top row of the St. Pete Times Forum. At least we won't have people yelling over our heads.

Life calls

There are times when life, as in being a daddy, entrepreneur or an employee, takes precedence over hounding an NHL team. Yesterday was one of those instances.

Unless the Tampa Bay Lightning completes a comeback against the Pittsburgh Penguins tomorrow, my 2010-11 hockey-hounding campaign has come to a close.

The Hockey Life: Week 26

Just when I think the 2010-11 hockey-hounding campaign is coming to an end, the Tampa Bay Lightning shakes off the goal-scoring cobwebs Saturday and lights up the Pittsburgh Penguins to force a Game 6 back here in Hockey Bay.

At the least, it means another opportunity, schedule permitting, to have Gilles Meloche sign a pair of pucks. I missed him by five minutes last Wednesday morning.

Getting caught up in the spirit of the playoffs, I couldn't help myself from commenting on Saturday's game on Facebook. Among them:

~ Shhhh! Listen. It's Pittsburgh.

~ Scoring a power play goal is the best way to deter dumb penalties. Except, of course, if you're Kris Letang. Bolts 8-2.

~ Uh-oh. The Pens care coming back. The multitalented Michael Rupp scores from his butt. You gotta like players who don't give up.

~ I love the grumpy look on the blonde's face behind the Penguins bench. I've yet to see her smile all game long. She must be thinking "I paid how much for this?"

~ Lightning 5, Penguins 0. Steven Stamkos wakes up with his second goal. The rout is on. Let's go Bolts!

~ The Consol Center's lacking a little energy right now, isn't it?

Now, I don't have anything against Pittsburgh folks. I work with a few people from there. There's even a soft spot in my heart for the Pirates. It was just good to see the Lightning, a team that we've followed over our five-plus years here, respond to a challenge.

The next big test comes Monday, when we'll see if the Lightning can maintain the momentum and force a Game 7 back in Pittsburgh. If not, I'll man up and take any heat that comes my way.

What would you do?

Colin turns 10 Thursday, making it his first double-digit birthday, which, for that reason alone, makes it a pretty big deal. Though he'll get to open his birthday presents and head out to Cody's Roadhouse for his meal, we're waiting a week or so for his party.

The problem, however, is that he has a practice that night with the Pinellas P.A.L. Stars, his recreational league team. The Stars don't have any games left, but the rink owes them one more hour of ice time -- hence, the practice.

Compounding the situation, he has a two-hour travel-team practice Monday, a 90-minute skating session with me Wednesday before another hourlong travel-team practice at another rink and two travel-team games on Saturday. That's a pretty busy week, if you ask me, even without the birthday factored in.

I'm thinking, given everything else that's going on, there's no need for him to take part in the P.A.L. practice. He says he wants to attend the practice, as it's likely the last time he'll be a part of that team, one that he's served as an alternate captain this season. That appeals to the hockey dad in me. As a parent, though, I'm not so sure.

Quote of the week

"Hey, when's the last time the Sabres won a Stanley Cup?"
Colin, to me, after giving him some ribbing about the Boston Bruins falling behind early in their series against the Montreal Canadiens.

This is it

Unless the Tampa Bay Lightning win Saturday in Pittsburgh, I made my last ride over Tampa Bay of the 2010-11 hockey-hounding campaign yesterday. The rewards of the effort, however, were unspectacular.

Matt Cooke, serving a league-mandated suspension but traveling with the Penguins, was the only autograph I picked up in more than two hours. Love him or hate him, he's certainly worthy, considering his reputation, of having a puck. with it, it means the autographed puck collection stands at 2,302.

Of all of the players to take part in the morning skate, only Cooke, Deryk Engelland and Aaron Asham, took the time to sign. Every other player, including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Marc-Andre Fleury, didn't sign, heading straight for hotel courtesy vans or the team bus. They may have signed later, but I wasn't there.

I missed out -- again -- on goalie coach Gilles Meloche by five minutes, relegating the Cleveland Barons and California Golden Seals pucks I had for him to storage.

The Hockey Life: Week 25

When you travel in hockey circles, you'll never know who you're going to run into. Twice within a week, assuming the role of a hockey dad, I crossed paths with a few members of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

In our search for s specific pair of hockey socks, we took a ride recently over to the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon. It must have been a practice night for the Ice Bulls, as we saw Marty St. Louis, Mattias Ohlund and Brett Clark walking around the facility.

Last Sunday, at Colin's home rink in Clearwater, we saw St. Louis and Clark again, as their children played a Mites game against a Tampa Bay Jr. Lightning squad. One of the boys was easy to identify, as he wore the same number as his dad. The other? Well, a strong facial resemblance gave him away, though his jersey lacked a name and had a different number than his father.

While there was a bit of a buzz going through the facility, and The Missus loaned a black Sharpie to one of Colin's teammates so she could get some autographs, at no time did I entertain the thought of hitting them up for autographs. Lacking any items on hand, it was easy to do. But even if I had items for them, and I do have a couple of pucks earmarked for St. Louis, I still wouldn't have asked.

More than anything else, it was more out of respect for family time for these guys. They weren't NHL players when we saw them. No, they were hockey dads. Just like me, they were building a bond with a child over the game of hockey. No autograph is worth interfering with that.

Bragging Daddy alert

Granted, it may have been an intrasquad scrimmage, brought about by the inattentiveness (apparently) of his home rink's youth hockey director, but any time Colin logs six points (four goals and two assists) in a game, I can't help but tell the world.

One goal came on a breakaway, shooting while he was "flying" through the air after being tripped.

Even better, one of Colin's linemates had nine points (two goals and seven assists) in his team's 10-7 victory. Way to go, Sophia. You rock, kiddo.

Programming note

The next hounding adventure comes Wednesday, trying out luck for the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Until then, I'll be taking a break from posts.

Beyond that, it all depends on how deep the Bolts go into the playoffs. As always, I appreciate your time.

Team report: Florida Panthers II

Even if it was the last regular-season home game and the team visiting Hockey Bay was the Florida Panthers, I was a bit surprised for the sparse showing before morning skate. All told, there were four of us. Yes, only four of us.

Maybe I've gotten used to bigger crowds, or perhaps people had run out of items to get signed, but it was a little disappointing that an NHL team, even one that's had so little success over the years, would draw so few hounds.

A hounding opportunity, to me, is just that -- an opportunity to add to collections. Oh, well, I didn't let anything stop me from adding a baker's dozen of autographs to the collection, including the 2,300th puck of the collection.

Signing the pucks were:

Top row: Sergei Samsonov (for No. 2,300) and Mike Santorelli; and
Bottom row: Tomas Vokoun and Stephen Weiss.

Signing cards were, from left, Steve Bernier, David Booth and Darcy Hordichuk.

Other highlights:

~ Putting a trio of specialty pucks to good use; and
~ having goalie Scott Clemmensen sign my only remaining Lowell Devils puck.

Keep this to yourself

I'll let you in on a little secret. Using specialty pucks is one of the quickest ways to get NHL players to stop and sign. After seeing the same old team pucks, city after city and season after season, players gravitate toward something new to sign.

Signing these three, during the Florida Panthers' visit to Hockey Bay last week, were, from left, Niclas Bergfors, Dmitry Kulikov and Stephen Weiss.

Only one more

For all of the times I've crossed paths with Dave Andreychuk, the captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning's 2004 Stanley Cup-winning team, you'd think I'd have completed my career collection for him, having him sign a puck from every NHL team he played for in his career.

After this one, which he signed last week during a Lightning Radio show, we're down to just the Toronto Maple Leafs. I'm sure, too, we'll see him soon enough.

Making the connection

Colin got quite the kick out of former Tampa Bay Lightning player Brian Bradley last week when he signed this promo card for him at a Lightning radio show at a McDonald's in New Tampa.

Only the night before, Bradley ran a Lightning Made hockey clinic at the St. Pete Times Forum that Colin attended.

As Colin approached the Lightning's first All-Star to thank him for running the clinic, Bradley's face lit up:

"Hey, I remember you," he said. "You were at the clinic last night."

The Hockey Life: Week 24

Well, folks, here we are at the end of the 2020-11 NHL regular season. Games today decide who keeps playing and who goes home. Some players will begin their beards. Others, far fewer in number, will be hitting the links.

Down here in Hockey Bay, our hounding campaign extends for the first time in four seasons. We couldn't have a better draw, either, with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and all that means, meeting the Tampa Bay Lightning.

At the least, we'll get another crack or two at Sidney Crosby, Marc-Andre Fleury and, if we're lucky, Evgeni Malkin. Now, I'm not guaranteeing we'll get all three to sign, but I'll be happy with just one from any of them.

For the most part, and I pass this advice along to those just getting in the game, I'm going in with low expectations. If I don't get any of them, well, I have no reason to be disappointed. While it would be nice to snag a few, I don't base a trip or a season on two or three autographs.

Instead, my major target will be Penguins goalie coach Gilles Meloche. I bought Cleveland Barons and California Golden Seals pucks for him. If successful, those would be the first for each team of more than 2,300 autographed pucks in our collection.

As for the others, they'll be in the NHL for a long time. I'm certain, too, our paths will cross again. You have my word I'll be ready.

Road trip report

The ride south to Estero was long. The two games were a little longer, too. It seems we played two of the better teams in the Central Florida Hockey League. Let's just say we know how far we need to travel, so to speak, to become more competitive.

A certain someone also realized just how much effort it takes to play at this level. There's no striding and gliding, only skating hard. There's no standing around, only constant motion. Easy games, he learned, are a thing of the past.

To his credit, he played forward on a successful 5-on-3 penalty kill. As for fun, there's little to have when you're getting your fanny handed to you. In time, I'm sure he'll have some.

Win or lose, though, I want to thank the Hound Central 5.0 readers who indulge this hockey dad's sharing of his son's exploits. I know he's one of many, many thousands of kids with the same dream.

I'm hoping Saturday's games opened his eyes.

Quote of the week

"We can't win all of the time. Someone else has to win every once in a while."

Scott Clemmensen, Boston College hockey alum and Florida Panthers goalie, when asked what happened to the defending NCAA hockey champion Eagles this season.

Hitting the road

In just a few hours, Colin takes the next step in his hockey journey, playing his first travel-team game for the Tampa Bay Jr. Lightning. The first trip, too, is a long one, the farthest of the spring season, as we head down Florida's west coast to Germain Arena in Estero.

Here's to having a fun, healthy season while taking in some of Florida's hockey scenery. It's something we've all been waiting for.

Team report: Pittsburgh Penguins II

All things considered, we should have stayed home last Thursday and not embarked on a hounding adventure for the Pittsburgh Penguins. It rained most of the day. The moisture affected my silver Sharpies. And I wasn't patient enough to wait another 15 minutes for Sidney Crosby.

But with circus known as the Penguins in town and Colin off on his spring break, I ignored that nagging, little voice in my head and made the trip. What's the worse that could happen, right?

Well, we had the nastiest storms of the year, with tornadoes reported throughout the Hockey Bay area. And, then, while truly enjoying our time at the Glazer Children's Museum, Moody called to tell me that Crosby, returning from his first morning skate in months, signed not one, but two items before dealers bumrushed him.

Am I complaining? Just a little bit, I suppose. The weather could have been nicer. And Colin could've gotten his 2010 Canada Olympic hockey gold medalist McFarlane base signed by Crosby. Then again, I did get to spend the day with my son, doing something we love.

The hounding, really, wasn't all that bad, as we added 19 autographs, including 15 cards. Later that night, we watched the Tampa Bay Lightning clinch its first playoff appearance in four seasons.

All in all, it was a pretty good day.

Signing pucks, shown above from left, were Tyler Kennedy and James Neal.

Signing cards were, from left, Pascal Dupuis, Eric Godard, Brent Johnson and Mike Rupp.

Other highlights from a rain day:

~ Commemorating Maxime Talbot's Stanley Cup-winning goal;

~ having Tyler Kennedy pull double duty for us; and

~ putting specialty set cards to good use.

Good for starters

Rather than try to cobble together a set of team-signed Stanley Cup champion pucks for the Pittsburgh Penguins last week, for reasons financial and realistic, I'm trying only for key players from that season. In this case, it's Maxime Talbot, who scored the Cup-winning goal.

Beyond the norm

Who among us doesn't have boxes upon boxes of hockey cards that you're unlikely to ever get signed? I do. It comes with the territory, I reckon, of being a collector.

One type of card I'll make an extra effort to get signed comes from a specialty set. These can be rookie stars, American Hockey League team or prospect sets or even one from the 2004-05 NHL lockout.

This variety of specialty cards proved handy when the Pittsburgh Penguins came calling upon Hockey Bay last week. Signing them were, from left, Mike Comrie, James Neal and Maxime Talbot.

Team report: Carolina Hurricanes III

Even without a calendar, it's easy to tell when the end of an NHL regular season approaches: division foes come calling to Hockey Bay in an increasing frequency. Though it's a time to add to the collection, you can find yourself running out of items.

That's the reason why I loaded up on cards, rather than this single puck signed by Jeff Skinner, during the Carolina Hurricanes' third and final visit to Hockey Bay recently. All told, 18 of the 20 autographs I scored that day came on cardboard.

For the second straight trip, too, I missed on Hurricanes captain Eric Staal. This time, it was because he said he'd sign after the morning skate. Too bad, I suppose, that I had to be at work by then. The 2011 All-Star Game and Team Canada pucks will have to wait. Maybe he'll be back for the playoffs.

Signing cards, shown above, were:

Top row: Bryan Allen, Drayson Bowman and Erik Cole;
Middle row: Patrick Dwyer, Tim Gleason and Jussi Jokinen; and
Bottom row: Justin Peters, Tuomo Ruuttu and Cory Stillman.

Other highlights from a morning of hounding:

~ Having Cam Ward find enough room on a mini jersey; and
~ Jiri Tlusty signing four cards -- finally.

About time

If you knew how long I've been waiting to get Carolina's Jiri Tlusty to sign these cards, you'd share in my relief. I'd dare say I've carried these for at least five trips, between his days with the Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs.

For a variety of reasons (he didn't make the trip, simply missed or he was running late), it took until Carolina's most recent trip to Hockey Bay to get them signed. Thankfully, he signed all four.

The Hockey Life: Week 23

Later this week, Saturday to be specific, Colin takes the first step in the newest chapter of his youth hockey career -- playing in his first travel-team game for the Tampa Bay Jr. Lightning. Rather than playing in the confines of his home arena, we'll be hitting the road.

Being new to this aspect of the game, we're looking forward to playing in new rinks. Part of the allure will be making the rides -- some longer than others -- to play new teams at different rinks. If it means a two-hour ride south, so be it. Same, too, for two trips later this spring to the Orlando area.

That's why it's called a travel team, right?

When we received the spring schedule last week, part of a teamwide e-mail blast, it meant that any response to that message would be received as well. Unfortunately, one response caught me off-guard: "Why are we getting HOSED with all the travel?"

Though I can relate to the many miles of highway travel that await us, it seems a bit odd that a parent who willingly pays for their child to play on a travel team is lamenting the need to travel. To me, the parent, and not the child, was whining.

Given that two youth hockey organizations combined to form one team, meaning 42 kids were competing for only 20 to 22 skating positions, there were a number of kids who didn't the team. For every family that felt the excitement, there were nearly as many who were disappointed.

To Mr. Whiner, I'm sure there is at least one family who would be willing to trade places with you over the next few months. Besides, it's about the kids, not us hockey parents.

If you want to stay home, sir, do us all a favor, please: just let the organization know.

Thanks Pat

Anyone who lives in the Hockey Bay area knew that last Thursday brought some severe weather to the area. Nine tornadoes were reported. A truck flipped over on the Howard Frankland Bridge. Thousands, as of Saturday, were waiting for electricity to be restored.

Though we may have gotten a bit damp dodging raindrops while hounding the Pittsburgh Penguins that day, it was to be expected. Sure, the overhang outside the hotel afford some protection, but strong winds pushed the rain sideways at time.

Where we didn't expect to get wet, though, was inside the St. Pete Times Forum later that night as we watched the game. Unfortunately, that's what happened as a steady drip fell on our seats.

After a few minutes, The Missus got up and found an usher. A supervisor offered her a seat in another section. Seeing that we didn't want to split up for the rest of the game. We ended up each sliding over one seat to the right. It didn't help.

This time, I went down and spoke to the usher. I was told to wait for a few minutes and the supervisor would return. Well, five minutes became 10. Ten minutes became 20. Needless to say, I was less than thrilled.

Finally, Pat, the supervisor arrived. I explained the situation, as The Missus had about 35 minutes earlier, and told her that we were less than satisfied with not only the situation, but the poor customer service as well. Pat asked for another few minutes.

True to her word, Pat soon returned. We gathered ourselves and belongings and followed her. At first, we thought we'd be moving to another section. Instead, we headed for an elevator. A quick ride down two floors and the doors opened to the club level. From there, Pat led us to an all-inclusive suite, complete with all-you-can-eat-and-drink service and leather seats. After out initial surprise, we repeatedly thanked her.

From where I sat, Pat made one heckuva save. It's nice to know that the Tampa Bay Lightning, under new ownership, cares about its fans.

Quote of the week

"Let me guess, Sidney signed?"

Puckhound, to Moody, upon getting a call less than 25 minutes after leaving the team's hotel and heading over the the Glazer Children's Museum with Colin. And, yes, Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby signed for a few people before dealers bumrushed him not once, but twice. Moody, by the way, got a pair of autographs out of Crosby.

Finding some room

He sure didn't have a lot of room to sign this mini-jersey, but Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward did the best he could. It's tucked in, right next to his number 30.

After having Ward sign many pucks, cards, photos, goalie masks, a Lowell Lock Monsters jersey and a couple of sticks, there isn't much left for him to sign for us.