We're keeping these

It doesn't seem all that long ago that Colin was trying on this pair of skates. Really, though, it's been more than two years, and they've served him well as he's progressed from his first shaky glides across a rink to making hay, so to speak, in recreational league games.

And now that he's getting a little bigger and the skates are getting tighter, it's time to retire this pair. His new pair -- Nike Bauer Vapor XXVs -- are broken in and game-ready. In fact, he logged his first-ever hat trick yesterday wearing them.

But rather than toss out his first pair of skates or try to get a few bucks from Play It Again Sports, we're keeping them as souvenirs. Not only are they symbolic of all the time, effort and money over the past few years, but they also represent the first steps of Colin's fledgling hockey career.

That's what makes them priceless.

Yeah, me, too

I know we're dab smack in the dog days of summer, when thoughts of baseball, beaches and back-to-school bargains fill our minds, but I still can't get my mind off of hockey.

Watching Colin play, I suppose, has a lot to do with it. But so do the autographed pucks and cards, snagged during the 2008-09 campaigns final days and over the summer, I still have to put away. And, from what I hear, NHL players will be skating soon, prepping for training camps.

Bottom line, though, is that I'm not alone.

An overwhelming majority of Hound Central 4.0 readers who took part in the last quiz -- which asked whether they were missing hockey -- were looking forward to the 2009-10 NHL season and the corresponding hockey-hounding campaign.

Question: Jonesin' for hockey?

Yes: 15 out of 18 votes cast (83.3 percent)
No: 3 out of 18 votes (16.7 percent)

The three dissenting votes? Must've been Loafs fans.

And, really, can you blame them?

Joining the 21st century

I finally got around to joining Facebook. Now, I'm pondering whether Twitter is nothing more than a passing fad for narcissistic egoists.

Just got home

Sorry, folks, but we just got home from Mother's Day activities and hockey practice (Someone scored 10 goals). You'll have to wait until Monday for April's Win this Auto contest winner. Sorry.

Explained absences

With family in town, we've been doing what most Florida visitors do -- playing the role of tourists. Watching the Rays lose to the Red Sox. Having a Cuban sandwich at Tampa's La Teresita and a gelatto at Mazzaro's. Checking out white tiger cubs at Lowry Park Zoo.

That's why I haven't been around the past few days.

Once I finish raking leaves and start laundry, as well as check out National Train Day in Tampa, man the grill during a family-and-friends cookout and think of something to do for Mother's Day, I should be able to provide a couple of posts over the weekend, including the winner of April's Win this Auto contest for Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk.

Please know, too, that May's Win this Auto contest, for a puck autographed by the youngest of Hockey Bay's Goofiest Dudes, will be the last of the season.

A very good deed, indeed

There are times in the course of a hounding career where success is not measured in how many autographs you get in a single outing. Sometimes, it's what you do with them.

Moody, Hound Central 4.0's roving Southeast correspondent, shares a story from his last hounding trip for the Thrashers, to the team's practice facility in Duluth:

"I got Ilya Kovalchuk (to sign a card) inside, but decided to give it up after he drove past a nice little lady who was outside waiting for him to sign. She was telling me how she was there for her husband who was terminally ill and, obviously, lost his job. She was just trying to make her husband happy by gathering his favorite team's signatures on a piece of loose leaf paper.

"I decided to donate the cards I had left and help her get them signed to make the outing more meaningful for her and her family. Since Kovie didn’t stop, I felt it was only right to help.

"I must say that this outing was -- by far -- the best outing of the year because I felt like I walked away with something more than a signed piece of rubber or cardboard.

"It truly humbles a person when you stop and listen to another person’s life and how something as little as a signed card from an athlete could make their time on earth more enjoyable.

"How hounds like myself take for granted how these encounters with athletes become routine and just another part of the day. That we do not think twice about dropping a couple of bucks for a Sharpie or pack of cards and not have to worry about whether or not we will miss a meal. "

Well said, Moody, well said.

Beyond the good deed and great story, Moody also went home with cards signed by Zach Bogosian, Eric Boulton, Tobias Enstrom, Johan Hedberg, Slava Kozlov, Rich Peverley and Boris Valabik.

Boulton Believers

When it comes to the Moody household, it's not Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk, Slava Kozlov or Kari Lehtonen who get top billing. No, it's Thrashers' tough guy Eric Boulton.

Though Moody's intent for the late-season trip to the team's practice facility in Duluth, Ga., was for the daughters of Hound Central 4.0's roving Southeast correspondent to score some autographs, the day took a more pleasant and humorous turn for the better.

Natalie started getting a little heavy for dad to keep holding so we put the cards away and settled for giving the players “High Fives” as they came off the ice. The players all stopped and slapped hands with her.

After defenseman Nathan Oystrick gained a young fan in Little Natty after giving her not only a good high-five after walking off the ice, he gave her his hockey stick. Boulton, standing next to Oystrick, did not want to get outdone. He asked Natty who was her favorite player. She pointed at Oystrick.

Well, Boulton said he wanted to be her favorite, offering his stick in exchange for him being her new fave. The deal was done. Boulton sealed the deal when he asked Mikayla if she wanted a stick, too. The only catch, he said, was that he had to be her fave.

Needless to say, the girls are now true Boulton Believers.

By the way, Mikayla started a team-signed Thrashers mini helmet, adding coach John Anderson, Ron Hainsey, Johan Hedberg, Kovalchuk, Lehtonen, Bryan Little, Oystrick, Eric Perrin and Boris Valabik. Little Natty had cards signed by Hainsey, Kovalchuk, Kozlov, Lehtonen and Valabik.

Hockey card

To those who know, it should come as no surprise that Colin made out like a bandit yesterday, celebrating his eighth birthday. Among his presents were a Nintendo DS lite, a bunch of games, Pixos and a baseball book Stumptown Kid.

The biggest surprise? This birthday card signed by Tampa Bay's Evgeny Artyukhin. Gee, I wonder how Arty found out about that?

Denial of responses

Even if it is a tad presumptuous of myself to entertain the thought that Hound Central 4.0 readers -- even for a fleeting moment -- would be interested, these responses to a friend's e-mail is what I do when I'm on vacation and don't want to rake oak leaves:

Threes About Me

Three names I have been called:
1. Ronnie
2. You *@#$%* *@#$%@#$%*!!!
3. Sardo

Three jobs I have had in my life:
1. Father
2. Husband
3. Journalist

Three places I have lived:
1. St. Petersburg, Fla.
2. Bangor, Maine
3. Machias, N.Y.

Three TV shows that I watch:
1. NHL Network's On the Fly
2. BayNews 9
3. Diners, Drive-ins and Dives

Three places I have been:
1. The Dark Side of the Moon
2. The middle of a two-Pulitzer-Prize-winning newsroom
3. Wiggly Bridge, Barrells Mill Pond, York Harbor, Maine

People who e-mail me regularly:
1. Kathy
2. My way-older-then-me cousin Debbie
3. Moody

Three of my favorite foods:
1. Anything made by my wife
2. A slice of Buffalo chicken pizza from Fortunato's in downtown St. Pete
3. A Cuban sandwich from D&D Delights or Brocato's in Tampa

Three people I believe will respond:
1. My way-older-than-me cousin Debbie (see response #2 to top question)
2. Moody
3. Kris

Three things I am looking forward to:
1. Watching Colin grow up
2. Self-employment
3. Catching a grouper

Now, if you so choose, feel free to share in the fun by leaving your responses in a comment.

This was great news

We had a major announcement yesterday afternoon at my employer, the St. Petersburg Times. Thankfully, we wouldn't be hearing of the challenges facing our industry and, closer to home, my profession.

No, not yesterday.

What we heard yesterday was great news. Fantastic. Inspiring, even. It was something, I believe, we all needed to hear.

The news arrived just after 3 p.m.: The Times' Politifact effort and feature writer Lane DeGregory had won Pulitzer Prizes, the highest honor in journalism. The newsroom erupted. Two Pulitzers in one year is pretty remarkable. Only the New York Times won more (5) yesterday.

Though my involvement is nearly nonexistent (I've copy-edited two, maybe three Politifact items, at best), it's quite an honor to be a part of a newsroom when not one, but two, Pulitzer Prizes are awarded.

It was, by far, the best day in my 24-plus-year career.

In the crease

I'm not sure who was more nervous. Colin or me. Accepting an invitation to participate in a Tampa Bay Jr. Lightning mites practice, he made his first foray onto the ice as a goalie earlier today.

Yes, the puck is harder than a street hockey ball. Yes, the pads are heavier. You'll appreciate the padding, though. Will it hurt? Sorry, buddy, but yes, but only until the pain goes away.

After a couple months of stopping shots out on the back patio and the living room doorway (yes, Momma lets us play hockey in the house), it was time for him to get a taste of playing in skates on ice.

Understandably, he was a little awkward in the beginning. That equipment is bulky. A skate strap from a goalie pad bedeviled his balance. And, yes, quite a few pucks got past him.

Every so often, though, his instincts -- the ones we've seen at home -- would take over. He'd make a save. Nice ones, too. His best? He's pretty proud of his first-ever glove save. So am I.

I'm sure he'll get more chances, especially over the summer break, to head back into the net. Next week, he practices again with the Jr. Lightning. This time, though, he'll be a skater.

Mr. Efficiency

In the interest of saving time next season, I've reprogrammed my new cell phone's Quick Text responses to the messages I inevitably receive:

1. Thanks.
2. On my way.
3. Tell him it's Gretzky
4. They're @ Embassy Suites.
5. They're @ the Westin.
6. They're @ the Marriott Waterside.
7. Where are you? (first of two originals)
8. Reporting for duty.
9. Food?
10. Call me (second of two originals)
11. Talk to you later.
12. Can't. Have to work.
13. Just left the house.
14. Hounding the Bolts?
15. Drive safely.
16. Call the hotels.

Right places, right times

Colin and I had just finished a great breakfast (try the Belgian waffles and chocolate chip pancakes) at First Watch in Tampa when I felt my cell phone buzzing.

"How quick can you guys get over to the Forum?"

"I don't know. About 10 minutes. Why?"

"Want to get into the Capitals' morning skate?"

"We're on our way."

Sure enough, Moody, Hound Central 4.0's roving Southeast correspondent, worked his magic and got us inside. The Lightning were just finishing. Minutes later, the Zamboni fired up.

It wasn't too long, then, before Capitals players headed to the ice. Most high-fived the kids, including Colin, near the rink door. In minutes, the team, directed by assistant coaches, was on the ice.

At the end of the session, Colin, who positioned himself next to the door, asked a few players for their sticks. All but one passed right on by. It was Alexander Semin, part of the Capitals young cadre of stars, who handed him a stick -- a sweet Warrior Dolomite.

Later, after deciding we'd rather add to Colin's good fortune than brave the Lightning's red-carpet masses, Semin honored our request that he sign the stick.

Going racing

Just because the Lightning were up in Long Island tonight, it doesn't mean that we sat home and twiddled our thumbs. Nope, not with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg taking place just up the street.

From taking in Indy Racing League practice laps yesterday to watching American Le Mans Series and Indy Lights races earlier today, we've spent the past two days getting our fills of speed, roaring engines and generally immersing ourselves in this particular racing scene.

It's been a hoot, too.

Lots of interactive exhibits, up-close looks at team paddocks and more than a few photo opportunities inside sleek and colorful machines.

And, of course, the weekend wouldn't be complete without snagging a few autographs from a few of the IRL's big name drivers:

Scott Dixon, defending IndyCar Series champion, won the 2008 Indy 500

Dario Franchitti, the 2007 Indy 500 winner, won the 2007 IndyCar Series

Alex Tagliani, a Montreal native, also races in NASCAR's Canadian series

Did you know that Dan Wheldon lives right here in Hockey Bay? I can't remember, though, if I've ever seen him at a Lightning game.

Check out the metallic finish on this IRL driver card from Justin Wilson.

Other IRL drivers signing over the past few days were Ryan Briscoe, Ed Carpenter, Mike Conway, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Darren Manning, Raphael Matos, Hideki Mutoh, Will Power and E.J. Visu.

Gearing up

It's amazing how a random assemblage of equipment, picked up over impromptu visits to select Play It Again Sports locations throughout Hockey Bay, can create a great day of spring break vacation for a young street hockey goalie in training.

He's had the pads for some time, presents from Santa a few Christmases ago. The stick's seen a ton of use, too. The pants, the first pair from his fledgling ice hockey career, are getting renewed and much-appreciated life.

The jersey? It's a Danny Gare replica, depicting his days with the Red Wings, plucked from eBay a few years ago for $5 plus shipping.

The chest and arm pads were the first find, joining the equipment bag about three weeks ago. Yesterday, on our way back from a train museum in Dade City, we hit the mother lode -- adding a street hockey goalie mask (A Red wings model, as fate might have it) and glove set.

Combined, they're perfect for our practices out back on the patio.

Look at what we found

In Florida, you never know when you'll encounter some exotic form of wildlife. Roseate spoonbills. Armadillos. Iguanas falling out of palm trees on wicked cold days. Yesterday, during a scouting trip for bait fish, we stumbled upon a true Florida icon -- a family of manatees.

With Colin home for his spring break and the Lightning bound for Boston to play the Bruins, we checked out some spots along a nearby seawall where we might catch bait with a cast net.

Instead, we found these wonderful creatures. Cool, huh?

I just wanted to share a little slice of Florida. Hope you don't mind.

One of the manatees, the most inquisitive of the bunch, raises its snout for a breath of fresh air.

Here's three of them. Notice the gashes, most likely from a boat propeller, on the back of the big manatee on the left.

That's us, the shadows in the bottom left corner.

Look at the school (the little gray specks) of baby baities, as we like to call 'em, swimming over the manatees. At that size, they're way too small to be useful.

Catching up, so to speak

Having grown up in Western New York, the Buffalo Sabres are my favorite NHL team. And, of all the players to toil for the Sabres, Danny Gare is my all-time favorite.

Though I loved his pugnacious style and goal-scoring abilities during his days with the Sabres, he became my favorite player after befriending my cousin Suzanne, who, at the time, was fighting an ultimately losing battle with leukemia.

Up until Wednesday, our paths crossed just once -- in Boston, of all places, when he worked Sabres' TV broadcasts -- where we had a nice conversation about Suzanne, the Sabres and our fondness for Buffalo. At the time, I had nothing for him to sign.

As you can see, I didn't make the same mistake twice. Gare, a TV analyst covering the Columbus Blue Jackets for FSN Ohio, signed this trio of pucks after Tuesday's morning skate.

Mondays are my Thursdays

Back in my first tour of duty down here in Hockey Bay, a blurred moment of being in my 20s during the 1980s, I had a sour taste for Mondays.

It wasn't that I was hung over (Drinking in excess is stupid, like asking Columbus' Jared Boll if he wants to fight). It had nothing to do with too many people, all in a hurry at all the same time. Can't tell you what it was. Sorry. I just didn't like Mondays.

It's funny how one's perception evolves over time.

These days, Mondays are one of my favorite days. In my work schedule, Mondays -- the day the rest of the world begins its workweek -- are my Thursdays. One more day to go until my "bonus" weekend, beyond the traditional Saturday-Sunday combination.

Except this week. I'm taking off tomorrow to hound the Blue Jackets.

So, that turns today, my usual workweek Thursday, into, technically, a Friday, the start of a three-day weekend. And, yes, we're going to the Blue Jackets-Lightning game.

Just asking

Anyone else see the irony in New Jersey's Martin Brodeur earning the goalie all-time wins crown (552 and counting), surpassing Hall of Famer Patrick Roy, on St. Patrick's Day?

Just like scoring a goal

Instead of driving down to Sunrise, Fla., tonight to watch the Lightning beat the Panthers, we went fishing instead along the Pass-A-Grille seawall in St. Pete Beach.

As you can see, Colin had the better luck, this the first of his two grunts. A hermit crab kept me from getting skunked.