Time to hustle

With the NHL trade deadline approaching, I'll be making a concerted effort to work the Lightning team jersey and helmet projects, just in case the team's lineup changes. On Thursday, I hounded the Lightning for the first time since before the holidays.

Helping to flesh out the team jersey were Steve Eminger, David Koci and Matt Pettinger. They join Ryan Craig, Chris Gratton, Olaf Kolzig, Shane O'Brien, Michel Oullet, Karri Ramo, Paul Ranger, Martin St. Louis, Mike Smith and Jason Ward.

As usual, Kolzig, still with the team despite a season-ending injury, was more than willing to sign for a small group of hounds and fans. He signed this Tri-City Americans puck, the 12th he's added to the collection. Kolzig, who played for the Western Hockey League team during his junior days, now co-owns the club.

Among the other noteworthy events:

~ Realizing that ink, rain don't mix and most likely wasting an autograph from Vinny Lecavalier;
~ Having Steven Stamkos sign one of my photos; and
~ Getting a former University of New Hampshire player to sign the American-born goalie stick.