2012-13 Fleer Retro with 1992-93 Fleer Ultra Retro

  I am excited about the insert sets in 2012-13 Fleer Retro.  In particular, I love the 92-93 Fleer Ultra Insert set. I don't think I'll be busting a box at $200+.  I got suckered in by Panini Signatures, so I learned my lesson, for the time being.  I am planning on going to the Toronto Sports Card Expo and I will definitely be hunting down the new 92-93 Fleer Ultra inserts.  I have some good childhood memories with that set.  In the meantime, I put together a template and fired out some cards for guys who weren't part of the set.

Steve Ott

Brandon Prust

Chris Neil

Kevin Westgarth

Matt Martin

Brian McGrattan

TTM Success: Brad Fast

  Back in July, I did a post on Brad Fast and it included a Question and Answer with Mr. Fast.  To Summarize, Brad Fast is one of three NHL players who have scored one career goal in one career game.  His goal was also the last ever game-tying goal in the history of the NHL.  Last month, I finally got the cards and stamps together to send him a TTM request.  Perhaps even better than the autographs, which look mighty sharp, is the note he included.  It's strange.  I believe he did me the big favour by answering the questions.  His note almost makes it seem like I did him the favour by asking the questions.  It's great with a win-win occurs.  I am really happy that Mr. Fast enjoyed it.  I love doing TTM since it brings me closer to the game and players.  Thank you, Mr. Fast.

The Forgotten: Brad Fast (with Q&A)

Multiple choice question.  Who has the higher goals per game average for their NHL career?  a) Wayne Gretzky; b) Mike Bossy; c) Steven Stamkos; or d) Brad Fast.  If you answered Brad Fast, then you are correct.  Of course you answered Brad Fast, since you already read who this post is about... you cheater.

  A 3rd round pick in the 1999 draft, Brad Fast made his NHL debut with the Carolina Hurricanes in the final game of the 2003-04 season.  With 2:26 left in the 3rd period, and the Hurricanes losing 6-5 to the Florida Panthers, Brad Fast scored his first and only goal of his NHL career.  It was also the last game-tying goal scored in the history of the NHL, as the NHL would switch to the shoot-out in it's next season following the 2004-05 lockout.
   Brad Fast would spend 2004-05 in the AHL before signing with the Los Angeles Kings for the 2005-06 season.  After a season with the King's AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, Fast played a few seasons in Europe.  He finished his pro career with three seasons with Anyang Halla, of the Asia League Ice Hockey.   He never did get a chance to play in the NHL again.  Fast retired from professional hockey in 2011.
  In researching the career of Brad Fast, I was able to contact him and he kindly agreed to answer some questions regarding his career.

88-89 OPC Tribute: Ward, Miller and Larsson

#46 - Cam Ward

  Cam Ward had a busy 2010-11 season.  He led all goalies in games played, shots against, saves and minutes played.  Ward also set a career best for save percentage with .923.  Ward had a dominating 2005-06 post season, winning the Conn Smythe trophy as he led the Carolina Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup.

#47 - Ryan Miller

  Ryan Miller won his 200th game in 2010-11 and is currently 5th among active goalies in career wins.  Miller's best season was 2009-10 when he won the Vezina Trophy as league's best goalie.  Miller needs 14 victories in 2011-12 to overtake Domink Hasek as the Buffalo Sabres all-time wins leader.

#122- Adam Larsson

  Adam Larsson was selected 4th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils.  Larsson is projected to be an excellent two-way defenceman and should see alot of time on the Devil's powerplay.

88-89 OPC Tribute: Staal, Callahan, and Howe

  The 2nd overall pick the 2003 draft, Eric Staal had his best season in 2005-06 scoring 100pts, leading the league in play-off scoring and winning a Stanley Cup.

#22 - Eric Staal

  The captain of the New York Rangers, Ryan Callahan, was 2nd on the team goals, 23, and hits, 224.  Callahan would have led the team in both categories if he hadn't missed 22 games with injuries.  His best game of the season came against the Philadelphia Flyers when he scored 4 goals and added an assist in a 7-0 win on March 6th, 2011.

#23 - Ryan Callahan

 Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, played his final NHL game at the age of 51.  Then at the age of 69, he laced up the skates to play for the Detroit Vipers of the IHL.  While Howe is 2nd overall in career goals scored in the NHL, he has the most career goals, 1071, when combining the regular season and playoffs for the NHL and WHA combined.

#98 - Gordie Howe

Legends of Hockey - Mr Hockey, Gordie Howe