I'm jumping in here late to the autograph talk but I actually went to one of the previous Rico signings at SMU. My wife bought me "the photo" for Christmas one year and bought the non-auto version and was mad at herself because she wanted to get me the signed copy. I came across an ad for a signing at SMU the following week and decided to go. My wife loves Rico but was working. When I got there it was pouring rain and the line was around the building and up stairs. It was nuts. There must have been 100 people or more ahead of me. Maybe way more.All standing out in the pouring cold rain. It was hard to tell. Anyway I finally get up to meet him and he was the nicest dude. Asked him for a quick photo and told him my wife was going to be so jealous. He signed the photo as if he were signing the very first. Nice and clear and even asked me which color marker I'd prefer, making a recommendation on which he thinks looked best. He's exactly the kind of guy you come to expect from hockey players. Down to earth, loving life, and recognizes how lucky he is to be playing. He was also great with all the kids there to meet him that were so nervous they could hardly look at him. I'm not a huge auto hound but I'm glad I went that day. When my wife got home that night and saw the photo where I left it, only this time it was signed, she did a double take. When I showed her the photo his assistant took I didnt know if she was going to cry for missing meeting Rico or be happy I got it signed. 😂 $25 well spent.
Thinking back on the few times I've had getting autos or meeting players most have been cool - Salvador, Ron Hextall, Bernie Parent, Grant Marshall. All those Devils alumni ambassadors have been great. One guy that wasn't the nicest was John Vanbiesbrouck. Kind of an ass. But everyone has off days so maybe I caught him on one,