Friday, January 9, 2015

TTM Mail - 44 New Graphs

The amount of letters I send out has stalled a little due mostly to the ridiculous cost of postage these days. Since I started writing to players a little over 10 years ago, I was sending at half the cost, HALF the cost. Service at Canada Post is a topic I could rant about all day. I actually get surprised when I deal with a worker who knows even a little bit about the postal system. It leaves me with a sour taste in my mouth that takes some fun out of the hobby. With that said, there is little more I enjoy than opening my self addressed stamped envelops knowing it could be any one of the thousands of requests I have out.
Every now and then I'll get a letter back that I sent out years ago. 
The 44 new autographs in this post pushes my grand total of unique signatures to 4,180. I'm setting my goal this year at 4,500 by 2016. 
When I find the time I'll be publishing another mail post with my newly acquired certified autographs.  


Riley Armstrong
An undrafted forward, Riley Armstrong played 2 NHL games with the 2008/2009 San Jose Sharks.

Jonas Junland
Between 2008 and 2010 Swedish defenceman Jonas Junland played 4 NHL games with the St. Louis Blues, scoring 2 points. He was an AHL all-star during both his seasons in North America but couldn't translate that into the next level.

Tim Wallace
Between 2008 and 2013 Tim Wallace played 101 games in the NHL. He spent time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes. 

Jamie Hunt
Jamie Hunt was signed a free agent by the Capitals after 3 seasons at Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania. He is a 'one game wonder' who played a single match with the 2006/2007 Washington Capitals. He retired from pro hockey in 2011. 

Jonas Nordqvist
Originally drafted by the Blackhawks in the second round of the 2000 NHL draft, Jonas Nordqvist played 3 NHL games with the club during the 2006/2007 season. The Swede had 2 assists in his short NHL stint.

Kent McDonell
If you collected hockey card in 2003, you likely pulled a couple Kent McDonell RC cards. He had way more cards than he should have had, but no autograph. McDonell played 32 NHL games for the Blue Jackets from 2003 to 2004. He's been playing pro hockey in Sweden since 2007.

Christian Berglund
Between 2001 and 2004 Christian Berglund played 89 regular season+playoff games in the NHL. He was a member of the New Jersey Devils and Florida Panthers.

Nils Ekman
Between 1999 and 2007 Nils Ekman played nearly 300 regular season+playoff games in the NHL. He dressed with the Lightning, Sharks and Penguins. 

P.C. Drouin
P.C. Drouin was signed by the Bruins as an undrafted Cornell alumni. He played 3 games for Boston during the 1996/97 season. 

Philippe DeRouville
My want list of modern day NHL goalies is very small so I'm extra happy to add this Philippe DeRouville. Between 1994 and 1997 he appeared in 3 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Craig Mills
Craig Mills played 4 games in the NHL with the 1995/96 Winnipeg Jets. He later played another 27 NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks from 1997 to 1999. Thanks for the neat comment Craig.

Joe Cirella
Joe Cirella was drafted 5th overall by the Colorado Rockies in 1981. From then until 1996 he played well over 800 games in the NHL. He was a 1983/84 NHL All-Star, representing the New Jersey Devils.

Andy Brickley
Between 1982 and 1994 Andy Brickley played over 400 regular season+playoff games in the NHL. He spent time a Philadelphia Flyer,  Pittsburgh Penguin, New Jersey Devil, Boston Bruin and Winnipeg Jet. After retiring as a player Brickley was hired as a colour commentator by the Bruins, a position he still holds.

Sean Toomey
Sean Toomey played 1 game in the NHL with the 1986/87 Minnesota North Stars. 

Chris Pryor
Chris Pryor played 82 games in the NHL between 1984 and 1990. He split his time in the league between the Minnesota North Stars and New York Islanders. He currently serves as the director of scouting for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Daryl Stanley
Daryl Stanley played over 200 regular season+playoff games in the NHL between 1983 and 1990. He helped the Philadelphia Flyers reach the Stanley Cup finals in 1987, ultimately loosing to the Oilers. He became a hunting lodge operator after retiring from the game.

John Smrke
Between 1977 and 1980 John Smrke played 103 games in the NHL, scoring 11 goals and 28 points. He played for the Quebec Nordiques and St. Louis Blues. His father, Stan, also played in the NHL.

Mike Lalor
Mike Lalor is most notable for something he did as a rookie, helping the Montreal Canadiens win the 1986 Stanley Cup. He remained in the NHL until 1997, playing nearly 800 games. 

Rocky Trottier
Best known as Bryan's younger brother, Rocky Trottier played 38 NHL games with the New Jersey Devils between 1983 and 1985. He's also notable for being the first player ever drafted by the New Jersey Devils, 8th overall in 1982. 

Dave Capuano
Between 1989 and 1994 Dave Capuano played over 100 games in the NHL. The University of Maine alumni dressed with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vancouver Canucks, Tampa Bay Lightning and San Jose Sharks. His brother, Jack, is head coach of the New York Islanders. 

Ken Sabourin
Between 1988 and 1992 Ken Sabourin played 86 regular season+playoff games in the NHL. He was a member of the Calgary Flames and Washington Capitals. Since 2002 he has been a colour commentator with the Capitals. 

Hubie McDonough
Between 1988 and 1993 Hubie McDonough played 200 regular season+playoff games in the NHL. He played for the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders and San Jose Sharks. 

Greg Gilbert
Between 1982 and 1996 Greg Gilbert played well over 900 regular season+playoff games in the NHL. He returned to the league as head coach of the Calgary Flames in 2000.  He's most notable for winning the Stanley Cup 3 times. He was a member of the 1981/82 and 1982/83 New York Islanders and in 1994 he helped the New York Rangers capture the championship.

Andre Peloffy
Andre Peloffy dressed in 9 NHL games for the 1974/75 Washington Capitals. He later appeared in 10 WHA games with the 1977/78 New England Whalers.

Rolf Edberg
Rolf Edberg debuted for the Capitals in 1979 as a 27 year old rookie from Sweden. The forward spent three seasons in the NHL with Washington. Between 1979 and 1981 he scored 45 goals and 103 points in 184 NHL games. 

Bob Gould
Between 1979 and 1990 Bob Gould played nearly 800 regular season+playoff games in the NHL, most with the Washington Capitals. He once broke Mario Lemieux's jaw in a fight. 

Scott Pearson
From 1988 to 2000 Scott Pearson played over 300 regular season+playoff games in the NHL. Pearson was drafted 6th overall by the Leafs in 1988 but never fulfilled his potential. He dressed for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Quebec Nordiques, Edmonton Oilers, Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders. 

Moe Mantha
Moe Mantha played 656 regular season NHL games between 1980 and 1992. He played for the Winnipeg Jets, Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota North Stars and Philadelphia Flyers. In 1992 he was a member of USA's Olympic hockey team. 

Ray Allison
Between 1979 and 1987 Ray Allison played well over 200 games in the NHL. He was selected 18th overall by the Hartford Whalers in the great 1979 draft. Allison spent most of his career with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Paul Fenton
An undrafted Boston University alumni, Paul Fenton played over 400 NHL games between 1984 and 1992. The well traveled Fenton played with the Hartford Whalers, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames and San Jose Sharks. He currently serves as assistant general manager of the Nashville Predators. 

Christer Kellgren
An early European NHLer, Christer Kellgren game to North America from Sweden for 1 season of pro hockey. That year he appeared in 5 NHL games with the 1981/1982 Colorado Rockies. 

Mitch Molloy
Mitchell Molloy played 2 NHL games with the 1989/1990 Buffalo Sabres. He was held pointless but accumulated 10 penalty minutes, dropping the gloves in each game he played. 

Ville Siren
Between 1985 and 1990 the defenceman from Finland played nearly 300 NHL games, starting his career in Pittsburgh and ending it with the Minnesota North Stars. Siren is currently director of amateur scouting with the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

Anders Carlsson
Between 1986 and 1989 Anders Carlsson played just over 100 games with the New Jersey Devils. He returned to Sweden and continued to play pro until 2001. Since 2006 he has been a European scout with the Colorado Avalanche. 

Warren Holmes
Between 1981 and 1984 forward Warren Holmes played 45 games with the Los Angeles Kings. He contributed 8 goals and 26 points. 

Rob Whistle
Defenceman Rob Whistle had two stints in the NHL. He played 32 games with the 1985/86 New York Rangers and 19 games with the 1987/88 St. Louis Blues. I think the inscription is pretty great, don't worry Mr. Whitsle, there aren't too many people visiting my niche blog.

Blair Mackasey
Blair Mackasey played 1 game in the NHL for the 1976/77 Toronto Maple Leafs. He has worked for the Minnesota Wild since 2006, currently serving as director of player personnel. 

George Ferguson
From 1972 to 1984 George Ferguson was a full time NHLer. He played nearly 800 regular season+playoff games in the league, dressing with the Maple Leafs, Penguins and North Stars. He scored 20+ goals 4 times in Pittsburgh. 

Dave Hynes
Between 1973 and 1975 Dave Hynes played 22 NHL games with the Boston Bruins. He later spent a season in the WHA, playing 22 games with the 1976/77 New England Whalers.

Kevin Schamehorn
Between 1976 and 1981 Kevin Schamehorn played 10 games in the NHL. He played with the Detroit Red Wings and Los Angeles Kings. He was a prolific scorer in the IHL as a pro hockey player. 

Ted Irvine
From 1963 to 1977 Ted Irvine played over 800 regular season+playoff games in the NHL. He played for the Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues. His son is famous WWE wrestler Chris Jericho.

Joe Hardy
Between 1969 and 1971 Joe Hardy played 67 regular season+playoff games in the NHL, dressing for the Oakland/California Seals. He later played well over 200 games in the WHA, playing for the Cleveland Crusaders, Chicago Cougars, Indianapolis Racers and San Diego Mariners. He's notable for being the first pro hockey player to break the 200 points mark in a season. He scored 208 points in 72 games with the NAHL's Beauce Jaros in 1975/76.

Bob Wall
Bob Wall is best remembered as the first captain of the Los Angeles Kings, a title he held from 1967 to 1969. Between 1964 and 1972 he played well over 300 NHL games, dressing for the Red Wings, Kings and Blues. He later spent 3 years in the WHA, playing for the Edmonton Oilers and San Diego Mariners. 

Wayne Muloin
There aren't all that many guys left from the Original 6 era for me to write to so its always a treat to add a 'new' old player. Between 1963 and 1971 Wayne Muloin played 150+ NHL games, dressing for the Red Wings, Seals and North Stars. He also spent 4 seasons in the WHA, playing for the Cleveland Crusaders and Edmonton Oilers. 

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Autographs #45, 46 and 47 of this mail post fall outside of my NHL collection. All 3 players only spent time in the WHA.

Howie Colborne
Howie Colborne played 2 WHA games with the 1973/1974 Edmonton Oilers.

Al Rycroft
Al Rycroft played 7 WHA games with the 1972/1973 Cleveland Crusaders. He scored 2 points. 

Brian Coates
From 1973 to 1978 Brian Coates played over 200 games in the WHA. He spent time with the Chicago Cougars, Indianapolis Racers and Cincinnati Stingers. 

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