Hockey Headlines for April 1, 2013

Here are today’s top headlines in the world of hockey card collecting.

New variants of Flames Red Rooster cards discovered

hull2Four previously unheard-of variations from the 1987-88 Calgary Flames “Red Rooster” set were discovered last week at a card shop in Calgary.  The set, given away at Red Rooster grocery stores during the 1987-88 season, contains 30 cards, including known variations of Lanny McDonald, Joe Nieuwendyk and Hakan Loob.

Now, it appears that variations of cards for Shane Churla, Gary Suter, Ric Nattress and Brett Hull were also produced but pulled last-minute before the giveaway. While both the normal and rare variant cards use the same photographs, the variants offer different “safety tips” under the player’s name.

Below are the original cards (left) and the long-lost variants:

churlasuternattresshullAt press time, a representative from Red Rooster Food Stores declined to comment.

Panini to release set dedicated to stay-at-home defensemen

homeboys

Following up their popular “All Goalies” set from two years ago, Panini America announced the release of a new set of just stay-at-home defnesemen called “Home Boys.”

“Now collectors can get their hands on the tried-and-true, blue chip players who do their job day-in and day-out without any thanks or applause,” reads a press release from the company.

“You can find all of your favorite shot-blocking, low-risk, twelve-to-sixteen minute a night guys in one great set, such as Ladislav Smid, Nicklas Hjalmarsson and Hal Gill. ” The set will also feature some of the most legendary “homies,” including Bob Murray, Brad Marsh and Harold Snepsts.

For $19.95, collectors can purchase the complete boxed set, which includes 5 bonus “chipped tooth” variant cards.

In other news…
Happy April Fools Day!

Further reading:
Hockey Headlines for April 1, 2012
Hockey Headlines for April 1, 2011

I was on TV recently. Sort of.

piece_03
Earlier this month, I attended the taping of a pilot episode for a new TV show called “A Piece of the Game.” Think “Antiques Roadshow,” but about sports memorabilia. Scott Beatty, the co-owner of AU Sports Memorabilia, was one of the appraisers on the show, and asked if I would be willing to appear on the show and bring some of my hockey autographs.

I agreed to, and even bought a swanky card frame to display my 20 best Blackhawks autographed cards.

Of course, nothing ever goes as planned. Continue reading “I was on TV recently. Sort of.”

A Recap of Last Weekend’s Card Show

March_Card_Show
Yes, I am wearing a Penguins jersey. Why do you ask?

This past Friday and Saturday I went to the Chicago Sun-Times Sports Collectibles Convention. Apparently it was the “46th Annual” show, but this show happens twice a year and sure has hell has not been going on for 46 years. I don’t pretend to understand the show’s numbering system, but I do look forward to this twice-annual show like a pilgrim looks forward to a religious sojourn.  Continue reading “A Recap of Last Weekend’s Card Show”

1954-55 Gump Worsley & Alex Delvecchio

1954-55 Topps #10 - Lorne Worsley 1954-55 Topps #39 - Alex Delvecchio
Lately, I’ve been finding a lot of great vintage cards. My latest two vintage additions are 1954-55 Topps Hockey cards of Lorne “Gump” Worsley and Alex Delvecchio. Unfortunately, the 1954-55 Topps set is not one that I am currently focusing on. That, for me personally, is a bit of a problem, since I tend to end up owning a handful of cards from many different sets, instead of hyperfocusing on finishing one set before moving on. (More scans after the jump). Continue reading “1954-55 Gump Worsley & Alex Delvecchio”

Patrice Bergeron Substitution Card

Patrice BergeronBack in July 2012, I first asked “Where in the World is Patrice Bergeron?” This was after waiting over a year for a redemption card that would supposedly bear Bergeron’s signature and a piece of a patch from one of his game-used jerseys.

The card in question was from the 2010-11 SP Authentic set, so the fact that Upper Deck did not have this card ready to ship out in the middle of 2012 had me perplexed. Was it that Upper Deck could not get Bergeron to sign the cards? Or was it that they could not secure a patch to cut up and put on the cards? I don’t think securing a game-used Patrice Bergeron jersey would be all that difficult for Upper Deck. And Bergeron has autographed cards for me in the past. So, I don’t know what the deal is.

Then last week, I received this letter, addressing the plight of my Bergeron card:

Upper Deck LogoDear Valued Customer,

Congratulations on finding your Upper Deck redemption card(s). We appreciate your patience and support of our redemption process. We strive to obtain athletes’ autographs and/or memorabilia before we launch a product, but unfortunately that is not always possible. Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to complete your card.

We apologize we were unable to deliver the item you were hoping to receive. We have exchanged your card for another comparable item, according to the policy in place on redemption offers. Please be assured that Upper Deck strives to produce the finest, highest quality trading card products and memorabilia. Unforuntately, we are not always able to control or predict all the circumstances surrounding the procurement of autographs and/or memorabilia items. We hope you enjoy this exchanged item and that it finds a cherished place in your collection.

Sincerely,

The Upper Deck Company

The letter didn’t really explain WHY I wasn’t getting the card, but that’s OK. Usually, when Upper Deck issues a substitution, they do not disappoint.

And in this case, they did not disappoint me. Enclosed in the padded envelope along with the form letter was this card:

2007-08 SP Authentic #201 - Tukka RaaskNeedless to say, I was floored. A 2007-08 SP Authentic Tuukka Rask rookie card, autographed on-card and serial-numbered is way cooler than a 2010-11 SP Authentic Patrice Bergeron autographed patch card–especially since said card of Bergeron does not exist.

I guess Upper Deck could have thrown an auto/patch card of any player and called it a day. Instead, they sent me a 5-year old rookie card that has since accumulated some demand in the secondary market The last two copies of this card on ebay sold for $100 and $130. This more than makes up for what was initially promised.

Coincidentally, this is the second time for me that Patrice Bergeron has been a part of an Upper Deck substitution. In 2009, the company sent me an autographed Bergeron card to compensate for a sub-par jersey card I pulled.

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My Outdoor Hockey League article in March 18 issue of The Hockey News

The Hockey News - March 18, 2013I can scratch another goal off of my “bucket list.” In the March 18 issue of The Hockey News, I have a full-page article entitled “Picture Perfect.” Normally, I write short, card-related articles for THN called “In the Cards.” This is my first full-page article for THN, and my first article for them that focuses on hockey instead of trading cards.

“Picture Perfect” is about the Chicago Outdoor Hockey League, a recreational league that plays all of their games in outdoor rinks and has enjoyed rapid growth. In February, the COHL held their all-star game at Soldier Field, which was the first-ever hockey game held at the famous football stadium.

The March 18 issue of The Hockey News should hit newsstands and mailboxes later this week. If you happen to read the article, please let me know what you think of it.

Almost a Third of the 1961-62 Topps Set

45Normally, the 1961-92 Topps (don’t call it O-Pee-Chee) Hockey Set is not one I go after. I’m too fixated on 1963-64 Parkhurst and 1957-58 Topps when I go to card shows in search of vintage. But my local card shop recently acquired some 1961-62 Topps, and the prices were fair (around half  or less of “hi” Beckett). It’s hard to walk away from that when the cards have decent corers, great gloss, no creases and clean backs–especially in a larger quantity. (Pictures after the jump). Continue reading “Almost a Third of the 1961-62 Topps Set”