TTM: Edgar Laprade

Edgar Laprade played 10 season with the New York Rangers from 1945 to 1955.  In three of those season, he didn't register a single penalty minute.  Edgar was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1993.   There was a recently an article on him in the Globe and Mail where autographs ttm is briefly mentioned.  I wonder how many he gets.  The card he signed for me was in the mentioned stack.  I sent the card out on October 26th, and received it on November 22nd.  It was postmarked November 13th.   To check out all my TTMs, there is a link to my TTM Tracker under the Projects widget.

TTM: Basil McRae

3 card return from Basil McRae, all signed with ballpoint pen.  It's hard to be disappointed with any auto you get TTM but they are a lot nicer when signed with a sharpie.  I have read of some TTMers sending a sharpie along with their items, LOR and SASE.  Basil McRae currently runs a Financial Services Firm in London, Ontario.

Sent: November 3rd, 2011 Received: November 23rd, 2011

TTM: Eric Nesterenko

  In 1956, Eric Nesterenko attended classes at the University of Toronto during the week, then on the weekend, he played for the Chicago Black Hawks.  Could you imagine that ever happening in today's NHL?  I sent him a parkhurst card and a 4x6.  I also sent an extra copy of the4x6 for him to keep.  Mr. Nesterenko returned the card and both 4x6s signed.  Thank you Mr. Nesterenko.

TTM: Dale Hunter

  An excellent 3 card return from the NHL's #2 All-Time in Penalty Minutes.  Dale Hunter spent the majority of his career with the Washington Capitals but I will best remember him as a Quebec Nordique.  He played in an era when a rivalry, such as Montreal vs Quebec, meant bad blood, and lots of it.
  While Quebec fans may have been sad to see Dale Hunter go, part of the packaged they received was the Washington Capital's 1st round pick in the 1987 draft.

Sent: October 19th
Received November 21st

c/o London Knights

88-89 OPC Tribute: Kane, Thomas and Smith

 Here comes a long overdue update for the 88-89 OPC Tribute Set.  Patrick Kane has made a name for himself, on and off the ice.  The 1st overall pick from the 2007 NHL draft has made a Sylvain Turgeon card worth more than a dime, won a Calder Trophy, partied hardy, punched a cabbie, harnessed the power of the mullet, and scored the 2010 Stanley Cup winning goal.  If he could learn to use a mouthguard he could be unstoppable.

  Tim Thomas has been finding almost everything stoppable of late.  Thomas is a two time Vezina trophy winner and last year's Conn Smyhte winner from the Stanley Cup Champions, Boston Bruins.  Tim Thomas got a late start in the NHL, only playing NHL 4 games before age 31.  Tim Thomas was originally a 9th round draft pick, 217th overall,  by the Quebec Nordiques in 1994.  He later spent time in the Edmonton Oilers farm system before signing with the Boston Bruins in 2002.  Thomas is  great inspiration for player still toiling in the minors in the mid-20's.

  Craig Smith has been an early surprise contender for the rookie scoring race.  A 4th round pick from 2009,  Smith is currently second in rookie points behind Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.  If Smith keeps his scoring pace up, he could be a finalist for the Calder Trophy.  If not, Smith might best be remembered for his empty net miss.  He had better luck attacking empty nets while playing with Wisconsin.  Ain't Karma a bitch?

 

TTM: Don Beaupre

This return from Don Beaupre was sent out October 26th and was received November 21st.  It was sent to his home but the postmark on the return envelope was from his business address.   Beaupre spent the majority of his career with the Minnesota North Stars and the Washington Capitals before finishing his career with stints in Ottawa and Toronto.   Mr. Beaupre signed both cards and a 4x6 for me.  He kept the extra copy of the 4x6.  It is just as exciting to have a player keep a custom as it is to get it back signed.

TTM Success: Stephane Richer

I remember when Stephane Richer became a household name in the late 80s.  He had two 50 goal years with the Montreal Canadiens in the late 80s.  His is one of only 2 players to have 2 or more 50 goal seasons with the Canadiens.  He never came close to 50 goals again.  He led the New Jersey Devils in scoring in the 1995 Playoffs while wining his second career Stanley Cup.   I sent the letter out on October 5th and received it on November 16th.  I sent Mr. Richer two copies of the picture and offered the extra to him.  He signed and returned both.  He signed even farther outside the auto box on the other copy.

Stephane Richer TTM

 I haven't updated a lot of late.  I had to juggle shifts last week, and this upcoming week, so I could escape to Edmonton for the weekend.  You know you are in tough when Edmonton in late November is considered an escape.  I picked up some cards I want to blog about and found a few TTMs in my mailbox when I returned home today.  So if I can find the time and the gumption, I should have several posts this week.