Should I Be Happy?

Three big games on TV today...
1. Canada v. Sweden
2. Vancouver v. Dallas
3. Phillidelphia v. Anaheim

Results...
1. 6-5 Sweden in Shootout
2. 4-1 NUCKS
3. 5-2 Anaheim

My thoughts...
Well I don't know how I should feel right now? Only 1 out of my 3 teams won today. But is 33% really that great? First of all, Canada lost a hard fought, high scoring game, in what I like to call the circus act (a.k.a the Shootout). Second, Philly (which was the team I got assigned to in "Drop The Gloves" contest) lost their 3 out of their last 4 - OUCH! After losing Pronger they've gone from top echelon in the league to struggling pretty hard. The contest is out of winning percentage from 12/15/10 to 1/15/11 and Philly is sitting at a mediocre 50%. That type of percentage does not win contests especially with teams like Tampa Bay and Vancouver ripping it up. Finally, my beloved Canucks won their 3rd straight, they also have won 13 of their last 16, and have picked up points in 15 of their last 16. So what do u think? Was today a good hockey day or bad? It kinda leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth to tell you the truth.

Anyhoo, I'm looking forward to the Winter Classic which was one of Bettmans very few good ideas (probably wasnt his anyways). Im a bigger Ovie fan than Crosby even though Sid is Canadian, so go Caps! I'll leave the question to anyone out there who cares, who do you pick? Crosby or Ovechkin?

Lastly, in my area we are about 3 and a half hours away from the big 2011! Woot Woot! So without further adue, Happy New Year!

GO NUCK GO!

Old Timers Treasures

It's that time again, let's break out another old signature. Montreal Canadians fans should be happy with this one, introducing Mr. Steve Shutt...

STEVE SHUTT

GP - 930, P - 817

Not a very nice signature, can't say it looks like he put much effort into it. Despite that, I would never reject a signature of a 5 time Stanley Cup champion, who had one 60 goal season, and played on the top line on the Canadians with Lafleur and Lemaire EVER! 

Michael's Rating: 8

GO NUCKS GO!

Crazy Cards

It's nice to start catching up on the blog and why not start with some Canucks cards. My purchase landed me some fairly good cards among the many 10 cent base card garbage. Whatever downtime I had on my vacation I spent organizing away all 1200 cards to match the order of my cards back home (Year, Set, Number). Let's take a look at the very first card I pulled from the box and try to guess why it creeped me out.

TREVOR LINDEN

1997-98 UD Collector's Choice

Wow! Didn't Upper Deck think that that creepy looking guy on the boards staring directly at you might b a little scary? I guess not, I mean it's not "must have" photo of Linden they could have picked another picture of him turning with the puck. Well at least I got the ugly card out of the way and we can get to the good stuff. 

PAVEL BURE

1997-98 Pinnacle Omega Silks

The name pretty much says it all. Pretty neat thing to have because I've never seen it before. They were inserted into packs at a rate of 1:72, so it's not a bad pull.

Michael's Rating: 7

1998-99 SpX Finite

It's really unfortunate these cards didn't come out well, because I really like these cards! The scan does not do them justice. Here are each cards stats...

TL: Pavel Bure - Marquee Performer /2625

TR: Mattius Ohlund RC - Sure Shot /3900

ML: Pavel Bure - Global Impact /6950

MR: Garth Snow - /9500

BL: Todd Beruzzi (x3) - /9500

BR: Markus Naslund - /9500

They are numbered pretty high, but I love the idea of the rink or whatever it may be popping out of the card. I really like this set and might pursue trying to complete it.

Michael Rating: First Three - 8.5

                        Last Three - 8

MATTIUS OHLUND RC

1998-99 Black Diamond /1000

I found my purchase contained a lot of Ohlund rookies, but this one has to be my favorite. I'm not a fan of the Black Diamond set from that year, but the gold all over the card makes up for it.

Michael's Rating: 8

MARKUS NASLUND

1999-00 Dynagon Ice Blue /67

As you can see in the top left hand corner the card is numbered to /67, and any card numbered under /100 is alright in my books. I like everything about the front of the card, not the back. Nonetheless, it's a nice Nazzy pick up.

Michael's Rating: 8.5

Stay tuned for another blog this afternoon!

GO NUCKS GO!

Home Sweet Home

Breathe in, breathe out...phew! Finally, after power shopping across the border and then rushing to Rogers Arena to watch the Philly/Canucks game, I've finally arrived back to my home. I can't say that rushing was a bad idea, I loved seeing an east v west match up. What was even better was seeing the Canucks blowout the Flyers 6-2. Victory is tasting pretty sweet right now. As for my getaway it was very relaxing and forced me to interact more because of the lack of Internet connection where I stayed. While I was gone I picked up my latest eBay purchase of 1200 Vancouver Canucks hockey cards, and I was quite pleased with my aquisition. Tomorrow I will get back to my blogging routine and catch up on other blogs I missed reading. I'll be posting up another "Old Timers Treasures" along with showing off my new Nucks cards.

GO NUCKS GO!

Quicky...

With 3% left on my iPod using some other random persons wifi I just wanted to let anybody that actually follows my blog that IM NOT DEAD...I'm just on vacation. I'll be back and blogging hopefully by tomorrow! One of the purposes was to pick up 1200 Vancouver Canucks hockey cards, and I'm very excited to show the gems I aquired. I'll also be introducing a few new segments and a new project!

GO NUCKS Go!

WOW! VERY FUN GAME!

I can't say the actual game was extremely exciting although it was enjoyable, it was more the festivities surrounding the game. First thing to say is, the Canucks organization really knows how to throw a fan appreciation night! After giving away prizes like Apple iPads, PS3, trips to anywhere in North America, and the jerseys of the back, it's evident that the Canucks have really stepped up their appreciation from previous years. Although I wasn't able to get my hands on any of the prizes above, I was able to score 3 pretty cool memories from the game.

I'll start with the commemorative gift they handed out to everybody at the game. It was a little bit of a disappointment, but nonetheless a nice thought. It's a game dated "Fan Appreciation Night" puck, take a look:

Not a bad start...but what I found more exciting than anything was a simple t-shirt I won at the game. Yes, a t-shirt excited me. I'm not sure what other NHL teams do at intermissions, but the Canucks have this rocket contraption they built to shoot out about 10 free t-shirts each game. I found myself minding my own business when a t-shirt was flung right into my chest (I wish I could say I did it on purpose). Pretty cool reward to get thrown into my lap. 

Finally, we get to the REALY good stuff. I try my best to show up as early as I can to each game I go to and this time I got in right when the gates opened. While walking to my section I spot Dave Babych sitting down ready to meet the first 150 people to arrive at the game. I was number 7 in line! He was a super nice guy (he still has that crazy mustache) and I was honored to meet him!

He signed a jumbo card personally to me, and also signed my jersey! It was great to have a memorable d-man from probably the most memorable era of the Canucks; 1994! It really makes a signature 10 times better when you actually meet the guy and shake his hand! Thanks a ton Mr. Babych!

Michael's Rating: 8.5

GO NUCKS GO!

Quicky...

Going to Canucks game tonight against Toronto. It's fan appreciation night and there is said to be a "commemorative" gift being handed out to all 18,00+ in attendance. If it's anything worth mentioning I'll post it for sure. Fingers crossed that I get the real prize of the "jerseys of the back" after the game though!!

GO NUCKS GO!

Old Timers Treasures

It's time for another Old Timers signature...but first! I urge everybody to check out a contest that is happening on another bloggers website (click here to see it)! It's a very cool idea, and has a great reward for any hockey fans out there!

Now onto the card...take a look:

DOUG BODGER

GP - 1071, P - 528

I can't say Doug Bodger has "highlight" worthy stats by any means, with a career high of only 54 points in the 1992-93 season. Although he did play 13 games for the Canucks, so technically he's a 'nucker. Anyways, I'm happy to pull out another oldie!

Michael's Rating: 6.5

GO NUCKS GO

SET REVIEW

A few months ago I bought a blaster box of the 2009-10 OPC set. I thought I might pull them out and do a quick little review. Let's start with the base cards...

BASE CARDS

RATING: 7/10

Rundown:

CARDS: 1-500, 601-752

TOTAL: 652

TOTAL I OWN: 60 (7 Canucks)

Well I can't say I'm loving the front of the card. First of all the photography sucks, they're all photos of players turning or skating forward...BORING! I like the team colours and the logo on the bottom right, but it seems like the O-Pee-Chee logo is more important then the players name. I'm also not a fan of the silver and white logo pattern around the top, left and right of the card. The back doesn't get any better. No colour, no picture, no fun! With rookies and young players there is way to much blank space, but anyways they gave the old school look a try. Only positive on the back is the subtle logo behind the stats.

RETRO

RATING: 7.5/10

Rundown:

CARDS: 1-800

TOTAL: 800

TOTAL I OWN: 6 (1 Canuck)

Well this is a little better, I really like the colours and the simple retro border on the front, the subtle OPC symbol on the bottom right, and they added French on the front of the card. Now let's look at the back, at first glance it doesn't look terrible. Theres a little bit of colour, the stats are clearly stated....BUT...can someone please, please, please tell me why they didn't include the entire year-by-year stats! Look how much space there is! It's ridiculous, but watcha gonna do!

RAINBOW

RATING: 7/10

Rundown:

CARDS: 1-800

TOTAL: 800

TOTAL I OWE: 2

Its exactly the same as the base cards besides the texture and the shininess.

LEGENDS

RATING: 8/10

Rundown: 

CARDS: 551-600

TOTAL: 50

TOTAL I OWN: 3

MARQUEE ROOKIES
RATING: 7.5/10

Rundown:

CARDS: 501-550, 753-800

TOTAL: 98

TOTAL I OWN: 3

These were my favorite cards out of the bunch, only thing I could do without is the pattern around the front of the card. As for the back of the card, pretty much the same deal as the base card except for the "Legend" or "Marquee Rookie" popping out of the back. Although, I really like the French text again!

TROPHY WINNERS
RATING: 7.5/10

 RECORD BREAKER

RATING: 7.5/10

GOAL LEADER/CHECKLIST

RATING: 7/10

Rundown:

CARDS: RB1-RB10, SL1-SL17, TW1-TW13

TOTAL: 40

TOTAL I OWN: 4

Weeellllll...pretty much all the same here. All three different cards look kind of messy in the front, the backs all look the same...boring.

CANADIAN HEROES

RATING: 7/10

Rundown:

CARDS: CBBC-CBTZ

TOTAL: 1-42

TOTAL I OWN: 2

It was nice to incorporate the ladies into this parallel. Not a bad design on the front or on the back. Mediocre though, kinda like the entire set.

RAP UP

BASE CARDS: 60

PARALLELS: 20

CANUCKS: 8

TOTAL: 80

TOTAL RATING: 7/10

GO NUCKS GO!

Crazy Cards

Well I thought I'd keep the ball rolling with another Daniel Sedin signature. But this one is a little more untraditional. Sorry about the scan it's a bit bright, take a look...

SIGNED DANIEL SEDIN BUSINESS CARD

Technically this can be classified as a card, even if it is my dad's business card. My dad must have some crazy luck when it comes to running into Canucks players. As I said last blog me and my dad ran into D. Sedin about 3 years ago. But just last year my dad was downtown with one of his customers when he spotted him again! This time he was with another person, but my dad didn't recognize him. He quickly pulled out his business card and a pen, and signed the card personally to me! Thanks again Daniel!

Michael's Rating: 8

GO NUCKS GO!

Canuck Specials

Today is going to be a double blog on Canucks specials. First, I'll show you the cover of the 2 videos given to Canucks season ticket holders (2003-04, 2004-05). I'll also add a link to a series of the chapters of the entire first video.

CANUCKS VIDEOS (3 DISCS)

These videos represent one key word to not only Canucks fans, but hockey fans in general. That word is passion. It shows the heart and desire to win and succeed from past and current Canucks players. Take a look at this first video, and I encourage you to take a look at the rest of the videos kind enough to be posted by 16diana39.

CANUCKS DVD - CHAPTER 2

Speaking about passion, let's take a look at the most passionate Canucks player to live - Trevor Linden. I had the privilege of going to his final game, the score wasn't pretty, it was a blowout. But not a single one of the 18,500+ fans inside had a problem with it. The roar from the crowd was unlike any cheer I had heard up to that game. Unfortunately, it was another Canucks final game. I had blogged about Luc Bourdon a few days ago, but it's astonishing to think that everybody at that time was oblivious to the fact that this would be his last NHL game. Just goes to show us how lucky we are that nothing has happened to ourselves. Anyways, the reason I'm saying this is because unknowingly I took this picture; this really speaks louder than words.  

I apologize for the blurriness of the picture, I used a dinky little camera. But still, for me this picture is really cool yet still very somber. We see Linden concentrating with his head down, bracing himself for his last outing. Then we see Bourdon mentally prepared and well aware that people are watching his play, critiquing it for seasons to come. This puts goosebumps on my arms, R.I.P Luc Bourdon.

GO NUCKS GO!

Old Timers Treasures

Well it's a new week, and time to look at 2 more old timer hockey card signatures. This week, I'm featuring 2 cards because one of them is a little less exciting then the other. You'll know what I mean after the first card. Let's get to it...

RON HOGGARTH

CAREER 1971-1994

Well here's a look at an old-time referee, it's a little odd, but interesting. My only question is why is he holding a mic? Well, I don't know much about this referee, but if your interested in him I found a link from a Q and A he did...http://www.oldtimershockey.com/players/hoggarth.html...enjoy! Now on to the better stuff! (No offence Hoggarth.)

Michael's Rating: 7

KIRK MULLER

GP - 1349, P - 959

Before Muller was assistant coach of the Canadiens, he was/is a well known hockey player. He had 2 career high 94 point seasons and played for 19 seasons. I like the signature on the card with the number 11, and you can't beat that smile :D. A nice card to have in the collection!

Michael's Rating: 8

GO NUCKS GO!

Crazy Cards

A few years ago the hockey world lost a promising young defense-man in Luc Bourdon. Unfortunately, Luc passed away in a motorcycle accident, and only got a few starts in the big league for the Vancouver Canucks. Before his passing away, I was really starting to get into the young mans career, and I had my eye on one card specifically. After the accident, the card shot up to $50+ a card and the cards were off the market quickly. Instead of trying to pick one up, I decided to see when that card would come across my path again. Then, I found it! Only this past summer I went to New York, and I found kind of a hole in the wall flea market and casually decided to see what they had in the hockey card department. After I quickly glanced through all 5 or 6 stands I was sadly disappointed when most of the owners turned me down and said "Kid, I only sell Mets cards, or Jets cards etc". But then there was one last stand, he casually told me that he had been "blowing out" his hockey cards for 10 cents a piece for 5 years! So he pulled me up a chair and started chipping away at the extensive collection. Only problems was, it was toward the end of the trip and I had spent most of my money my parents gave me and was down to my last $5. Which meant I had 50 cards max to buy. Finally to my surprise, I found it! The Luc Bourdon card had crossed my path after 3 years!

2006-07 BAP HOCKEY /999

LUC BOURDON

Not only did I find 1, but I found 2, and there numbered at /999!! I was amazed, but I almost felt bad for the guy selling it to me because he could still sell these cards for 10 bucks a piece (maybe). So I said "Sir, I'm gonna be honest with you, where I'm from these cards would be going for $20 a card." He said "I rather these cards go to a person who is really gonna appreciate the cards." Those kind words really explain the relationship fellow collectors should have for each other. I came out there 42 cards richer and with a huge smile on my face.

Michaels Rating: 9 (mostly because of the story behind it)

R.I.P Luc Bourdon

GO NUCKS GO!

Canuck Specials

My dad and his buddies have been season ticket holders since the 2002-03 season, and ever since then, my dad has been kind enough to give me the special gifts that the Canucks organization gives to us. Whether it's a book, cards, movies etc. he has always past them down to me. So, I thought it would be a fine idea to show you guys the things I've been given. Let's start with one of the very first things...

HARDCOVER CANUCKS BOOK

Remember those days? Nazzy, Bert, Linden, Clouts and B-Mo? These players were part of my first real clear memories of following the Vancouver Canucks. First I'll let a few important pages refresh your memory.

Believe or not my fondest memory of the Canucks players is Dan Cloutier, now don't completely kill me about this! BUT, I have always been interested in goalies and Dan Cloutier was the goalie I grew up with when I was a kid, remember I was very young! Although, I know Cloutier is...well...not very good, I always looked up to him. This was a very memorable season for the "younger Michael" so this book really means a lot to me.

Crazy Cards

As I said in my set review of the 2010-11 Score Hockey set, today I was going to feature a special card I pulled from one of my boxes. This player may not be a "highlight" player per say, but I was very excited after the pull. Here it is:

2010-11 SCORE

STEVE DOWNIE

Well the cards design is exactly the same as the base cards, the only difference of course is the signature. It is stuck on the card by a sticker, so it's not hard signed, but it doesn't look too shabby. The sig is a little tiny, and although I can see the "Steve" and the number 9, I cannot seem to see the "Downie" part of the signature. Nonetheless, it was exciting getting one signed card out of the two hobby boxes, and hopefully when I buy more I might get another one!

Michaels Rating: 7.5/10

GO NUCKS GO!