Running through the Isles

Having hounded the New York Islanders during a preseason trip to Manchester, N.H., I really didn't have much to get autographed. That didn't stop me, though, from making the trip over to Tampa last Sunday.

And, much like everything else in life, the effort was rewarded.

The biggest scores of the day, so to speak, were Team USA* and Islanders 2003-04 official game pucks signed by Rick DiPietro, Islanders pucks signed by recent acquisitions Denis Grebeshkov and Jeff Tambellini*, and a Bridgeport Sound Tigers* puck by Trent Hunter. (*=shown above).

For the most part, the Islanders were a great signing team. As usual, the much-maligned Alexei Yashin signed everything (including my four cards) that anyone put in front of him. Somewhat toughies Jason Blake (on an Islanders puck) and Garth Snow (two of four cards) even stopped to sign. (Addendum: What is the Sam Hell Houston was Charles Wang thinking when he named Snow as general manager of this once-proud franchise?)

The day's only disappointment (and a minor one at that) was Shawn Bates, who seemed content to sit on the air-conditioned bus rather than brave the sun-soaked afternoon and sign a few items.

Looking ahead, my ever-changing work schedule, coupled with the fact we close on our house in late April or early May, means I'll have very few opportunities to hound over the next few weeks. So far, I have trips penciled in, and plenty of item ready, for the Atlanta Thrashers and to the Bolts practice facility.

Kids ... Gotta love 'em

After collecting just five autographs this morning at the Tampa Bay Lightning's practice facility, I've come to two conclusions:

1.) Never go hounding on a Saturday at a rink where a youth league tournament is taking place.

2.) The best hounding, I believe, takes place during weekdays, when said youngsters are in school and other, ahem, collectors are working.

I may not have gotten many today, but I did score some quality items:

1.) Vincent Lecavalier and Ruslan Fedetenko, who scored the Bolts' Cup-winning goal, on a Lightning mini helmet.

2.) Fredrik Modin, riding a wicked cool Harley, on a game-used stick.

3.) A Springfield Falcons and cheap skate cards of Evgeny Artuykhin, a Tampa Bay fan favorite, especially after he whacked Ottawa's Antoine Vermette in the head with his own helmet.

Up next, the New York Islanders at one of Tampa's ritziest hotels. The weather calls for mostly sunny skies, a high near 80 and a slight breeze. Oh, to be back in Boston, eh?

Maybe, just maybe ...

With a little luck, I should be able to get a little hounding in over the upcoming weekend. I'm close enough to getting my 1,000th signed puck that I really have to make the effort.

The Bolts, quickly slipping out of the playoff race, are practicing in Brandon on Saturday. I'm also hoping to chase the Islanders on Sunday.

For a look at Colin's stint as a bench assistant for the Bruins, check out this picture:

http://www.wickedbruinsfan.com/gallery/030206atl/030206bruins_095

Enjoy!