Sbangayan86’s INSANE GARGANTUAN 2017: WHALE-check, Autographs, Customs, Comic Cons, TOP 10!! (++scans)

[richie.rocket.cards]

Hellooo HI! It’s been a while since my last major update; after that post jammed full of cool stuff, I certainly wondered whether 2017 could possibly top all that…especially with the Canucks playing meaningless (and boring, I might add) hockey late in the 16-17 season.

But never fear! Surely as the year went on, the autographs and new graphing opportunities would slowly present themselves…some necessitating travel to new places too awesome to pass up!

Now a few days shy of 2018, I am happy to inform my Canucks all-time autograph collection is up to 89.85% complete (531 of 591)—60 players to go; and the adventure continues!

Enough talk, on with the show (grab some potato chips and a beer I suggest =)

First up, early in the new year, Rogers hosted a Hometown Hockey event in Vancouver, which featured various Canucks alumni and also current players:

Geoff Courtnall: always nice to see a Canucks legend! He is essentially the first Canuck I ever had a card of (from 91-92 Score); I had a new custom signed:
10-11 UD Cup Limited Logos Geoff Courtnall patch auto_zpsth0uzyje by Richard Ho, on Flickr
P1030213_zps9feydiwv by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Troy Stecher: nothing for him to sign that day, but nice to see the Richmond native in Canucks uni
P1030219_zpskyqw9rwn by Richard Ho, on Flickr

In late January, I rotated out to Toronto for a month for work. I wasn’t expecting to get much autographing done (I don’t collect Leafs or Raps), but when in a big city, you always have to be wary of what may fall in your lap

Nathan Lafayette: probably one of the stranger stories as to how I managed this; Lafayette has long been known to, and is even written on his public LinkedIn account, work insurance out of Toronto since retiring from hockey. I tried mailing cards to him multiple times in the past, but received no answer.

When in Toronto, I decided to email his company secretary to ask if it would be possible to obtain an autograph from Mr. Lafayette if he had some free time. A day later, I actually got a phone call from said secretary, and she put Lafayette on the line so I could organize my request!

Thank goodness for secretaries. However, I ended up not actually meeting Lafayette as we decided it would be easiest if I dropped off my card with his secretary and that he would sign it at his leisure.
As promised, it was completed by the end of the week, and dang…one more Canuck checked off the list!
05-06 Trilogy Scripts Three Nathan Lafayette auto_zpsismmtnlt by Richard Ho, on Flickr

The rest of the Toronto stay was mostly dedicated to working on custom cut autographs for index cards I had laying around for some time:

Jeff Cowan the Bra-Barian!
2016 Panini Immaculate Collection Standard Black Jeff Cowan auto_zps0y599kye by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Bill Sweatt
15-16 UD Cup Scripted Sticks Bill Sweatt cut auto_zpsvywl3qyg by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Lawrence Nycholat
11-12 Panini Dominion Stickside Signatures Lawrence Nycholat auto_zpsmx4zijpp by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Darren Langdon
15-16 UD Exquisite Collection Material Darren Langdon auto_zpsw6c5aeg6 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Dave Gagner
15-16 UD Cup Scripted Swatches Dave Gagner auto_zpsj5nwhipu by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Robin Bawa: fun fact  first player in the NHL of Indian descent
2006 UD Exquisite Rookie Signature Patch gold NFL Robin Bawa auto_zpspcfdleny by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Dan Johnson: this is a guy I had absolutely no leads on whatsoever; the cut came from a trade with one resident “steveottfan”
16-17 Sp Game Used Supreme Patches Danny Johnson auto_zps3nkad5xv by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Fred Speck (deceased 2011): one of the more difficult autos to find
2014 UD Black Golf Lustrous Signatures PGA Fred Speck auto_zpsvocjyrsm by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Corey Hirsch stick!
15-16 Sp Game Used Supreme Stick Corey Hirsch stick_zps2fo8b3de by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Then near the end of my work placement in “The 6ix”, I came across a curling promotional event happening at a local rink featuring a meet-and-greet with Olympic gold medalist Kaitlyn Lawes!
Frantic hardly describes the two days between this discovery, and the actual event…

Team Jones has been one of my favorite Curling teams since even before the 2014 Sochi gold medal victory; I definitely wanted to make some nice custom cards for Kaitlyn to autograph. But I was far from home, and I had no idea which printing stores would carry the stock I needed, or had the printer calibration I was used to back in Vancouver..

I remember pulling an all-nighter working on the designs, and literally walking all over downtown Toronto the next day to every print store in the vicinity to get these produced. After two failures with very poor printing quality, I ended up finding success at…(wait for it) a T-shirt Printing store! The paper quality was still suboptimal, but it was eons above the previous printers:
12-13 Sp Authentic Authentic Moments Kaitlyn Lawes auto_zpspvjidkmc by Richard Ho, on Flickr
And that gold medal is HUGE
4622_zpsnxz8loqh by Richard Ho, on Flickr

The fun thing about returning home after extended business trips is the stack of mail that accumulates!

The TTM autograph route has really slowed down over the last few years, but a bunch actually returned while I was away:
Dan Quinn
05-06 Ultimate Collection Ultimate Achievements Dan Quinn auto_zpseaqutzyt by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Dan Ratushny
15-16 Ultimate Rookies Dan Ratushny auto_zpsej7no6ln by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Sean Pronger: one of the longest waits for a return, about THREE years!
07-08 Trilogy Scripts Young Stars Sean Pronger auto_zpswonaqzuq by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Jason Garrison (some upgrades):
12-13 Sp Game Used Gold base Jason Garrison auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2002 Sp Authentic SOTT (NFL) Jason Garrison update auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2003 Sp Authentic SOTT (NFL) Jason Garrison auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Gene Sobchuk
2009 Topps Mayo Cut Plug Certified Autograph Issue NFL Gene Sobchuk auto_zpsjyd1bowf by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Derek Joslin all the way back from GERMANY!
13-14 Sp Authentic Sign of the Times Derek Joslin auto_zpsiddqhsdb by Richard Ho, on Flickr
13-14 Sp Game Used Base Derek Joslin auto_zpsc1pexmp6 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Adrien Plavsic from Switerzerland! Huge return as it seemed he hadn’t signed in years
05-06 Sp Authentic Rookie Authentics Adrien Plavsic auto_zpsmqfsqcsh by Richard Ho, on Flickr
05-06 Sp Authentic Sign of the Times All Stars NBA Adrien Plavsic auto_zpsvqtakstu by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Kevin Weekes: also a very round-about acquisition; I mailed cards to Weekes once in 2013, and also 2014, but received no reply. So I tried emailing his Facebook No5Hole clothing page (2015) to see if there was another address I could use; his secretary responded and said she would be very happy to help obtain Weekes’ autograph for me when he returned to the office. Love these secretaries!

Fast forward to late 2016, I hadn’t seen anything come through, so I checked in with said secretary once more. She remembered getting the cards signed, she writes, but thought they had been mailed out months ago.
I was a bit disappointed, and thought they had probably been lost in the mail.

So it was a huge surprise to then receive these guys back a few months later!! (and also an apology note for the delay, and Kevin Weekes also sent me a tote bag =) Score (or should it be “Save”)
02-03 BAP Ultimate Silver Autograph Kevin Weekes auto_zpsus6tg6qt by Richard Ho, on Flickr
1999 Sp Top Prospects Vital Signs NBA Kevin Weekes auto_zps6giip6bo by Richard Ho, on Flickr

My next adventure in the spring took me to South Texas Comic Con in McAllen, TX

Yes, not exactly a vacation spot, but the choice to attend was driven by the group of signing guests (of course); it was an awesome 3 days:

Ray Park (Darth Maul): one of my favorite characters from the prequel trilogy
Star Wars I - Ray Park auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
P1040283 - rich and Ray Park by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Paige O’Hara: the voice of Bell
Paige OHara 8x12_zpsyzlu9lj8 by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Amy Jo Johnson: the original Pink Ranger and every 90s boy celebrity crush in the days of the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers!
Amy Jo Johnson auto 5x7_zpscewjmxos by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2003 Inkworks Alias Amy Jo Johnson Kimberly auto UPDATE_zpsnfqcaoni by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Yes, that is laser-raster-engraved wood power coin
MMPR Power Morpher Pink Amy Jo Johnson auto_zpshdoomodm by Richard Ho, on Flickr
MMPR Power Morpher Pink Amy Jo Johnson back_zpsjrx2j1zv by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Amy Jo Johnson and rich_zpsa73aaary by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Back in Vancouver, it was near the end of the NHL season, and the Canucks had a slew of injuries, as well as various call-ups, odd signings, and waiver claims that needed new custom cards!

Michael Chaput
16-17 OPC Signatures Michael Chaput auto_zpsnpogecgg by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Reid Boucher
15-16 Panini Flawless Then amp Now Reid Boucher auto_zpstrgonv4f by Richard Ho, on Flickr
13-14 Sp Authentic Sign of the Times Reid Boucher auto_zpseokonrlz by Richard Ho, on Flickr
10-11 Spx Spectrum Reid Boucher auto_zpsq0hfkw3h by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Drew Shore
15-16 Panini National Treasures Signature Moves NBA Drew Shore auto_zpswbwobyuv by Richard Ho, on Flickr
03-04 UD Exquisite Collection Patches Drew Shore auto patch_zpsd68dhlwo by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Joseph Cramarossa (yes, who?): he was amazed that I had cards of him picture in Canucks uniform despite him suiting up only 2 games then
2004 Ultimate Collection Rookie Signatures NFL Joseph Cramarossa auto_zps1tbs5dow by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2014 UD LSU NFL Joseph Cramarossa auto_zpsoeigb1hm by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Griffen Molino (again, who?): these cards show the subtle art of printing…the blues here appear more purple, dark, and dull compared to the above examples. The “Reflex Blue” is notoriously difficult to print accurately (a problem with converting RGB to CMYK in the print world); and for me, this was terrible because the Canucks wear…well, reflex blue
14-15 Sp Authentic Authentic Moments Griffen Molino auto_zpsoxpezsjb by Richard Ho, on Flickr
15-16 UD Black Signature Rookies Griffen Molino auto_zpsd64jphyz by Richard Ho, on Flickr

While I was away in South Texas, a few call-ups made it up to Vancouver to play one game over the weekend, and then were immediately reassigned to Utica on the Monday…

Running out of time before the season ended in the AHL, I asked a friend in Buffalo to help me acquire these when Utica visited Rochester:

Evan McEneny
16-17 Sp Authentic SOTT Rookies Evan McEneny auto_zpsiy7xlsqc by Richard Ho, on Flickr
15-16 UD Cup Evan McEneny auto RC_zps61kf1gj6 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Borna Rendulic (as obscure as they come)
14-15 Panini National Treasures Signatures Borna Rendulic auto_zpsrisfuu4c by Richard Ho, on Flickr
16-17 Sp Game Used base Borna Rendulic auto_zpstrx76prn by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Things always slow down a bit when it comes to collecting over the summer, eh.

Still, a friend of a colleague happened to be none other than former Pink SPD Ranger (you can find her series on Netflix)..

Alycia Purrott! I got to meet her at a beach party, and she was so lovely:
Power Rangers SPD Containement Device Alycia Purrott auto_zpst2w5dp1q by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2013 Ultimate Rookie Signatures NFL Alycia Purrott front_zpshibkkgpv by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2013 Ultimate Rookie Signatures NFL Alycia Purrott auto_zpsr7aytg1o by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2017-08-26 17.45.33_zpsrzkf5h51 by Richard Ho, on Flickr

There was also a Canucks Prospect camp running at UBC over a few days, which was cool because I got to meet some of the Canucks’ future:

Elias Pettersson: apparently, this guy is KILLIN’ it in the Swedish Elite League; excited to see what he can do at the upcoming World Juniors!
16-17 UD Top Draft Pick Elias Pettersson auto_zpsc4xv554r by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Guillaume Brisebois:
16-17 UD Top Draft Pick Guillaume Brisebrois auto_zps5gvyc0jy by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Olli Juolevi, featuring some awesome junior patches:
08-09 Sp Game Used Dual Inked Sweaters Lumme Juolevi jersey auto_zpslm11e9tj by Richard Ho, on Flickr
07-08 Sp Authentic Rookie Authentics Olli Juolevi auto patch_zpsr3jduk4y by Richard Ho, on Flickr
20170706_081355_zpsd6c07wn7 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Brock Boeser!! The talk of the town currently as this guy is just as talented as they come, goals left and right, point per game…and who can possibly resist ‘the flow’
15-16 UD Black Lustrous Ink Brock Boeser auto_zps3ckpphfw by Richard Ho, on Flickr
13-14 UD Trilogy Signature Pucks Brock Boeser auto_zps0oogrm4d by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Brock Boeser 8x10_zpsu6fvu7h8 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
20170914_122710_zpsdhycgyi0 by Richard Ho, on Flickr

I would also finish a number of other customs over the summer that had been sitting on the back burner for a while. The first group here features some hard to find former Canucks who had some sticker autographs available. Thanks to my buddy Patrick for helping with the sticker transfer process:
Lukas Krajicek: I may have to try him TTM again now that he is no longer in the KHL (a black hole for fan mail)
06-07 Sp Authentic SOTT Lukas Krajicek auto_zpsiymfvrzd by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Michael Chaput (ok, not necessarily hard to find Canuck, but I had an extra sticker auto laying around)
06-07 Sp Game Used Significance Michael Chaput auto_zpsowz0v6nn (1) by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Richard Bachman (same thing)
14-15 UD Overtime Richard Bachman auto_zpsjmdf8pdp by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Alexandre Bolduc! Huge victory =) This autograph had been eluding me for years, even as he was playing close to regularly in the NHL
15-16 UD Priority Signings Parkhurst Alexandre Bolduc auto_zpszvdqrvh6 by Richard Ho, on Flickr

The next group were cards signed at other times, but waiting on patches to come in for completion:

Cliff Ronning (signed at the 2016 Hockey Helps the Homeless event where I was a volunteer)
13-14 UD Cup Foundations Cliff Ronning patch auto_zps0yeti64j by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Shane O’Brien
06-07 Hot Prospects Sweet Selections NBA Shane OBrien jersey_zps6lqob2cc by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Markus Granlund
06-07 UD Cup Base Patch Markus Granlund patch auto_zpsw9i1hbs1 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Paul Reinhart TTM
15-16 UD Ice Signature Swatches Black Paul Reinhart path auto_zps3bisrgdh by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Meeting two Pink Power Rangers in 2017 seem to really open the floodgates come the early Fall, with multiple Ranger events presenting that would bring me way back to my childhood

The first was Kelowna’s first Comic & Collectibles Expo, where the featured guests were a partial cast of Saban’s Power Rangers in Space series (also on Netflix)! Nothing like a nice summer drive up into the interior for some autographing:

Christopher Khayman Lee: the Red Space Ranger; the nice thing about this Con was it was small, so I had all the time in the world to chat with these celebrities, ask them about their career, take pictures, and so on. Chris was quite amazed at the custom I had for him, so much that he just signed an extra comic book for us because we were “awesome”
15-16 UD Cup Autographed Rookie Gear Christopher Khayman Lee front_zpsqpmdkf1y by Richard Ho, on Flickr
15-16 UD Cup Autographed Rookie Gear Christopher Khayman Lee auto_zpstvjpoawo by Richard Ho, on Flickr
DSC00054 with Christopher Khayman Lee_zpsfkqiieo4 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Tara Lynn Cruz: she and her husband read every word of my card front and back; she also took pictures of it left and right which was cool
13-14 UD Exquisite Game Face NBA Tracy Lynn Cruz auto_zpshjehg071 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
13-14 UD Exquisite Game Face NBA Tracy Lynn Cruz front_zpso8g8aaa4 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
DSC00089 with Tracy Lynn Cruz_zpsekxued2b by Richard Ho, on Flickr

In case you were wondering at this point what my costume was, it is a character named Trey of Triforia from Power Rangers Zeo…and yes, the staff is home made from pvc piping and stacks of craft foam

Selwyn Ward signed two booklets for me, all personalized with inscription:
Red Turbo Ranger
13-14 Panini Playbook Rookie Selwyn Ward front_zpsimg6m7pe by Richard Ho, on Flickr
13-14 Panini Playbook Rookie Selwyn Ward auto_zpsr2qt1iby by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Blue Space Ranger
14-15 UD Cup Rookie Autographed Gear Selwyn Ward front_zpszeez2fnl by Richard Ho, on Flickr
14-15 UD Cup Rookie Autographed Gear Selwyn Ward auto_zpsly8kflhm by Richard Ho, on Flickr
DSC00065 with Selwyn Ward_zpse4wu1k4h by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Justin Nimmo: this guy loves being at the Cons. He is funny, takes his time with each fan, does multiple poses for pictures, brings his own cosplay! He liked my custom so much, he gave me his mailing address so I could send him an extra copy, wow

13-14 UD Cup Autographed Rookie Gear Justin Nimmo front_zps8vkxzg9d by Richard Ho, on Flickr
13-14 UD Cup Autographed Rookie Gear Justin Nimmo auto_zpst4zfn6eg by Richard Ho, on Flickr
DSC00072 with Justin Nimmo_zpsaoyhwt3y by Richard Ho, on Flickr

This takes us to just after the start of the NHL season. My Canucks had a lot of new faces, and a lot of budding prospects I hope will soon make the roster and be effective NHLers!

At training camp 2017:
Nikolay Goldobin: soft hands, great speed, hopefully he puts it all together soon! He was really nice in person actually, taking time to sign pretty much anything anyone had for him

15-16 UD Ice Superb Script Nikolay Goldobin auto_zpszd7zoaoq by Richard Ho, on Flickr
20170914_140550_zpsjadfa3ke by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Joe Labate: he was surprised at this custom as I don’t think he has had a licensed card at any level of hockey
16-17 UD Trilogy Signature Pucks Joseph Labate auto_zpsfh47fpgv by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Griffen Molino
16-17 Sp Authentic SOTT Rookies Griffen Molino auto_zps30u44btx by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Michael Garteig
15-16 UD Black Pro Penmanship Michael Garteig auto_zpsvykfu6zy by Richard Ho, on Flickr
01-02 Sp Authentic Autographed Rookie FX Michael Garteig auto_zpswwvmziqc by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Cole Cassels
08-09 Sp Authentic Rookie Authentics NBA Cole Cassels auto_zpsowa10vtc by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Jordan Subban: recently traded to LA Kings..sadly didn’t live up to his potential here, but hopefully it works out for him elsewhere. Killer patch card signed though
12-13 Ultimate Collection Signatures Jordan Subban auto_zpsjrbs4gzr by Richard Ho, on Flickr
15-16 Sp Authentic Future Watch Auto Patch Jordan Subban auto patch_zpsmxrmzymn by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Thatcher Demko: this guy is TALL. I had been waiting almost a year to have this dual auto completed!
12-13 Sp Authentic SOTT TWO Demko and Markstrom auto_zpsvkhnjkmt by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Haha I look so shrimp
20170914_132700_zpspowrd0ts by Richard Ho, on Flickr

And finally, a picture with Andrey Pedan, one of my favorite prospects, before he was traded:
20170915_1224300_zpsbescctqi by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Also, new hire Ryan Johnson for the Utica Comets
20170915_143341_zps9qrhub0w by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Is your head spinning yet? The madness KEEPS COMING!!

My next excursion was a vacation with the girly down to DisneyWorld, Orlando. Never one to stop looking for autographing opportunity, I discovered RANGERSTOP 2017!

Essentially, a comic con featuring EVERYTHING Power Rangers! Just dang.

Andrew Gray: the first celeb I met there; he was the Red Ranger in the recent Power Rangers Mega Force

DSC01213_zpsdskmouze by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Here’s how “not” to sign a custom card hahah. I guess he doesn’t see these very often and is used to signing very big:
13-14 UD Exquisite Year of the Horse Andrew Gray front_zpsewl6nuix by Richard Ho, on Flickr
13-14 UD Exquisite Year of the Horse Andrew Gray auto_zps0ojvnb50 by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Next, the entire cast of Rangers Wild Force was there to celebrate their season’s 15th Anniversary

Jack Guzman: super friendly guy; we had a chuckle over how I had the autographing thing down to the type of pen: “This is the best flowing pen ever man!”
12-13 UD Cup Autographed Rookie Gear Jack Guzman front_zpssxn2pbxs by Richard Ho, on Flickr
12-13 UD Cup Autographed Rookie Gear Jack Guzman auto_zps1ao31qvg by Richard Ho, on Flickr
DSC01228_zpsdlcekott by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Jessica Rey: she’s gorgeous as she was in the show 15 years ago; now a swimsuit designer
11-12 UD Cup Autographed Rookie Gear Jessica Rey front_zpsr1xrotoh by Richard Ho, on Flickr
11-12 UD Cup Autographed Rookie Gear Jessica Rey auto_zpsoykkbpoj by Richard Ho, on Flickr
DSC01248_zpsk8do6qns by Richard Ho, on Flickr

David Yost, whom I had met before, but got this 5x7 signed. He sounds really exactly like the Billy in the original MMPR (well, not surprising I guess)
David Yost 5x7_zpswjkrxtv3 by Richard Ho, on Flickr

And last but not least….the Original Red Ranger!

Auston St. John! This guy doesn’t go to the Cons very much, so this was a fantastic opportunity! He was friendly with the fans, asking if people had questions, demonstrating take down moves in the lineup, all good fun:

2003 Inkworks Alias MMPR Austin St John auto_zps7aftglpt by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Austin St John 5x7_zpsght5bnqt by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Gold Ranger Shadowbox!
10-11 UD Spx Shadowbox Autograph Austin St John auto_zps9xmcylds by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Austin St John and rich_zpsmo7cadqu by Richard Ho, on Flickr

And…look who it is again! Justin Nimmo was at this event as well; so of course, I delivered the custom card he wanted from a few weeks back in Kelowna

He also photo bombed one of my pictures with some other cosplayers, which is awesome

Here we are goofing off
DSC01331_zps4mquwngp by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Bit of a rude awakening returning to Vancouver to 10 straight days of pouring RAIN

Once again, my third year now, I was invited to volunteer as a team attendant for Hockey Helps the Homeless! This year, they invited Glenn Anderson, which is pretty cool. That aside, it was just good to see hockey in action for a good cause…I think the grand total raised from that single day was about 400K, no small number!

This year, we had Greg Adams and Jamie Huscroft as our team celebrities. Adams is a bit quiet off the ice, but he can sure move and dish on the ice; Jamie was just super fun to be around the whole day, telling cool stories, poking fun at himself, and just smiling the whole time on the ice!

Greg Adams Alyssa rich Jamie Huscroft_zpshaoq4u8g by Richard Ho, on Flickr
13-14 UD Signature Sensations Jamie Huscroft auto_zpscm0j7bxj by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Brad May was there for the first time this year:
02-03 ITG Used Jersey Brad May auto jersey_zpszphzmdji by Richard Ho, on Flickr
IMG_7524_zpsna7kbfuh by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Greg C. Adams (yes there were two of them)
08-09 UD Signature Sensations Greg C Adams auto_zpsnxto1atv by Richard Ho, on Flickr
09-10 Sp Authentic Immortal Inks Greg C Adams auto_zpslrjzdgtd by Richard Ho, on Flickr
IMG_7537_zpsybbnuz9a by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Always good to see Canucks legends Chris Oddleifson and BJ MacDonald:
IMG_7531_zpshz5he873 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
And Darcy Rota with Dennis Kearns
IMG_7521_zpswvznclgh by Richard Ho, on Flickr
14-15 UD Premier Rinks of Honor Dennis Kearns front by Richard Ho, on Flickr
14-15 UD Premier Rinks of Honor Dennis Kearns auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr

On the women’s side, a few retired Olympic gold medalists:

Cherie Piper and Colleen Sostorics: they were both pretty amazed with the custom cards I made for them:
14-15 Trilogy Signature Pucks Colleen Sostorics auto_zpsbqmxbflg by Richard Ho, on Flickr
13-14 UD Cup Program of Excellence Cherie Piper auto_zpsbta49vhd by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Kyle Wellwood: he is apparently doing some business around concussion baseline testing; we got talking about this given I treat chronic concussion problems. Funny, at the end of the conversation, HE asked for MY number hahah, I guess for easier referral process down the road? Never know never know =)
15-16 UD Cup Foundations Kyle Wellwood jersey auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Geoff Courtnall, always a pleasure
16-17 UD Ice Rinkside Signings Geoff Courtnall auto_zpssjgoiuwv by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Dang, we have not even talked about licensed cards mail coming in:
Thanks a lot to resident kmitchel for the help with shipping on many of these cards!

Jake Virtanen
15-16 UD Cup Brilliance Jake Virtanen auto_zps9qbiwvfq by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Ronalds Kenins Cup (where the heck did this guy disappear to?)
15-16 UD Cup Autographed Rookie Patch Ronalds Kenins RC_zpsjxmv42bm by Richard Ho, on Flickr
15-16 UD Contours Rookie Resume Ronalds Kenins auto_zpsp1kxlynx by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Loui Eriksson (s)
16-17 UD Priority Signings Loui Eriksson auto_zpslxhpbplo by Richard Ho, on Flickr
16-17 Sp Authentic Spectrum Loui Eriksson auto_zpsmuoizqf2 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
16-17 UD Premier Autograph Loui Eriksson auto_zpsa3cnwpgj by Richard Ho, on Flickr
16-17 UD Premier Signatures Loui Eriksson auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Troy Stecher
17-18 UD Signature Sensations Troy Stecher auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
16-17 Sp Authentic FW Troy Stecher RC auto_zpsmu1uiedx by Richard Ho, on Flickr
16-17 Sp Game Used Troy Stecher RC_zpskx7kaym4 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
16-17 UD Cup Autographed Rookie Troy Stecher auto RC by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Kirk McLean: about time Upper Deck made cards of this guy!
16-17 UD Ice Glacial Graphs Kirk McLean auto_zpsrlnf0cnn by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Nikita Tryamkin
16-17 Fleer Showcase Hot Prospects Nikita Tryamkin auto RC_zpstzrv9g6a by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Brendan Gaunce FW
16-17 Sp Authentic FW Brendan Gaunce auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Alexander Mogilny
99-00 BAP Milliennium Signature Series Emblem Alexander Mogilny patch_zpsjltyakwm by Richard Ho, on Flickr
00-01 BAP All-Star Teammates Messier Mogilny dual jersey_zpsmzcztq3l by Richard Ho, on Flickr
98-99 BAP All-Star Game Used Sticks Alexander Mogilny_zpsfbiijurw by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Pavel Bure: of course, no post of mine would be complete without some Bure cards! He’s featured less in UD this past year though
13-14 Ultimate Collection Autographed Jersey Pavel Bure auto jersey_zpsg29xj2eb by Richard Ho, on Flickr
15-16 UD Premier Duals Bure-Sedin dual jersey_zpsviuwsl9y by Richard Ho, on Flickr
16-17 Sp Game Used Pavel Bure auto_zpsxofmafw0 by Richard Ho, on Flickr

And the final group of customs and private signings returns taking us into December:

Owen Nolan: acquired through a private signing through JLB Sports Rarities
16-17 UD Ice Rinkside Signings Owen Nolan auto_zpsyrykmixa by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Valeri Kamensky: also through JLB. They do really nice work with each and every autograph, taking care to make sure the pen is correct, the color, location, all the small details! Unfortunately, the Scripted Swatches didn’t turn out very well, but that was more the patch’s fault than anything:
12-13 UD Cup Scripted Swatches Valeri Kamensky auto_zpsa91wniki by Richard Ho, on Flickr
10-11 UD Cup Limited Logos Valeri Kamensky auto_zpsqiievio6 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Valeri Kamensky 8x10 auto_zpstbowzmex by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Anders Nilsson
16-17 Sp Authentic Spectrum Anders Nilsson auto_zpsf2r5vdsr by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Derrick Pouliot
15-16 Panini Flawless Rookie Derrick Pouliot auto patch_zpspyefmfzr by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Sam Gagner
14-15 UD Exquisite Collection Auto Rookie Patch Sam Gagner auto patch_zpsiqdenxzs by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Manny Malhotra, a coach with the Canucks now
15-16 UD Glacial Graphs Manny Malhotra auto_zpsqgkumyyr by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Alexander Burmistrov: awesome autograph!
16-17 UD Exquisite Collection Alexander Burmistrov auto patch_zpsiu3e52dc by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Patrick Wiercioch
09-10 UD Cup Limited Logos Patrick Wiercioch auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Michael Del Zotto
16-17 Sp Authentic Future Watch Limited Michael Del Zotto auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Pat Verbeek: dang I love these old Devils jerseys!!
10-11 UD Cup Limited Logos Pat Verbeek auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Doug Gilmour: one of my favorite all time players (how was he NOT in the NHL’s Top 100??) completed a private signing through AJ Sports World. This is definitely going up on the wall (when I have my own wall oy). One day hopefully I’ll be able to meet Gilmour in person!
Doug Gilmour 8x10 by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Marek Malik from Czech Republic; this one is cool because he writes na zdravi, which translates to “Cheers!”
Marek Malik 8x12_zpsh5iy6dfg by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Corey Hirsch: he is the new radio color commentator for Canucks hockey this year; he was everybody’s favorite goalie in the mid-90s in my classroom of second graders. Good to meet him again and he signed this awesome photo for me (and it will also be on my wall soon)
Corey Hirsch 8x10_zpsfszp7bne by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Phew! That was a lot of writing. Hope you’re enjoying the ride, because we are now at the grand finale:

Rich’s 2017 Top 10!

I like the idea gomaz put out over the last few years, but actually haven’t put a Top 10 together myself yet

#10. Nikolay Goldobin: as mentioned above, he was just a really nice guy although a man of few English words. This card was difficult to make given the odd shape of the patch windows, and I burned through a lot of other copies before getting this near perfect cut!
15-16 UD Cup Emblems of Endorsement Nikolay Goldobin auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr

#9. Kaitlyn Lawes: not only did I feel like a fish out of water in Toronto without my home printer nearby, I also didn’t have the tools to properly make a patch card, so I definitely had to get creative here. I think I used a calculator as a ruler to cut out this patch window:
08-09 UD Black Pride of a Nation Kaitlyn Lawes auto_zps3x8ugdt5 by Richard Ho, on Flickr

#8. Auston St. John: a crazy booklet to commemorate the one and only, original Red Ranger. He brought a lot of character, charisma, and leadership to that show, which is why it is still ongoing after 25+ seasons today!
13-14 UD Black Scenes NBA Austin St John front_zpshkz2yxto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
13-14 UD Black Scenes NBA Austin St John middle book_zpscieghqi4 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
13-14 UD Black Scenes NBA Austin St John auto left_zpsjskbc2i7 by Richard Ho, on Flickr13-14 UD Black Scenes NBA Austin St John auto center_zps8oi9wsef by Richard Ho, on Flickr13-14 UD Black Scenes NBA Austin St John auto right_zpsywsjza1w by Richard Ho, on Flickr

#7. Mats Sundin! Okay, some Canucks fans dislike this signing, but he is a HHOFer, amassed crazy amount of points during his career, and boy, he looks good in that Nordiques jersey. These two came back TTM from Sweden!
2013 Sp Authentic Rookie Authentics Autograph Patch (NFL) Mats Sundin by Richard Ho, on Flickr
15-16 UD Cup Honorable Numbers Mats Sundin auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr

#6. Krysten Ritter: the Jessica Jones star was promoting her book with a signing tour throughout the USA this fall, so when I heard she would be in nearby Seattle, I knew I had to get myself down there. Totally worth it, it was a fast assembly line signing, but fun
2007 Rittenhouse Jessica Jones - Krysten Ritter auto_zpscsi93sl8 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Krysten Ritter auto magazine_zpsu2fhvr8g by Richard Ho, on Flickr
rich and Krysten Ritter_zpsftmtcnwi by Richard Ho, on Flickr

#5. Brendan Shanahan: a private signing again through AJ Sports World! I hope to meet him in person some day, but he is hard to find. His autographs are also hard to come by so I was very happy with these two to add to my collection! (I’m gonna need a very BIG wall)
16-17 UD Ice Rinkside Signings Brendan Shanahan auto_zpsyvphckz1 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Brendan Shanahan auto 8x10_zpstt5wvntr by Richard Ho, on Flickr

#4. Greg Adams UD Cup Autographed Ticket Booklet: amazing concept by UD…but no Canucks on the checklist =(
Adams signed this for me at Hockey Helps the Homeless; the inscription is awesome except he wrote “15” instead of “05”. Oh well, still looks cool:
16-17 UD Cup Autographed Ticket Booklets Greg Adams front by Richard Ho, on Flickr
16-17 UD Cup Autographed Ticket Booklets Greg Adams auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr

#3. Lego Millennium Falcon: okay I know this is a hockey card forum, but this was a tremendous buy this year: the ULTIMATE Lego set and largest ever created. I have not even started building it yet, let alone figure out where to ultimately store it…but dang, this this is CRAZY
Lego Millennium Falcon 75192 by Richard Ho, on Flickr

#2. Justice League cast at Ace Comic Con Long Island

And you thought my traveling was done.

Holy cow, this was an insane Con. It may be once in a lifetime that five stars from the new Justice League movie are all at one expo all at the same time. The lineups were crazy, things were behind, the amount of money generated was probably zillions!

Even still, give these actors real credit, they smiled through the whole weekend, signed everything and anything, and when possible, really tried to make each and every fan welcome.

The longest line-ups were of course for Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) and Henry Cavill (Superman); but even then, they took time to shake everyone’s hand, and sign neatly despite the Con staff trying to push everyone along.

Ray Fisher really took it to heart to spend a few moments with every fan, asking them questions, writing paragraphs if fans wanted, and just appearing very excited himself to be there.

Henry Cavill actually planted some Superman artwork all around Nassau Coliseum for fans to find in a big Search for Hope promo. And he planted them around the stadium himself!

Altogether, just a wonderful time!

Without further ado:

Jason Moma aka Aquaman
Justice League - Jason Momoa 8x10 auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Ray Fisher aka Cyborg
Justice League - Ray Fisher 8x10 auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Ezra Miller aka Flash
Justice League - Ezra Miller 8x12 auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Gal Gadot aka Wonder Woman
Justice League - Gal Gadot 8x12 auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Henry Cavill aka Superman
Justice League - Henry Cavill 8x14 auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
rich with Justice League 12-09-2017 by Richard Ho, on Flickr

#1. At long last: a WHALE for 12 years: 2005-06 Sp Authentic SOTT triple West Coast Express line featuring Bertuzzi, Naslund, Morrison hard-signed!!

Thanks Bebop for the easy deal on this, this is an AMAZING card!!

05-06 Sp Authentic SOTT Triple Naslund Bertuzzi Morrison autos by Richard Ho, on Flickr

And so there it is folks! A slow start to 2017 ended up being another one for the ages with tonnes of new autographs, new customs, adventures, and meeting amazing talented athletes, stars, starlets, and other celebrities along the way. It’s been major fun; stay tuned, till next year!

Everyone have a safe holiday season!

 

[nhlderek]

Wow. That has got to be one of the best show and tells I’ve ever seen. Love your work with the customs, and the dedication for the autos. And the brain power to remember everyone’s names and faces haha. Thanks for the show and a pm incoming

 

[SNobles]

Amy Jo Johnson: the original Pink Ranger and every 90s boy celebrity crush in the days of the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers!

You are so right on this one.

That is an amazing show and some really amazing custom work!

 

[incetardis]

wow man I scrolled through all of this, your customs are something else!

Any tips on transfering a sticker auto? I kinda want to try it

 

[bamlinden]

Simply amazing!!

The sheer volume and quality of Canucks goodness there is jaw dropping.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[will-411]

ummmm.... *gobsmacked*

Cory

 

[Uhtred the Viking]

Wow, I think I just spent 20 minutes scrolling up and down to take everything in , very enjoyable! Loved seeing the customs and hearing the stories. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

 

[langway05]

Fred Speck (deceased 2011): one of the more difficult autos to find
2014 UD Black Golf Lustrous Signatures PGA Fred Speck auto_zpsvocjyrsm by Richard Ho, on Flickr

Nice to see distant relative of mine, garner a bit of AU love in your thread, Rich.

Thanks a lot for the show and congrats.

 

[chefjason]

love your s/t's and all the custom goodies you got, if only i was a cunucks fan, lol. great show and look forward to next years

 

[trekrun]

Insane S & T that I would like to add as a comment but speechless for now!
How you do it amazes me.

 

[Chillychow]

Fantastic show as always! Keep 'em coming!!

 

[BlindThomen]

Man, you need to post more often, lol. It's almost impossible to take this all in at once!
Amazing, however, once again.

- Sauli

 

[lucscaps]

wow this is awesome.
My two fav's are your devils pieces and I love that you showed the "retro" jersey

 

[TanguayFan]

Incredible show and tell. The dedication and creativity is outstanding.

I gotta admit though, I never understood the fascination with MMPR. And you take it to a whole new level....LOL

 

[cburt]

Simple an unreal and phenomenal S&T! Crazy how many autos you acquired. The cards were an amazing enssemblage of modern Canucks lore. It might be even more insane to pick ONE favorite, but I'll do it - Jason Momoa aka Aquaman signed photo. Not a hockey card related favorite, but I've been a fan of his for some time now. Easily one of the best S&T's of the last ten years. Thanks so much for showing us all of your great pickups.

 

[re-ac-tor]

Thanks for posting, love your yearly wrap ups!


My best,


Ken

 

[JTMcCool]

Wow that was quite the show! Congrats on a great year!

 

[terry1hockeyfan]

Very impressive, your commitment is unparalleled. Thanks for sharing!

 

[tiger tiger]

wow....that's utterly amazing! So cool!!

 

[GabbyGuy]

WOW! Rich, you are one dedicated nerd...er...I mean collector. :devil:

Great show and tell with some awesome stories and autos! :beer:

--Curt