Welcome to Hockey Freaks II

Well, That's It Folks....

2011-08-06T23:12:00.002-06:00

I had a tough time deciding this but this will be my last post, maybe forever or maybe for a long time. I am leaning towards forever. I love my blog and sharing my successes but just don't have the same 'drive' to upkeep it. I will keep the blog up, I am going to try to turn it into a hardcover book. I will still keep collecting, can't give that up but have even turned down some chances this past summer. I will hang around so to speak so if you have a question or want to share something, go for it, I will respond quick. Plus, I will keep checking for other successes on other collector blogs, I love this hobby that much. I will be twittering when I get something so follow me there if you want. So all the best to you guys and see yah!
PS...I am keeping www.hockeyfreaks.ca, that's too cool to give up

Telus Skins Game Monday Tuesday TSN

2011-07-22T21:11:00.003-06:00

Telus Skins game is in Banff Alberta this Mon/Tues. Lucas Glover, Paul Casey, Johnny Vegas, Stephen Ames and Anthony Kim will be battling it out in Banff with the proceeds going toward the Alberta Cancer Clinic. The Pro Am in the am usually is the best spot for autographs so if you're curious follow me on twitter @kcwalt and I will send updates and pics throughout the day! #telusworldskinsgame

Luke Schenn and Johnny Bower-Leafs Day!

2011-07-11T23:38:00.003-06:00

I just received these in the mail from Frozen Pond this week. I sent the Schenn jersey in for the signing there earlier and the Bower #1 was from Bowers signing in March. This was the signing where Mr. Bower confirmed the send in jersey from johnnybower.net was authentic. Just to make sure though, I told them to get a #1 signed for me and if the other jersey was not real, I could just trade the #1 over. Luckily, both Bower jerseys are real and that makes the Bower jersey count; 4. The Schenn jersey count; 4 also.

Jarret Stoll Golf Tournament 2011-WoW

2011-06-23T20:25:00.006-06:00

Boston Pizza did not sponsor this event this year so the crew headed down to the Riverlanding Area in Saskatoon for the yearly autograph session for Jarret Stoll's fundraiser for the Royal University Hospital children's ward. We showed up early, sticking with my "Let's be 10th in line instead of 100th". We could have been easily 1st. But that's not cool with 100 kids running around. They set the tables and chairs up and we stood in line, about 15th, good enough. I was pleasantly surprised they set up about 20 chairs. Which means, most of the players would attend the autograph session. The players all arrived and met the local boy, Colby Armstrong who probably came from his house instead of the hotel. We planned out our attack so things did not get messed up. Colby was first so I got out my #9 for another Leafs jersey. He knows who I am by now so we had some small talk and I asked him to sign my #9 with the 'Twitter King' reference. Paul Bissonnette was two down from Colby and I would tell him to do the same. Colby loved the idea and signed. Ethan Morueau was next signing a Blue Jackets puck for me. Wow, is he a large man, hate to get hit on the ice by him. Biz Nasty 2.o was next, and yes he dropped an 'F' bomb, and yup lots of kids heard. He signed the #1 and added Twitter King also. The Twitter thing got down the line and all the guys got a laugh from it. Very cool...The next two players I would have loved to get but just never thought they'd show for it, Steve Ott and Mike Weber. Oh well just a hearty hand shake. Sheldon Brookbank was next and he's signed for me before so I never bothered with anything for him either. Scott Hartnell was next and he signed a #1 for me personalizing it. I had a large bag with stuff and it always seems the guys think I'm a dealer. That's why I think I almost always have it personalized. My wife was behind me getting some other stuff signed, she takes pics of the guys signing, again players often think she's selling the item. They never comment but dealers really kill the hobby IMO. Nick Schultz was next and he signed a Wild puck, chatted about Cory Sarich's golf tourney in Davidson for a bit. The man was next, Jarret Stoll. He signed my Kings jersey for me and I donated some cash for his charity. He always says, "Thanks for helping out." I kept going and a lady taped me on the shoulder and handed me a signed Stoll card with puck in a case for the donation, cool. Luke Schenn was sitting with Kieth Aulie. I handed Luke a Schenn jersey to sign and explained it was for a class field trip fundraiser to Europe. He said cool and handed it to Aulie. Aulie signed it too and Schenn tried to stop him because it was an auction item. He signed it and I just said, "At least he's a Leaf.." Oh well....My wife got a Schenn Team Canada jersey signed, turnout so nice...Carter Ashton signed a black #1 for me, said I thought hed stick with the team. Drew Doughty was towards the end and I just shook his hand, no jersey or puck to sign. I have three of both. :D I asked for a pic with Drew and he told me to come around, great guy. We came to Brayden Schenn, who was traded an hour before the autograph session. I felt bad for him, he looked shocked and upset. He signed a white on black #1 for me and I just said it was great watching play around here and I wished him the best. Now I'm not sure if this turns into a Flyers jersey or Canadians...Great Kid.....Brad Richardson was second to last and then Darcy Hordichuk was the last player. I grew up about an hour from him and played with Tyler Wright (Columbus Blue Jackets) from Kamsack, his hometown. We chatted for quite awhile and I asked about Kamsack. We just have too many great guys from Saskatchewan! We walked away and I notice more guys at the end of the last table. Clark MacArthur and Tyler Bozak showed up. We stood back in line but that was fine, I got pics with the guys I wanted while waiting. When we got to the Leafs, Clark had some small 5x7s and asked if I wanted one. Cool....
I was surprised to see what my awesome wife got signed after me. She got lots of pucks signed and another Stoll jersey, great gal this one! She asked Scott Hartnell for an 8x10 he was handing out to kids. Remember the rule sometimes for getting extras? Use the cute wife..Works every time. Here's the loot......

Do You Rememeber What Time of Year it Is?

2011-06-22T16:45:00.001-06:00

Check back tomorrow night for the details....

Stanley Cup Again?

2011-05-22T20:03:00.002-06:00

Ha, made you look...Sorry....
The Stanley Cup has a 3 in 4 chance to return to this great province. I am a diehard Flames fan, we know that but this time of year, I pay attention to the semi's to see which awesome Saskatchewan player will BRING IT...home. So the Big Bad Bruins need to loose and I will get a 5th chance to see Lord Stanley's Holy Grail.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders

2011-05-16T19:42:00.003-06:00

I knew that a few Riders would be in town at the Man Show this weekend. I ended up playing 18 holes of golf on Friday and missed players the show. So Weston Dressler and Luc Mullinder were in town and they often show up in other places. I was planning on Saturday to head to a new Canadian Tire and get Darian Durant on a #4 for the last Rider jersey I plan to make. Remember, he was the exception. We had an hour to kill before the Durant 1:00pm signing and headed to another mall. If I would have thought about it, The Rider Store is in this mall and chances are...
Sure enough, we walked in to see the traditional table setup in front of the Rider Store and that means someone is signing that day. There were 3 people in line to get all three players autographs. I ran to the vehicle and grabbed my #4 (the black is not attached so it looks off a little). Darian signed the #4 and I told him I was head up to Canadian Tire so this saved me a couple of hours. He asked were the new store was. I gave him my best set of directions, which probably was not good and even jokingly offered to drive him. I said to Durant, "With him and the controls, we'll get back there every time." He said, "Thanks!"
We got our pics with Darian and my wife went shopping for awhile. I walked around and headed back into the store to buy pics of the guys, what the heck kinda thing. Both guys signed for me and that was a day!

Man I Love This Province!

2011-05-03T21:48:00.002-06:00

If you have ever read the opening of my blog or any post in June, you will not see this as any surprise. The Jarret Stoll golf tourney is coming up, lots of players to attend, plus the Saskatchewan Children's Hospital is having a WHL fundraiser in early June. Now, think about who has come out of the WHL in the last 7 years and is from Saskatchewan or played here. So announced today, Jordan Eberle, Luke Schenn, Colby Armstrong among other players will be riding their bikes from Prince Albert, Sk to Saskatoon Sk to help raise money for the hospital. They claim numerous NHL'ers, former NHL'ers, and current WHL'ers will be around for activities.

Wayne Gretzky Autographed Ranger Photo Last Game-Personalized

2011-05-01T20:08:00.001-06:00

As promised, I received 4 signed photos all personalized. This is a beautiful 8x10 from WGA, so Wayne Gretzky's desk...lol! So does this go in the frame? Walter G is a great man, thanks so much!

Wayne Gretzky Autographed Ranger Photo Last Game-Personalized

2011-04-29T12:13:00.002-06:00

I received my signed Wayne Gretzky last game photos from Walter Gretzky today as promised. Personalized to each of us! Photos on Sunday! Wow....

Getzlaf IP-Signed Jersey!

2011-04-16T13:43:00.010-06:00

Chris Getzlaf, from the Saskatchewan Roughriders was in town along with Running Back Neil Hughes to sign autographs and meet the fans at our trade show. I am super sick with pneumonia so the best wife in the world went down to attend to business. The line was not too long but while waiting, she met an older man with a neat jersey. He told her the story of how his son met Jason Clarmont of the Riders in the winter. Most of the Riders have winter jobs in Regina so it's very common to come across some of them doing mostly professional jobs; Clarmont owns a real estate company in Regina. He gave the gentleman this;

A retro signed Rider jersey

look real close to this pic, save it, zoom in on his right hand. Grey Cup Ring!

These will be custom Rider jerseys, as usual. The Makowsky jersey is almost done. I really don't want to get into Rider jerseys, too expensive. $90 a jersey that never goes on sale and never on eBay. No one sells their jerseys. Durant is the only exception to this now. And he is easy to get...

My camera hates florescent lights, steady shot, blurry pic.

She bbm me with the message; "Done".
Cool...

More Walter Gretzky

2011-04-15T20:23:00.004-06:00

The girls are Team Canada's Team and the World Junior Curling Championship,this year's Silver Medalist and Mike McCullough.

The thing I planned with Walter Gretzky was to bring up history with him. After all, that's what Wayne told about his dad; he loves history. The dinner was very informal and as stated before Walter was the host, he mingled with everyone. I managed to talk to him before dinner and had the pic of Wayne and I to show Walter. I said exactly what Wayne said, "You should talk to my dad, he knows everything about history." Walter looked at our picture and he started talking history. He was as passionate about it as I was, I teach it for a living. I commented on Wayne being a very classy man and he did a great job with him. He told me two or three stories about Wayne and I just smiled. He thanked me for saying that to him about Wayne, saying not many would have done that for him. He looked at the picture again and asked if he should sign it, I said that would be great. He shook my hand and continued on his way. That was a 15 min conversation with Walter Gretzky. My wife said he was really taken with me from that point. He came over to our table 2 times to check on us and ask us questions. She figured I made an impression on him and that's why he said he would send me some signed pictures of Wayne. He was a comedian when he spoke, very funny. But someone at our table wondered why he only told a few stories about Wayne. After his brain aneurysm, he remembers nothing about Wayne's career.

A Flames Day, Gotta Love 'Em!

2011-04-15T20:14:00.006-06:00

Today's mail brought many things, all Flames related.

Craig Conroy Signed Team USA Jersey

Jamie Lundmark's Game Worn jersey

I almost never buy autographs, lord knows I have too many already but when you collect a player and know their autograph, you can make a safe purchase.
Theo Fleury signed #4, my wife wanted a Flames jersey and both Fleury jerseys I have are actually Team Canada.

Funny Stuff

2011-04-13T21:29:00.003-06:00

Seperated at Birth

Well, That Might Rank Up There....

2011-04-09T23:04:00.008-06:00

$145 for a signed Joe Sakic puck from Pacific Coast Memorabilia. $50 steak knives came with it too so not a bad deal.

Guess what this is?

Get in line to say I suck;
Wayne Gretzky's Team Canada 1987 Championship Ring on my finger, Walter told me to put it up to my face like that. He mentioned the four diamonds on the top signify the Canada Cup held every 4 years.

Tonight we attended the Strongfield Elks Charity Sports Dinner. The guest speaker was the most famous hockey dad, Walter Gretzky. Other highlights were Mike McCullough plus the World Silver Medalist Junior Curlers from the area. Both Mike and Walter were already mingling as we walked in. Walter spoke to everyone in the place, all 200 guests. He signed autographs and took pictures with anyone who asked. He needed to see the picture before you could walk away though, had to pass his test. He also staged the picture telling our friend where to stand. He signed my Gretzky jersey, making 4 signed Gretzky jerseys.LOL...
He had pre-signed a lot of little cards then just personalized the name. I told him the story about meeting Wayne and talking to him about teaching history. I showed him the pic of Wayne and I and he laughed. I then got the Gretzky history quiz. I got 50%...2 out of 4. He took my name and address, get back in line now.
He told me to write down 5 people including myself and they would receive signed Wayne Gretzky 8x10's within the month. Wow...
I am now dog arse tired so more stories, pics and some videos tomorrow.

Check Back Tonight for A Really Cool Post...

2011-04-09T10:56:00.002-06:00

Tis the season, check back later tonight....

Trip to the Local Hobby Shop, GARBAGE, Kinda...

2011-03-27T13:37:00.006-06:00

My trip to my fav hobby shop yesterday made me realize a few things. The UD Sp Game Used is GARBAGE! Yes, many packs later, I have never pulled an auto from a pack. I bought 3 yesterday and this was my loot. GARBAGE! So walking around the store I came across these fine items to add to my collection. Brayden plays his junior in town so I flipped this over to see the COA was from the Saskatoon Blades. $40...Cool. The Rider mini-helmet was a little more cash but Andy Fantuz is now a Bear so these items are going to be tough to find very soon. Now the funny thing, collectors are competitive people but wow...A fellow in the hobby shop was shooting his mouth off about the Schenn brothers. They claimed they had the best Schenn collection in town. Hmm, want to compare Gretzky jerseys collections too buddy....I just laughed and walked away....

Colby Armstrong Team Canada Jersey

2011-03-21T20:02:00.002-06:00

Look on the right side, Henderson jersey pics added today!

I sent a number into AJ Sports before Xmas and finally got around to getting it sent back. I have met Colby numerous times but thought a Colby Team Canada jersey would be, you know, kinda cool. Anyway, this was signed 2007 WC, thought that was a nice touch.

Paul Henderson's Team Canada 1972 Jersey

2011-03-20T19:19:00.007-06:00

The Paul Henderson's Team Canada 1972 Jersey Tour was in Saskatoon today. The tour is funded by Smart Centres owned by Mitchell Goldhar and is traveling across Canada to share the jersey with Canadians. I was there a few minutes after it opened to be welcomed at the door by a Tour Worker. He was welcoming and held the door open for me. The first area was a small room which had a few Team Canada items. The first was a framed Team Canada 1972 Card set. This is where is got very cool, very quick. The whole card set was signed by Team Canada 1972 Team. This was owned by Mr. Henderson and on loan to the Tour. I was impressed by the entrance and the lady offered me a 1972 Goal Scarf and button. Hmmm, very cool.

I went through the curtain to see the Holy Grail of sports collectibles and sports memorabilia.
I honestly was at a loss for words at first. We are all collectors and here was perhaps the top piece of sports memorabilia in Canada. I took pictures of the displays, it was hard to believe the entire display area was on the back of a semi truck. There was lots of room to walk and even sit down. I overheard one of the workers tell a patron Mr. Henderson would not sign autographs. They were afraid people would be lined up around the block in each city and loose the appeal of the jersey. Eeek, that sucks. That would have made my top 3 for sure but oh well....
They announced that Mr. Henderson would be showing up at 1:00pm and we could just hang out and wait. So, I sat at the bench in front of his jersey and took pictures, yes for 20 mins, I took close to 50 pictures of the same thing. But, well worth it.
I had my back turned to the jersey and heard Mr. Henderson's voice. He showed up just after 1:00 laughing that his 6 concussions was the reason why he was late. He told stories and took questions from the audience. I asked him if, they were ever scared if they had any success while playing in Moscow. He said they were not scared but nervous. They were locked down at night and had to hand their keys in to the desk at night. He also mentioned that he thought the whole area Team Canada was in was bugged so they never offered anything but some, as Mr. Henderson said, "They'd think I was a great lover!"
I will post a few more stories and post all of the picture tomorrow. And no autographs, but answer me this; should I be mad? I don't feel disappointed at all. Would you be?
A picture with Paul Henderson with his jersey while you're wearing a Team Canada jersey.

Check Back Sunday Night for a Huge Surprise!

2011-03-18T21:43:00.005-06:00

If you thought anything I have got in the last year has been cool, this might be top 3. Trust me, check back Sunday and no hints!

Wow, A Very Cool Night...A Guy Name Bower....

2011-03-16T19:51:00.014-06:00

We attended the Oldtimer Game tonight and wow, a very cool night. The pregame public skate brought out Gary Leeman and Bernie Nicholls. They skated with people, signed autographs and chatted with everyone. I asked Bernie for a pic and to sign and puck and he was more than happy to oblige. I chatted with Bernie and asked him a few questions about what he has been up to. He mentioned he was at Gretzky's Fantasy Camp three weeks ago and he is a ready to go moose hunting soon. He is a down to earth guy, very cool to chat with.

We headed up to grab our seats and were pleasantly surprised with someone we ran into.

Theo signed and took pics with about 15 people. He looks very happy with his life now. I grew up in the town next to Theo and was buddy's with his brother growing up. I mentioned this to Theo and he said that Teddy was upstairs. I went up to find him and we chatted for about 15 mins. I bought the Theo Team Canada photo for $20.
Good deal.
I was not prepared to buy a $120 Oldtimer jersey again, so I made sure I got all the things signed that I brought.

Top R-L Igor Kravchuk, Bryan Trottier, Val Bure Theo Fleury, Bernie Nicholls, Val Bure Trottier Card
Hey, I am being a jerk now...Here's the good stuff.....

This was really cool to have Mr. Bower in attendance. He signed for a charge though, a little step but I finally got my own Bower jersey signed in person. I have 4 signed Bower jerseys now, only 1 signed in person. I mentioned I met him in Spiritwood and he smiled and said how much fun that was. So, $40 to get a signed Johnny Bower jersey when he's sitting right in front of you, would you do it? Yah, I didn't even blink....

Signed Theo Fleury Team Canada Jersey (no nameplate yet though)

Some Items Have to Go!

2011-03-12T16:25:00.003-06:00

I am cleaning out my closet, some items are now up for auction if you are interested. I now have almost too much. I hate to do this but I still have a stack of about 15 signed numbers so some of jerseys, photos and helmet have to go!
Doug Gilmour Leafs jersey
Wendel Clark Signed Leafs Helmet
Gagner/Cogliano signed photo
Theo Fleury Signed Book
LOTS!
http://shop.ebay.ca/kcsummer2004/m.html?_trksid=p4340.l2562

Gene Makowsky Signed CFL Football and Rider Jersey

2011-03-05T21:29:00.004-06:00

This time of year is usually -40 with the wind and yes there are snow banks as high as my deck. But you can also count on our trusty Saskatchewan Roughriders to attend community events all over Saskatchewan. Today, Gene Makowsky, Grey Cup Champ 2007, made an appearance at a cattle booth to sign autographs. Gene is from Saskatoon and is a trained teacher with a B.Ed Degree, the same as me. He subs in the off season and is a real pleasure to chat with. I went to high school and university with Gene, never spoke to him but there was some 800 students at my high school. I mentioned to him a few years ago that we went to high school and university and both are teachers. No longer was the conversation about the CFL football but school dynamics. I got a football signed by Geno and a few other Riders three weeks ago and he remembered the meeting. I do always mention the teaching thing and he it triggers his memory. Today was not different, he called me by name and we chatted again about teaching and he signed my jersey and football. I am not crazy about where he signed it but oh well. Gene is a great guy and it's always neat to chat with him.
Now I hope you finish reading this blog entry, April 9, we're having supper with Gretzky, Walter Gretzky.

Luke Schenn Black Diamond Game Night Ticket

2011-03-01T18:07:00.003-06:00

I really like this one...

Jersey Updates Weston Dressler

2011-02-28T21:24:00.004-06:00

Found the Rider jersey on Kijiji for cheap so finished the Weston Dressler jersey. My wife was going to take it but ended up wanting the new jersey with black on the arm instead of the retro. She has a Dressler signed #7 too so her's will have white on black.
The Ranger 99 jersey needs the other 9 and the nameplate to finish. That will make 3... I really like the Starter brand jerseys too, kinda cool looking.