From Something Bad Came Something Good
An interesting note appeared on my Facebook timeline yesterday: I started the Puck Junk Facebook Group six years ago. The exact date I created the group was March 13, 2020.
So, why is March 13, 2020, relevant?
March 13 was the same date that the United States declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency.
The night before, on March 12, the Chicago Sports Spectacular was cancelled due to the state of Illinois ordering that large public gatherings cease for the next 30 days. Those 30 days ended up being over a year.
It was also on March 12 that the NHL suspended its season until further notice. All pro sports went on hiatus, then gradually returned in the late summer.
And on March 12, I was informed by the college that I teach at that I would be teaching remotely for at least the next two weeks. Those two weeks ended up being 18 months!
Illinois also announced on March 13, 2020, that the state would be shutting down all non-essential businesses starting on March 16.
I had no hockey to watch on TV. I couldn’t attend any card shows or visit my local card shop. I didn’t have to go to work but I also couldn’t really go anywhere, either. I had a lot of free time on my hands.
So, I started the Puck Junk Facebook Group as way that I could communicate with Puck Junk blog readers and Puck Junk Podcast listeners. I was also going through a rough time in my life, so I welcomed this new diversion, and welcomed having a forum to interact with my fellow hockey collectors.
In the six years since, the group has grown from just a handful of people to, as of yesterday, a cool 1,000 members.
And the group is still growing!
Over the past six years, I’ve made many new friends and bought some great hockey collectibles from the trustworthy people who participate in the Puck Junk Facebook Group.
But this group isn’t just a place for buying, selling, or trading. There are many Facebook groups for that. I tried to focus our group on talking about the hobby that we love.
I’ve had rousing discussions about Pro Set error cards, the high prices of new cards, debated the pros and cons of grading, and learned some great collecting advice from our members.
Thanks to those of you who participate in the Puck Junk Facebook Group and for making a good group into great one.
Note: This article is an updated version of an editorial that originally appeared in Volume 4 – Issue 12 of the Puck Junk Newsletter. For stories like these, plus news and updates about hockey cards and collectibles, subscribe to the newsletter here.
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