Blake Lizotte Autographs from 2016 Fargo Force Home Opener

Hockey season is now upon us!

I know there's still about a week and a half before we get some NHL action, but the USHL is in full gear, and my local team, the Fargo Force, had their season opener last night. I was off of work, so of course, I had to go, and brought my wife and older two daughters along for the game. We had a great time, even though the Force lost 2-0. It was actually a very competitive game, despite the shutout, and the Force look like there's some great potential in their lineup.

After each game, the featured player in their "Player Spotlight," makes his way to the main concourse, and signs autographs for any fans who were interested, after he signs and presents a jersey with his name and number to the winner of a silent auction for the particular item. I had him sign a puck and the cover of Friday night's game preview booklet.

My wife asked me if I wanted a picture with him, and then asked my daughters the same question. Neither
of them did, but my oldest, who turns 8 in December wanted to take the picture of my wife and I with him. I was impressed with her picture-taking abilities and think she did a great job.

Here's a few other pictures from the game:

Steve Jensen Private Signing

I recently had the opportunity to get an autograph from a former Minnesota North stars player, just because of Facebook. Since I am following the Minnesota North Stars, which focuses more on remembering the legacy of Minnesota's first NHL team, I discovered an upcoming private signing with former North stars left winger Steve Jensen, who signed an 8x10 for me.

Jensen only played in 7 NHL seasons (4 with the North Stars and three with the Los Angeles Kins), but he was still able in do some amazing things. In the 1976-77 season, the North Stars became the first team in NHL history to have four rookies with 30 goals (Jensen had 22), and during the 1980-81 season, he became only the fifth American-born player to score 100 career goals. Since 1985, Jensen has owned and operated the Heartland Hockey Camp out of Deerwood, MN.

TTM return from Johan Hedberg

I got just one TTM return back this week, from former NHL goaltender Johan Hedberg:

TTM Return from Olaf Kolzig

I've been on a bit of a drought with my TTM returns, but with reason. First of all, it's during the off-season, and second of all, I just haven't been sending out as many to retired players as I did last year, so it's to be expected. Anyway, I did get this one from Olaf Kolzig, and yes, I sent this request primarily to get the hot dog card signed.

TTM Returns: Week Ending 9-3-16

Just one TTM return this week, from Riley Cote. Sent in January to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, where he is on the coaching staff.

TTM Returns: Week Ending 8-27-16

Here's a quick look at my TTM returns for the week ending August 27, 2016:

Anze Kopitar

Ben Bishop

Rick Tabaracci

Robert Smith Public Signing from 7/17/16

Before going to the Minnesota Twins game July 17, I got the chance to meet former Minnesota Vikings running back Robert Smith at FanHQ in Eden Prairie, MN. They were hosting a public autograph signing with Smith, and it was a great opportunity to meet the man who was one of the best players at his position in team history.

The prices were VERY reasonable, so I had to pick up a couple, and was able to get my photo taken with him, as well. Seeing as though it takes a good 3.5 hours to get from Moorhead, MN to the Minneapolis area, I arrived just a bit late to the Sunday-morning signing. Even though I was toward the back of the line, Smith was still just as happy as could be by the time I got up there, and genuinely seemed to enjoy just meeting the fans. I ended up with two autographs: a mini helmet and an 8x10.