Clemente’s Corner: Hockey Collectors Find Their Place at the 2026 National
Every summer, the National Sports Collectors Convention is the place to be for card collectors. Dealers, grading companies, card manufacturers, athletes and thousands of passionate collectors gather under one roof to celebrate the hobby and the connections it creates.
Now in its 46th edition, the five-day event returned to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, showcasing everything from vintage treasures to the latest modern releases. While baseball, basketball and football continued to dominate the show floor, hockey once again carved out its presence, drawing dedicated collectors from across North America.
For hockey enthusiasts, the National is about far more than buying and selling cards or memorabilia. It is also an opportunity to reconnect with fellow collectors, discover new products, meet players and, for me, get a firsthand look at where the hobby is headed.
Throughout the convention, dealers specializing in hockey collectibles reported great traffic at their booths, especially on Friday and Saturday. Collectors searched display cases for Hall of Famers such as Wayne Gretzky and Patrick Kane (who recently returned to the Chicago Blackhawks), while interest in today’s young stars remained extremely high. Matthew Schaefer and Macklin Celebrini were among the most sought-after names.
Upper Deck’s Expanded Presence
U.S. Olympian Megan Keller signed autographs and talked with fans on Saturday. [Photo by Clemente Lisi]Autograph sessions remained a popular attraction throughout the week. This year’s hockey lineup featured six public signers, headlined by Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr and U.S. Olympian Megan Keller, who scored the gold medal-winning goal for the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Billy Smith, Reid Simpson, Grant Mulvey and Jerry Korab also met fans during scheduled appearances.
PWHL star Taylor Heise participated in box breaks and signed autographs at the Upper Deck booth at The National. [Photo by Clemente Lisi]At the Upper Deck booth, fellow U.S. Olympian Taylor Heise participated in a box break and signed oversized trading cards while interacting with collectors. More importantly, Upper Deck made a statement throughout the convention that hockey deserved a larger spotlight.
The company significantly expanded its footprint inside the convention center, transforming its booth into one of the show’s premier destinations for hockey fans. Visitors explored displays featuring game-worn rookie jerseys, autographed cards and a special exhibit celebrating the Blackhawks’ 100th anniversary with historic memorabilia. The expanded presentation highlighted both the history of the sport and the excitement surrounding its next generation.
Upper Deck had an impressive display at its booth that included signed memorabilia, replica trophies, TV screens showing highlights, and game-worn equipment. [Photo by Clemente Lisi]Upper Deck also created an interactive experience that kept collectors returning throughout the show. Player autograph sessions, live interviews, live box breaks, rookie jersey displays and opportunities to appear on custom trading cards gave attendees multiple reasons to stop by the booth. The attractions appealed to longtime hobby veterans while introducing younger fans to the excitement of collecting.
McKenna Madness and Redemptions
First-overall pick Gavin McKenna opened packs and interacted with fans at The National. [Photo courtesy of Upper Deck]One of the convention’s biggest hockey attractions was Upper Deck’s decision to relocate its annual NHL Rookie Showcase to Chicago from Washington, D.C. Twenty-one prospects visited the National to be photographed for their first official trading cards while participating in fan events and media opportunities.
The showcase gave collectors an early look at hockey’s future, with top overall draft pick Gavin McKenna of the Toronto Maple Leafs drawing particularly large crowds as he opened packs alongside young collectors and interacted with fans.
This year’s Upper Deck redemption packs guaranteed one autographed card in every pack.
Upper Deck also debuted a redesigned redemption program that generated excitement throughout the convention. Instead of requiring collectors to complete a traditional purchase list, the company introduced a timed drop every two hours. Participants who successfully completed the redemption received exclusive Black Packs containing one guaranteed autographed card, creating anticipation throughout each day while encouraging repeat visits to the booth.
The Collecting Community
Beyond the displays, exclusive products and autograph sessions, the National continues to thrive because of the people who attend it. Collectors traveled from across North America and around the world to reconnect with friends they often see only once a year. Conversations about favorite teams, recent pulls, collection goals and hobby trends filled the aisles, while dinners and after-hours gatherings extended those conversations well beyond the convention floor.
Hockey collectors trade cards at the Upper Deck booth. [Photo by Clemente Lisi]The hockey collecting community has long been known for its welcoming atmosphere. That reputation was once again evident throughout the event. Veteran collectors readily shared stories and advice with newcomers, while younger hobbyists found opportunities to learn from experienced dealers. That sense of community remains one of hockey’s greatest strengths within the broader sports card hobby.
As another National Sports Collectors Convention came to a close, the event again showed why it remains the hobby’s premier gathering. For hockey collectors, it offered more than the chance to buy cards or add memorabilia to their collections. It reinforced the friendships, traditions and a shared passion.
With anticipation already building for another NHL season, attendees left Chicago looking forward not only to the games ahead, but also to the next chance to celebrate the hobby together.
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.
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