A custom Tom Fenton card--why not?

Some of you know this, and others don't, but I also have a Custom Hockey Card blog that showcases the cards I create.

Go there to read more about--and see the back of--this card I made of Phoenix Coyotes emergency backup goalie Tom Fenton.

Sharp Hits 20-Goal Mark

Patrick Sharp scored 2 goals Sunday night in Chicago's 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. He now has 20 goals for the season, and is 3rd overall in the league for goals scored.

A distant third.

Sidney Crosby is the NHL's current goal scoring leader with 30, followed by Steve Stamkos with 28.

Barring injuries to Crosby and Stamkos--and I don't wish that on any player--it pretty much looks like Sharp's shot at winning the Rocket Richard Trophy is all but gone.

And with the season almost halfway done, even scoring 50 goals this season, while possible, seems unlikely.

But who knows? A goal-a-game here, a few 2-goal games there, and anything can happen.

FYI, this is Sharp's 5th consecutive season scoring 20 or more goals.

Merry Puckmas

To the friends and followers of this blog who love the great game of hockey, I want to wish you all a Merry Puckmas.

Why I love hockey and hate movie sequels

Thursday, I watched the movie Tron Legacy. Never mind that there were 13 perfectly good hockey games on Center Ice last night--I really wanted to see the new Tron flick, and finally had the chance to do so. I loved the original Tron from 1982, and could not wait to see what an updated take on this film would be like.

Well, I hated it.

I probably have not hated a sequel this much since Slap Shot 2: Breaking the Ice. Sure, I hated the Star Wars prequels (which were really sequels)  and The Matrix sequels, but at least those gave me something to hang my proverbial hat on. That was not the case with Tron Legacy, which could have done anything but decided to do nothing except look good. No plot, no interesting characters and no emotional investment needed by the viewers.

It is films like Tron Legacy that grow my dislike for pop culture franchises. My interest for such stories like Star Wars, Transformers, etc. etc. has eroded away over the years, leaving me with hockey as the only subject I am passionate about.

And I'm OK with that.

For some time, I tried to understand why my prior obsessions have dissolved. Here is the parallel that I have drawn:

• When your hockey team is a disappointment, that's the fault of the players the management, or both. If the Washington Capitals don't make it to the Stanley Cup Finals, it's their own fault. It wasn't scripted that way. It's just reality.

• When a movie like Tron Legacy or Slap Shot 2 is a disappointment, it is usually the fault of the producers, directors or writers, amongst others. Someone high above made boneheaded decisions with profitability in mind. We make an emotional investment in the story or characters, but sooner or later are let down.

With sports, you still get a "story." It might not be the story you had hoped for, i.e. your team loses the game or championship, but at least it is real. And every year is a new story--a sequel if you will. Win or lose, it writes itself the way it was meant to be.

One other thought...the characters in the original 1982 Tron movie were wearing hockey helmets. It's true. Check out how OPC-era airbrushed cards match up against Tron characters.

If he lost the chin strap, Brent Ashton (left) would look ready to join Flynn (right) in the fight against the Master Control Program.

The "reflections" added to Chris Kotsopoulos's recolored helmet (left) resemble the glowing highlights of the Program's helmet (right).

Additional Reading:

• "TRON Legacy” Sucked - Just Rent It - 5 reasons why the sequel was so bad (SPOILER ALERT).

• Rewind: TRON (PDF) - A magazine article I wrote about why the original film is still significant 28 years later.

Seven 2005-06 Young Guns

I am now 7 cards closer to finishing my 2005-06 Upper Deck Hockey Set. I recently purchased some Young Guns.

The Series 2 Checklist features Alexander Ovechkin and Jeff Carter.

The other 6 cards--while not of superstar players--weren't too bad either: Eric Nystrom, Keith Ballard, George Parros, Danny Richmond, Brad Richardson and Ryan Whitney.

I still need 29 more 2005-06 Young Guns to complete RC set. I've updated my Want List. If you have some extra YGs from that year, I'd like to trade for them.

The Set that Never Ends

This is the set that never ends
Yes it goes on and on my friend
Some people started collecting
Not knowing what it was
And they'll continue buying it 
Forever just because...

The 2009-10 Champ's Hockey mini set may very well be impossible to complete. I buy a few, and I need a few more. It's like the hydra--you cut off a head, and two more grow back in its place. Only in this case, I fill a pocket on a card page, and two more pockets seem to magically empty.

Most normal collectors stuck to only the 100-card base set, then got on their lives. More power to them.

Seriously, what kind of nut would try and put together a short-printed, 480-card mini set that consists of animals, dead presidents / prime ministers, and "Wonders of the World?" Sure, there are rookies and Hall of Famers too. But most of these players can be found in other sets anyway.

Maybe I'm motivated by how hard the Champ's mini set is to complete? It's about the journey, not the destination, right?

As you can see from the scan above, I picked up a bunch of Champ's minis yesterday. 34 to be exact.

Yet, I still need 290 more cards. It's gonna be a while.

It might never end. 

And for those who are wondering, NO I haven't finished the 2008-09 Champ's mini set either.

Card of the Week: Santa's New Sleigh

You would think that Santa Claus - living at the North Pole and all - would be the type of mythical character to enjoy hockey. The cold weather would make it perfect to make ice and play some shinny. And what opponents would he have in his neighborhood? A few elves? Frosty the Snowman? Rudolph? That would be like Cam Neely playing against a bunch of pee-wees. (Full Story)

Career in Cards: Chris Chelios

Last week, the Chicago Blackhawks honored former player and legend Chris Chelios with a pregame ceremony. Chelios retired in August, capping off a remarkable 27-year professional career that spanned from 1984 to 2010.

Chelios is my all-time favorite player. A defensive stalwart, he could help offensively too. He was rugged and would fight. Seemingly, there wasn't anything Chelios couldn't do...except take a night off. The man never quit, even when he was well into his forties and twice as old as many of the men he was playing against.

Now that Cheli has retired--or more appropriately, now that I have come to grips with his retirement--I thought it would be a good time to take a look back at his career...but with rectangular pieces of cardboard as the visuals.

Get comfortable...this is gonna take a while.

College & Amateur (1981-1984)

1993 Classic Draft Picks

1981-82 & 1982-83 - Chelios played college hockey for the University of Wisconsin (WCHA). In his first season of college hockey, Chelios was named the league's rookie of the year. In his second season, he was named both a Second Team All-Star and to the All-Tournament Team.

1995-96 Donruss Pro Pointers (detail)

1984 Winter Olympics - Chelios played for the United States Olympic Team, skating alongside future NHLers Pat Lafontaine, Ed Olczyk and Al Iafrate. After the Olympics, Chelios turned pro.

Pro Career Part 1: Montreal (1984-90)

End of the 1983-84 season - Chelios made his NHL debut on March 8, 1984. He played in 12 regular season games and 16 playoff games for the Montreal Canadiens.

September 1984 - Although he was still considered a rookie by NHL standards, Chelios was good enough to play for Team USA in the Canada Cup tournament.

1984-85 O-Pee-Chee (RC)

1984-85 - In his first full season in the NHL, Chelios would appear in the NHL All-Star Game and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. He was the Calder Trophy runner-up to Mario Lemieux. With 64 points, Chelios led all Montreal defenders in scoring.

1985-86 Topps

1985-86 - Chelios won his first Stanley Cup Championship with the Montreal Canadiens.

1993-94 Upper Deck Gretzky's Great Ones

1986-87 - In his third full season, Chelios  represented the NHL in the Rendez-vous '87, a two-game series that replaced the All-Star Game. The tournament pitted the best NHL players against the best Soviet Union players.

1986-87 O-Pee-Chee

September 1987 - Chelios played for Team USA in the Canada Cup Tournament.

1987-88 Topps

1987-88 - Chelios was again was the top scoring defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens with 61 points.

1988-89 Topps

1988-89 - Chelios was the top-scoring d-man on Montreal a third time. He won his first Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman and was named a First Team All-Star.

1989-90 Panini Stickers (Award Winners)

1989-90 - Chelios was named co-captain of the Montreal Canadiens. In an injury-shortened season, he  would still play in his second All-Star Game.

1990-91 Pro Set (All-Star Game)

June 29, 1990 - Chelios was traded (along with a 2nd round draft pick) to the Chicago Blackhawks for Denis Savard

1989-90 Kraft

Pro Career Part 2: Chicago (1990-99)
 

1990-91 Pro Set Series II

1990-91 -  In Chelios' first season with the Blackhawks, he was voted as a starter in the 1991 NHL All-Star Game, which was held in Chicago. He was also named a Second Team All-Star, was the top scorer among Chicago defenseman and helped the team to a first-overall finish with 106 points.

1995 Globe

September 1991 - Chelios played in his third Canada Cup, and was named to the tournament's All-Star Team.

1991-92 McDonald's Holograms

1991-92 - Chelios would again be named a starter in the NHL All-Star Game. For a second season in a row, he would top all Chicago defenseman in scoring.

1992-93 Score Dream Team (American)

1992-93 - The 1992-93 season was one of Chelios' best. He was second overall in team scoring with 73 points and won his second Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman. He was voted a starter in the NHL All-Star Game, and was named a First-Team All-Star at season's end.

1992-93 Parkhurst

1993-94 - In his fourth season with the Blackhawks, Chelios was voted as a starter in the NHL All-Star Game for a fourth consecutive time. He'd also finish third on the team in scoring, with 60 points.

1993-94 Donrusss Ice Kings

Fall 1994 - The 1994-95 season was delayed by a 103-day lockout. During that time, Chelios played  in an NHLPA-sponsored "4-on-4" charity tournament. He also played for Biel in the Swiss-A League.

1995-96 Post

1995 - There was no All-Star Game during the lockout-shortened 1994-95 season, but Chelios would score 33 points in 48 games and was named a First Team All-Star.

1994-95 Upper Deck

1995-96 - It was another standout year for Chris Chelios. He was named the Blackhawks team captain. He also led the team in scoring with 72 points. For a fifth consecutive time, he was voted as a starter in the NHL All-Star Game. At the end of the season, he was named a First Team All-Star and was awarded the Norris Trophy as the league's top d-man.

1995-96 Summit

September 1996 - Chelios represented the United States in the first World Cup of Hockey, helping Team USA win the gold medal. He was also named to the tournament's All-Star team.

1996-97 Topps Picks Fantasy Team

1996-97 - Chelios topped all Chicago defenseman with 48 points. For the sixth time in a row, he is voted as a starter in the All-Star Game, and serves as the captain of the Western Conference team. He is also named a Second Team All-Star at season's end.

1996-97 Bicycle Hockey Aces

1997-98 - For the first time in 28 years, the Chicago Blackhawks would miss the playoffs. Still, Chelios would continue to be one of the bright spots for the 'Hawks. Though not a starter, Chelios played in his 8th consecutive All-Star Game.

1997-98 Donruss Canadian Ice

1998 Winter Olympics - During the Winter Olympics, he was the team captain for the United States.

1997-98 Donruss Studio

1998-99 - This was the last year Chelios played for the Blackhawks. From what I recollect, Chelios wanted to play 2 more years then retire as a Blackhawks. But the 'Hawks had no intention of re-signing him, and traded him away.

1998-99 Pacific Dynagon Ice Team Checklists

March 23, 1999 - Chris Chelios was traded to the Detroit Red Wing for Anders Eriksson and two 1st round draft picks.

1998-99 Collector's Choice Bobbing Heads

At this point, I stopped being a Blackhawks fan for a long time. My favorite player of all-time--the heart-and-soul of the team--was traded to the 'Hawks biggest rival.

1998-99 Pacific Crown Royale

Pro Career Part 3: Detroit (1999-2009)

1999-2000 Pacific Crown Royale

1998-99 (continued) -Chelios is now with the Red Wings. Most people thought that he'd "hang 'em up" after another season or two...but Cheli had other ideas.

1999-2000 Upper Deck Retro

1999-2000 - Chelios plays in the All-Star Game for the 10th time. Though no longer the "go-to" guy he was with the Blackhawks, Chelios puts up a respectable 34 points. He still played with an edge--his 103 penalty minutes were 3rd on the team.

2000-01 Pacific Aurora

2000-01 - Injuries would limit Chelios to 24 games.

2000-01 Upper Deck Vintage

2001-02 - Cheli would experience a career renaissance during the 2001-02 season. He appeared in his 11th (and final) All-Star Game. Afterward, the NHL would go on hiatus for the 2002 Olympics.

2002-03 Be A Player All-Star Edition

2002 Winter Olympics - Again, Chelios would captain Team USA in the Winter Olympic Games. The United States won silver, and Chelios was named to the tournament's All-Star Team.

2002-03 Topps Heritage

2001-02 (continued) - Chelios would continue to have an amazing season. At 40 years of age, he led the NHL in plus/minus with a +40 rating. He was named a First Team All-Star. And he won his 2nd Stanley Cup Championship.

2002-03 Be A Player First Edition

2002-03 - Chelios' 20th year in the NHL. Despite several injuries, he played in 66 games.

2003-04 Topps

2003-04 - More injuries would limit Chelios, but he still played in 69 games.

 2006-07 In The Game

Summer 2004 - Chelios captained Team USA in the World Cup of Hockey tournament.

2004-05 Upper Deck World's Best

2004-05 - During the NHL lockout, Chelios played for the Motor City Mechanics of the United Hockey League.

2005-06 Parkhurst

2005-06 - Chelios played in 81 games in the 2005-06 season. At 43 years of age, he was one of the more aggressive players on the team, leading the Red Wings with 108 penalty minutes.

2005-06 Fleer Ultra

2006 Winter Olympics - Chelios played in his 4th Winter Olympics. For the third time, he captained Team USA.

2006-07 Upper Deck

2006-07 - Chelios won the Mark Messier Leadership Award for both his on-ice leadership and his off-ice charitable activities. He is the first-ever person to win this award. He also became the oldest defenseman to score a short-handed goal.

2007-08 O-Pee-Chee

2007-08 - At 45 years of age, Chelios became the second-oldest person to play in an NHL game. He also broke the record for most playoff games played when he skated in his 248th postseason contest. That season, the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup--Chelios's 3rd championship.

2008-09 Upper Deck

2008-09 - In his last year with the Red Wings, Chelios saw limited action and was sent to the minors for the first time in his career. He played 2 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins. That made him the oldest player (46) in the history of the American Hockey League.

2008-09 O-Pee-Chee Rainbow Parallel

Pro Career Part 4: The Final Season (2009-10)

2009-10 Chicago Wolves Team Issue

2009-10 - Chelios signs with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. For the first time in over a decade, he plays hockey for a Chicago team, albeit in the minor leagues. Later in the season, he signs a 2-way contract with the Atlanta Thrashers. He goes scoreless in 7 games, and the Thrashers miss the playoffs. Chelios then finishes the season with the Chicago Wolves.

2010-11 Score

August 31, 2010 - After a 27-year pro career, Chris Chelios retires and is named Executive Adviser to the General Manager for the Detroit Red Wings.

Chelios probably would have liked to have played another season or two. But looking at his accomplishments, surely he does not have any regrets, and will be a lock to make the Hall of Fame when he first becomes eligible in 2013.

1991-92 Pro Set Platinum (back, detail)