This is sort of a primer on how I usually go about collecting my autographs and other hockey souvenirs through the mail, so feel free to use these tips and let me know how they work out for you

First, you should decide what you are going to collect, and then make sure you have a lot of whatever you decide on, whether it be cards, pictures, programs, pucks, it doesn't really matter. If you want to get back a lot of requests, you have to send out a lot more. The fact is that some players don't sign through the mail, and sometimes things get lost either in the mail or at the player's end. If you have something you can't stand to lose, don't send it.

Can't find or think of anything to send? Here are some ideas: hockey cards, tickets, programs, pucks, pictures (but them or make them yourself), or blank index cards. With most computer programs you can print out decent looking pictures with photo paper for a reasonable amount of money, so that might be the way to go if you don't want to shell out bug bucks for hockey cards so some guy can scribble something on them. Some of these items are more expensive to send in the mail, so keep that in mind. Not to discourage you, the bigger things are sometimes the best looking. I have programs from the World Juniors that I get signed and they look awesome. With bigger items the players sometimes have a chance to put their full autograph on it.

Send it to the player care of his team. Look for addresses on this site soon and there are lots of other sites out there so look at the links on my links page.

WAIT!!!! Everyone's favorite part

When you get something back, you might want to keep track of how long these things take and that and then store your new item(s) properly. Out of sunlight, flat so it doesn't get creased etc. Enjoy your collectible show it to all of your friends.

Hope this helps - let me know