starting this up again! i missed it :}

Dear Max,

I feel a little weird writing a seemingly anonymous letter to someone I have never met, but it feels a bit therapeutic right now. I honestly don’t even know how or where to begin. I guess I’ll start of by expressing my nerdy side. In college, we learned about something called parasocial relationships. (Stick with me, please!) Basically, we learned that as fans, we form bonds and ties with (celebrities, athletes, acquaintances) even if we don’t know them, simply by observing behaviors and picking up on personality traits that we like. To make a long story short, I see this in the hockey world and I feel it, too, especially when it comes to Pittsburgh fans. For the past six years as a Penguins’ fan, I have grown to appreciate your personality, your drive and your heart. I know nothing has been decided, but believe me, your fans only want the best for you, even if that means leaving Pittsburgh. Wherever you wind up, I will still wear my Talbot jersey proudly, because the years that you spent with the Penguins became the years that changed my life forever. I pray that God blesses you in future pursuits, that your foundations change the lives of many, and that you continue to make people happy, simply by being you. 

Dear Max,

So to be honest I’m not really sure where to begin. It’s kind of hard as a fan to actually explain how much her favorite player means to her, but that’s what I’m going to try and do. My name is Lindsey Lose, I’m 16 years old, and I’m from Hoover, Alabama. I have been a Pittsburgh Penguins fan since I was 6 years old. You never really come across many hockey fans in the state of Alabama but I’m one of the few. Through the past 10 years of being a fan i’ve seen many great players come and go in the Penguins jersey but one will always be my favorite player. One will always be that guy that can always make me smile no matter what. He might not be the guy that lights the lamp every game, or scores hat tricks at least once every season but he’s a super star in his own way. He was the hero of game seven, and he’s been my hero for as long as I can remember. He’s you, Max Talbot. You are my favorite player in the entire NHL. Not just on the Penguins, but in the entire league. You did something that made my whole life, you probably don’t remember it but I’m going to tell you anyways. I actually haven’t told anyone this story. Back in November one of my best friends since the age of 5 was killed in a car wreck. Her name was Natalie. A couple of days before she was killed, she and I were talking about how I was going to Pittsburgh in January for a game to celebrate my 16th birthday. I was telling her that all I wanted was for you to acknowledge my presence, that would be the greatest birthday gift. She said that she knew you would. She laughed and said that you would probably wave at me or something. That was the last conversation I ever had with her, and it was about you. On January 22 I was at the game against the Hurricanes to celebrate my birthday. My friend and I were sitting right against the glass with the huge neon orange poster that said “Two Staals one puck.” During the entire game the last conversation I had with Natalie was burning in my mind. It was during a commercial break towards the very end of the game that it happened. You skated by me and waved. Just one small gesture like that meant the entire world to me. I really doubt you remember it, but you made my entire life by just waving to me. I can’t really begin to explain it, but you did. I know this has just kind of been me rambling on and on and I doubt you’ll read this, but if you do i’d like to tell you this: No matter if you stay on the Penguins forever, which i’d love if you do, or if you’re wearing a different jersey next season, you’ll always be my favorite player. My hero. I really appreciate everything you’ve done in Pittsburgh. I love your personality and your talent. Never change. I’ll always be your number one fan wherever you go.

Love,
Lindsey

http://iblamemikegreen.tumblr.com/

Dear Max-o,

From having family on old team I have only heard good things about you. I wish you would stay so I would be lucky enough to hear more and more funny stories about you from Pascal. You will be missed.

Sincerely, Duper Jr.

Dear Max,

I don’t know what the future holds but I do know I’ll be supporting you no matter what. You’re grit on blades with a heart of gold and some big skates to fill. Your dazzling personality made you our Superstar; those 2 amazing goals made you a legend; but your humility, philanthropy, and hard work made you beloved. We’ll miss you. I just want to thank you for all you’ve done for your team and your fans. You’ve inspired me, and many others, to aspire to greater things and I can’t thank you enough; so instead I’ll keep you in my prayers and hope nothing but the best wherever you may be.

#25 Black & Vegas Gold forever and always in our hearts!

Merci pour les mémoires,
Elle  http://girlybynature.tumblr.com/

Dear Superstar,

I really hope you don’t leave the pens and pittsburgh but if that does happen please don’t forget all your fans and the team :) the 1 question I think I can ask you is can you please never forget the pens and pittsburgh? :)     

Dear Max,

please don’t leave your best friend flower if you do my heart will break because no one can top that adorable bromance you both have going on.

http://wishingdreaming.tumblr.com/

Dear Talbo,

No matter what team you sign with now, I will always remember you for your hard work and dedication to the Penguins. You managed to make all of your fans smile with your lovable antics and with your Super Star acting skills. Good luck to you where ever you end up and know you are still one of my favorite penguins <3

Forever a Maxime Talbot #25 Fan,
Cait

Dear Max,

No matter where you go, I will always be one of your biggest fans. I will be loyal. I will be there every step of your career. Although it will pain me to see you leave the team where you started your career with, I know that you are meant to have the best adventure of your life. I hope you will do your best no matter where you will end up. I love you.

Natalie Hitchcox 

Dear Max,

It’s really hard for me to think about you leaving pittsburgh, but i know you’ll still do what you do on a different team if you leave. You are one of my favorite players in the league, and i can’t thank you enough for all the joy you brought to me, and all the pens fans. You really are a superstar and overall an amazing person. My gamertag on xbox is even maxime talbot, this is how much you mean to me (: You’ll always be a penguin, and you’re always welcomed back with open arms. I’m sure the fans will stay with you, because i know i will. We all will remember your famous sshh moment in phili, and your 2 goals in game 7 to bring home the stanley cup, your hilarious moments on 24/7, and being able to see you in my first nhl game in tampa at game 6. We’ll always love you, and support you, i wish you won’t leave.

Love,
Amanda