Hockey Cards

Career in Cards: Jean-Paul “J.P.” Parise

1971-72_OPCJean-Paul “J.P.” Parise passed away on Wednesday at the age of 73 after a year-long battle with lung cancer. It’s always tough to see one of our hockey heroes pass away, and though I never saw Parise play, I admired him. He had a steady, 12-year career in the NHL, reaching the 20-goal mark seven times. Parise also represented Canada in the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union. He reached the 20-goal plateau seven times. Here is a look back at his career achievements as a player, illustrated with his hockey cards. Continue reading “Career in Cards: Jean-Paul “J.P.” Parise”

Randy Carlyle looks worried on this card

carlyle_largeThis is not a very flattering hockey card of Randy Carlyle. No, it isn’t as embarrassing as Glen Hanlon’s OPC Leaders card, or as bad as Bryan Pitton’s Score card. But it still sucks.

Just look at Carlyle’s face on his 1987-88 Topps trading card. Is he experiencing bad gas? Or a toothache? Did playing for the Winnipeg Jets in the late 1980s take its toll on him?carlyle_headOr…is Carlyle having that daydream again? You know, the one where he’s the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs 25 years in the future? Well, he won’t have to worry about that anymore.

carlyle_thought

Regardless, this is one of the few hockey cards that Carlyle will not autograph. ■

1994-95 Action Packed Big Picture Collectible Promo Posters

packaging_frontFormer trading card company Action Packed had big plans to make hockey collectibles for the 1994-95 season. But those plans never unfolded. One odd set that was promoted in 1994 but never released was Big Picture, a series of 84 card-sized collectibles that unfolded to reveal a poster. Continue reading “1994-95 Action Packed Big Picture Collectible Promo Posters”

Career in Cards: Daniel Alfredsson

2005-06_bDaniel Alfredsson officially retired yesterday after participating in a pregame skate with the Ottawa Senators, then giving his retirement speech. He spent 18 seasons in the NHL. Alfredsson won rookie if the year honors in 1996, played in the All-Star Game six times, and was a point-per-game player for most of his career. Most of these accomplishments were during the “dead puck era,” where NHL scoring steadily declined. Here’s a look back at Alfredsson’s career — with the help of a few trading cards. Continue reading “Career in Cards: Daniel Alfredsson”

Cards of Martin Brodeur in his new jersey

1971-72_brodeurMartin Brodeur signed a contract with the St. Louis Blues yesterday. No doubt, cards of Brodeur as a Blues player will be included in upcoming sets like Upper Deck Series Two.

But why wait for that? Why even wait for an official photo of Marty donning the Blue note? Thirty years ago, card companies didn’t wait; they took matters into their own hands — and so did I.

Want a card of Brodeur with the Blues? Well, I made four. Continue reading “Cards of Martin Brodeur in his new jersey”

2014-15 Upper Deck Series 1 box break #1

box_1Upper Deck Hockey is the one set I’ve looked forward to each year for the past 25 years. It’s a great mix of  high-quality production values, a decent-sized base set (when counting Series 1 and 2), plus all the rookies that matter. So, of course when this year’s set came out, you know I had to buy a box or three. There’s nothing more relaxing than watching a hockey game while opening up some cards. And that’s just what I did. Continue reading “2014-15 Upper Deck Series 1 box break #1”

Deja Vu Tuesday: Phil Esposito

espo_1I like this photo of Phil Esposito. His hair is a mess, his face contemplative.  It’s a great portrait of the Hall of Fame center. You can see the captain’s “C,” the double 7s — the reason Wayne Gretzky decided it was OK to wear double 9s — and the Rangers shield logo. The O-Pee-Chee card company must have liked it too, because they used it again, even when they probably shouldn’t have. Continue reading “Deja Vu Tuesday: Phil Esposito”