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 XXVI

As Colin started playing youth hockey, I thought I understood most every aspect of the game. I've played the game, more street than ice. Won. Lost. Tied. Reffed a few games, too. I've even driven a Zamboni.

We also knew it would be costly. Ice time, gear, skate sharpenings and G2s add up. It's worth every penny, though. There's also the investment of time, back and forth to practices and skating sessions and road trips to Ellenton across the $1-a-ride Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

What we didn't expect, however, is the emotional attachment felt by parents, ourselves included. We've had great moments, watching the Stars win on road ice and Colin scoring his first goal in organized play. There's been some bummers, too, but there's no need to digress.

Bottom line, it's all about everyone having fun.

Later today, Colin wraps up his second season of rec hockey for the Pinellas Police Athletic League Stars. Two games, down in Ellenton, with a chance to top last season's victories. Win or lose, we all get a well-deserved break.

I'll be honest. It'll be nice to get back to a less-hectic hockey pace. After a little time off, he'll have a pair of practices a week -- great opportunities to take in-game experiences into training so he'll recognize good decisions in future games. After that, he'll get into some 4-on-4 games. And, if the money's there, a week at hockey camp.

Believe it or not, that's a step back from the usual pace.

Come this fall, though, the hockey game bug will be back. New gear. Long Sundays. More predawn rides across the Skyway. I can't wait.

No great loss

Depending upon your perspective, Buffalo's 7-1 drubbing of the Tampa Bay Lightning last night was one of two things: 1.) sheer, unadulterated enjoyment; 2.) the final nail in the Lightning's season. Given my allegiances, I rather enjoyed the game. Goalie Patrick Lalime needed it. Now, let's see if the Sabres can make some noise.

For the Lightning, it marks the third straight season of missing the playoffs. For the fans, it'll be time to forget another frustrating season. Flashes of brilliance, namely Steven Stamkos and Marty St. Louis, dulled by inconsistency, especially captain Vinny Lecavalier.

For Hockey Bay's hounds, it means another season of shutting it down until late summer. Good thing, too. Had the Lightning made the playoffs, they would have played the Capitals. No matter where you're from, we all know the inevitable outcome. Oh, yeah, the Capitals would have swept the Bolts.

5 Big Sigs

With the Lightning still on a road trip, this week's hounding opportunities are limited to the New York Rangers. With decent luck last trip, I'm hoping that's a continuing trend and we add these items:

~ a McFarlane base signed by goalie Henrik Lundqvist;
~ Marian Gaborik on Minnesota Wild and 2007 NHL All Star Game pucks;
~ rookie defensemen Matt Gilroy on Rangers and Boston University pucks;
~ Erik Christensen and Olli Jokinen adding to the Threads collection; and
~ a nice, full team sheet from the Rangers.

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 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 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 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 VI

Astute visitors to Hound Central 5.0 have recognized by now that we aren't attending as many Lightning games this season as we have in the past. Last season, we went to nearly 20 games. This season, we'll be lucky if we get to more than a half-dozen.

Pure and simple, it's an economic decision.

The journalism industry has been hard-hit in this recession. As a result, my salary, just like the rest of my colleagues, has been cut. Sure, it's a bitter pill to swallow, but it's better than being without a job. And though I bust my butt at work, sometimes pulling five different shifts and associated tasks within my workweek, there's no guarantee that the coming year won't bring a layoff.

That alone is reason enough to scale back, right?

Still, that doesn't mean we're walking away from the sport. Colin's midway through his first rec league season. Conditions exist, as long as my bleary eyes hold up and the Hockey Gods smile upon us, for him to continue playing. I'd hate to have him stop after as much ground, or shall I say ice, as he's covered in the past year.

In a way, his season has become our season ticket. The games -- win or lose -- are much more enjoyable. Plus, as a hockey parent, the access is unrivaled. There's nothing like tying up Colin's skates, snugging up his shoulder pads and getting him ready for a game.

What's the reward? There's watching him get better with every practice and game. There are the shared smiles of both knowing that he made a good play. There are the shooting drills out back on the patio, even if I do take the occasional errant wrister off a bare leg.

Bottom line, it's the strengthening bond between child and parent. That alone is reason enough to keep at it, isn't it?

Give or take a few inches

Did you happen to catch San Jose's Dan Boyle during an interview played Friday night on the NHL Network's On the Fly program? It's a good thing he plays hockey.

In one question, he was asked about a new 100-inch TV in his new home theater room. Boyle quickly corrected the size of the TV:

"Actually, it's 120 inches," He said. "That's bigger than 10 feet."

Actually, Dan, at 12 inches per foot, it's exactly 10 feet.

5 Big Sigs

It's always a good week whenever a couple of Western Conference teams come to Hockey Bay. Here's what we're hoping to add this week:

~ A Finland souvenir puck from Minnesota Wild goalie Nicklas Backstrom;
~ A Wild puck from Cal Clutterbuck (the best name in hockey);
~ Los Angeles' Drew Doughty on Kings puck and the 2008 NHL Draft program;
~ Los Angeles' Dustin Brown on a U.S.A. souvenir puck; and
~ Los Angeles' Ryan Smyth on the Team Canada jersey.

Sunday morning homily V

Measuring the success of any hounding adventure depends upon each individual. For some hounds, the day isn't complete until they've run out of items to get signed. Others, however, weigh the day's efforts based on the quality, rather than sheer quantity, of the items they were fortunate enough to get signed.

In both cases, though, it all comes down to personal preference.

For someone like myself, who's been doing this for some time, I don't need to add a ton of autographs every trip to feel like I've had a good day. Sure, I question my time and effort if I get, say, five or six autographs during an entire day of hounding (like most times when the Pittsburgh Penguins come to town).

But, like I've said countless times before, one autograph, even if it is from a scrub like, say, Kris Letang, is better than none.

Lately, though, I've become more of a cherry-picker, especially when it comes to pucks. You'll see it this week in posts about hounding Ottawa and New Jersey. I got only seven pucks signed, but they're seven good ones. As I near the end of my hockey-hounding run, I'm trying to add nothing but exclamation points, so to speak, rather than amass staggering numbers.

At the opposite end of the hockey-hounding spectrum, however, are those relatively new to the game. For them, it's more about adding big numbers -- be it in cards, photos or pucks -- than anything else. From where I sit, and I'm not asking you to embrace my opinion, there's nothing wrong with that. I don't think they're being greedy, they're trying to get up to speed.

If a player is willing to sign eight or nine cards, that's up to them. Though most don't, some do. And more power to the hound -- newbie to veteran -- who benefits from the player's generosity.

My only concern, albeit a minor one, is that these hounds sometimes forget that others also want to get autographs. Not too many players, I've noticed, are thrilled to continue signing, even if it's only a couple of items, after pounding out a nine board or four pucks for a person.

Bottom line: Who am I, or who are you, to dictate how many autographs another person gets in a day. It's our hobby. We should have fun doing it. That's why we go out there, right?

He's a real Einstein

I couldn't help but laugh to myself last week when, with the Devils in town, one of a dealer's young minions prided himself on recognizing goalie Martin Brodeur. Now, recognizing teammates Matt Halischuk or Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond? That, my friend, would've been impressive.

"I knew that was Brodeur," he told his mates, a proud smile widening across his face.

Wow! Nice job, young man. Recognizing a sure-fire Hall of Famer like Brodeur. It's not like he hasn't been in the news over, say, the past couple of seasons. Making a spot-on call like that shows you definitely have a future in the business.

Here's some advice, too. I'd start asking the boss for more than $10 for a team-signed 16x20 photo. Your knowledge and effort is certainly worth $25-$30 a pop, don't you think?

5 Big Sigs

With the Lightning hitting the road for four games this week, the next hounding adventures take place Nov. 12 for Minnesota and Nov. 14 for the Los Angeles Kings.

That doesn't mean, though, there won't be some autograph reports. Thanks to Hound Central 5.0's correspondents Moody and Al, you can expect to read about these signings:

~ Catching up with reports from the Senators and Devils;
~ Updated hounding report from incredibleIce in South Florida;
~ Hall of Fame goalie Johnny Bower;
~ Post-game inside the St. Pete Times Forum; and
~ Top Ontario Hockey League prospects.

Sunday morning homily IV

All last week, we thought we'd be attending the Sabres-Lightning game last night, courtesy of Art Pier, a Lightning ticket rep who promised to make good on a horrible home opener experience. Instead, we watched at home as the Sabres won, 3-2, in an exciting shootout.

Earlier this month, on somewhat of a whim, I bought an upgraded package -- two club-level tickets, a parking pass, and two hot dogs and sodas -- for the Lightning's home opener against the New Jersey Devils. The cost for a boys' night out: $140.

When I picked up the package early on game day, it lacked a parking pass. The ticket clerk, unfortunately, had no idea about it, suggesting that we tell the parking attendant that our package included free parking, even though we lacked the pass. Yeah, right, that will work. The clerk also had no information about the food and drinks.

Combined, that was Strike 1.

Strike 2 came as we tried to enter the St. Pete Times Forum later that day. Our tickets, we were told, were reprints, meaning we were, at the moment, being denied admission. The turnstile attendant directed us to the box office, suggesting we get in line so we could explain our plight. One look at the snaking line, and we immediately went to the Will Call table. In about 10 minutes, we got tickets that granted admission.

Once inside, we went about trying to find a concession stand that honored the coupons for the hot dogs and sodas. Only until we asked a third person did we find the proper concession stand. That, I'm afraid, was Strike 3. Once there, though, a worker, unfamiliar with the package, said we didn't have the stub for the food. A supervisor, recognizing that we did indeed have the stub, quickly resolved matters.

The next morning, I called Pier, the ticket rep, to share our less-than-pleasant experience from the night before. It was his suggestion that he would make it up to us by offering free tickets to an upcoming game. I quickly agreed, saying it would salvage a sinking business relationship and picked the Sabres-Lightning game. No problem, he said.

Last Monday, upon Pier's suggestion, I called back, leaving a message to remind him that we'd picked the Sabres-Lightning game. He called back, leaving a message saying, again, that it wouldn't be a problem for the tickets, including an extra one for the Missus.

I called back Tuesday, telling Pier, in another message, that I'd be in Tampa on Wednesday and Thursday, making it convenient for me to pick up the tickets either day. Pier never returned the call.

On Wednesday, I again called Pier -- following the principle that a squeaky wheel usually gets grease -- leaving yet another message reminding him of our opening night inconveniences, his promise and the convenience of getting the tickets either that day or Thursday. I also asked whether this was the way he and the Lightning operated. That call, much to my surprise, was never returned.

Thankfully, we have other contacts within the Lightning's ticket operations, namely Amanda Graul, the director of client services. I left a message -- actually it was more of a subdued rant -- explaining what had happened. More than anything else, I wanted the name of Pier's supervisor so I could share my experience of dealing with him.

Within 30 minutes, Amanda called back, genuinely apologizing for what had happened, though she had no role in this fiasco.

She, too, promised to make good. Having had nothing but positive experiences with her, I have no doubts that Amanda will deliver. More than that, she's someone I can trust. And trust is what solid business relationships are built upon.

Granted, with economic conditions and cost-cutting measures, including 5 percent pay cuts and layoffs, at my employer prompting us to cut back on discretionary purchases, we're not the Lightning's biggest customers. After attending 20-plus games each season for the past two years, we'll scale back to, perhaps, a half-dozen games.

Still, though, successful businesses treat each customer as if he is the most important customer -- no matter how small or big the deal. Some people -- like Amanda Graul -- get it. Some don't. Going forward, we all know who I'll be dealing with.

Trouble brewing?

From what I hear, frictions may be growing between the Westin Harbour Island hotel and a handful autograph dealers. Hotel personnel routinely place barriers -- in interests of safety and limiting our access -- to keep dealers and hounds from gathering near the hotel's front doors.

It seems, though, those lines may have been crossed Thursday with the San Jose Sharks in town. Because I wasn't there at the time, I have to rely upon those who were there to witness some dealers, despite hotel staff's admonishments, jumping the rope to get autographs. Needless to say, the hotel staff wasn't too pleased.

Though nothing happened -- as in the dealers being asked then to leave the property or the calling of authorities -- those who followed the rules at game time weren't given any warnings.

What's going to happen? That's hard to tell. We'll get an answer, though, the next time a team stays there, attracting the attention of this group of dealers. Hopefully, it won't escalate to where we're all kept away from the hotel.

5 Big Sigs

Technically speaking, there are two teams headed to Hockey Bay this week -- the Ottawa Senators and the New Jersey Devils. I'm thinking, though, that I'll hound only the Senators, as Colin has a hockey game a few hours before the Devils game on Halloween.

With that in mind, and it could be subject to change, here's what I'm hoping to add:

~ Jonathan Cheechoo on a Senators puck (got him on a card instead, as my puck order arrived a day too late);
~ Milan Michalek on a Senators puck (got him on some cards instead);
~ Pacal Leclaire on Blue Jackets and Senators pucks (also got him on a card instead);
~ Jason Spezza on a McFarlane base (got him on a Brampton Battalion puck instead); and
~ Nick Foligno on a couple of cards from specialty sets.

Sunday morning homily III

As a hockey dad, in games and through hounding, it's a rite of passage, I believe, to help your child bust open his first-ever box of hockey cards. Not only does it represent quality time together, but it's further cementing a bond that incorporates hockey.

In Colin's case, the passing of the torch came Thursday night with a 36-pack hobby box of 2009-10 O-Pee-Chee Hockey.

As we all know, his favorite NHL player is Boston's Patrice Bergeron. That's why he likes the Bruins. And that's why he wears No. 37.

So, I knew that it would be pretty darn important that Colin find a Bergeron card in the box. Pack after pack, he carefully opened each one, looking for that special card. After the 35th pack, his voice still had a twinge of hope.

"Patrice will be in this pack," he told me.

I'll be honest. I had my doubts as well as visions of having to buy another box of what I perceive as a disappointing product. But, sure enough, right on top of the box's 36th pack, was Colin's best NHL buddy.

His smile lit up the living room.

"I told you," Colin said. "Didn't I?

All I could do was shake my head and chuckle. The hockey gods, or at least the ones I pray to, delivered. Really, I shouldn't have been surprised. Those two have always had a connection.

They'll be back

In case you're wondering what happened to the first two installments of Signing shows, the video feature showing NHL players signing autographs here in Hockey Bay, let's just say I'm erring on the side of caution.

Even though I'm afforded protection by shooting videos at and from a public place, meaning I didn't need anyone's permission to publish them, I still want to respect everyone's privacy.

I've reached out to some Hockey Bay Hounds who say they'll be more than happy to allow their images to be shown. As for the NHL players, well, it'll show them in a positive light. If they have an issue with that, we'll cross that bridge when it happens.

5 Big Sigs

With the San Jose Sharks and Buffalo Sabres headed to Hockey Bay, I'm having a hard time picking just five. The Sharks are loaded with talent. The Sabres are my favorite team. I guess that's why I get paid the big bucks, making decisions like these:

~ San Jose's Dany Heatley on Sharks and Thrashers pucks;
~ San Jose's Rob Blake on Sharks and Kings pucks;
~ San Jose's Jody Shelley on Sharks and Blue Jackets pucks;
~ Buffalo's Tim Connolly and Mike Grier for the Threads project; and
~ Buffalo's Tyler Myers on Sabres and Kelowna Rockets pucks.

Sunday morning homily II

The New Jersey Devils team bus had left the Westin Harbour Island hotel Thursday. A couple of us were still hanging out, waiting on the Devils' healthy scratches to head over to the game.

Over walks a man, with a recognizable Canadian accent, asking us how we did with the Devils. Did we get autographs from Martin Brodeur, he asked? No, I told him, we hadn't. Unbeknownst to the future Hall of Famer, I'm sure, Brodeur only signed for dealers earlier in the day.

Eventually, our conversation turned to the Lightning. We talked about Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis and Steven Stamkos. Victor Hedman and Carter Ashton, the Bolt's two 2009 first-round picks, came up. How much of a mistake it was last season for the Lightning to hire Barry Melrose as a coach did, too.

It wasn't long, though, before I brought up James Wright's name. When it did, a smile grew across the man's face.

"That's my son, you know," he said. "James Wright."

Thankfully, I had made positive comments about the kid, talking about how he was a pleasant surprise, making the team out of training camp by playing more like a veteran than the 117th overall pick in 2008. Dad's smile only grew.

After that, we talked about being a hockey parent and the differences between youth hockey in Canada and the United States. As a rookie hockey dad, I enjoyed picking the brain of someone who's traveled the path I hope and pray we follow down the road.

As gametime approached and relatives gathered, Dad had one last question for me.

"So, did he sign an autograph for you," Dad asked? "He better have."

Yes, Mr. Wright, your son signed autographs. A fellow Hockey Bay Hound gave the one shown above to my young hockey player. But, let's hope, too, that your's sticks around a little longer. If you don't mind, I have a few more questions.

Addendum (10/14/09): St. Petersburg Times writer Joe Smith had a nice story about James Wright at tampabay.com.

Better than a goal

Sticking with the hockey dad theme, I'm learning to look for instances during Colin's games where his coaches see the potential of a kid playing in his first full recreational league season by handing him a heaping helping of responsibility. He had one of those moments Saturday night, when he pulled a shift as the only forward on a 5-on-3 penalty kill.

For an 8-year-old, playing against 9- to 12-year-olds, to be given that kind of responsibility, even if it came during a rec-league game, was pretty darn cool. Just like Mr. Wright, I was one proud daddy.

5 Big Sigs

Last Sunday, I said the only team we'd hound last week was the New Jersey Devils. Well, as you'll read over the next few days, we also squeezed in a visit Saturday for the Carolina Hurricanes.

This week, though, you have my word. There is only one team coming to Hockey Bay. It won't have to travel too far, either, as it'll be the Florida Panthers. After that, it'll be more than 10 days before another NHL club provides a hounding adventure.

With that in mind, here's what I hope to add:

~ A Czech Republic souvenir puck from Tomas Vokoun;
~ a U.S.A. souvenir puck from David Booth (missed him);
~ a Panthers puck from Dmitry Kulikov, taken 14th overall in 2009;
~ jersey memorabilia cards signed Jordan Leopold (yes), Steven Reinprecht (no) and Tomas Vokoun (yes); and
~ more than one card (he signed three) signed by Bryan Allen.

Sunday morning homily I

Going into this 2009-10 hockey-hounding campaign, there's only one goal -- to have as much fun as possible.

It's not about topping the 2,000-puck plateau, though that will be quite an achievement, if I do say so myself. Racking up another 1,000-plus autographs -- a given considering the ever-expanding hounding schedule -- hardly factors into the equation. Nor does stepping on a few toes along the way.

No, folks, it's as simple as reconnecting with the primary reason I got into this little hobby of ours in the first place -- to hang out with like-minded individuals, yuck it up and enjoy myself. There were times last season when hounding, as well as maintaining the blog, felt like a job.

Those feelings, too, nearly led me to retire, so to speak, from the game.

But rather than walk away from something that brought enjoyment, it was time to take a different approach. As a result, you'll notice some changes over the 2009-10 campaign:

~ Don't expect daily postings this season. Between my newspaper job, increased freelance work and responsibilities at home, I'm simply not going to have the time every day for Hound Central 5.0.

Over the past three seasons, I've averaged more than 528 postings, including 610 alone for Hound Central 4.0. This season, I'm hoping to keep it below 400, meaning there could be two- to three-day stretches, primarily when the Bolts are on road trips, when I won't file a post.

~ We're also dropping the time-intensive Hockey Quiz feature. It never got more than two or three entries, and those were often the same people. To Drew and Brett in Calgary, two of Hound Central's most loyal readers, I hope you understand.

Having said that, though, I'm positive you'll find plenty of reasons, from hounding reports to new features to these homilies, to stop by Hound Central 5.0 a couple times a week. I'll also lean harder (just a bit, guys, I promise) on Hound Central 5.0's correspondents Moody and Allan to help fill the gaps.

New projects

Here at Hound Central 5.0, it isn't a new season unless we have a few hockey-hounding projects to keep ourselves busy, including these:

~ Colin's Pucks: Now that he's getting older, and a bit more responsible with paint pens, the Goofy Dude will be adding pucks to his repertoire. And, yes, he'll continue with his ever-popular team sheets.

~ Threads: Rather than have jersey memorabilia cards sitting in darkened boxes, we'll be seeding these into our autograph card stock on a consistent basis, defined as at least one for every team that travels to Hockey Bay.

~ HockeyBayHound: Given the popularity of our hounding photo galleries last season, Hound Central 5.0 now has its own channel at YouTube. If I were you, I'd keep an eye out for other multimedia or social networking projects.

5 Big Sigs

Even though the New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes come to Hockey Bay this week, my work schedule and Colin's hockey mean we can only set our sights on the Devils. Still, this is what we'll be looking to add:

~ Martin Brodeur on a Canada souvenir puck (missed);
~ Lou Lamoriello and Zach Parise on USA pucks;
~ Patrik Elias on a Czech Republic puck (didn't make the trip);
~ Brian Rolston on Bruins and Avalanche pucks; and
~ Bryce Salvador on Devils and Blues pucks.