Sunday morning homily XXVII

With the Tampa Bay Lightning missing the NHL playoffs for the third straight season, this week brings about the closure of another hockey-hounding campaign down here in Hockey Bay. I'm not the least bit disappointed. It might mean the Dolts snag another top draft pick.

My stance goes beyond draft picks, too. Since late August, when players took part in informal skates, it's been a long stretch of prepping, homework, hounding and blogging. Now, toss in family, Colin's hockey and two jobs. I hope you can see why I'm ready for a break.

It's time to chill out. Kick back. Read the Sunday paper. Put away some pucks. And, yes, figure out what will happen to Hound Central 5.0. As for the future? Well, that's too far ahead. I've been kicking around some ideas with Moody, so we'll see what happens.

More than anything else, I want to take a step away from hard-core hounding. It's not like I'll quit cold turkey, so to speak. Certain teams, especially those from the Western Conference, will draw my appearance. For nothing else, I need the NHL to reload with new players. There are very few in the league who haven't signed something -- be it a puck, card, jersey or photo -- for us since 1997.

These days, I'm getting autographs for the sake of providing "fresh" content to HC5.0. To me, that's awfully darn close to hounding being a job. When a hobby begins to feel like that, it's time to walk away. That's why I'm glad this season is nearing an end.

Colin's hockey is also a major factor. As he progresses, it'll take a greater investment of time and money. Like most everyone else, we've felt the economic pinch. If I have $100 to spend, and that doesn't happen all that often, it's going to his hockey, not hounding.

Really, though, I shouldn't complain. It's been a good season, as we've racked up more than 1,500 autographs. We'll easily top 200 pucks for the campaign, which included a special milestone. Got to spend lots of quality time, too, with Colin. And that, my friends, is what it's all about.

As for baseball

Along the same vein, Baseball Mondays won't be reactivated over the summer. Doing so, I'm afraid, will dilute last year's Summer of Baseball campaign, where we took in more than 300 innings and loaded up on Florida State League team balls.

Now, that doesn't mean we won't take in a few games over the summer. Don't worry, we will -- Rays and FSL. The goal this summer is about 100 innings, and perhaps only a couple of team balls.

5 Big Sigs

Busy week here in Hockey Bay, as three teams help close another painful chapter in Tampa Bay Lightning history.

~ Carolina's Eric Staal on a Canada souvenir puck;
~ Carolina's Manny Legace on Carolina, Detroit and St. Louis pucks;
~ Ottawa's Jason Spezza on a Canada souvenir puck and a MacFarlane base;
~ Ottawa's Alex Kovalev on a McFarlane base (for Al); and
~ Florida's Stephen Weiss on an 8x10 with Colin.

Sunday morning homily XXV

It's hard to believe, isn't it, that the 2009-10 NHL season is nearly over? It seems like it was just last month that we were scoring our first autographs of the hockey-hounding campaign before the Tampa Bay Lightning's training camp.

Nearly 1,500 autographs later, though, we're down to our last few adventures of the season. Granted, the campaign could be extended, provided the Lightning finds a way to make the playoffs. I doubt that will happen.

So, yes, it's been a long season, just like the past few years, with the wide range of highs and lows, laughs and frustrations, and the miles of pounding the pavement. But, it's been a special season, too, for a number of reasons:

~ More than anything else, we hit an impressive milestone -- adding the 2,000th autographed puck from Boston's Patrice Bergeron, Colin's best NHL buddy;
~ Hound Central 5.0 has given a voice to other hockey hounds, including Moody, the blog's senior correspondent; Al, our man in Toronto; and all who've taken part in our Your Turn project; and
~ Providing another example of sticking with someone you've started, even if it meant adding more to an already loaded plate.

As I've said many times before, Hound Central 5.0 represents the end of the line of my major commitment to blogging about hockey hounding. Simply put, it's time to step back and see who, if anyone, steps up to match the body of work over the past five seasons.

Until season's end, though, it'll be full speed ahead. I've ground it out so far, so there's no sense in scaling back now. In fact, I'll push hard to finish strong. I don't know of any other way.

Going racing

The streets of downtown St. Petersburg will come to life this weekend as the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, featuring the top Indy Racing League drivers, tear up the asphalt.

Though we had plans to take in Sunday's race, the last two games on Colin's winter hockey season come first. Instead, we'll take in Saturday's afternoon's action and, if it happens, make our way through the fan-friendly autograph session.

Of course, we'll try to get Danica Patrick's autograph. I get the sense, though, that the line, just like last year, will be very long. Still, I know of one young fan who won't mind the wait.

And, really, do you blame him?

5 Big Sigs

Unlike last week, when the Phoenix Coyotes and the Buffalo Sabres came to town, only the Carolina Hurricanes, a Southeast Division rival, will visit. As a result, one might think the pickings could be pretty slim. That isn't the case:

~ Carolina's Rod Brind'Amour and Jussi Jokinen on a 2009-10 MVP Two on Two quad-player jersey card;
~ Carolina's Zach Boychuk on a Lethbridge Hurricanes puck;
~ Carolina's Brandon Sutter on a Red Deer Rebels puck;
~ Carolina's Eric Staal on a jersey card for the Threads project; and
~ Carolina's Erik Cole on a jersey card.

Sunday morning homily XXIV

It's not like he's become my nemesis. Nope, not in the least bit. I'm beginning to wonder, though, what it's going to take. For the past few seasons, I've carried a pair of pucks for Buffalo Sabres' legendary head equipment guy Rip Simonick. I've come home short every trip.

Now, I understand some might question my decision to have a staff guy sign a pair pf pucks. Well, as a Buffalo kid, and especially a Sabres fan, this guy is as old school as they come. He's been with the Sabres since Day One. Before that, he served with the Buffalo Bisons of the American Hockey League. Hence, the two pucks.

With the Sabres coming into town this week, I'll have another opportunity to get the pucks signed. If history repeats itself -- and I hope it doesn't -- it could very well be time to move on. I've left messages for him at a team hotel and talked to members of his staff over the years. To date, nothing has worked.

I entertain no delusions that Simonick is purposely avoiding me. Sidney Crosby? Maybe. But, no, not Rip. Instead, it's more about schedules. By the time I drag my carcass over to Tampa, he's already been at the rink for an hour. From what I hear, he stays there most of the day.

Of all the pucks we've gotten signed, it's hard to believe that I'd be so focused on these two. From a equipment guy, no less. I guess that's a part of being a Sabres fan. Sooner or later, it'll happen.

Hello, old friend

Tuned in to the NHL Network early enough last night to see an old buddy -- Peter Puck. How many of you remember him during intermissions of televised games in the 1970s? Just like the Sabres, that's how far back we go.

It's good to see Peter Puck's shtick hasn't changed, dispensing bits of hockey wisdom in simple terms that even a (fill-in-the-blank) fan could understand. I'm sure there are a few of us who learned a rule or two from him.

Even better, at least where I'm sitting from, was Colin's disbelief that I watched Peter Puck when I was about his age. Yes, it made me feel old. Just another instance, I believe, where hockey transcends age.

5 Big Sigs

Beyond the obvious pair of pucks, here's what we're also hoping to add this week when the Phoenix Coyotes and Sabres hit Hockey Bay:

~ Phoenix's Ilyz Bryzgalov on Coyotes and Ducks pucks;
~ Phoenix's Shane Doan on 2004 World Cup of Hockey-Canada and Canada souvenir pucks as well as a double-swatch jersey card for the Threads project;
~ Phoenix's Viktor Tikhonov, now that he's been called back from Russia, on a Coyotes puck;
~ Phoenix's Jim Vandermeer on a Red Deer Rebels puck; and
~ Buffalo's Tim Connolly and Henrik Tallinder on jersey cards for the Threads project.

Sunday morning homily XXIII

It's not all that often the Stanley Cup shows up at your local rink. As part of Hockey Day in Florida, though, that's exactly what happened yesterday here in our little corner of Hockey Bay.

During an afternoon of festivities, which included an on-ice clinic, it was the Cup that drew the biggest crowd, including, as you can see, Colin, and The Missus. There's just something about it, I suppose, that draws hockey fans -- its history, the players who've held it aloft and, more importantly, what it represents.

I, on the other hand, was at work. Not that I'm complaining, but it's been a long time (mid-1970s at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto during a Canadian National Exhibition) since I last saw the Stanley Cup.

Before heading out, I told Colin not to touch the Stanley Cup. He could look at it all he wanted. He could get his picture taken with it. He could even draw pictures of it. Just don't touch it, I told him.

Why? You know, just in case. There's a superstition that hockey players shouldn't touch the Stanley Cup until they've won it. Though that dream and day may be a long way off, I didn't want to jinx him. And, if it does happen, and Colin gets his day with Lord Stanley's Cup, I'll think back to this time.

Trust me, the wait will be worth it.

It gets even better

So, I'm sitting at work yesterday, punching buttons to keep as much of Tampa Bay as I can informed of the latest news, when I get a text message from a hockey-hounding colleague. It said that Hall of Famers Mario Lemieux and Al MacInnis were at the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon for a youth hockey tournament.

Given that I like money and need to keep working to earn it, there was little I could do. Sure, I have some Pittsburgh Penguins pucks just waiting to be signed. I'm sure, too, I could come up with something for MacInnis. The big question, though, was would either sign.

I thought about driving over this morning, but decided against it. It's a bit of a trek and with a late-night shift later today, I wanted to kick back, chill out and spend some time with the family, even if it is running errands.

A missed opportunity? I'm not sure. It all depends on how you look at it.

Busy guy, that Moody

Fresh from his Olympics Gold project, in which he showed off his collection of autographs from 2010 Olympics hockey players, Moody, Hound Central 5.0's senior correspondent, has ramped up another hockey-hounding project. And, no, I'm not talking about his TTM blog.

Having jumped on the networking train, Moody has started reaching out to NHL players -- past and present -- for a question-and-answer feature about hockey autographs. It's called 10 Questions.

Last Monday, former NHL defenseman Ian Moran kicked off the feature. Did you know that actor Tim Robbins, of Bull Durham and Shawshank Redemption fame, once asked Moran for an autograph? Well, he did.

Tomorrow, it'll be another former NHL player, Kevin Miller. Stop back by and check it out. Thanks.

Sunday morning homily XXII

It's been a sad week. From a stunning e-mail last Sunday afternoon to a somber funeral on Thursday, we've mourned the unfortunate death of a young hockey player. Tyler, a member of the Pinellas County Police Athletic League Stars bantam squad, was only 15. Sadly, a terrible decision cost him his life.

For those left behind -- his grieving family, two shocked hockey programs and teammates still in disbelief -- the numbing pain remains. Tyler, a kid so full of life and laughter, is gone.

To Colin, Tyler was a "big brother," someone who tolerated his little buddy's locker room antics, attempts to trip him during shared practices and someone to clear a path to the net for during the occasional stick-and-shoot. To Tyler, Colin was someone to share the joy of a bubble hockey game, even if it meant losing to the pesky kid.

I heard from more than one person, including Tyler's family, that Colin meant the world to Tyler. The feelings, I know, were mutual. In a way, those words brought some comfort. But, they also brought some pain. Role models, I believe, need to be there, leading the way, knowing and showing the difference between right and wrong.

Through his death, Tyler has given Colin, as well as every other young hockey player, a very valuable lesson.

Before the funeral, Colin wanted to know if Tyler was, indeed, a bad person. No, I told him, Tyler was not a bad person. Tyler was a good person, a kid who liked to have fun, played the game of hockey hard and, when necessary, stuck up for his teammates. What Tyler did, I told Colin, was make a bad decision.

At the best, Tyler's death is a learning experience. For many, including Colin, it was the first time they've suffered the death of a friend. To see Tyler's ashen, but calm, face in his open casket. To see tears fall down so many faces of Tyler's family, friends and teammates. To see, up close, the finality of life.

The biggest lesson, though, was about consequences. Losing one's life is a pretty harsh consequence for one bad decision. That, however, was the message. All it takes is one poor decision -- a single act of stupidity -- and you may pay with your life.

Talk about the ultimate consequence, right?

During the funeral, populated with teammates and friends wearing hockey jerseys, it was very difficult to not look at these young men and think two things: 1.) Thank God it wasn't any of them who were we grieving for; and 2.) Are there any others who we need to worry about? In every hockey family, parents have more than one child to watch out for. We watch out for every child on the team.

At that time, looking upon our sea of black-and-gold jerseys and one of his framed portraits on the church's altar, I prayed to Tyler, asking him to watch over his friends, to keep them from traveling the same path and, unfortunately, making the same bad decision. I also asked him to protect his teammates while they were on the ice.

In looking for a silver lining in this darkest of clouds, I asked Tyler to be their angel. Especially, Colin's hockey angel.

To that end, I've tucked one of Tyler's prayer cards inside Colin's helmet. One side of the card, which shows a set of hands in prayer, faces upward, to the heavens. The other side, containing of picture of Tyler, points downward, so he can watch over his little buddy.

There's also a prayer -- a child's verse -- under Tyler's picture:

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to keep,
If I should die before I wake,
I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to take.

Comforting words? Maybe. Kids aren't supposed to die.

Sunday morning homily XXI

I can't say that I'm truly Jonesing for a return to hockey-hounding. Has nothing to do with the layoff being only a little more a week, either. It's more about tending to some business, as well as postings, here at the blog. As much as I wanted to set aside these duties for two weeks, I couldn't. There's still so much to do.

In case you missed it, and I hope you didn't, Hound Central added the 14th blog of the stable -- Moody's TTM Blog. There, you'll find a little insight from Moody, Hound Central 5.0's senior correspondent, as well as addresses you can use to send items to current NHL players.

Moody also makes one heckuva an offer, too. If you're nice, he'll pass along his pretty extensive addresses list -- including retired players' home addresses -- just for the asking. With the going rate for this information upwards of $25, making a polite request seems like an offer that's hard to refuse.

Beyond that, though, I'm working with others to plug a few gaps in the Hound Central library, so to speak. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming post on custom cards. And I certainly can't believe the job's complete until sharing a few more pieces of intel and opinion, now can I?

Beyond that, there's only about six weeks, provided the Tampa Bay Lightning don't make the playoffs, left in the season. Aside from the Phoenix Coyotes, I'll be on mop-up duty for most of the remaining teams. So, yes, there will be some serious cherry-picking going on.

After so many years, it just seems foolish to go back and ask the same players to sign the same type of items -- be it cards, pucks or 8x10s -- visit after visit, season after season. That alone, my friends, is why it's time to scale back and, for the most part, step away.

Besides, I'm running out of things to write. Someone, I'm sure, will step up.

Back to the grind

From what I've read, NHL teams can resume official team activities, such as practices, as soon as this Wednesday. Here in Hockey Bay, that likely means an Olympics break trip for a few items. I'm not sure, though, how thrilled players from Toronto to Tampa Bay, and especially those who didn't make the Olympics cut, will be to see us, Sharpies in hand, waiting for autographs.

It's been a long season and I imagine they're getting pretty tired of seeing the same faces. Tampa Bay's Alex Tanguay has already shut down one Hockey Bay hound, who shall go nameless (it's not me, though), for the season, saying that he's already signed enough for him. Still, I have only a handful of items I'd like (not need) to get signed.

Of course, the NHL trade deadline (March 3) might create a few more opportunities, not just for your home team, but the remaining visiting clubs as well. And as teams fall out of the playoff picture, expect to see top prospects called up.

Sunday morning homily XX

When it comes to the Boston Bruins and Colin, there's little that I won't allow. Skipping school? As long as he doesn't have a test. A Sabres fan wearing a Bruins jersey? Someone's got to have his back. Making countless calls to the Bruins Pro Shop in an attempt to get a Bruins Winter Classic Patrice Bergeron replica jersey? I'm still disappointed in myself for having to settle for a Tim Thomas model.

From the time Colin could walk, he's been around the Bruins. From practices in Wilmington, Mass., to this past week in Brandon, Fla., from a Bruins Wives Carnival to watching warm-ups at Bruins-Lightning games here in Tampa Bay, if it involves the B's, I do my best to make sure Colin gets to see his favorite team.

Is it overindulgence? You bet your sweet butt it is. Am I spoiling him? Oh, yeah, without a doubt. But, you know, it doesn't matter. In the interest of objectivity, I also make sure he hears "no" to enough of his myriad other requests that it all balances out.

More than anything else, though, it's about being the daddy I never had. I could sit here and wish all day that I had a dad who doted on me as much as I do on Colin. Well, guess what? It didn't happen. And it won't happen, either. I'll tell you something else, too. There isn't an ounce of regret.

In fact, I feel blessed. To be able to share these experiences with Colin are memories that will last lifetimes -- mine, his and, hopefully, his children should that time comes. I'm fairly certain, even now, that he'll pay it forward. That's what daddies do, right?

Yes, in a way, I'm getting to relive my childhood through Colin. Good or bad, I'm loving every minute of it.

Was that really necessary?

I couldn't help but laugh while getting an autograph from Boston's Zdeno Chara last week. It seems the gigantic Bruins defenseman was so convinced that I was double-dipping on him that he signed a Winter Classic photo of himself on the dark blue jacket of a Boston policeman.

Sadly, the photo was for me. I was doing a favor for another Hockey Bay hound. In fact, I don't believe I even asked Chara, who apparently is sensitive to these matters, for an autograph in the two days we hounded the Bruins. Over the years, I've scored enough pucks and cards from him that, rather than dealing with his attitude, I let him pass.

So, if Chara is a big fan of honesty, which really is a valued trait, here's a brutal dose of reality: Even if he did sign three items (two team photos and a card) for Colin, what he did by signing that photo is pure, unadulterated horse hockey.

There was no need for that. All he had to do was say "no."

Programming note

Now that we find ourselves at the beginning of the Winter Olympics break, there will be a noticeable lull in hockey-hounding activities not just here in Hockey Bay, but all across North America. That doesn't mean, though, that Hound Central won't have fresh content.

Thanks to my two trusty correspondents Moody and Al, as well as some faithful readers, there will be a few items to keep yourselves occupied. I might even weigh in, too, providing some of the final chapters of the Hound Central legacy.

Sunday morning homily XIX

Had an interesting conversation take place last week regarding the practice of "double-dipping."

Al, Hound Central 5.0's man in Toronto, wrote that after new Leafs goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere said he would be signing only one-per for everyone, Al looped around, got in line again and scored a second 8x10 from the goalie.

Not long after the post went up, a reader from New Jersey filed an anonymous comment asking why, if Giguere said only one-per, did Al get a second autograph, possibly ruining it for others. A fair question, I believed. I must admit, too, that I wondered whether that specific passage would draw a comment.

Al's response makes perfect sense. One, he's not a dealer, so it's not like he made an extra $5 or so on his return trip. Two, if Giguere most likely recognized Al and truly had a problem with it, he could have said "no." One would think that the ability to focus on a blazing blip of rubber correlates to the ability remember the same face in a manner of seconds or, say, a minute, especially given Al's mug (Sorry, sir).

You'll also note that Al got different pictures signed, including one of Giguere accepting the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2003.

Furthermore, I've yet to meet any hound -- save for one prissy fellow who often brings his mother along on hounding trips -- who hasn't double-dipped on a favorite player, superstar or highly touted rookie. I know I have. I'm sure most of you have as well.

To me, it's not a big deal. In a way, hockey-hounding is like as smorgasbord. If you didn't get a full belly on your first trip through the line, you make another trip for a second plate. Part of Hound Central 5.0's mission is the sharing of information. That's why the "intel" tag appears on so many posts.

Season 2

After a two-week delay, Colin begins his second rec hockey league season today in Ellenton, Fla. We're hoping, too, that the extra skating he's done over the past month -- including marathon 2 1/2 hour sessions (of his own choosing) -- will pay off in improved play.

Sure, he's still having trouble stopping on both sides, but he's much better doing clockwise crossovers -- forward and backward. His stickhandling and passing can only get better, too. But, at 8 years old, he's taken great strides since his first skating lessons in 2007.

That's why I can't wait for today's games. Yes, I'd like to see him employ some of the defensive strategies we've practiced and remember to watch the referee's fingers, not just his hand movements, on faceoffs. More than anything, though, it's about him having more fun this season. Win or lose, that's why he plays the game.

In case you missed it ...

I should have given this post much more airtime before burying it under an avalanche of Islanders' hounding reports, but there's a line within the 2005 collective bargaining agreement between the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players' Association that should be of interest to hounds.

5 Big Sigs

Big doings this week with the Vancouver Canucks and the Boston Bruins headed down here to Hockey Bay. Seeing that it's the Bruins' second trip of the season, and I missed Vancouver's last trip to Florida, we'll concentrate our efforts on the Canucks:

~ Vancouver's Daniel and Henrik Sedin on Canucks and Sweden souvenir pucks;
~ Vancouver's Roberto Luongo on a couple of different Canucks pucks;
~ Vancouver's Shane O'Brien on the Portland Pirates practice jersey;
~ Boston's Marco Sturm on a 2010 Winter Classic and Germany souvenir pucks; and
~ Boston's Mark Recchi and Steve Begin on NHL practice pucks they flipped to Colin during warm-ups when they played the Tampa Bay Lightning in December.

Sunday morning homily XVIII

I know arguments can be made that this weekend's Hockey Weekend Across America is nothing more than a rip-off of Hockey Day in Canada. But, you know, so what if it is? The idea behind both events, even if one is purely a made-for-TV event, is that it celebrates the sport of hockey.

Too bad, then, that wasn't the case for our young hockey player. Though his second season of rec hockey with the Pinellas Police Athletic League Stars was supposed to begin last weekend, it's been pushed back to next weekend. Had the season started on schedule, as we believed it would when we made our payment, he could have been a part of the U.S. initiative by actually playing a game.

At the most, we celebrate Hockey Weekend Across America by having Colin work on his skating during a public session later today.

Now, this isn't a condemnation of the P.A.L. organization or its coaches. They work very hard teaching their young charges how to play the game and, more importantly, how to approach life. I'm sure, too, his P.A.L. Stars teammates all wish they were actively participating in Hockey Weekend Across America.

But, no, that isn't the case.

In what's becoming something of a sad realization, the hockey director at his home ice arena in Clearwater has had difficulties putting together a schedule. This isn't the first time, too. Last fall, we overloaded Colin's schedule, signing him up for fall baseball because we hadn't heard there would be a season. At the last moment, one was cobbled together. Earlier last year, a fee we paid for a season of pee-wee hockey that never materialized was used for more Hockey 101 and 201 classes.

I can't say with certainty why these delays keep happening, but I have a hypothesis. Because the travel teams don't seem to have this problem, it's my guess that the fact they pay considerably more -- upwards of $2,000 a season per player plus travel costs -- is a driving force behind their ease in scheduling. Sure, I wish we could afford such expenses, but I'd rather have Colin's skills and effort, not an ability to fork over huge sums of cash, earn him a spot on one of those "elite" squads.

A couple of weeks ago, as I ran Colin through some skating drills at a rink inside a shopping mall, I was approached by another father wanting to know how long Colin had been skating. Our conversation soon turned to learn-to-skate programs, intro-to-hockey sessions and rec hockey leagues for his 5-year-old son. I had the opportunity to steer the father toward Colin's home ice arena in Clearwater, but I didn't. Instead, I suggested he try another of the three rinks here in Hockey Bay, either in Oldsmar, Brandon or Ellenton.

After this season, I'm thinking it's time to follow my own advice.

Maybe he remembered

A few weeks ago, when the Montreal Canadiens were in town, Scott Gomez snubbed most every request to sign an autograph before the team's morning skate. Afterwards, as he was getting a ride back to the hotel from the Lightning's security staff (What's up with that?), he busied himself by reading a newspaper as, once again, he denied autograph requests made by others.

I couldn't help myself: "Hey, Gomer," I shouted. "That word you can't figure out? It's 'the.' "

Last week, with the Canadiens back in Hockey Bay, Gomez had an apparent change in heart over his signing habits. Except for me, that is. After asking if he had time to sign a Canadiens puck, he looked up me, said "No," and then signed for another couple of hounds.

As I relayed the exchange to Moody, Hound Central 5.0's senior correspondent, he said it would have been funny had Gomez responded with "That word I'm having trouble with is 'No.' "

If he had, and I wished he would have, I was ready with my retort: "Okay, Gomer," I told Moody, "but can you spell it?"

5 Big Sigs

Another two-team week awaits, so here's what we're hoping to add:

~ New York's Rick Dipietro on the right-handed goalie glove;
~ New York's Jeff Tambellini and Mike Dunham to the Threads project;
~ New York's Dwayne Roloson on his 2004-05 UD Hockey All-World Edition card;
~ Calgary's Jarome Iginla on Flames and Canada pucks; and
~ Calgary's Jay Bouwmeester on a Flames puck.

Sunday morning homily XVII

In a sense, knowledgeable hockey fans are one, big fraternity. It doesn't matter what colors we wear, where we're from or where we sit, we all pledge our allegiance to understanding the sport of hockey. This point was never so clear last Thursday when Colin and I attended, on the spur of a moment, the Toronto Maple Leafs-Tampa Bay Lightning game down here in Hockey Bay.

It's well documented that I'm not the biggest fan of the Loafs. Growing up a Sabres fan in Western New York, (specifically, south of Buffalo, in tiny Machias), where the Loafs are as welcome as 12 feet of snow, saw to that. Nor am I able to, mainly because of my allegiance to the Sabres, completely wrap my arms around our current hometown Bolts.

It was the game, certainly not the teams, that prompted my decision to spring for a 10-ticket flex pack and, subsequently, use two to attend the Loafs-Bolts game. Simply, it was as close as we'll ever get to a game at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. I wanted us to experience the flavor of a Loafs game, no matter its location, seeing that the team's reach stretches far beyond Canada's border. There's something, I believe, to hearing "Go Leafs Go!" shouted by the faithful at least once in one's hockey life.

As fate would have it, we ended up sitting next to a family of Loafs fans. Nice people, too. Colin and the youngest son hit it off well, talking hockey and even sharing a $4 giant peanut-butter cookie. The parents were more than pleasant, sharing their experiences of attending games at the ACC (one ticket there was more expensive than the five they bought in Tampa, they said) and that, unlike here in Hockey Bay, home games are shown on a premium cable TV channel.

Even though the Bolts won an increasingly exciting game with less than 10 seconds in overtime, I found myself somewhat disappointed. It was one of the most enjoyable nights I've ever had at a hockey game down here in Hockey Bay, finally getting the chance to talk with knowledgeable fans who truly understand the game while taking in one of the NHL's most storied Original Six franchises. I didn't want it to end.

Really, it didn't matter who we were rooting for. All that mattered was that it was a hockey game with real hockey fans, those who don't need a bubblehead emcee, dance teams, mascots and scoreboard prompts to "Make Some Noise" to make it an entertaining night out.

And that, my friends, is what being a member of the hockey fraternity is all about. It's the game, not the nonsense, that drives us. Sadly, not everyone, nor every team, gets this point.

Final (grumpy) request

After two installments for Your Turn, contributions have dropped off. Really, I can't understand the reason behind this. For four-plus seasons, I've shared many, many hounding adventures with readers. All I'm asking, and it's a reasonable request, is for you to now return the favor.

If I don't get any, this will be yet another feature -- just like Name that Logo, Hockey Quiz and What's This? -- that has run its course because of limited submissions or the lack of participation.

Responses to these requests go a long way toward deciding to continue with this blog. Lord knows there are better uses of my time. As it stands, Hound Central 5.0 will be my last hockey-hounding blog. Simply put, the returns fall far short the efforts put in by myself and others.

5 Big Sigs

It'll be an interesting week down here in Hockey Bay, with the Montreal Canadiens making their second and final trip of the season and the Anaheim Ducks swinging through the Sunshine State. We didn't have the best of luck with the Habs less than a month ago and, from what I've heard, the Ducks can be a tad tough.

Still, here's what we're hoping to add:

~ Montreal's Mike Cammalleri on a Canadiens puck and the Manchester Monarchs practice jersey;
~ Montreal's Andrei Markov on Russia souvenir and Quebec Citadelles pucks;
~ Anaheim's Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan and Steve Eminger on the Portland Pirates practice jersey;
~ Anaheim's Saku Koivu on a Ducks puck; and
~ Anaheim's Dan Sexton on a Wichita Falls Wildcats (North American Hockey League) puck.

Sunday morning homily XVI

As Colin nears the start of his second full hockey season, I've been thinking about players to point out for him to emulate. Someone who plays a solid all-around game. Someone who knows the best offense is a great defense. Someone who knows hard work is tantamount to success.

Granted, Boston's Patrice Bergeron is Colin's best NHL buddy. But he sees Petey only twice a year. Closer to home, Tampa Bay's Marty St. Louis would work, too, given how much he brings to the rink each night. But what I was looking for was a center who made a couple trips a season to Hockey Bay. It wouldn't hurt, too, if the player was personable.

Enter Florida's Stephen Weiss. From watching him play over the past few seasons, it's easy to see how much he cares about each shift of every game, despite playing for a team that's missed the playoffs for quite some time.

He doesn't cut corners. He doesn't float around the ice. He's not afraid to get his nose dirty. To me, and this is written with the utmost respect, the kid's a gamer.

Even better, from a hound's point of view, is how gracious he is toward us. I've never seen him turn down a request and he'll sign as many items, within reason, as anyone offers.

Last Thursday, with the Panthers in Hockey Bay, I asked Weiss for a favor. Could he spend a few moments with Colin, my hockey pest-in-training, sharing with him how important it is to play hard and, as a center, playing defense? "Sure," he said. "No problem."

Weiss delivered, in spades, before walking over to the St. Pete Times Forum. After introductions were made, he told Colin in very simple terms about playing defense: "It's the most important part of the game." As for playing hard? "There's really no other way to play." Sound advice, from an NHL player, if you ask me.

Colin, I believe, has another role model.

Go ahead, you call him a fairy

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who made a name for himself in so-called "professional wrestling," must have lost a bet. That's the only reason I can think of that he would portray a rough-and-tumble hockey goon who sprouts wings in the upcoming, and appropriately named, Tooth Fairy.

Though I know this movie is geared toward children, adoring fans and those who believe wrestling isn't a scripted farce designed to separate fools and their money, it's such a ridiculous concept that I can't believe anyone, including Johnson and fellow stars Julie Andrews, Billy Crystal and hockey fan Ashley Judd, would even think, for a moment, that this is a viable entity. Still, it's a hockey movie. A classic? I don't think so.

5 Big Sigs

Early weather forecasts -- and we all know how accurate those can be -- call for rain on the only day this week I have a hounding opportunity. That being said, if it doesn't rain, here's what I'm hoping to add from a cards-only adventure for the Toronto Maple Loafs:

~ Winger Jason Blake on an Ambassadors of the Game card from 2009-10 UD Series I;
~ Goalie Jonas Gustavsson on an 2009-10 Ovation rookie card;
~ Defenseman Tomas Kaberle on a Draft Day Gems card from 2009-10 UD Series I and a 2002-03 Topps Total card showing him wearing a Toronto St. Pats jersey;
~ Defenseman Mike Komisarek, who is making the trip to Florida, on at least two cards from his days with the Montreal Canadiens (we never saw him); and
~ Defenseman Luke Schenn on a (highly unlikely, I believe) Hart Candidates card from 2009-10 MVP.

Sunday morning homily XV

I don't know about you, but I'm starting to get awfully darn tired of these unseasonably low temperatures down here in Hockey Bay. About 30 miles north of Hound Central, a few locales reported snow -- yes, snow -- early Saturday morning. We're even supposed to get down as low as 25 degrees early Monday.

It's not so much how cold it is. Growing up near Buffalo, N.Y., and spending a considerable amount of time loving, and living in, New England, I'm well aware that winter can mean thigh-high snowfall, biting winds and bone-chilling temperatures.

In Florida, though? Give me a break.

What's frustrating me, as well as apparently affecting my health, has been how our home's heating unit has malfunctioned the past two Saturday nights -- on two of the coldest nights of the past 365 days. I spent the past night worrying between two hours' worth of cat-naps -- making hourly trips to the circuit breaker to flip back the switch -- about how to keep it at least 62 degrees inside the house.

Thankfully, the landlord (we're renting a house as we were smart enough not to buy at the height of Florida's housing frenzy -- and most likely ending up under water on a mortgage -- and I work in an uncertain journalism industry) had someone make a repair call this morning -- the second in less than a week. I'm certain, too, it's fixed this time.

That's the biggest reason for the delay in today's homily. That and the splitting headache, jittery feeling and near-blackouts from standing up too fast. If it keeps up, yes, I'll call my doctor. As of now, though, I'm taking my first sick day of the year.

Why even bother?

I was going to take the time to write a card review for 2009-10 Upper Deck Hockey Series I, but after opening a couple of boxes of 2009-10 MVP Hockey, it would have been a waste of time -- yours and mine.

Want to know why? I hate sounding like a broken record. If Upper Deck can't take the time to show NHL players with their new teams, even in late 2009 releases, why should I spend more than the six minutes it will take for me to write these paragraphs?

Each year, I say it's going to be the last time I'll buy more than a couple products, namely the Victory, O-Pee-Chee and re-released Collector's Choice offerings. Ultimately, though, I break down and buy some Fleer Ultra, Series I and MVP products. No more, though.

If Upper Deck is willing to produce 2009-10 cards of the Isles' John Tavares, Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman and Colorado's Matt Duchene in game action for the Series I Young Guns and other rookie cards, then I want to see Edmonton's Nikolai Khabibulin in an Oilers uniform, Los Angeles' Ryan Smyth in a Kings uniform and Marian Gaborik as a Ranger, not a member of the Wild.

I've said it before, and I'll say it for the last time, the majority of Upper Deck's early to midseason hockey products are, by and large, a waste of money. I'll stick with the low-end or deep-checklist products, but I'm done buying anything else.

As for you, that's your call. I just can't reward lackluster efforts.

5 Big Sigs

Despite the cold weather forecast for early this week, I'll make a trip out for the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, not so much to get rejected by Alexander Ovechkin, but to hopefully snag a couple of autographs from a couple of my favorite all-time players.

And though I'm down to just cards for the Florida Panthers, in town on Thursday, I'll hope to add to the ever-growing stacks of cards; Here's what I'm hoping to add:

~ Capitals goalie coach Arturs Irbe on Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks pucks;
~ Washington's Mike Knuble on a Capitals puck;
~ Washington's Brendan Morrison on Capitals and Canucks pucks;
~ Florida's Nathan Horton and Cory Stillman on a 2009-10 MVP Two on Two quad memorabilia card (Carolina's Rod Brind'Amour and Jussi Jokinen are on the other side) ; and
~ Florida's Stephen Weiss, a role model if there ever was one, on an 8x10 personalized to Colin.

Sunday morning homily XIV

Well, I did it. I came out of retirement last week, for what I'd thought would be one game only, and played a little street hockey with Colin's teammates. Don't believe me? Well, I got a fat lip to prove it.

Early on in the "game" at the Police Athletic League's recreation facility in St. Petersburg, pulling a shift as a defenseman, I took a street hockey ball right in the kisser. I saw it coming, but didn't have time to flinch.

Thankfully, I had my mouth shut, so there was no damage to the chiclets. Just a little cut inside a swollen lower lip. Like a real hockey player, though, I spit once to check for blood (didn't notice any) and kept on playing. Didn't embarrass myself, either. Well, maybe just a little.

The fat lip, as well as some minor aches and pains the following day, won't deter me from joining Colin more often in playing hockey. Mostly, though, I have to drop another 50 pounds or so before I dare get back on the ice. Until then, street hockey will have to suffice.

Maybe, next time, I'll wear a helmet and cage.

Just curious?

So, how did everyone do hounding the Pittsburgh Penguins yesterday down here in Hockey Bay? Did I nail the situation on the head, validating the decision to avoid the circus, or did the reigning Stanley Cup champions make a fool of out me, and sign each and every item placed in front of them?

I'm particularly interested in hearing if anyone got autographs from Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Marc-Andre Fleury. Of the three, I'd expect Fleury would be the one to sign.

If anyone had a good day with the Penguins, send me an-email and I'll include it in the upcoming Your Turn II.

Dang, it's cold out

Thank goodness the Tampa Bay Lightning hit the road this week. If not, Hockey Bay hounds would have to bundle up before venturing outside. All this week, we'll be lucky if daytime highs reach 60 degrees. Overnight lows in the 30s are expected, too.

No, I'm not whining, as it wasn't all that long ago that I dealt with true bone-chilling cold of wicked New England winters. And, yes, I know it gets much colder up North and in Canada. It's just that we're used to much warmer temperatures -- such as the 70s -- in early January down here in Florida.

I blame it on the snowbirds flocking to Florida. They arrive in such great numbers. I believe, that they create a vacuum and bring the cold temperatures with them.

Sunday morning homily XIII

Looking back on the 2009 calendar year, it's safe to say that, once again, hockey played a major role in our lives. From attending NHL games to ramping up another blog to watching Colin grow as a hockey player, hardly a week went by -- even during the summer -- when hockey wasn't a part of the picture.

Want to know something? I wouldn't change a thing. Well, on second thought, maybe a few instances:

~ I wish the Tampa Bay Lightning were much more competitive. It's difficult wrapping one's arms around a team that is so maddeningly inconsistent. Too many times, after yelling myself hoarse with encouragements to play more aggressively and stop playing a perimeter offense (Sound familiar, Rick Tocchet?), I've left the St. Pete Times Forum well beyond frustrated.

~ Despite my intentions, working this blog continues to be more of a job than a hobby. And, really, after five years, I'm running out of things to pass along. Thankfully, though, Moody and Al, Hound Central 5.0's top-shelf correspondents, have stepped up, offering different voices and perspectives. Without them, and the faithful readers who stop by, I would've pulled the plug after Hound Central 4.0. For that, I'll continually offer my gratitude.

~ More than anything else, though, it's my inability, based solely on my work schedule, to take a bigger role in Colin's hockey career. It goes far beyond missing too many practices and games, too. Like most other hockey dads, I've love to become a youth hockey coach, learning through USA Hockey training how to instill not just my knowledge, but my passion for the game.

Calculated move

It's a fairly significant week, as far as we're concerned, because we'll reach, barring an unforeseen calamity, another milestone -- 2,000 autographed pucks. With only eight pucks remaining, we'll cross the latest threshold with either the Boston Bruins or Montreal Canadiens.

But, really, our hope is that it happens Monday and it's Boston's Patrice Bergeron, who, all of you should know by now, is Colin's favorite NHL player, signs the milestone puck. We'll pass on other opportunities -- be they cards, photos or other pucks -- just to make it happen.

That's what I call extreme cherry-picking. And, no, I won't lose a wink of sleep over it.

5 Big Sigs

Beyond the obvious (see above), here's what we'll also try to add this week from a pair of Original Six teams:

~ Bruins goalie Tim Thomas on a 2010 Winter Classic and USA pucks as well as a pair of 8x10s;
~ Bruins captain Zdeno Chara on a 2010 Winter Classic and Slovakia pucks;
~ Bruins center Marc Savard on a 2010 Winter Classic puck;
~ Montreal defenseman Andrei Markov on a Quebec Citadelles puck; and
~ Montreal winger Mike Cammalleri on a Montreal Canadiens puck.

Sunday morning homily XII

Of all the weeks of the 2009-10 NHL season, the next two carry the biggest expectations. Sure, seeing that Christmas comes Friday plays a major role in my anticipation. More so, though, is that Colin, well into his hockey-hounding apprenticeship, has the next two weeks off as a holiday break.

Thanks to the NHL schedule makers, too, this vacation will afford ample opportunity for him to hone the craft. Four teams -- the Flyers, Thrashers, Bruins and Canadiens -- all travel to Hockey Bay before month's end. And, thankfully, I have most of those days off from work.

Even better, and I alluded to this last week, is we're nearing our next milestone in the collection -- 2,000 autographed pucks. With a little hard work and even more hustle -- two attributes that can make or break a hounding season -- we should top that mark sometime next week.

More than anything else, though, the next two weeks mean we'll get to spend more time together. Most weeks, our school and work schedules mean we only get to see each other for 10 or 15 minutes a day -- he's getting ready for school and I'm waking up from a another long night at the paper.

The time off will go far beyond Christmas morning and hockey-hounding. We'll have time to sit down and talk -- reinforcing his growing responsibilities at home, school and his hockey team -- as well as chill out. There will be games to play, slices of Fortunato's pizza to eat and, most importantly, strengthening the bonds between father and son.

Among the presents we'll open Christmas morning, the best I'll receive, beyond the one that Colin made for The Missus and me, will be the time spent together. It always has been and always will be.

It's my prayer, too, that all of you enjoy that as well.

Peace.

First batch

Hound Central 5.0 will publish this week its first installment of Your Turn, what we hope will become a regular feature of the blog where readers and fellow hounds share their stories of hockey hounding.

So far, four hockey hounds -- Jordan, BEV, Scott and Keith -- have taken the time to send in their stories. A tip of Hound Central 5.0's old, roughed up Cooper SK600 to them for their efforts. Now, if only a few more hounds, among the 40-plus who visit daily, would step up and follow suit.

As you can see, Hound Central 5.0 more than welcomes stories from other hounds. This season alone, Moody and Al, a pair of seasoned hockey-hounding veterans who swerve as Hound Central 5.0 correspondents, have filed many reports, each offering a different perspective.

In the remaining months of the 2009-10 campaign, I'd like to give as many hounds as I can a platform to share their stories.

If you have one, let me know.

5 Big Sigs

Like I said earlier, we'll ramp up this week, as well as get the entire family involved, when the Philadelphia Flyers and Atlanta Thrashers visit Hockey Bay during the first week of the holiday break.

Here's what we're hoping to add as we push toward 2,000 pucks:

~ Philly's James van Riemsdyk on a Flyers puck, as well as the University of New Hampshire hockey jersey;
~ Philly's Jeff Carter, Simon Gagne and Mike Richards on 2010 Winter Classic pucks;
~ Philly's Chris Pronger on St. Louis Blues and Hartford Whalers pucks;
~ Atlanta's Nikolai Antropov on Thrashers and N.Y. Rangers pucks; and
~ Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk on a Thrashers souvenir puck.

Sunday morning homily XI

As long as you're a kid at heart, Christmas has to be a favorite time of the year. It's a time for family. It's a time for friends. It's a time to be together. Sure, sure, sure. Giving and getting presents is fun, too. So is eating too much food that's not really good for you. And, really, who doesn't like Christmas carols?

My favorite part is putting up Christmas decorations. Lately, though, my efforts have been relegated to outdoors decorations. I put up the lights, get the inflatables in place and make sure the Santa flag stays unfurled on windy days.

The Missus and Colin, however, tackle the indoor duties, setting up the Victorian village and arrays of snowmen. Last night, they decorated the tree. Each year, at least one of the ornaments -- from Santa Clauses to trains to a cat hanging from a string of lights -- is dedicated to hockey. This year, it's none other than the Great One -- Wayne Gretzky.

As much as we pride ourselves on being a hockey family, it was Colin who put it into perspective:

"Daddy, who's the Great One," he asked?

"Well, buddy, it's Wayne Gretzky," I replied.

"Oh," Colin said, "I thought it was Santa Claus."

You know, he's right.

Lumps of coal

My request for financial assistance with pucks as Hound Central 5.0 readers want us to push past 2,000 for the collection might have been a joke (unless, of course, someone really wants to), but my request for hockey-hounding stories from readers wasn't.

In fact, I'm a bit disappointed by the tepid response. I'm not asking you to write War and Peace, folks, I'm just interested in sharing your stories with like-minded individuals.

Chances are, if you've been reading the blog this season, as well as the previous four, you've gotten at least one autograph -- either in-person or through the mail. In either case, there has to be a story behind it. How did it happen? Why did you pick the player? What did you do with it? See

See? It's pretty simple, isn't it?

From where I sit, I don't believe that's too much to ask.

Humor me, will ya?

5 Big Sigs

With another week and a half before the Philadelphia Flyers come to town, there's little chance of getting any autographs. Instead, let's try something different. Sticking with the Christmas theme, how about five hockey-related presents we hope to find under our tree:

~ a new hockey gear bag for Colin;
~ entry to the Boston Bruins' morning skate on Dec. 28;
~ a certificate good for another season of P.A.L. Stars hockey for Colin;
~ tickets to the Bruins-Tampa Bay Lightning game on Feb. 11 here in Hockey Bay; and
~ another year of pleasant hockey memories, from Colin's rec league games on up to the NHL.

Sunday morning homily X

Just in case you missed it, buried within a post on Hound Central 5.0 polls, I'm opening the blog to readers to share their favorite hounding stories. After four-plus seasons of writing about my hockey-hounding exploits, the well, shall we say, is starting to run dry.

What I'm looking for are stories from you. They can be about getting your first-ever autograph. They can be about meeting your favorite player. Funny moments work, too.

The goal for Hound Central 5.0 is to share the fun in collecting autographs. We're not dealers who have to get autographs to make an honest living. We're the ones who go out because we want to. And, I'm certain, that every one of you must have a memorable moment from hockey hounding.

Think of it as your platform. Tell me, in 100 words or so, your best hockey-hounding story. Though I'd rather have your stories sent to me through e-mail, feel free to leave them as a comment. Every so often, provided I get any at all, I'll publish them.

In a sense, folks, I've been sharing stories with you -- more than 1,800 of them since September 2005. I don't believe that asking you to share one is an unreasonable request.

Johnny (Tavares) come lately

On-the-scene reports out of Hockey Bay late Saturday relate the John Tavares, one of the most sought-after hockey autographs this season, signed for hounds and dealers before the Islanders agme against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

It seems that Tavares missed the gametime team bus to the St. Pete Times Forum and, like the rookie that he is, wasn't quite sure what to do next. From what I hear, those fortunate enough to be at the right place at Tavares' wrong time scored an autograph.

I also heard that Tavares, again showing that he is a rookie, signed multiple team-signed photos for dealers, but limited hounds to a single autograph.

Me? I missed out. I was just south of Ocala, Fla., driving more than 500 miles back from South Carolina, about the time Tavares missed the bus.

5 Big Sigs

In all honesty, cards, not pucks, will rule the single day of hounding this week. Though the Washington Capitals will be in town, my work schedule and assorted other chores limit me to only the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday:

~ Sam Gagner on a London Knights puck and a 2008 Rookie Class card;
~ Sheldon Souray on a 2004-05 UD Hockey All-World Edition card;
~ Dustin Penner on a 2004-05 Cincinnati Mighty Ducks team set card;
~ Andrew Cogliano on a 2008 Rookie Class card; and
~ Ladislav Smid on a 2007 Rookie Class card

Sunday morning homily IX

It never ceases to amaze me, really, when the Hockey Gods cast their gaze upon us. Sometimes, it's a sequence of events that lead to an unexpected outcome -- good or bad. Mostly, though, it's how our hockey fortunes provide lessons in life.

Take these two instances from last week, when we found ourselves watching morning skates for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning:

~ Colin, on a week of Thanksgiving vacation, would join me in hounding the Loafs. But a nearly flat tire (resulting in a trip to a tire dealership and a bill) and a steady morning rain threatened to wash us out. Thankfully, though, the day turned out much better. Not only were we able to get in and watch the Loafs skate, but Colin scored an autographed goalie stick from Joey MacDonald.

The lesson: Don't let adversity -- real, meteorological or imagined -- keep you from trying. Only through effort comes reward.

~ Two days later, while most of the world is snapping up holiday shopping bargains, we find ourselves back inside the St. Pete Times Forum, watching the Lightning during an open morning skate. Moody's there with his two daughters, one of whom is Lightning rookie James Wright's biggest fan. At the close of practice, Wright, ever the charmer, skates over and tosses pucks to each girl. Colin, on the other hand, doesn't get one and starts to pout.

The lesson: Let others revel in their wonderful hockey moments and, more importantly, remember other's generosity toward you.

Making change

Here's a story from Chris, Hound Central 5.0's Big Apple correspondent, who was in Hockey Bay on Friday hounding his favorite team, the New York Rangers:

"A dealer walks up to New York's Sean Avery and asks for an autograph. Avery tells him, "I'm not going to help you make money." The dealer says "I'm a huge fan and collector." Avery responds "OK, I will sign for $30 Mr. Big Fan."

"So, the dealer asks, "You got change for a $50?" as he jokingly pulls out a $50 bill. Avery pulls out a $20 bill, rips the $50 bill out of the dealer's hand, signs, gives him the change and walks off."

"Later, before the game, Avery comes out of the hotel to put his bags on the team bus. He does the head shake for no autographs, of course. The crowd then erupts into a "30 bucks" chant."

"Avery looks around, smiles and goes into the bus."

Pretty funny stuff, if you ask me. I wish I could've been there to see it.

5 Big Sigs

It'll be an interesting week in the days ahead. The Goofy Dudes sandwich a couple hounding adventures between a train ride north for a few days. Here's what we're hoping to add from the Colorado Avalanche and New York Islanders:

~ Colorado's Adam Foote on Quebec Nordiques puck;
~ Colorado's Milan Hejduk and Marek Svatos on Czech Republic and Slovakia souvenir pucks, respectively;
~ Colorado's Matt Duchene on an Avalanche puck;
~ New York's John Tavares, a reputed tough sig, on Colin's team sheet; and
~ New York goalie coach Mike Dunham on a Threads project card.

Sunday morning homily VIII

It hit me late last night, as I was slogging through the last of 14 hounding reports for the Los Angeles Kings, that quantity doesn't always mean quality. It's nice to show off the fruits of one's hockey-hounding labors, but, really, do I need to share each and every item that we're fortunate enough to get signed?

Like I've said before, the last thing I want this blog to become is a job. But, that's exactly what's happening. Between the prep work, hounding, working of images and, finally, the actual writing, I'm spending far more time that I really should delivering the goods.

That doesn't mean, though, that Hound Central 5.0 will be coming to a premature end. Sure, I've considered the idea as, through a number of external forces, my priorities are changing. But I can assure you that, no, I'm not pulling the plug on this season's blog.

Beyond that? Well, I'm sure you can see the writing on the wall.

What I will be doing, however, is relying more on others, rather than just myself, to provide hockey-hounding content. From an ever-growing stable of correspondents, as well as a reader-centric feature that's still in the works, Hound Central 5.0 will undergo some changes over the rest of the season.

The biggest change? Fewer reports from our own hockey-hounding adventures. Rather than chronicling each and every autograph we get, we'll stick to the highlights. Rather than, ahem, 14 posts from a team, three to four will suffice. And, yes, these Sunday morning homilies, even if others help out, will remain a staple.

Bottom line, folks, is that I enjoy doing this. I hope, too, that you find my efforts worthwhile. I just need more time for other aspects of my life. After all, this is just a hobby, not a job.

Tips from a pro

One of the benefits of getting involved in youth hockey, even down here in Hockey Bay, is learning from former NHL players.

Last week, as part of the Tampa Bay Lightning's community outreach efforts, former Bolt Brian Bradley led Colin's hockey organization, the Police Athletic League, or PAL, Stars through a practice.

Afterwards, as it's easy to see, Colin got Bradley to sign this puck.

Even better, though, one of the local cable TV sports outlets, SunSports, was out on the ice, taping the practice for a future segment on its Inside the Lightning show. We don't know if Colin will appear within the segment, but like any proud parents, we hope he does.

From what we've heard, the segment is set to air Monday, Dec. 21 on SunSports. The Lightning visit the New York Islanders that night, so we imagine it'll be part of the pregame show.

5 Big Sigs

Though Moody, Hound Central 5.0's roving Southeast correspondent, did an awesome job filling in with a stellar guest Sunday morning homily last week (thanks, again, buddy), even including his own 5 Big Sigs, I felt I needed to tender my own hopes and wishes for the two hounding adventures set for this week:

~ Loafs goalie Jonas "The Monster" Gustavsson on Toronto and Sweden pucks;
~ Loafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle on a 2004-05 Upper Deck World Cup of Hockey World's Best insert and 2002-03 Topps Total Toronto St. Pats cards;
~ Full team sheets from the Loafs and Rangers;
~ the Rangers' Marian Gaborik on a Slovakia souvenir puck; and
~ the Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist on a Sweden souvenir puck.

Sunday morning homily VII

I would like to start off this version of the Sunday morning homily by thanking the Puckhound for giving me the opportunity to step in and fill his shoes this week. I truly do appreciate that he trusts me enough to allow me to take on this responsibility.

Every time I check into this blog the first words I read (and I read them every time) are the following. "Not-so-random thoughts and chiseled commentary about life, hockey and collecting autographs for the pure fun of it, certainly not for profit, during the 2009-10 season."

Yesterday, while the Puckhound family and the Moody herd were running up and down Old Water Street snagging signatures from the L.A. Kings, I think I finally understood what it meant.

Life, hockey and the fun of collecting. I have been looking at the hounding scene here in the Tampa Bay area a lot more over the past two years and I have noticed there is an evolution taking place. An evolution of all three -- life, hockey and the fun of collecting.

Life: The forming of friendships of a group of guys who would have probably never crossed paths in their extremely different lives that they lead, but all drawn together by the hobby they love.

Hockey: The sport is still growing here in Tampa and the crowds are becoming more diverse with every game I go to. It's hard to have a home ice advantage when Florida is full of visitors. I am seeing each year that more fans are cheering for the "home" team rather than their "hometown" team.

Fun of Collecting: I am seeing that the local hounds are starting to have a lot more fun while chasing down players. Whether we are giving the Goofy Dude a hard time or razzing the Little Miss Moodlet about her new crush on a certain Lightning rookie. There is more camaraderie starting to show with every outing. I am not seeing the competition like there used to be. No more shoving to the front or trying to outdo the next guy. This year, I am seeing it as a hobby again and I am relishing the fact that I can spend a good time with my kids and a few pals doing something we all enjoy and share in common.

Reality strike

The fact that this season is still young and all the Hockey Bay Hounds have been more successful than ever before in snagging signatures may be the reason behind the evolution here. If that is the case, than I can only hope that our success continues and good times grow with each outing.

5 Big Sigs

In keeping with Big Ron's ritual of posting his 5 Big Sigs each week, I will make my attempt. With no team visiting this week, I will toss mine out for Thanksgiving week.

~ Toronto's Jonas "The Monster" Gustavsson on a Swedish photo;
~ Toronto GM Brian Burke on a Stanley Cup photo;
~ New York's Henrik Lundqvist on a Swedish photo;
~ New York's Sean Avery on a Stanley Cup photo; and
~ Any player I have never got on a trading card.