25 October 2009

Getting Theoren Fleury's Autograph


Theoren Fleury has a new book out. He is currently on tour across Canada, promoting the book. This includes television and radio appearances, and book signings in local book stores. Unfortunately, I know very few people in Canada. How would I ever get a copy of Playing With Fire with Theo's autograph? More on that later, first little back story. A flashback, if you will.

Theoren Fleury was/is the reason I got into hockey. He is and will always be my favourite player of all time, forever and ever. Fleury is also the reason I am a huge Calgary Flames Fan.

Back when the Sharks played at the Cow Palace, my dad took me to my first hockey game. I wanted to see Fleury play. He was easy to spot, not only because he was small. But, he just signed with Jofa/Titan and his Jofa helmet was a brighter red than his team mates. I really do not remember the out come of the game. Pretty sure the Flames won.


After the game, we went to where the players area. I wanted to meet him. I had a drawing that I did of him in art class. Security did not allow us back in the dressing room area, but one security lady asked if I wanted my poster signed. I had a Sharpie clipped to the drawing, she took it to the back. A few minutes later, she walked out and handed me my drawing with Fleury's autograph on it. That was awesome, you can see how I totally forgot who won the game. Yeah, I still have that drawing somewhere in my parent's house.

Obviously, I was a huge collector of Fleury hockey cards. I got my hands on a few 1989-90 O-Pee-Chee #232 cards. I decided to get one signed. So, I wrote a fan letter to Fleury, and sent it to the Olympic Saddledome, the only address I had for Fleury. I enclosed the card and self addressed stamped envelope. A few months later, I got it back...signed! I realise that I sound like an eighth grade girl, here. But, I was really excited.



Fast forward a few years at another Sharks game. I wore my Flames jersey, hoping to get it signed. This time, I waited outside where the players exited the building. I greeted a bunch of the Flames players. Most of the Flames players walked out, but he was in the back seat of a car. I tried to get his attention so I could get my jersey signed. He kinda ignored me, I could barely see him through the tinted glass. Anyway, Trevor Kidd walked up to me and asked if I wanted my jersey signed. What was I to do? The guy is like 6'-2", I am like 5'-6". So now, I have a Fleury jersey with Kidd's signature on it. Kinda like having a picture of Sean Connery, signed by Roger Moore.


Back to the book signing. Yesterday, Fleury was doing his signing in Calgary. I contacted the only person I knew in Calgary. Actually, we have never met. I read her blog, and she tells me to update mine more so she can read mine. We follow each other on a few online social networks, that is about it. Basically, I asked if she wanted to stand in line for a few hours and get a signed copy of Theo's book, all for someone she does not even really know. Well, she agreed to it. She even wrote about it on her blog. I guess the book is on its way, I will update with photos when I get it.

Thanks again to walkinvisible, I owe you big time!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

The internet, and social networking, is a wonderful thing. I have "friends" all over that I have never met - but would definitely stand in line for. congrats!

walkinvisible said...

dude, no sweat at all... it was totally fun, i had my buddy mikeH there with me and it's not like there was anything else going on that day...

all good.
can't wait til you get it !!!