This latest upgrade has to be the new favorite card of my collection and is from a longtime follower/all around good guy and someone who I hope I can call a friend, Paris O’Brien, or “Yongli Ouban” @pobrien1_ - 

1. Paris is a Chinese Canadian goalie from Coquitlam, BC. He grew up playing in the Coquitlam minor system. While he was a stud goalie, he also excelled in water polo and lacrosse. 

2. In 2016-17, he played for the esteemed @delta.hockey.academy, where he earned 22 starts, won 9 games with 3 shutouts. 

3. Interestingly, he stumbled upon the opportunity to play for the @krschina organization when he ditched class as a 17-year old to play hockey with friends at a Burnaby rink, and a camp to scout Chinese heritage players happened to be taking place. Paris was approached by “Iron Mike” Keenan, who was the Red Star’s GM and coach at the time, about the possibility of playing in China. From there,Paris jumped right into international play, suiting up for the Red Star’s junior and minor teams, @krs_bsu_vhl and @hckrs.heilongjiang from 2017-20. 

4. This year, Paris fulfilled his childhood hockey dreams. He suited up for 8 games in the @khl for the Red Star, winning 1 game and also making a highlight reel, behind the back stick save, which was featured on sports media highlights all over the world, including @espn. This year, Paris is a true student and intellectual of the game. He dedicates himself to studying and improving every aspect of his play. There is no doubt that he is destined for great things, whether it is on or off the ice.

Paris generously sent me this special edition @serealcards and, it was an awesome surprise when he signed it in Chinese characters. Thanks so much, Paris; this is a unique gift I will cherish forever.