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Monday, June 11, 2012

TTM: Craig Anderson

 Craig Anderson was originally drafted 77th overall in the 1999 NHL entry draft by the Calgary Flames.  Anderson and the Flames couldn't come to a deal, so Anderson was available to be redrafted in 2001.  Anderson was drafted by his hometown team, the Chicago Black Hawks.  Anderson wouldn't find success in the Windy City as he went 12-26-6 over the course of three seasons with the Hawks.  After a three year stint as a back-up with the Florida Panthers, Anderson won a starting job with the Colorado Avalanche, a team expected to be one of the worst in the NHL.  With Anderson's help, the Avs finished 2nd in their division before bowing out in the 1st round of the play-offs.  2010-11. turned out to be the season many were expected the Avs to have the previous year.  The Avs finished the season with the 2nd worst record in the NHL.  Anderson played his way out of Colorado and late in the season, he was traded to the Ottawa Senators.  After the trade, Anderson excelled and played some of his best hockey in his career.  In 2011-12, Anderson saved his best for the play-offs, helping the Senators push the #1 seed New York Rangers to a 7 game series.
  Mr. Anderson signed 3 of 3. c/o the Ottawa Senators.  He also signed and returned the extra copy of the picture.


Sunday, June 10, 2012

TTM: Sergei Gonchar

  Sergei Gonchar established himself as one of the top offensive threats from the blueline at the turn of the century, aka year 2000.  Gonchar scored the 2nd most points, 504, by a defenceman from the 1999-2000 season to 2008-09.  Gonchar's point production has dropped off since signing with the Ottawa Senators as a free agent in 2010.  Gonchar has recently been mention in several trade rumours, such as being sent to Philadelphia, as the Senators try to cut costs while opening the vault to resign RFA and fellow blueliner, Erik Karlsson.  Mr. Gonchar signed 3 of 3 and actually signed in the signature box on the custom picture.  Thank you, Mr. Gonchar.



Friday, June 8, 2012

The Forgotten: Jordan Sigalet

Jordan Sigalet played a total of 43 seconds in the NHL, never allowing a goal or making a save.  What's is remarkable about Jordan Sigalet, is what he acheived in the face of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  Originally drafted by the Boston Bruins in 2001, Sigalet developed symptoms of MS in 2003 while playing for Bowling Green college.  He was eventually diagnosed with MS and told by doctors that he couldn't play hockey anymore.  Sigalet proved the doctors wrong by finishing his collegiate hockey career and then playing three season of pro hockey in the Boston Bruins organization.


  Sigalet was able to fight off the effects of MS to be an effective netminder for the Providence Bruins in the AHL, but on November 16, 2007, Sigalet collapsed on the ice during the game and was taken to hospital.  Sigalet would return to play almost two months later.  Sigalet finished the season in the AHL and played overseas before retiring.  Since his retirement Sigalet has worked as a goalie coach, and is currently working with the Abbotsford Heat, the Calgary Flames affiliate in the AHL.
  Sigalet has been an inspiration for many people diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and does charity work to help raise donations for MS research.  In April of 2012, He was featured on the Buick Human Highlight Reel.  Sigalet has also started his own foundation, called Shutout MS.  While Jordan Sigalet may be forgotten by NHL fans, he is making a difference in the bigger picture.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

TTM: Bill Gadsby

Bill Gadsby played 20 seasons in the NHL, totaling 1276 games while playing for the Black Hawks, Rangers and Red Wings during the Original Six era.  Gadsby was a 1st or 2nd Team All-Star seven times in his career.  Gadsby led all defencemen in single season scoring three times and finished in the top five eight straight seasons from 1955 to 1962.  Gadsby never won a Norris Trophy or a Stanley Cup during his 20 year career.  44 of his career 67 play-off games came during his last 4 seasons in the NHL.  The Red Wings lost in the Stanley Cup finals three times during his final four seasons.  He was elected to the HHOF in 1970.  Mr. Gadsby signed 2 of 2, c/o home.  It's cool how he signed the 2006 Parkhurst in silver.  Thank you, Mr. Gadsby.


Wednesday, June 6, 2012

TTM: Jonathan Huberdeau

The Florida Panthers used thier 3rd overall pick in the 2011 NHL entry draft to select forward Jonathan Huberdeau.  Huberdeau helped led the St. John Seadogs to win the 2011 Memorial Cup, and was selected as the tournament's MVP.  After a strong preseason with the Panthers, Huberdeau was sent back to the QMJHL to continue his development.  2011-12 was an injury plagued season for Huberdeau, but he still managed to score 72 points in only 37 games.  The Panthers are loaded with top prospects and the future is bright in Florida.  Mr. Huberdeau signed 2 of 2, plus signed the extra copy of each photo, via the St. John Seadogs.


Tuesday, June 5, 2012

TTM: Martin Biron


   Martin Biron played in his 500th game this past season.  An UFA this upcoming offseason, Biron has spent the past two seasons as a New York Ranger, backing-up Vezina Trophy candidate Henrik Lundqvist.  Biron began his career with the Buffalo Sabres and will go down in history as the last player to wear uniform number 00.  Mr. Biron signed 4 of 4, c/o home.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

TTM: Roman Hamrlik

I best remember Roman Hamrlik with Tampa Bay Lightning, fighting Toronto Maple Leaf Doug Gilmour back in the mid 1990s.  An internet search pinpoints October 23rd, 1993 as the date of the fight, but I can't find a video of it.  If anyone knows of one, can you please post it below.
Hamrlik played in his 1379th game this past season, which is currently the best amongst active players, since Niklas Lidstrom retired, and is good for 36th all-time in career games played.  Hamrlik can move into the top 25 next season.  Hamrlik is also one of  the three remaing active NHL players who appeared the in landmark videogame NHL '94.  A game I played, and kept stats on paper, for a full 82 game season... for all 26 teams.  
Mr. Hamrlik signed 3 of 3, c/o the Washington Capitals.