Anyone who says hockey players are the most gracious signers in pro sports is full of it. It's indoor soccer players. And I say this as one who collects hockey first and foremost.
Sure, the MASL isn't one of the Big 4 Leagues (nor were the NPSL or MISL) but I'm sure most would put the NHL as a very distant fourth among those Big 4-- almost to the point of a Big 3-- and some might even argue to put Nascar or the MLS or even the PGA as the fourth.
But the attitudes of the players is night and day with most others. Saturday night, I went out to Allen and saw the Sidekicks get stomped to the tune of 13-4 against the league's top team. Afterward, the players still came out and signed at two tables set up on the concourse. Other players who weren't scheduled to be at the table signed as well while walking around. And several more signed out in the parking lot as they left. And I even ran into a much-needed alumni player inside.
Saturday night was trading card night, with Panini sponsoring a 20-card set of players in their Donruss design. Looks sharp-- and I'm not just saying that as a Panini employee, then genuinely look good. After the game, I was able to get 12 signed for myself and also for Ray in Maryland. Clint Ritter, Juan Gamboa, and Cody Ellis were at the first table, with Gamboa even apologizing for the bad scoreboard result. I told him it happens, as a goalie myself in floorball I've been on the short end of a 15-2 score in a tournament. While waiting for them, VcMor Eligwe and R.J. Lauvano signed as well while walking around. On my way to the other table, I ran into Willie Molano, who signed six cards I had of him. This made up nicely for me misidentifying him four weeks prior on Alumni Night.
The other table had Arthur Ivo, Ray Aguayo, and Ricardinho. Cameron Brown, who got hit cheaply from behind resulting in a concussion was even still there, chatting with and signing for fans despite the injury. I was surprised, I thought for sure he'd be in a dark quiet place but there he was. I've gotten a concussion before in hockey-- but that was with a helmet and cage and even with it I was still a bit loopy after the game. My best friend at the time came to the game and afterward I asked when she got there... she rode to the rink with me. She swore she'd never go to a hockey game again.
Anyways, after that the group of us there headed outside and to the back where Jamie Lovegrove, Mike Jones, and Fabinho all signed. Jones was battling a shoulder problem as well-- same guy who took out Brown caught him with a bad hit. At least that one got whistled for two in the box instead of just a free kick. And the guy later got thrown down right in front of the ref with no call.
Meanwhile today I got my first success via mail in a few weeks as Zoran Karic completed my 1991-92 Crunch All-Stars triple, my 1990-91 Karic-Goossens ASG dual, and three others. I'm planning on getting crazy with the mailings again pretty soon. Not sure who I'll go for first; Brian recommended referee Gino D'Ippolito, so I may try all the referees. I also need to find an address for J.P. Dellacamera to go on my other checklist.
No comments:
Post a Comment