Everything You Need to Know About the Upcoming Virtual Expo

As many of you know by now, the Spring Sport Card Expo is taking place this weekend as a “Virtual Expo.” Sure, you won’t be able to walk around a convention floor and sift through cards until your fingers are numb. We all miss that experience, but the promoters of the Sport Card Expo are giving us the next-best thing: the first-ever Virtual Expo! It will be an opportunity to meet other collectors, buy some cards and other collectibles, and hear special guests tell stories during panel discussions. If that wasn’t cool enough, the Virtual Expo is now free for attendees. Read on to learn about what you need to get the most out of this weekend’s upcoming “Virtual Expo.”

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Puck Junk Pack Break: 1990-91 Pro Set Hockey Series 1

If you are anything like me, you are probably thinking, “Man, what the world really needs right now is another chubby geek opening packs of trading cards on YouTube.” 

Thus, I am happy to report that I am going to start doing hockey card pack breaks on YouTube. Or perhaps I should say restart, as I did do a few pack breaks on YouTube back in 2011, when I was less chubby but equally as geeky. 

Truth be told, I’ve been itching to restart making pack break videos ever since the COVID-19 pandemic gave me good reason to shelter-at-home. I work from home, and spend most of my time at home. I’m around my collection a lot more, and rediscovered a two-column shoe box of unopened hockey packs from various sets and years…and I think it is time I start opening these packs! 

But before I could attempt to become the George Lucas of hockey card pack break videos — who you calling scruffy-looking? — I had to change my living situation first. I had to find a new place to live, pack my belongings, move, unpack and get settled. I’m unpacked and settled enough that I can finally start creating some videos. 

To launch the return of my pack break videos, I’m starting with a pack of my favorite  cards of all-time: 1990-91 Pro Set Hockey Series 1. You get a lot of cards in the pack — and I actually got an extra card in this one. Plus, I pulled a pretty good card…well, good for Pro Set. 

If you watch this video, please fire off a comment, either here or on YouTube. Let me know what you think, either about the video itself and how it could be better, or about the cards that I got in this pack. Oh, and please be sure to subscribe to the Puck Junk YouTube Channel. ■ 

Love hockey collectibles and/or hockey culture? Join the new Puck Junk Facebook Group and follow Sal Barry on Twitter @PuckJunk. 

What if…the Quebec Nordiques Drafted Denis Savard?

How a series of backroom deals 40 years ago robbed the Quebec Nordiques of a future superstar — and gave the Chicago Blackhawks one of their all-time greats

Forty years ago today, on June 11, 1980, the NHL held its annual draft in Montreal. With the third overall pick, the Chicago Blackhawks selected Denis Savard, a skillful and speedy center who became the face of the franchise during the 1980s. Savard dazzled fans with his moves and was part of the team’s rebuild towards respectability. Any media guide or team-written biography will tell you of Savard’s offensive prowess. What is almost never mentioned is that Chicago’s selection of Savard was a perfect storm of backroom negotiations by the Blackhawks, a poor decision by the Quebec Nordiques, unfair rules against expansion teams – and the stellar play of a fellow Quebecor named Réal Cloutier.

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Puck Junk Podcast: June 9, 2020

1989-90 Topps & O-Pee-Chee Hockey Cards

Sal Barry and Tim Parish look back 30 years at the 1989-90 Topps and O-Pee-Chee hockey card sets and reminisce about why those sets were awesome then — and still awesome today. Plus, they talk about the upcoming  “Virtual” Sport Card Expo happening June 19-20. Today’s episode is  90 minutes of pure hockey goodness! 

Show Notes, Images and Links: 
Upper Deck Game Dated Moments for Week 35 (Upper Deck Blog)
2019-20 SP Authentic Checklist (Cardboard Connection)
Sport Card Expo Virtual Expo (website)
The first Puck Junk Podcast from May 12, 2015 (Puck Junk)
1989-90 Topps Review & Checklist (Puck Junk)
1989-90 O-Pee-Chee Checklist (Trading Card DB)
1989-90 O-Pee-Chee Tembec Test Prototype Cards (Puck Junk)
1991-92 Pro Set Niedermayer and Falloon Pro Set Cards (Puck Junk)
1999-2000 Century Legends Ken Dryden “not-a-card” card (Puck Junk)
1996-97 Donruss Elite Lindros & Lemieux uncirculated card (Puck Junk)
Tim’s “Opening Packs in Cars” Videos (YouTube)

Images of 1989-90 Topps and O-Pee-Chee cards:

1989-90 Topps #156 – Wayne Gretzky

1989-90 Topps #1 – Mario Lemieux

1989-90 Topps #113 – Joe Sakic

1989-90 Topps #136 – Brian Leetch

1989-90 O-Pee-Chee #235 – Larry Robinson

1989-90 O-Pee-Chee #63 – Randy Cunneyworth

1989-90 O-Pee-Chee #278 – Borje Salming

1989-90 Topps #189 – Guy Lafleur

1989-90 Topps #132 – Alain Chevrier

1989-90 Topps #74 – Doug Gilmour

1989-90 Topps #11 – Peter Sidorkiewdz

1989-90 Topps Hockey wrapper

Comparison of Tembec test issue and standard O-Pee-Chee card: 

Tembec card is in the middle; standard O-Pee-Chee card is on the right. 

The infamous Randy Cunneyworth error — is it real? 

Note that the text that reads “Pittsburgh Penguins” on the card front — that is the error. If you have this card, Sal will buy or trade you for it. 

Follow Sal Barry on Twitter @PuckJunk.
Follow Tim Parish on Twitter @TheRealDFG. 
Podcast music by Jim “Not the Goalie” Howard.

Subscribe to the Puck Junk Hockey Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Podchaser, PocketCasts, Castbox , Castro,
Overcast, TuneIn and SoundCloud.

Love hockey? Join the new Puck Junk Facebook Group 

Support this podcast and buy a shirt from the Puck Junk Online Shop. ■

Blake’s Takes: Black Lives Matter

The United States is still reeling from the death of George Floyd and the increased exposure of police brutality towards black people and people of color. In this edition of Blake’s Takes, I’ll highlight some very important steps the NHL and its players are taking to combat racism both internally and externally. I’ll also share my perspective on the league’s decision to move into Phase 2 of its Return to Play plan. #BlackLivesMatter
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Puck Junk Podcast: June 5, 2020

The NHL and Racial Justice

In this episode, Sal Barry is joined by guest co-host Blake Isaacs, the author of the weekly Blake’s Takes column. They discuss the reaction to the past week of violence and civil unrest by the NHL and some of its players. Sal and Blake also talk about the Red Wings’ next team captain and the logo design for the Henderson Silver Knights. 

Show Notes and Links:
Shea Weber’s statement (NHL.com)
John Tavares’ statement (Twitter)
Jonathan Toews’ statement (Instagram)
NHL statement calls on racial justice (NHL.com)
How J.T Brown’s protest reveals the worst of hockey’s racist and political bias (SB Nation)
John Vanbiesbrouck Resigns After Using Racial Slur (New York Times)
List of Bail Funds for Protestors across the Country (via GitHub)
Black Lives Matter Chicago (official website) 
Henderson Silver Knights logo details (picture)
Henderson Silver Knights official website
Toledo Walleye logo (picture)
Peoria Rivermen logo, circa 2006 (picture)
Lansing Lugnuts Mascot “Big Lug” (picture)
Kia Soul commercial with hamsters (YouTube)

Follow Sal Barry on Twitter @PuckJunk.
Follow Blake Isaacs on Twitter @bisaacs1995.
Podcast music by Jim “Not the Goalie” Howard.

Subscribe to the Puck Junk Hockey Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Podchaser, PocketCasts, Castbox , Castro,
Overcast, TuneIn and SoundCloud.

Love hockey? Join the new Puck Junk Facebook Group 

Support this podcast and buy a shirt from the Puck Junk Online Shop. ■

Blake’s Takes: Racism in Hockey

The most important thing I can share are my thoughts on the radical racial injustices occurring in this country. These injustices are abhorrent and I needed to speak out. My comments will tie into hockey, of course. But, hockey is only a vehicle to illustrate how we need to improve. I hope this makes some of you outraged and encourages you to speak out. I also hope it makes some of you uncomfortable and more willing to listen to your fellow humans that just happen to look different than you. This is a time for all of us to get involved and improve as people. We need to stop the horrific injustice towards black people and other minorities in the US and Canada.

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Hockey is Officially Back: Breaking Down the 24-Team Playoff

*Clears throat* Hockey is back, baby!

On Tuesday, the NHL released a video of commissioner Gary Bettman explaining the NHL’s decision to push through the COVID-19 pandemic and finish the season. A lot was explained, some things tentative and others not. I’ll break down Bettman’s explanation and gives my thoughts on the now official 24-team playoff. Continue reading “Hockey is Officially Back: Breaking Down the 24-Team Playoff”

Puck Junk Podcast: May 27, 2020

The NHL Plans to Restart

The NHL is back! Well, it will be back in July — hopefully — with 24 postseason teams, qualifying rounds, and a convoluted, two-phase draft lottery. Sal Barry and Tim Parish break down every aspect of the NHL’s proposed “return to play” plan, weighing the pros and cons of each detail. After listing to this show, be sure to chime in and let us know what you think of the NHL’s return strategy. 

Show Notes and Links
Commissioner Gary Bettman outlines the NHL’s plan to return (YouTube)
Pat Foley rips Alexander Karpovtsev during hockey game (YouTube)
Sal’s article about the Russian Penguins (The Hockey News)

Follow Sal Barry on Twitter @PuckJunk.
Follow Tim Parish on Twitter @TheRealDFG. 
Podcast music by Jim “Not the Goalie” Howard.

Subscribe to the Puck Junk Hockey Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Podchaser, PocketCasts, Castbox , Castro,
Overcast, TuneIn and SoundCloud.

Love hockey? Join the new Puck Junk Facebook Group 

Support this podcast and buy a shirt from the Puck Junk Online Shop. ■

Blake’s Takes: We Have News!

Sometimes when I wait until Monday to write this it pays off. The NHL released some big news on Monday which gives me something worthwhile to write about out. I’m noticing a trend where the big news is released on Mondays.

That news was that the league announced the logistics for their next phase in their plan to return to hockey. Not only that, but the NHLPA also opted to move forward with the proposed 24-team playoff. It looks like hockey might be coming back. Keep reading to see my thoughts with a few other takes sprinkled in.

Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: We Have News!”