Fifty years ago this week, the Canada-Soviet hockey Summit Series came to a thrilling conclusion. Paul Henderson scored the winning goal with 34 seconds left as Team Canada beat the Soviet Union. It was probably the biggest moment in Canadian history other than maybe the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917 or D-Day in 1944. And, yes, it was even bigger than the iconic Canadian … [Read more...] about How Paul Henderson Autographs Ended Up In 1997-98 Certified Hockey
1972 Summit Series: Hockey’s Most Iconic Photo Turns 50
One of the things I've always loved about collecting sports cards was the photography used to create them. My uncle was an award-winning sports photographer and taught me a lot about lighting and depth when shooting sports. I loved the poses on cards from when I began collecting as a five-year-old in 1969 through the 1980s. When Upper Deck and Pro Set came along, I loved the … [Read more...] about 1972 Summit Series: Hockey’s Most Iconic Photo Turns 50
50th Anniversary Of Hockey’s Greatest Series Stirs Memories Of 1972-73 O-Pee-Chee Hockey
We all have great childhood memories. And if you were interested in sports when you were a kid – chances are you were if you are reading this– you probably have some go to moments to reflect upon. Depending on how old you are, that moment may be Joe Namath leading the Jets to Super Bowl III. It may be Hank Aaron’s 715th career home run. It may be Reggie Jackson’s three home … [Read more...] about 50th Anniversary Of Hockey’s Greatest Series Stirs Memories Of 1972-73 O-Pee-Chee Hockey
When Pinnacle Imploded At The NHL Draft
The NHL Draft is a big day on the calendar for the hockey collector. Montreal will be buzzing with fans and collectors this weekend as Upper Deck once again plays a major role as title sponsor. When I look back on my time in the industry, probably the best thing I was responsible for was the annual card and collectibles show at the draft. It’s nothing to gloat about, though, … [Read more...] about When Pinnacle Imploded At The NHL Draft
Is Cale Makar the Most Collectible Defenseman Since Bobby Orr?
If the 2022 Stanley Cup finals will be remembered by collectors for one thing, it will be for the explosion of interest for Cale Makar in the hobby. The 23-year-old Colorado Avalanche star won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman last week--then added the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs Sunday night. His graded rookie cards and variations … [Read more...] about Is Cale Makar the Most Collectible Defenseman Since Bobby Orr?
Will Alexis Lafrenière Rookie Cards Rebound?
The New York Rangers’ playoff run ended in a humbling way, as the Tampa Bay Lightning came back from a 2-0 deficit to win four straight games to advance to their third straight Stanley Cup Final. For hockey collectors, this was an interesting series with fascinating hobby consequences. The media and analysts continuously tried to sell the puck public on Alexis … [Read more...] about Will Alexis Lafrenière Rookie Cards Rebound?
Jagr, Hull, Team Canada ’72 Stars Highlight Toronto Spring Expo
It had been three years since the last Sport Card and Memorabilia Spring Expo in Toronto, but the general consensus was that it was worth the wait. The show, commonly referred to in the hobby as ‘Canada’s National’, had been postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19 and moved to a virtual format. Having collectors and dealers back in person at the International Centre near the … [Read more...] about Jagr, Hull, Team Canada ’72 Stars Highlight Toronto Spring Expo
Spring Expo 1991 Flashback: How The Hottest Product In The Hobby Became A Punch Line
With the Toronto Spring Expo fast approaching, I wanted to go back through time and think about some memorable shows from past years. I attended by first Toronto Spring Expo in 1991. I had just started working for Canadian Sportscard Collector magazine, which in its infancy was in a newspaper format rather than a magazine format. While the show has always been very … [Read more...] about Spring Expo 1991 Flashback: How The Hottest Product In The Hobby Became A Punch Line
Spring Expo Expected To Be Biggest Show In Canadian History
For the first time since 2019, there will be an in-person Toronto Sport Card and Memorabilia Spring Expo. The show will begin Thurs., June 2 and run through Sun., June 5 at the Toronto International Centre on Airport Road near Pearson Airport. Historically, the semi-annual show has been unofficially referred to by many in the hobby as the “Canadian national.” The Fall Expo … [Read more...] about Spring Expo Expected To Be Biggest Show In Canadian History
Drafts, Trades and Head Transplants: Guy Lafleur’s Domino Impact On 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee Hockey
The hockey world stopped to pay tribute to Guy Lafleur over the last two weeks. In some NHL arenas, it was a tribute on the jumbotron. In others, it meant more. In Ottawa, for example, the Senators hosted the Montreal Canadiens the day after the hockey legend's passing. There was a moment of silence and a tribute, and there was not a dry eye in the house. As I stood there, … [Read more...] about Drafts, Trades and Head Transplants: Guy Lafleur’s Domino Impact On 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee Hockey