2010-11 Upper Deck #158 – Dave Bolland

Awesome photography has practically defined Upper Deck hockey cards since they entered the market in 1990. For two decades, the set’s range of close-ups, candid moments and action photos has brought us closer to the game we all know and love.

But on their 2010-11 card of Blackhawks’ center Dave Bolland, Upper Deck chose a photo that daringly moved a few steps back–taking us from being in the game, and putting us at the game instead.

It is being removed from the “on-ice” view that makes this card special.The poor composition makes the photo look like it was hastily snapped by a spectator with a cell phone camera. We see things from the fans’ perspective, as the picture was taken at least several rows back from the glass, in the midst of the United Center crowed. Our view of Bolland, through the glass, is partially obstructed by the stanchions and the outstretched arms of ‘Hawks fans.

We feel like we are there, celebrating Bolland’s goal with the other Blackhawks’ fans.

In using a less-than-ideal photo, Upper Deck made this moment feel all the more real.

Bolland scored 3 goals and 3 assists in the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals. This picture was taken seconds after he scored in Game 5. Here is video of that goal.

1989-90 Procards AHL/IHL #22 – Gordie Walker

You probably could not help but notice that the flaming hockey stick on the card above–a gimmick you most likely would not see today. But back in the 1990s, minor league hockey cards were a great source for all things wacky and tacky. From stupid mascots (hello Buzz the Beaver) to showboating for the camera, if it was a bad idea, it probably graced the front of a minor league hockey card. Continue reading “Card of the Week: Flame On!”

1990-91 ProCards AHL/IHL #294 – The Moose

Some old school hockey fans might think of Mark Messier when they hear a reference to “The Moose.” Yes, Messier was indeed moose-like–big, strong and hard to knock over–during his playing career. True hockey fans, however, know that hockey’s real moose is none other than The Moose–the mascot for the Rochester Americans. Continue reading “Card of the Week: The Moose”

Unlicensed Hockey Card, circa 1991

If there was ever a hockey card that made me both laugh and vomit at the same time, this would be the one. Entitled “New Kids on the Ice,” this bootleg card pictures Eric Lindros, Sergei Fedorov and Ed Belfour on the front.

Those players remind me of hockey in the early 1990s, which in turn makes me smile. But the title at the top is an obvious reference to the popular boy band of the time, New Kids on the Block. And that makes me nauseous. Hence the dual feelings elicited by this fake card.

Continue reading “Card of the Week: New Kids on the Ice”

2010-11 Score Rookie & Traded #659 – Taro Tsujimoto

Back in the 1970s, the NHL draft was not televised or open to the public. They were either held in a hotel or conducted via telephone. In the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft, Buffalo Sabres general manager George “Punch” Imlach was bored. So, in the 11th round he had a little fun and drafted a player that did not really exist – Taro Tsujimoto from the Tokyo Katanas of the Japan Hockey League. Continue reading “Card of the Week: Invalid Claim”

1993 Classic Superheroes #SS2 Manon Rheaume

Anyone who remembers hockey in the early 1990s of course remembers Manon Rheame – the first woman to play in an NHL exhibition game. Trading card company Classic issued over two dozen cards of Rheaume, including this odd super hero-themed card. Continue reading “Super Manon”

1992-93 Pinnacle card #233 – Sidelines Doug Gilmour

Why is Doug Gilmour dressed as a metrosexual cowboy?

Anyone who collected hockey cards in 1992 might have asked themselves that question. Of course, this was a good decade before the term metrosexual was even coined. Continue reading “Cattle Thief & Maple Leaf”

1992-93 Score American #486: Ray Leblanc

Goaltender Ray LeBlanc is not your typical One Game Wonder. Sure, he played exactly 1 game in the NHL, but he was the focus of national attention during the 1992 Winter Olympics, when he lead an unlikely U.S. squad into the medal round. Continue reading “Card of the Week: U-S-Ray!”

1973-74 Chicago Black Hawks Postcards – Dale Tallon

A number is more than just a number when it comes to sports . Many times, it becomes synonymous with the player itself. Thus, it is unwise to give a new player number last worn by a superstar. Those are some big skates to fill, and fans are always going to draw comparisons. But the Chicago Black Hawks ignored that logic in 1973 when they issued Dale Tallon number 9 – the very same digit made famous by Bobby Hull for 15 seasons. Continue reading “The Other Number Nine”

1992 Upper Deck Christmas card #8 of 10 – Ruff Play

Every so often, trading card companies would release Christmas-themed cards. The most famous for hockey collectors is most likely the 1991-92 Parkhurst Santa Claus card. A distant second might be this card, of a humble dog-turned-goalie. Continue reading “Puck-Stopping Pooch”