Earth, Wind, Fire and Hossa

Some players seem to have autos that are consistent year after year and no matter when you got their auto, it looks like their signature and it is just as dependable as time. Gordie Howe is a classic example of an autograph that is as dependable as time. Hossa is very much like my man Patrik Elias and it really depends what season you are talking about when it comes to what you might see when they sign. Here is a look at Marian Hossa's auto over time.

99-00 SP Authentic Sign of the Times Marian Hossa

I don't own this card, I just scammed a photo from online. This signature almost looks like it is his name. 

05-06 BAP Dual Auto Hossa/Redden

Here is a Hossa auto I own. I picked up this at the LCS, it was another case of a lonely looking card that I felt needed a good home. I already have a Redden auto, but Hossa was one I certainly was missing and even though his auto looks nothing like his name, I really like how it looks (sort of reminds me of an elemental symbol).

Are there any players out there that you know have had a serious evolution in signatures? Was it for the better or worse? I think in Hossa's case it was for the better even if it isn't legible anymore.

eBay Homemade Hot Packs

When it comes to eBay homemade hot packs, I gave a couple a try and both sucked so bad I said I would NEVER do them again. Well funny thing about never is if you ever do it again you didn't really keep that promise. 

Well this past summer I bought a lot deal off a dealer which had 67 BAP autos for 24.99 SHIPPED! That wasn't the winning bid, that was the BUY IT NOW price. So needless to say, I always follow this guy's listings.

Anyway, he posted that he had homemade hot packs which guaranteed 5 hits and a BV of 75-150 dollars with some insert and rookie action as well. I know I didn't want to do it again, but considering how fair the guy was on the other deal I thought maybe it would be worth it. In the end, it cost about 11 bucks with shipping. Here is what I got for hits:

 Jarkko is a KHL superstar and an NHL bust. Hard to believe with only 20 NHL games I have a piece of one of his jerseys.

 Maid Marian.....I never liked him as a player despite all his talent.

Another Euro-Superstar with less than 80 NHL games.

Great start to his career in Chicago, and he should have never left. Instead he did leave and with it went his NHL career. Was in the ECHL last year and I am not sure if he is even at that level this year.

The best player in the lot, gotta respect Recchi.

I did get a lone auto, Peter Popovic. Peter Popovic is the Swedish translation of Brad Marsh.

In addition to these cards, I did get a few other rookies with corner dings and inserts from the mid-late 90's. In all, I think I got my money's worth, but certainly isn't anywhere near as good of a deal that I got for my 67 BAP autos. I think I am finally finished with these hot packs, but I guess I will never say never.