Clemente’s Corner: Fanatics Fest NYC has Become a Place for Hockey Fans
Fanatics Fest NYC is over and done with for this year.
While some may be wondering if we even need another big card and memorabilia show, I’m here to tell you that we do.
The reason? Aside from the fact that the second edition of FFNYC, which took place at the Jacob Javits Center in New York this past weekend, has modeled itself after Comic Con (over 500 athletes and celebrities were there), it’s also proven to be a show worth the time of hockey collectors.
In fact, there was plenty of hockey to buy and see at this show — from cards to autograph guests — that I can say it has surpassed the National.
Sure, nothing beats the Toronto Sport Card Expo when it comes to hockey, but FFNYC 2025 did have something for hockey collectors.
Here’s a look at what you missed should you want to attend next year:
NHL Participation
The 4 Nations Face-Off Trophy and other memorabilia from the tournament were on display at FFNYC 2025. [Photo by Clemente Lisi]Like last year’s first-ever Fanatics Fest, the National Hockey League had a big presence. Given this year’s expanded floor plan, the NHL booth was bigger and better.
Aside from taking slap shots at a washer and dryer (something we saw last year as well), FFNYC 2025 had the Washington Capitals jersey worn by Alex Ovechkin when he broke Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record this past spring. The display also included the Russian star’s gloves and skates when he netted goal No. 895.
In addition, a separate case featured the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy won by Canada and several game-used pucks from that immensely popular series that replaced the All-Star Game this past season.
Kudos to the NHL for bringing these historic items for the masses to see up close. Even casual fans enjoyed the tournament and bringing these items out of storage only reinforces the popularity of international hockey ahead of the 2026 Olympics in Milan.
The larger-than-life Stanley Cup on display in the middle of the NHL area was a smart way to draw attention to the area. While having the real Stanley Cup there would have been better, I understand the Florida Panthers are still drinking champagne out of it.
Card Show
There was plenty of hockey cards on sale at FFNYC 2025. [Photo by Clemente Lisi]Yes, the 700-table card show portion of the show — known as the “Collectors Zone” — had more hockey cards and boxes than I had anticipated.
The show, like last year, leaned heavily on modern cards. Yes, there were Wayne Gretzky rookie cards in showcases, but there were also plenty of Ovechkin and Connor Bedard Young Guns cards to satisfy collectors.
Again, not too many dollar boxes to look through, meaning the show still features mostly high-end cardboard. Nonetheless, I was impressed with the inventory — something that can be hit-or-miss even at large regional shows.
Autograph Guests
Hockey players, both past and present, were signing autographs at FFNYC 2025. [Photo courtesy of Fanatics]The National has become notoriously bad when it comes to hockey signers. This coming summer in Chicago will be no different.
By contrast, Fanatics Fest had seven signers, headlined by former New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist and former Pittsburgh Penguins star Jaromir Jagr, who also had a stint with the Rangers back in the day. All three Hughes brothers — Jack, Luke and Quinn — were also there this past weekend.
While the autographs and photo-ops weren’t cheap (they ranged in price from $75 to $200 for flats), at least collectors had choices. I hope the folks who run the National are taking notes on this one.
“Museum of Greatness”
Fanatics Fest’s “Museum of Greatness” featured cards and memorabilia from some of the greatest athletes in history. [Photo by Clemente Lisi]Not everything was positive for hockey collectors. Fanatics, in collaboration with Sports Illustrated, put together a pop-up museum during the three-day show featuring iconic magazine covers, cards and autographed jerseys.
The items on display featured such greats as Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Shohei Ohtani, Tom Brady, Lionel Messi, Caitlin Clark, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Aaron Judge.
Inexplicably missing from the exhibit was Gretzky. Odd not to see The Greet One included in a collection valued at some $200 million.
And it didn’t have anything to do with licensing. Clark has an exclusive deal with Panini America and her cards were there. It makes me think that hockey is collected by so few Americans that it falls behind even soccer these days.
Should Fanatics try this again at a future show, it would be great to have the greatest hockey player ever be part of it.
Overall, Fanatics Fest NYC was a positive experience amid the chaos this show has come to typify. If you can stand the loud music and crowds, then hockey fans should check out a future Fanatics Fest.
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.
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 Twitter @ClementeLisi.
View all posts by Clemente Lisi
2 thoughts on “Clemente’s Corner: Fanatics Fest NYC has Become a Place for Hockey Fans”
Hi Clemente very nice article on FFNYC,
With the presence of all the people and hockey players who were involved do you think it may have some affect for attendance at the National. Or is the FF going to be the next big event. For all collectors.
Hi Jordan! That’s a great question. It’s too early to know. The National still attracts people from all over North America. Fanatics Fest, at least for now, remains largely a New York/East Coast event. That could change in the years to come.
Hi Clemente very nice article on FFNYC,
With the presence of all the people and hockey players who were involved do you think it may have some affect for attendance at the National. Or is the FF going to be the next big event. For all collectors.
Jordan P
Hi Jordan! That’s a great question. It’s too early to know. The National still attracts people from all over North America. Fanatics Fest, at least for now, remains largely a New York/East Coast event. That could change in the years to come.