Color action photography makes for a worthwhile set
Team postcard sets seemed to be all the rage in the 1970s and 1980s. Many NHL and WHA teams gave out postcards picturing the players – either in response to an autograph request or as a giveaway at a game. In their inaugural season, the Atlanta Flames issued a simple, yet fantastic, set of postcards that featured practically everyone on their team.
Player selection 5 out of 5
Like all good team sets, the 1972-73 Atlanta Flames Postcard Set offers up a wide selection of players. In all, 19 players and the head coach – the legendary Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion – are included. Anyone who played more than 20 games – save for guys who were traded away midseason – are in this set. As pro hockey was new in Atlanta that year, these cards were no doubt helpful in educating new fans who was who on the Flames team.
Card design 4 out of 5
Really, there isn’t much design to speak of, but that is quite all right. A full color photograph of the player is surrounded by a thin white border. A facsimile autograph of the player appears at the bottom of the picture. In the lower left corner of the border area, the photo is credited to M.V. Rubio.
What makes these cards so great is that it uses action photography – in color, no less. Similar postcard sets from the 1970s used either black and white photos or color portraits or otherwise posed shots. But here, all 17 of the skaters are shown in game action situations – many of them even handling the puck. Curiously, the goalies are shown before game time – Phil Myre during a pregame warm-up and Daniel Bouchard during the national anthem. Also worth noting is that all players are shown in their home uniforms except the goaltenders, who are wearing their red road sweaters.
Stats & info n/a
None to speak of. The back of each card is blank. But actions speak louder than words and the great action photos on the fronts make up for the lack of any information on the backs.
The 1972-73 Atlanta Flames Postcard Set is top-notch, and would be great for anyone who loved hockey in the 70s. The photos are crisp and colorful, and the player selection is comprehensive. So, why does this only get a 4, and not 5 out of 5? Keep in mind that this is a team set of Atlanta Flames, not the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins or any other more skilled – or more popular – team from that decade.
BONUS: The entire set
For your enjoyment, below are images of the entire set. Click on any one to start the slide show.
NOTES
20 card set
Card size: 3 1/2″ wide x 5 1/2″ tall
Click here to download a printable checklist
I had never seen those before, cool stuff!