He could relate

Seeing that May's Win this Auto contest featured an NHL official practice puck signed by Colin, it was only right, Hound Central 4.0 decided, that he picked the winner.

It didn't take him long. After reading each of the four entries, Colin decided it was Petey who would win the autographed puck.

Here's Petey's entry about his favorite youth hockey moment:

"My favorite youth hockey moment came when I was about Colin's age. We had this big goalie who came out to help us. It was always a big thrill to score on him, even in practice. I think I got five goals one time, but never 10. That must have been great."

Now, if Petey will send me an e-mail, available at my profile, we'll get this puck, signed by Colin following his 10-goal performance in a recent practice, ready for delivery.

Remember, too, that this is the final contest of the 2008-09 hockey-hounding campaign. I hope you enjoyed it.

Three things to do

Now, I know I'm not the only person who has to work on Memorial Day. So, if you're lucky enough to have the day off and family cookout is hours away, here is a hat trick of activities to keep you busy:

~ weigh in on the Hockey Bay Houndings Awards;
~ see who's made a play for a puck autographed by Colin; and
~ test your hockey knowledge on our latest hockey quiz.

You can thank me later.

Win this Auto: Colin 37

Given that Colin scored 10 goals in one-on-one drills during his Mini Mites practice yesterday, it's a reasonable expectation that this official NHL practice puck, signed by the youngest of Hockey Bay's Goofiest Dudes, will will one day become the Holy Hockey Grail for collectors.

Then again, it just might end up becoming a paperweight, a dust magnet or lost under some shelving in your garage after a pickup game.

Either way, it caps Hound Central 4.0's Win this Auto contest.

So, what are we looking for this time? How about, in 100 words or less (I mean it this time), share your favorite youth hockey moment.

Please, leave your answers in a comment. Thanks.

One word: Certainly

Technically, I could hold the only two entrants to a serious violation of the "no more than 100 words" rule April's Win this Auto contest for a 2008-09 NHL Victory oversized card signed by Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk. Because I'm a nice guy (most of the time, that is), though, I'll cast that rule aside.

When it comes to deciding the question of whether Kovie deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Washington's Alex Ovechkin and Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin, I'm not sure 1,000 words would be enough to adequately present a cogent argument.

But it was Bill, with his voluminous response, who wins the card, not so much for the depth and breadth of his entry, but for the extended analysis.

Rather than repeat Bill's winning response, you can read it here.

Now, if Bill will send me an e-mail, available at my profile, we'll get this card, signed during Atlanta's final visit to Hockey Bay during the 2008-09 NHL season, ready for delivery.

Don't forget, too, to enter May's contest.

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.

Just dessert

Want to know when the Hockey Gods are looking out for you? When someone trying to take advantage of you ends up with the short end of the stick.

Just ask Hound Central 4.0 reader Dave, who wins March's Win this Auto contest and this Blackhawks pucks signed by Chicago native Eddie Olczyk for sharing a slice of Chicago with this tale involving a ticket scalper and the Chicago Blackhawks:

"I was visiting Chicago in 1992 and had never seen a game at Chicago Stadium. I bought a restricted-view ticket from a scalper.

"Walked down my row and saw a huge concrete pillar getting closer but luckily my seat number happened to be right beside the obstruction. Still had a view of the ice.

"The gentleman who sold me the ticket came down the row asking me, “Is that the ticket I sold you?” I gladly showed him my ticket. “Ah (expletive deleted)!” he exclaimed, realizing he would be straddling a 2-foot-wide pillar the entire game.

"Good times."

See what happens when the Hockey Gods intervene? The scalper believed he was unloading a near-worthless ducat, pocketing some beer money in the process. Instead, he ends up with the bad seat. A fitting end, if you ask me.

Now, if Dave would send me an e-mail (found on my profile) with a mailing address, we'll get this process moving along.

Don't forget about April's Win this Auto contest. You've heard of Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk, right?

Win this Auto: Ilya Kovalchuk

So, you didn't think former NHLer Eddie Olczyk was worthy of your time or a mere 100 words in Hound Central 4.0's Win this Auto contest for March? Tsk, tsk, tsk.

Maybe April's installment, featuring Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk on a 2008-09 Victory jumbo card, will provide enough motivation. If it doesn't, there's little else I can do.

Well, with greater rewards come greater demands. Tell me, in 100 words or less, why Kovie should still be mentioned in the same breath as these fellow Russians -- Washington's Alex Ovechkin and Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin. The most convincing argument wins.

As always, leave your entries in the form of a comment.

Check back, too, in a few days to see who won March's contest.

Tick, tock, tick, tock

Time's running out, kiddies, if you'd like to win this Chicago Blackhawks puck signed by Eddie Olczyk in Hound Central 4.0's Win this Auto contest for March.

There are five entries, so far. I'd like to think this puck, obtained when the Blackhawks visited Hockey Bay earlier this season, is worth a few more.

I mean, how many other hockey hounding sites offer its readers nice stuff like this? Any? If so, let me know.

All you need to do, in 100 words or less, is share your favorite story about the Chicago Blackhawks. Doesn't sound too hard, does it?

Interested? Start writing now. You're down to hours. The contest closes at 11:59:59 tonight.

Want a sneak peek?

Want to know the top prize for Hound Central 4.0's Win this Autograph contest for April? How about this 2008-09 NHL Victory Hockey jumbo card signed by Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk?

Hopefully, I won't have to beg for entries, like I've had to do for March's contest prize -- a Blackhawks puck signed by Eddie Olczyk.

Anyone? Anyone?

As it stands, southweststalker will win this Chicago Blackhawks puck signed by former NHLer turned TV guy Eddie Olczyk at month's end. He's been the only one, so far, to enter Hound Central 4.0's Win this Autograph giveaway for March.

Don't you think there needs to be a little competition?

You know, I don't mind running these giveaways, even to the point of now trying to snag a big-name autograph for that purpose. But, here I am again, halfway through a month, begging for entries.

What's up with that? How many other hounding blogs are giving away an autographed puck?

What we're looking for here is a short story, meaning no more than 100 words, about your best Blackhawks memory.

Really, folks, it's that simple.

As always, and you know I mean this, thanks for reading.

True appreciation

Sometimes, the best card a collector ever gets doesn't come out of a pack. Behold the magic of how a single piece of cardboard not only made someone's day, but created a lasting hockey memory:

"It was December 17th 2008 and the only thing on my mind was the number retirement of Trevor Linden. Though I'm a huge Penguin fan, Trevor Linden is one of my all time favorites. I walked into school as usual. My head was elsewhere though.

"As I ran up the stairs I noticed one of my teachers standing outside their room eyeing me down making a motion for me to come over. So ... I went. He dug into his coat pocket and pulled out a Trevor Linden rookie card in a case in perfect condition.

"Now maybe a Trevor Linden rookie card isn't worth much to your average Joe, but obviously myself being a huge Linden fan I was impressed to even see it. The next thing I know he hands the card to me.

"My Trevor Linden rookie card in a nice case is currently put up with some of my autographed cards. Anytime I see it it puts a smile on my face."

I hope it goes without explaining why Katrina17's story won February's Win this Autograph contest for the dozen signed cards shown above. While other entrants are rightfully proud of some sweet cards, it's hard to assign any monetary value to a card that means so much to a person.

Now, all I need is for Katrina17 to provide an address, using the e-mail address on my profile, and we'll get these cards ready for the mail.

Don't forget to check out March's Win this Auto contest: former NHL player and coach Eddie Olczyk.

Win this Auto: Eddie Olczyk

You've watched him play in the NHL. You've seen him star in commercials for the NHL Network. He's a frequent face and voice on hockey television and radio shows.

He's none other than Eddie Olczyk, and this is your opportunity to add to your autograph collection.

In Hound Central 4.0's Win this Autograph contest for March, all you need to do is tell me, in 100 words or less, your favorite Chicago Blackhawks memory.

Need some ideas? It can be a win or a loss. A shutout by Tony O or Darren Pang. A hat trick by Bobby Hull or Stan Mikita. Babysitting Patrick Kane or Jonathan Toews.

Keith Magnuson -- God bless his soul -- scores bonus points.

Okay, folks, how about some entries? Submit them in the form of a comment. The contest closes at 11:59:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31.

Check back in a few days, too, for the winner of February's contest for a dozen autographed cards.

Bored? Not any more

Excuse me, but I'm wondering whether there's a bit of elitism going on among Hound Central 4.0 readers. Though we've received a respectable number of entries for February's Win this Autograph contest, I'm hoping that the prize -- a dozen autographed cards -- is not the reason behind the fewer entries than in the past.

Granted, this month's winner won't get a puck signed by Hall of Famer Denis Potvin or Minnesota's Mikko Koivu. Still, a dozen autographs is worth two minutes of your time, telling me about your favorite pull from a pack of cards.

Also, Mensa called earlier today. Mensa tells me that it will rescind the membership card of any one who doesn't take a shot at Hound Central 4.0's latest hockey quiz.

So far, only two readers have tapped into their hockey intelligence.

Win this Auto: Dozen cards

It's going to be hard to top last month's offering, a Team Canada puck autographed by Hall of Famer and Islanders legend Denis Potvin, mostly because I've paid more attention to what I've been getting signed.

That's why this month's Win this Auto contest here at Hound Central 4.0 pushes quantity -- as in a dozen autographed cards -- more than quality -- let's be honest, though talented enough to play in the NHL, it's doubtful any will take a place next to Potvin in hockey's hallowed hall.

All things considered, though, there's no reason to scoff at the offering. A dozen autographs is, indeed, a dozen autographs. And, who knows, I might even tuck a couple more into the package.

So, what's the assignment? In 100 words or less, tell me about the best card you've pulled out of a pack. Was it a favorite player? A sweet autographed patch card? Are you in the background? Let me know.

The best tale wins these autographs:

From left: P.J. Axelsson, Brandon Bochenski, Ryan Clowe and John Grahame;

From left: Brent Johnson, Paul Mara, Kelly Miller and Dennis Seidenberg; and

From left: Jon Sim, Brian Sutherby, Chris Thorburn and Aaron Ward.

Entries close 11:59 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009.

A sense of place

Given the quality of the 11 top-shelf entries for Hound Central 4.0's most recent Win this Auto contest for this puck, signed by Hall of Famer and Islanders legend Denis Potvin, this was the most difficult to judge. Entertaining to enduring, each brought smiles to my face.

As expected, there were common themes: parades, eating and drinking and, of course, keeping it warm by taking it to the local barn. It would've been a privilege to attend every one.

To cull the entries, any that mentioned charitable or community events, anything that helped to create or further bonds, moved ahead. Beyond that, purpose became important. So did fun.

In the end, though, it came down to sense of place. Where would 24 hours with Lord Stanley's hallowed cup make the biggest impact? Given Potvin's triumphs on Long Island, this puck belongs to an Islanders fan:

Here's what nyi44, the winner of January's contest, had to say:

"Having the Stanley Cup for a day would be quite a thrill.

"I think I would start the day off eating Cheerios and milk straight from the cup. (Hey, dogs have eaten out of the cup....so can I!) Next, I would bring the cup to my classroom for the day. I'm sure my fifth-graders would enjoy seeing it in person, and I could definitely turn the experience into a history lesson regarding the cup's past and origins.

"After school, I would drive home as slow as I ever have; the cup strapped into my passenger seat. I'm sure people would stare, and I would just respond "Yeah, it's the Stanley Cup."

To finish off the day, I would enjoy a beverage or two from the cup and tuck it into bed right next to me. I'm sure my girlfriend wouldn't mind too much .....right?"

Not what you were expecting, eh? I was swayed by the fact that he's a teacher. Fifth-graders, too; not a particularly easy group to engage.

If this puck, a humble replacement for a day with the Stanley Cup, can provide a lesson and help nyi44 create a connection with some, or even one, of his students, then, to me, it's a highlight-reel, tic-tac-toe, Stanley Cup Game 7 overtime winner.

Now, all I need is for nyi44 to provide his address, using the e-mail address on my profile, and we'll get this puck rolling.

Feel free, too, to take part in February's Win this Auto contest for a dozen autographed cards.

Don't delay

Only hours remain to enter January's Win this Auto contest -- this puck signed by Hall of Famer and Islander hero Denis Potvin.

Really, how often do you get the chance to obtain, for a mere 100 words on how you'd spend a day with Lord Stanley's Cup, an autographed puck from one of the game's best defensemen?

It's not just that, either. That's a pretty sweet autograph.

I even pick up the shipping.

Time's running out

With only one week left in the month, I'm hoping for a more entries into Hound Central 4.0 Win this Auto contest for January, featuring Hall of Famer and Islanders legend Denis Potvin.

Tell me, in 100 words or less, what you'd do with your day with Lord Stanley's Cup.

We've got five solid entries so far. I'd like to think that Potvin is certainly worthy of a few more entries.

Now, if you need to get your creative juices flowing, take the latest Hound Central 4.0's Hockey Quiz.

Certainly, I can relate

Though the latest Win this Autograph contest featuring this puck signed by Minnesota's Mikko Koivu drew six respectable entries, it took bonus points awarded for mentioning Gump Worsley to make Hound Central 4.0 reader Ryan Heighton of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, the winner of December's contest.

Here's excerpts from his comical story:

"My Dad was the one that first got me into graphing, and when I was 7 he took me to a card show in southwestern Ontario. We were going to see a few ex-North Star players (I was a big fan at the time because they had just had the Stanley Cup run vs. the Pens).

"We were walking around, waiting for them to announce that the autograph tables were set up, and I turn around and see the Gumper, and I was so excited that I yelled at the top of my lungs 'THERE'S GUMMPPPPP!!'

"Ninety percent of the people at the show turned and looked at me, and I don't know if my Dad was ever more embarrassed, but the Gumper was really cool about it and shook my hand and chatted with my Dad and I!"

Thanks to quick communication, the puck has been mailed, at my expense, as a reward for his story. Thanks again, Ryan, for reading.

Don't forget, too, to check out January's contest for Islanders legend and Hall of Famer Denis Potvin. All you need to do is tell me, in 100 words or less, what you'd do with your day with the Stanley Cup.

Win this auto: Denis Potvin

Of all the duplicate autos that I've picked up, this official Team Canada puck -- signed by Hall of Fame defenseman Denis Potvin -- represents two instances of historical significance for Hound Central 4.0's Win this Autograph exercise.

First and foremost, the puck is, by far (at least in my book), the biggest name to be offered. Potvin, captain of the four-straight Stanley Cup champion New York Islanders dynasty, could skate, score and hit.

Hence, the ticket to Toronto.

It's also fairly recent, obtained Dec. 27 when the Florida Panthers played Tampa Bay. Potvin, a three-time Norris Trophy and 1973-74 Calder winner, now provides commentary during Panthers TV broadcasts.

As always, my loss is your gain. Tell Hound Central 4.0, in 100 words or less, what you would do with your day with the Stanley Cup. Please, no debauchery. We have some young readers.

If you want to win, you have to participate. Answers must be left in a comment. I'll notify the winner in early February.

Have fun.

Addendum (Feb. 5, 2009): Two other entries were left on this post.

Finally, some entries

You know, I thought the opportunity for a puck signed by Minnesota's Mikko Koivu would draw quite a few entries into Hound Central 4.0's Win this auto contest for December. It wasn't until today, though, that we had our first two contestants.

I'm not going to beg, but all it takes is a short story related to Minnesota hockey. Of course, it's better if the tale relates to hockey hounding. Were they just as good in your NHL city as they were in Tampa? If so, that works. Who was good? Who wasn't? Did you get Gabby?

I'm not looking for Chaucier, Hemingway or even P.J. O'Rourke, either. Keep it to 100 words, more or less, please.

By the way, November's winner of the autographed Steven Stamkos Lightning promo card hasn't touched base yet. It looks like I'll have to revisit those entries.

If you're rmillerfan, though, send me an e-mail through my profile.