A new year brings with it resolutions. In my case, hobby resolutions that I hope I can stick with over the next 12 months.
Here are my three resolutions for 2025:
1. Trim My Set Collection
Many of us are trying to do just that – and for an array of reasons.
One major reason for me is space. Everyone has a finite amount of space. For me, sets are what take up the most room. I’m also not enjoying having so many cards – many of them from the 1980s and ‘90s – just sitting in a box in the back of my closet.
It doesn’t mean I won’t build sets. However, the only one I am interested in each season is Upper Deck Hockey Series 1, Series 2 and Extended Series. Building the flagship set – with all those short-printed Young Guns cards – will keep me busy enough over the coming years.
As a result, I want to focus my collection. My hope is to keep rookie cards of notable players and key cards of star players from certain years. That will both focus my collection, free up some funds and make some room on my shelves and in my closet.
2. Get More Autographs
One way to achieve this feat in 2025 is to attend large card shows (such as the National Sports Collectors Convention and the Toronto Sport Card Expo), but also regional ones that feature hockey signers.
One such regional show is the upcoming “Winter Extravaganza” show in White Plains, just outside New York City. The three-day show, which starts on Jan. 17, will feature autograph guests Brett Hull and his former St. Louis Blues teammate Adam Oates.
And for just $89, you can get a combo deal and have them both sign an item. That famous “Hull and Oates” poster signed by them both would make for a great collectable. Here’s hoping the National has a healthy list of hockey signers this year.
3. Attend More Card Shows
Shows are a great place to meet people (both old and new) as well as a great place to buy stuff. If I could attend more shows and buy less online, I would consider that a win in 2025.
I plan to attend the National this coming July and the Toronto Sport Card Expo next fall. I find both shows to be a must for anyone involved in the hobby. It’s also a great place to meet up with fellow collectors. And yes, I also plan to attend Fanatics Fest NYC, primarily because I’m just a subway ride away from it.
Following last fall’s Toronto Sport Card Expo, Nino Mancuso, who runs Real Deal Collectables out of Buffalo, N.Y., put it best: “The Expo stands out to us for a few reasons. Toronto is the hockey mecca and being avid Buffalo Sabres fans, we get to experience the passion for hockey and the hobby at the Toronto show.”
I totally agree. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2025. I hope you get all the cards and collectables you want.
Clemente Lisi is a lifelong Rangers fan who first started collecting cards in 1986. He collects both vintage and modern with a focus on rookie cards. Follow him on X/Twitter @ClementeLisi.
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