Friday, June 24, 2011

Stanley Cup Champion Autograph Ideas

Traditionally, the nice thing about acquiring hockey autographs is that most of the items players sign are jerseys, sticks, a photo, but mostly pucks, really simple and inexpensive.  However, when the Bruins won the Stanley Cup, many, many more choices of items became available.  They'll be collectible magazines, newspapers, ticket stubs and game used items.  Seeing that most fans will probably just want to score an autograph from their favorite player on the team, and collectors will be seeking to acquire from all 20 plus players and the coaches, I have some recommendations.

If you are going to seek out one or two players I'd go for the photo or puck.  They are inexpensive, easy to display and the ink on those items will show up well. If one of those players is Tim Thomas or Zdeno Chara I recommend purchasing the special edition Sports Illustrated with Tim Thomas on the cover, and for Chara a photo of him hoisting the cup over his head.  I'd also strongly consider a Stanley Cup game ticket stub or the white official Stanley Cup hat (if you can find it) for one of them to sign.


Items for Zdeno Chara or Tim Thomas to autograph.
 If you are seeking the whole team consider purchasing one of these items for them all to autograph.  A 16 x 20 team photo, an ash colored or black colored stick, a blank Bruin Jersey (meaning no name or number on the back) or individual pucks for each player to then get displayed in one single wall unit.  Yes they exist.

Mark Recchi, Zdeno Chara and Tim Thomas Autographed pucks.

Lastly, whatever you choose to get signed make sure you preserve it well.  Spend the extra $2-$3 for those essential protectors such as plastic cases for pucks, plastic sleeves for photos and ticket stubs, water proof bags for jerseys.  Unfortunately there are no items I'm aware of that protect sticks.

Good luck seeking out your 2011 Boston Bruin Stanley Cup Champion Autographs.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Stanley Cup Champion and Current Boston Bruin Shawn Thornton; Appearance Information


As I mentioned before, the Bruins will start making autograph appearances this summer, whether they won or lost.  The appearances start next Saturday, June 25th with Shawn Thornton.  The pricing is great.  $39 for him to autograph any one item.  That is either an item you want to buy at the store or an item you bring with you from home.  I would recommend that you purchase your tickets early, as this will either sell out and the price will increase by $10 the day of the appearance.

I suppose you want to know where?!?!?!

New England Picture Company
South Shore Plaza Location, Braintree Massachusetts
Time:  Noon - 1:30pm

Here is the link for more information.
http://www.newenglandpicture.com/

The "Ice" of the Moment

Product Image
Congratulations Bruins!!!!  Bringing the Stanley Cup back to Boston is such an exhilarating experience for the "die hard" Bruins fans and more broadly the city of Boston.  Reminds me very much of what the city was like back in 2004 following the Red Sox World Series win.  Everyone was happy and just wanted to party.

With the exhilaration also comes the "heat of the moment" euphoria or in this case the "danger of the ice" moment.  Meaning you must have that Stanley Cup Champion Bruin Hat, T-shirt, picture, autograph or whatever you can find that has the Bruin name and logo on it.  You seem to think you need to have it now.  Unfortunately, the business world, both legitimate and underground, are looking to take advantage of your emotions.  Yesterday I was with a friend at a well known retail location in Waltham Ma..  They had none of the licensed Bruin or Stanley Cup merchandise in stock, but they decided that the "knock Off" Bruin items could sell at $30 and up. By the way of about 20 people we saw looking at the overpriced merchandise, only one person bought an item.

So if you can be patient and wait a few weeks, merchandise, apparel and autographs will be in abundant supply and yes you can purchase the same items you would today, but save yourself about 30%.  And more importantly, save yourself from financially falling through the "Ice".

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Big Bad Bruins Deals

Even for a "bandwagoner" Bruins/hockey fan such as me, I am very excited about the Bruins playing for the Stanley Cup!!!  I'm so happy for all the "die hards" such as my sister and brother.  Nothing would please me more than to have the Bruins bring the 7th championship to Boston in the past 10 years.  I remember attending game 2 of the Stanley Cup in 1990. It was the loudest I ever heard an arena.  The Garden roof could've come off the building.  The excitement was fantastic.  I can only imagine what it'll be like if they win now.

1990 Bruins Team photo, autographed by Ray Bourque and Cam Neely.
 With that said, this also means a Bruins autograph or piece of memorabilia will become more in demand.  It's already happening.  With higher demand comes higher prices. That being said, the Bruins have by far the best prices with regards to appearance fees and autographs. However, that will change whether they win the cup or not.

Therefore, I recommend you check out the following websites for some great deals.
http://www.sureshotpromotions.com/
http://www.newenglandpicture.com/
These companies are offering great prices on autographed pucks and photos of current Bruin players.  Prices start at $29 and range upwards of $100 for the premium items.  I guarantee you, this will increase by a minimum of 30%, again whether they win or not.  So get your orders in now and save your money. 


Me and Bruin Goalie, Tim Thomas.
Me and Zdeno Chara.  He is truly a nice man.