Connections are Everything!
Our most recent trade! John Gibson is the same height and weight as me, and since I just started playing goaltender, he’s someone that I have loved watching lately to learn as much as possible!
2019-20 Ultimate Collection Laureates Patch Auto /99
From time to time, I am reminded of just how important the connections with fellow collectors are. Sure, you are probably thinking that you take care of many relationships you have formed in the hobby, but how much do you truly value them? Here’s a short story that will serve as a reminder for all of us to not judge a book by it’s cover.
Over three years ago I first met Nick Zimmerman on Facebook. I had just joined a Pittsburgh Penguins collector group and he had some sweet Marc-Andre Fleury for trade only. He had one card in particular that I was very much interested in. After messaging him, he at first was very short with me, to the point where I more or less called him out on it while also reminding him I was not here to make his life difficult, rather make a genuine connection with a fellow Fleury fan!
I honestly can’t tell you what it was on Nick’s part that changed but from that moment on, he and I have had some really fun exchanges talking about our favorite goalies (Fleury & John Gibson). Nick’s life has been a challenging one at times, and many people have often judged him from their first interactions, rather than try to get to know the guy a bit. I’ve heard people say negative things about him without actually talking to him for any given period.
The point is, we are ALL dealing with varying amounts of stress on our lives…before you’re too quick to judge, try making a genuine connection with them on a collecting level! If you take even 5-10 minutes a day to have a conversation with someone you’ve interacted with, I guarantee that you’ll find yourself enjoying this wonderful hobby that’s still as fun as it was when we were kids.
The two cards pictured are from our first deal and our most recent deal! It’s always a great time when Nick and I get to chat hockey, especially because we share the same passion for supporting our favorite goaltenders!
I hope you all have a great week!
~Matt
This is the card that started it all! Making new friends through deals in the hobby is always fun!
2009-10 SP Authentic Limited Auto Patch /25
