Author: Sal Barry

Sal Barry is the editor and webmaster of Puck Junk. He is a freelance hockey writer, college professor and terrible hockey player. Follow him on Twitter @puckjunk

1957-58 Topps #38 – Al Arbour

My 13th card for the 1957-58 Topps Hockey set that I am building.

Unlike the Fern Flaman card I also got recently, this Al Arbour card is not in the greatest shape. It has some creases and wear–“character,” you could say. Much like Arbour himself.

This only cost $5, so I don’t feel too bad about getting such an imperfect card.

Set completion as of 12-2-2010:
13 out of 66 cards = 19.7%

Irvin Kershner 1923-2010

American film director Irvin Kershner passed away this Saturday. Many of you already know this by now, but I just learned the sad news today.

Kershner is probably best known as the director of Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. That film holds a special place in my heart, and is my favorite film of all time.

The Empire Strikes Back was the first “non-cartoon” movie that I saw as a child. I was 5 at the time, and I remember my mom taking me to the old Devon Theater in Chicago to see it. The line wrapped all the way around the block! I’m not sure how long we waited, but after that film I would always and forever be a fan of the Star Wars movies.

Coincidentally, the first trading cards I ever had as a kid were movie cards based on Empire. My mom used to buy them for me, and I recall having stacks of these in a shoebox. Now, I only have a few dozen.

Below are some of my cards from the various sets based on The Empire Strikes Back.

The scene with the Imperial AT-AT Walkers was my favorite part of The Empire Strikes Back. If you have 7 minutes to spare, watch this clip and remember how awesome a film Empire is…and how awesome a job Irvin Kershner did when directing it. 

Pat Burns

1990-91 Pro Set card #669 – Pat Burns

1990-91 Pro Set card #669 - Pat BurnsFormer NHL coach Pat Burns passed away last week after a lengthy battle with cancer. The man had an impressive career, wining coach of the year honors three times and a Stanley Cup in 2003. But what always stuck with me were his blowups. Burns would yell and cause quite a commotion when he got angry during a game. With his stocky build and mustache, he was reminiscent of former National Football League coach Mike Ditka, who was legendary for his sideline tantrums. Continue reading “Pat Burns”