Phil Housley

Card sent: February 2011

Card received 1/1: February 26th, 2011

I was really glad to get this card in the mail today. Phil Housley has always been a favorite of mine and he has the second highest amount of points for an American born player. He was a hard nosed Dman and in my opinion one of the most underrated Defensemen I can think of. Its strange how much of a journeyman he was during his career. Mr. Housley signed my card in black sharpie. I love this return.

Magnus Paajarvi

Purchased from a card shop on February 18th, 2011

While I don't follow the Oilers that closely, I do know they have a new emerging talent pool and Paajarvi's name comes up quite a bit. I pulled this from a box of Upper Deck SPX and while I wish I could have gotten Cam Fowler or Jeff Skinner, this card makes a nice edition. The overall design of the rookie auto cards are better than last year's but the base set design is way too busy.

Bobby Clarke

Card sent: January 20th, 2011

Card received: 1/1 February 14th, 2011

Wow, getting this and Weber in the same day! Happy Valentines day indeed. Bobby Clarke will always be known as one of the top scorers for the Flyers. He helped them win the Stanley Cup twice and was known to do just about anything to win (look at the Flyers all time roster a see how many Russians have played for them versus any of the other teams). Gritty as hell as well as controversial. Mr. Clarke signed my card in black sharpie and it was mailed from Florida although I sent it to the Flyers. I really enjoyed getting this one!

Shea Weber

Card sent: November 4th, 2010

Card Received: 1/1 February 14th, 2011

This was one of the first cards I sent out when I started doing TTM and considering my circumstances, I'm damn lucky I even got it back in the first place. When I got this in the mail, my SASE was not even closed. Usually this could spell disaster but once I looked inside, the card was there with not a ding on it. All praise to the hockey gods! Anyhow, Mr. Weber was nice enough to sign my card in black sharpie. Its great getting an auto from the gold medal winning captain of the most underrated team in the NHL.

Al MacInnis

Retired player: Currently working with the St. Louis Blues

Cards sent: February 3rd 2011.

Cards received 2/2, February 11th 2011

Holy cow, this was a quick return from a hall of famer! I always remember MacInnis as being such a beast at the blue line. I can't think of any other D guy would had as hard of a shot as his (hard enough to break a goalie's mask!). He played at the All-Star game 7 times, has a Stanley Cup, a Conn Smythe, a Norris, a gold medal, and 1274 career points. This was indeed a great return in BLUE sharpie.

Pat LaFontaine

Card Sent: 1/1 January 17th, 2011

Card Received: 1/1 February 4th, 2011

Yes yes yes!!!! This so far has to be my favorite return! Pat Lafontaine is easily in my top 5 of favorite players. The guy was such an amazing athlete and leader. But while Mr. Lafontaine's efforts on the ice were nothing short of amazing, I have to say that his charitable work is just as great. For many years now, Lafontaine has been involved with Children's Hospital with his charity Companions in Courage. This is quite a personal subject for me since I practically owe my life to the wonderful doctors at Children's. It is absolutely wonderful to see a such a high profile player give so much to his community out of the goodness of his heart. I sent a donation with my card and Mr. Lafontaine returned and signed it in black sharpie. I plan to donate more in the future and I encourage others to do so as well. My favorite return so far!

Here is a link to his charity's website

Ted Lindsay

Card Sent: 1/1 January 20th, 2011

Received: 3/1 February 4th, 2011

Needless to say, "Terrible" Ted Lindsay is pretty much a living legend. This is the guy that led the Red Wings during their dynasty years. He's won 4 Stanley Cups, an Art Ross, was a part of the legendary "Production line" with Howe and Abel and he spearheaded the formation of the NHLPA. His footprint on the game is immeasurable and I'm so glad he signed my card. In addition, he sent me two more autographed items and a note thanking me for writing. First of all, Mr. Lindsay's signature is incredible and old school, and secondly, its really great for such a monumental player such as Mr. Lindsay to be so nice to the fans. What a great return and what a great guy.

Tony Twist

Retired Player

Card sent: January 5, 2011

Card recieved: January 28, 2011

Tony Twist is hands down one of the most fearsome enforcers in history of hockey. I can easily put him within the ranks of guys like Probert, Schultz, and O'Reilly. I remember his fights vividly and how brutal they truly were. Unfortunately, his career was cut short by a motorcycle accident that gave him a career ending injury. Mr. Twist signed my card in black sharpie and included a thank you letter for the fan mail. An excellent return from one of my all time favorite enforcers.