Friendly Canadian visitors

In a way, we should feel a little sorry for the Ottawa Senators. Taking a break from the chilly Canadian capital in the Sunshine State before tonight's game against Florida, Wednesday's wind-chilled temperatures likely offered little relief.

After all, they've been the model hockey tourists.

Moody, Hound Central 4.0's Southeast correspondent, reports that the Senators lived up to their reputation as a hound-friendly team. He caught up with Ottawa players, and a couple of Panthers, at Florida's practice facility, incredibleICE.

If my math's correct, Moody went home with 31 autographs. Notable signers included Dany Heatley (1 card), Jason Spezza (2 cards), Chris Kelly (4 cards), Alex Auld (4 cards), Mike Fisher (4 cards), Nick Foligno (1 card) and Chris Neil (3 cards).

He also scored a funny story. It seems that Foligno and goalie Brian Elliott, a one-day call-up from AHL Binghamton, missed the post-practice team bus back to the hotel.


The biggest autograph, Moody tells me, came on this Stanley Cup poster of Ottawa's Daniel Alfredsson. As you can see, the Senators captain has a fairly distinctive signature.

Alfy's become somewhat of a one-per lately, but it's understandable. He always draws a crowd. A huge crowd.

The autograph also shows a bit of perseverance by Moody. He says he's been carrying that poster for the past two years.

Florida Panthers

And for those of you who think that Florida's Nathan Horton is a toughie (I count myself among them), here's proof that he does indeed sign.

Here's Panthers center Stephen Weiss signing for a young fan.