Fern Flaman and Another 91 New Autos

October has been a big month for my collection.  The only consolation for this heart broken fan in a lockout is that prices for the type of low end cards I tend to buy have dropped significantly. I’ve been able to get drastically more autographs that I can normally acquire with my petty student budget.

 Fern Flaman and Bronco Horvath

Defenceman Fern Flaman spent 15 years in the NHL with the Leafs and Bruins.  Gordie Howe once referred to him as the toughest player he had ever played against. Flaman won the 1951 Stanley Cup as a Maple Leaf and was inducted into the Hockey Fall of Fame in 1990.  He recently passed away at age 85. 

Bronco Horvath spent 20 years playing pro hockey in North America but for the four seasons he spent in Boston he was one of the best players in the game.  Horvath found chemistry with the Bruins while on the “Uke Line” with John Bucyk and Vic Stasiuk.  In 1960 he and Bobby Hull shared the goal scoring lead with 39 markers.  Horvath also finished one point behind the Golden Jet in the race for the Art Ross as the regular season scoring champ.  After being passed around to a couple teams Horvath would later fade into the AHL and only re-emerge into the league after the 1967 expansion as a North Star. 

Tom Cavanagh

After four seasons at Harvard the Ivy leaguer played 3 full AHL seasons before getting his NHL debut in 2008 with the San Jose Sharks.  That would be his only appearance of the season but he played 17 games for the club the following year and scored 1 goal and 3 points.  January 2011 it was reported that the 28 year old had committed suicide.  He suffered from schizophrenia.

Bill Clement and Curtis Glencross

Many will recognize Bill Clement’s name for his voice and not his playing career but the broadcaster played over a decade in the NHL and won 2 Stanley Cups as a Philadelphia Flyer. 

Curtis Glencross made his NHL debut in 06/07 with the Anaheim Ducks but it took him until this year to get an autograph release.  The undrafted forward has fought the odds and has scored 24+ goals in each of his last two season as a Calgary Flame. 

Cam Atkinson and Andre Petersson

In 27 games for the Blue Jackets last season rookie Cam Atkinson scored 7 goals and 14 points. 

Swede Andre Petersson made his NHL debut last season playing 1 game for the Ottawa Senators. 

Cody Eakin and Ben Holmstrom

Nephew of former NHLer Bruce Eakin, Cody netted 8 points in 30 games as a Washington Capital rookie center last year. 

No relation to Tomas, Ben Holmstorm was born and raised in Colorado Springs.  The undrafted forward was signed by the Flyers in 2010 after four years of college hockey.  He has dressed in 7 NHL games for Philly. 

Andy Miele and Justin Faulk

Undrafted forward Andy Miele signed with the Coyotes after four years of college hockey in Miami which was capped off with the 2011 Hobey Baker Award.

Justin Faulk’s rookie season last year made such an impact on the Hurricanes blue line that he was involved in Calder nomination talks. 

Ryan Craig and Daniel Winnik

Starting in 2005 Ryan Craig appeared in nearly 200 NHL games for the Lightning over 5 seasons.  His rookie season was his most productive as he potted 15 goals and 28 points in only 48 games.  His last NHL sighting saw him don a Pittsburgh Penguins jersey. 

A 9th round selection in the 2004 NHL draft Daniel Winnik has gone on to play 5 NHL seasons between Phoenix, Colorado and San Jose.  The veteran of nearly 400 NHL games has over 100 career points and was recently signed by the Anaheim Ducks.

Justin Pogge and John Curry

As a Leaf fan I couldn’t help but cringe as I added this autograph to my collection.  Had it not been for his stellar play for team Canada in the world juniors Toronto may have kept Tuuka Rask instead of Pogge.  That being said Justin Pogge has a stellar resume in his own right.  On top of winning a gold medal with team Canada’s world junior team in 2006 he was named WHL and CHL goalie of the year.  He only played 7 NHL games, all for the Leafs. 

John Curry made his NHL debut for the 2008/09 Pittsburgh Penguins and was the team’s third string goalie when they won the Stanley Cup that season. 

Jean-Francois Damphousse and Milan Hnilicka

Jean-Francois Damphousse was the Devil’s first round draft choice in 1997.  His only taste of the NHL came in 01/02 when he appeared in 6 games for New Jersey. 

Milan Hnilicka was originally a New York Islanders draft pick in 1991.  The Czech native made his NHL debut for the 1999/2000 New York Rangers.  He saw his best years in Atlanta were, for the better part of three years, he was their starting goaltender. 

Glenn Healy and Kevin Hodson

Glenn Healy won the Stanley Cup as Mike Richter’s backup on the 1994 New York Rangers.  He’s been involved in the league since his retirement in 2001 and is currently a well known broadcaster. 

Backup goalie Kevin Hodson won 2 Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings in 1997 and 1998. 

Blaine Lacher and Pat Jablonski

In 1994/95 rookie Blaine Lacher played 35 games for the Boston Bruins and looked to be a possible future #1 goalie.  By 1997 he was retired from pro hockey and was nicknamed “let em in” Lacher.  

Over a decade Pat Jablonski appeared between the pipes for the Blues, Lightning, Canadiens, Coyotes and Hurricanes. 

Curtis Leschyshyn and Uwe Krupp

Curtis Leschyshyn was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques 3^rd overall in 1988.  He jumped right into a 16 year NHL career that saw him win the 1996 Stanley Cup as a member of the Colorado Avalanche. 

Uwe Krupp scored the Stanley Cup clinching goal for the 1996 Colorado Avalanche.  We have Upper Deck to thank for showing us that Krupp and Leschyshyn not only shared the Cup but a mutual love for man’s best friend. 

Mark Tinordi and Steve Smith

If you thought the dog pictures were odd hockey card illustrations Upper Deck provides us with a shirtless Steve Smith here.  I’d find this card a little less strange had Smith actually been pictured outside playing volleyball versus being in what appears to be a photo studio. As an Edmonton Oiler the defenceman won 3 Stanley Cups, in 1987, 1988 and 1990.  He may, however, be best remembered for scoring against his own team during the 1986 playoffs, a goal that ultimately cost them the series.  

Mark Tinordi spent a dozen years in the National Hockey League.  He played for the Rangers, North Stars, Stars and Capitals.  

Krzysztof Oliwa and Ken Daneyko

Tough guy Krzysztof Oliwa won the Stanley Cup as a New Jersey Devil in 2000.  He also helped the Flames reach the finals in 2004. 

Ken Daneyko spent his whole 20 year career in New Jersey.  He holds the record for most games played as a Devil and was on all 3 franchise Stanley Cup winning teams. 

Craig Wolanin and Valeri Kamensky

Craig Wolanin was the 3^rd overall pick in the 1985 NHL draft by the New Jersey Devils.  At the time it was rumored that the Leafs were seriously considering using their first overall pick on Wolanin instead of Wendel Clark. While he never turned into a superstar defenseman Wolanin did play 13 NHL seasons and won the 1996 Stanley Cup as a member of the Colorado Avalanche. 

Valeri Kamensky was one of many Soviet players to cross the ocean after the USSR collapsed.  He joined the Quebec Nordiques in 1991 and was still with the franchise when they won the Stanley Cup in 1996 as the Colorado Avalanche.  He was a leading member of that team, scoring 38 goals through the regular season and then netting 22 points in 22 playoff games. 

Peter Zezel and Garry Galley

Peter Zezel was a quality player who carved out a 15 year NHL career.  At his best he was a point per game player who had multiple 20+ goal seasons.  He died of a rare blood disease in 2009 at only 44 years of age. 

Garry Galley’s lengthy NHL career lasted 17 seasons as saw him play well over 1000 games.  The defeseman amassed 600 career points from the blue line and was named to 2 NHL All-Star teams.  Post playing career he has gone on to work for CBC as a color commentator. 

Jocelyn Lemieux and Rob Pearson

Jocelyn Lemieux was the 10^th overall pick of the 1986 NHL draft.  He spent over a decade in the NHL and dressed for the Blues, Canadiens, Blackhawks, Whalers, Devils, Flames and Coyotes.  He’s the brother of Claude Lemieux. 

The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Rob Pearson 12^th overall in 1989.  Pearson’s NHL career lasted half a dozen years and saw him play for the Leafs, Capitals and Blues.

Mark Rycroft and Justin Kurtz

Right winger Mark Rycroft spent a full season in St. Louis pre and post 04/05 lockout.  His third and final season in the league was spent with the 06/07 Colorado Avalanche.  He scored 21 goals in 226 career games. 

Justin Kurtz scored 3 goals and 8 points in 27 career games, all with the 01/02 Vancouver Canucks.  

Kelly Miller and Kevin Miller

Kelly Miller broke into the NHL as a New York Ranger in 1985 but played most of his 1000+ game career with the Washington Capitals. 

Kevin Miller scored 150 career goals in an NHL career that lasted over a decade.  Kelly and Kevin are brothers.  A third bro, Kip, also had a lengthy NHL career. His autograph is on the way.  

Justin Papineau and Stephane Veilleux

Justin Papineau played 81 NHL games from 2001-2004 between the St. Louis Blues and New York Islanders. 

Currently a member of the Minnesota Wild, Stephane Veillieux will be entering his 8^th season in the NHL. 

Alex Hicks and Alexei Morozov

Left winger Alex Hicks spent a few seasons in the NHL and played for Anaheim, Pittsburgh, San Jose and Florida.  His father Wayne also played in the NHL. 

From 1997-2004 Alexei Morozov was a full time member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, his only NHL team.  His best season in the league, 2002/03, was shorted by injury.  That season he scored 25 points in 27 games but played on a line with Mario Lemieux and Alexei Kovalev.  Since leaving the NHL in 2004 he has dominated Russian hockey and has won numerous award in the KHL.  He was captain of the 2010 Olympic men’s Russian hockey team. 

Stephen Leach and Rick Zombo

Over 16 years Stephen Leach played in 700+ NHL games.  His best years were in Boston and saw him top the 20 goal mark twice.

Defeseman Rick Zombo spent over a dozen years in the NHL.  He spent most of his career in Detroit and St. Louis but his last NHL team was Boston. 

Chris Joseph and Petr Nedved

The Pittsburgh Penguins chose Chris Joseph with their 5^th overall pick of the 1987 NHL draft.  He only played 17 games for the Pens as he was involved in a trade later that year that saw Joseph go to Edmonton and Paul Coffey go back to Pittsburgh.  He played 4 regular season games for the Oilers squad that captured the 1990 Stanley Cup.  He retired an Atlanta Thrasher, his 8^th NHL team, in 2001 with just over 500 games played. 

The 2^nd overall pick of the 1990 draft Petr Nedved scored 38 goals for his draft team, the Canucks, in 1992/93 but a contract dispute made it his last in British Columbia.  Until 2003 Nedved remained a lethal NHL sniper and could be counted on to pot at least 20 goals.  Post 04/05 lockout he bounced around the NHL a bit, suiting up for Phoenix, Philadelphia and Edmonton, before returning to Europe in 2007. 

Bryan Marchment and Luke Richardson

Bryan Marchment was a tough defeseman who played in 9 different cities over his lengthy NHL career.  He was known to be a little on the “dirty” side and was suspended by league over a dozen times. 

Iron man Luke Richardson spent 21 years patrolling the blue line in the NHL.  The stay at home D-man was captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets for a while and when he retired in 2009 he was immediately hired by the Ottawa Senators as an assistant coach. 

Todd Gill and Garry Valk

Todd Gill was a top defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs when they made a couple of deep playoff runs in 93 and 94.  He would become the 4^th captain in San Jose Shark history and retired with over 1000 career games played.

Garry Valk’s NHL career lasted 13 years and saw him suit up for the Canucks, Mighty Ducks, Penguins, Maple Leafs and Blackhawks.  He was a fan favorite in while he played in Toronto from 1998-2002.  

Ted Donato and Darren Van Impe

Ted Donato was a member of the Boston Bruins for practically the whole 90s.  He was a good secondary scorer and put up multiple 20 goal seasons. Donato left the Bruins in 1998 but retired with the team in 2004.  Between those years in Boston he dressed for the Islanders, Senators, Ducks, Stars, Kings, Blues and Rangers. He’s spent most of the last decade as head coach of the Harvard University hockey team. 

Darren Van Impe was an NHL regular from 1996-2002.  The defeseman played over 400 NHL games between Anaheim, Boston, Florida, Columbus as well as both the New York Rangers and Islanders.

Calle Johansson and Toni Lydman

Defeseman Calle Johansson was a first round pick by the Buffalo Sabres in 1985 but he played the majority of his 1000+ game career in Washington. 

Toni Lydman is going into his 12^th season in the NHL, 3^rd as an Anaheim Duck.  He helped the Calgary Flames reach the 2004 Stanley Cup finals and as a member of the Finish national team he won a silver medal at the 2006 Olympics. 

Sean O’Donnell and Philippe Boucher

Blackhawk defeseman Sean O’Donnell is approaching two decades of NHL hockey.  He won the Stanley Cup as a member of the 2007 Anaheim Ducks.

Current general manager of the QMJHL’s Rimouski Oceanic, Philippe Boucher spent over a dozen years in the NHL.  He was selected to the 2007 NHL All-Star team while a member of the Dallas Stars.  He retired in 2009 a Pittsburgh Penguin and Stanley Cup champion. 

Nelson Emerson and Marcus Nilson

Nelson Emerson scored over 200 goals in an NHL career that spanned over a decade.  He netted 33 goals and 74 points for the 93/94 Winnipeg Jets, finishing second behind only Keith Tkachuk as top scorer for the team.

Marcus Nilson broke into the NHL in 1998 as a Florida Panther and remained with the team until 2004.  He was traded to the Calgary Flames before the 03/04 trade deadline and helped his new team reach the Stanley Cup finals.  He stayed in Calgary until 2008 and returned to Europe with over 500 games played. 

Darius Kasparaitis and Sergei Brylin

Darius Kasparaitis was drafted 5^th overall by the New York Islanders in 1992.  The Russian defenseman jumped right into a 14 year NHL career.  He’s won a bronze and silver medal at the winter Olympics as a member of team Russia. 

Sergei Brylin spent his whole 15 year NHL career in New Jersey.  He was a member of all 3 franchise Stanley Cup winning teams. 

Mike Rathje and Ville Peltonen

The San Jose Sharks picked Mike Rathje with the 3^rd overall pick of the 1992 draft.  He joined the team a year later and remaied an important part of the team’s defensive core until 2004.  Post lockout he spent a season and a half with the Philadelphia Flyers but was forced to retire early due to back and hip problems.

Finnish winger Ville Peltonen spent a few seasons in the NHL and dressed for the Sharks, Predators and Panthers.  He’s better known for representing Finland in international play.  He has won an incredible 4 Olympic medals, 3 bronze and a silver. 

John Lilley and Josef Marha

From 1994-1996 John Lilley appeared in 23 NHL games for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.  Just prior to making his NHL debut he represented USA in the 1994 winter Olympics. 

Josef Marha made his NHL debut for the Cup winning 95/96 Colorado Avalanche.  He played 2 regular season games for the team that season.  He would move on to Anaheim and then Chicago.  Playing with the Blackhawks he saw his only full NHL season in 99/00.  He scored 10 goals and 22 points in 81 games that year. 

Randy Ladouceur and Pat Falloon

Defenseman Randy Ladouceur lasted 14 seasons in the NHL.  He was captain of the Hartford Whalers for a season and later became the second ever captain of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.  Since retiring in 1996 he has returned to the NHL as an assistant coach with the Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes.  

Pat Falloon stormed into the NHL as an 18 year old rookie with the 91/92 San Jose Sharks.  He was the franchise’s first ever draft pick, 2^nd overall in 1992.  At that draft he was better known as the kid picked after Eric Lindros.  As a teenager he scored 25 goals and 59 points in his NHL rookie season.  Unfortunatly for Falloon and the Sharks his first season would turn out to be his most productive.  Although Falloon remained an NHLer until 2000 he never came close to reaching his potential.  Nicknamed Fat Balloon he saw time in Philadephia, Ottawa, Edmonton and Pittsburgh after leaving the Shark tank. 

Murray Baron and Murray Craven

Murray Baron was a stay at home defenseman who carved out an NHL career that saw him play over 1000 games from 1989-2004. 

Originally a first round draft choice by the Detroit Red Wings in 1982, Murray Craven spent 18 years in the National Hockey League.  He scored 20+ goals half a dozen times.  His best season was in 87/88.  As a Flyer he scored 30 goals and 76 points in only 72 games.  He retired in 2000 having scored well over 700 points in the NHL.

Sheldon Souray and Jody Hill

Sheldon Souray emerged into the league with the 97/98 New Jersey Devils.  Until he had a breakout 15 goal season in 03/04 with Montreal Souray was known as a stay at home defenseman who’s previous career high in goals was 3.  Since then he has been a high profile player who’s struggles in Edmonton have been well documented.

Jody Hull carved out a long NHL career as a bottom line forward.  He scored 250+ points in just over 800 games playing with the Whalers, Rangers, Senators, Panthers, Lightning and Flyers. 

Dimitri Yushkevich and Grant Ledyard

Dimitri Yushkevich entered the NHL a 1992 Olympic gold medalist.  The Russian defeseman saw his best years in Toronto and represented the Maple Leafs at the 2000 All-Star game. 

Grant Ledyard played 18 seasons and 1000+ games of NHL hockey. He played for nine different teams over his career. 

Zdeno Ciger and Jason Dawe

Zdeno Ciger is an interesting case.  He was the Edmonton Oilers top goal scorer in 95/96 with 31 markers in 78 games.  He was regarded as a top NHL forward but the Slovakian’s European wife was homesick.  Ciger left the NHL, not to return until 2001, divorced, but much older and less capable. 

Jason Dawe had a couple really solid NHL seasons in Buffalo, scoring 20+ goals twice.  He would also go on to play for the Islanders, Canadiens and Rangers.

Juha Ylonen and Mike Stapleton

Juha Ylonen played a few seasons for the Phoenix Coyotes and then split his final NHL season, 01/02, between the Senators and Lightning.  The Finish centre capture a bronze medal at the 1998 Olympics. 

Mike Stapleton’s father Pat was a member of team Canada’s 1972 Summit Series team.  Mike spent over a decade in the NHL himself and was a Blackhawk, Penguin, Oiler, Jet, Coyote, Thrasher, Islander and Canuck over his career. 

Keith Jones and Stanislav Neckar

After 9 years of NHL hockey Keith Jones became one of many former players to stay with the game as a broadcaster.  He has written a book about his career, Jonesy: Put Your Head Down and Skate.

Czech defender Stanislav Neckar left the NHL a Stanley Cup champion having played a couple playoff games for the 2004 Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Paul Mara and Steve Martins

Paul Mara was selected 7^th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1997.  He went on to play 11 NHL seasons and played for the Lightning, Coyotes, Bruins, Rangers, Canadiens and Ducks. 

Between 1995 and 2006 Steve Martin played over 250 NHL games.  Over his career he played for Hartford, Carolina, Ottawa, Tampa Bay, New York (Islanders) and St. Louis.

Vitali Yachmenev and Shawn Rivers

Vitali Yachmenev played just under 500 games in the NHL, splitting his time in the league between the Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators.   He was an outstanding junior player who scored at a goal a game pace throughout his two year OHL career. 

D-man Shawn Rivers played 4 games for the 1992/93 Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Valeri Karpov and Brian Bonin

Between 1994 and 1997 Valeri Karpov scored 14 goals and 29 points in 76 career NHL games for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. 

Brian Bonin played just over a dozen NHL games between the Penguins and Wild.  He’s best remembered for winning the 1996 Hobey Baker award. 

Dmitri Nabokov

From 1997-2000 Dmitri Nabokov scored 11 goals and and 24 points in 55 games between the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Islanders. 

Bruce Hoffort and Corrie D’Alessio

From 1989-1991 Bruce Hoffort tended net 9 times for the Philadelphia Flyers. 

Corrie D’Alessio appeared in 1 NHL game and saw 11 minutes of playing time as a late game replacement for the 92/93 Hartford Whalers. 

Jerry Holland and Mike Backman

Jerry Holland played half a season for the 75/76 New York Rangers.  He also dressed for the Edmonton Oilers when they were a member of the WHA. 

From 1981-1984 Mike Backman appeared in 18 games for the New York Rangers scoring 1 goal and 8 points. 

Denis Chervyakov and John Stewart (b. 1954)

Russian defenceman Denis Chervyakov played 2 games for the 92/93 Boston Bruins. 

John Stewart played 2 NHL games for the 79/80 Quebec Nordiques.  Prior to that he had played 5 seasons in the WHA, suiting up for the Cleveland Crusaders and Birmingham Bulls. 

Larry Leach and Jim Mikol

From 1958-1962 Larry Leach played 126 games for the Boston Bruins.  Check out this blog for a great little piece about Leach. 

Jim Mikol played 4 games for the 62/63 Toronto Maple Leafs and 30 games for the 64/65 New York Rangers.  A little water damage on this one occurred somewhere along its journey.