Friendly Encounters

This is a series dedicated to my friends meeting celebs.

I can't believe that a blogging buddy in Calgary got his picture with the Stanley Cup and Jordan Hendry before I did! Oh well, at least I can live vicariously through Kolin!
Kolin is the hockey fan behind Hockey Freaks I and Hockey Freaks II (and actually some other blogs and a YouTube channel). All of his sites are fun and interesting and certainly worth checking out. He has appeared here before, sharing some great hockey photos.
Recently, Kolin met Jordan Hendry, a member of the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks (I love that phrase). Kolin met Hendry without the Cup, but decided to return later to see the trophy. The wait was worth it, as Kolin and his wife Connie were able to pose with Hendry and the Cup. How cool is that?
You can read Kolin's firsthand account here. The whole story and the pictures are awesome. I just appreciate Kolin sharing his experience on Johngy's Beat.

Kolin and Connie Walters and Jordan Hendry (and the Stanley Cup) in Nokimis, SASK, Canada-June 2010.

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series about my friends meeting celebrities.

When we last saw Kolin Walters, he was with NHL legend Pat Quinn. Kolin has a great site called Hockey Freaks, which is absolutely loaded with great signed hockey jerseys and photos. He has a few auxiliary sites for sticks, pucks and more. Honestly, I could get lost in some of this great hockey stuff, especially the old-timers.
Recently, Kolin spent time at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Under 20 World Hockey Championship in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He took some great pictures and videos and got some outstanding autographs.
The golden moment though was meeting Joe Nieuwendyk, who spent the first nine years of his career with Kolin's Calgary Flames. I love Kolin's recap, especially where he says how nervous he was. We all know that feeling.
Kolin says that Nieuwendyk is in his top 3 of all time autographs. This is a great coup. Anytime you can get an autograph from someone that high on your list, you must be excited and proud. Congrats to Kolin. I know that feeling well, too!
Kolin has a YouTube channel, which I highly recommend. It's full of great videos of all things hockey.
Kolin is definitely a great hockey blogger. Like I have said, I could get lost in the great hockey nostalgia along with current hockey stuff. It's terrific all around.

Kolin Walters and Joe Nieuwendyk in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada-January 2010.

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

While doing some autograph research, I came across KC's Hockey Memorabilia, a blog by Kolin Walters, concentrating on signed hockey jerseys and photos. Kolin has other blogs as well, featuring signed hockey sticks, helmets, pucks, baseballs, golf memorabilia, Saskatchewan Roughriders stuff and one devoted to the Hart wrestling family. Each is filled with great stories, pictures and names. Kolin has quite an autograph collection and he is doing a great job showcasing it.
Of course, I couldn't pass up the chance to ask him to share a story on Friendly Encounters. He agreed and told me about meeting Pat Quinn, one of my favorite hockey players from my youth. During his time as coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, Quinn became one of my first autograph successes obtained through the mail.
Kolin's story is a lot more interesting than mine. Without further adieu, here is Kolin's story in his own words.
My wife and I attended the 2006 Telus Skins game in Banff Alberta Canada; a fund raiser for children’s hospitals in the area. The charity event included Jack Nicklaus, John Daly, Greg Norman, Stephen Ames and Sergio Garcia. We had tickets for the two days and spent a few days prior in Calgary.
On the second day, after the practice rounds we walked by the Sponsors tent. The day before, Stephen Ames was signing autographs for ‘Making the Connection’, a heart healthy organization. I was taking pictures of the Cadillac Escalades in the parking lot that were marked for the golfers. I ended up bumping into Jason Zuback’s vehicle; it was clearly marked by the Alberta plates ‘GOLFZILLIA’.
My wife called me over to a lineup to something. She had no idea who people were waiting for so I walked to the front of the 30 or so people and saw ex-Leafs coach, Pat Quinn signing autographs. I came back and told my wife to get in line; we have to meet this guy. The line moved quickly and within 10 mins, we were in front of Mr. Quinn.
He is a very large man, almost forgetting his days in the NHL as a ‘tough guy’. I told him I had 4 questions for him; he laughed and said, “Sure”. I asked for his autograph, a handshake, a picture with him and while my wife was taking the picture, I asked if knew where he was going next year. He said, “Not yet” and I wished him the very best of luck and we walked off.
He is a kind and very cordial person. I hope he gets back in the game soon, so he can chase the only one he does not have; the Stanley Cup.

Pat Quinn and Kolin Walters in Alberta, Canada-August 2006.