Hockey cards, collectibles and culture
Upper Deck was granted a licensing extension with both the National Hockey League and the NHL Players’ Association on Thursday (press release here) This is surprising, given Upper Deck’s recent legal troubles. First, they were sued by Konami for making counterfeit Yu-Gi-Oh trading cards. Upper Deck settled out of court on January 10 of this … Continue reading “Upper Deck renews hockey trading card license”
Chris Chelios adorns the front of this year’s Champ’s Hockey set. 20 packs per box 5 cards per pack (3 standard-sized cards, 2 mini-sized cards) 4 “hits” per box (jerseys and/or autographed cards) Between $65-$70 per box I thoroughly enjoyed last year’s Champ’s Hockey set. Sure, some of the cards–of dinosaurs and passenger pigeons and … Continue reading “2009-10 Champ’s Hockey box break #1”
About two weeks ago, I purchased a second box of 2008-09 Champ’s Hockey. I got it for $90 even…how could I refuse? Of course, I must ask why I’m paying $90 for a box of cards in the first place! Despite the high price, I guess I really love the design of the cards. Three … Continue reading “2008-09 Champ’s Hockey box break #2”
Back in April, I purchased a box of 2008-09 Champ’s Hockey. It was somewhat of a weak moment. I had just received my income tax return, and I went to a new card shop that I had never visited before. The dealer told me that he’d sell me a box of Champ’s for $100, including … Continue reading “2008-09 Champ’s Hockey box breakdown”
Really, really, really old school design makes for an interesting distraction Retro-themed sets based on early 20th century design – such as Upper Deck’s “Champ’s” brand of hockey cards, or Topps “Alan & Ginther” baseball cards – are a popular trend with collectors right now. While few can afford the original cards of Art Ross … Continue reading “Review: 2003-04 Topps C55 Hockey”
Lame design and low-quality besmirch the OPC name For the second year in a row, Topps has leased the name “O-Pee-Chee” to Upper Deck for use in branding a large set of hockey trading cards. Whereas the prior year’s set of cards was a bit more appealing, this year’s set proves that Upper Deck could … Continue reading “Review: 2007-08 O-Pee-Chee Hockey”
This past Saturday, I went to the twice-yearly Chicago Sun-Times Sports Collectors Convention. The show is held in March and November. Back in November, I purchased the one card I needed to complete my 1970-71 Topps Hockey Set. This time around, I had similar luck. Here’s some of the cards I picked up: This 1969-70 … Continue reading “Hockey card haul”
Strange Sports Stories, Volume 2, Number 5, May–June 1974 One afternoon, my former roommate Dave — who played floor hockey with me in college — came home from his job at the local comic book store. “Sal, I found something you’d love,” he said as he handed me a beat-up old comic book from the … Continue reading “The Hockey-Mask of Death!”
The set with a split personality. At a glance: – 1981-82 Topps Hockey – 198 cards — 66 nationally-distributed cards (1-66) — 66 “East” cards (67-132) — 66 “West” cards (67-132) – Size: 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ – Download Checklist Featuring a very cool design, the 1981-82 Topps Hockey set was an odd release. … Continue reading “Review: 1981-82 Topps Hockey”
Drop by Booth #700 and Get a Free “Bad Hockey Card” Set I will be at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland later this week to sell some t-shirts and hockey cards – and to promote the Puck Junk Podcast. Are you coming to the National this year? Visit me at Booth #700 – … Continue reading “Visit Puck Junk at the National This Week”