At one point, there were skeptics who said that the numbers and stats put up by Connor Bedard should be taken with a grain of salt. They weren't in big games. They didn't come when it mattered. On Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, that changed. Bedard delivered a spectacular performance and scored one of the most epic goals in Canadian international hockey history in overtime as Canada … [Read more...] about Wave of Connor Bedard-mania Spreads Through Hockey World
Johnny Rodgers’ Legendary College Career Didn’t Lead to Football Cards Until Much Later
Have you ever sat around with a group of collectors and talked about how some players just seem to have countless cards produced during their careers? We can all think of that promising middle reliever or outfield prospect who get hundreds of cards made but ends up with a short and mediocre career. The same goes for that promising wide receiver who is a bust, or maybe that … [Read more...] about Johnny Rodgers’ Legendary College Career Didn’t Lead to Football Cards Until Much Later
Remembering Don West: The Ultimate Hobby Pitch Man
The world of sports collectibles has lost a true icon and a larger-than-life personality. Don West, the longtime pitchman of sports card packages on Shop at Home TV, passed away Dec. 30 at the age of 59. He had been battling brain lymphoma for about a year and a half. Perhaps Don is more well known as the commentator for TNA Impact Wrestling. If it was humanly possible … [Read more...] about Remembering Don West: The Ultimate Hobby Pitch Man
Everything’s Bigger at the Fall Sport Card Expo, Now Underway in Toronto
The Toronto Fall Sport Card Expo is underway and it is shaping up to be the biggest fall sports show in years. “Every show is getting bigger and better,” said show owner and promoter Steve Menzie. “This show is going to be bigger than the spring show.” When Menzie says bigger and better, he literally means in every way. The show was set to get underway with a preview … [Read more...] about Everything’s Bigger at the Fall Sport Card Expo, Now Underway in Toronto
Hobby Feels Ripple Effect of Hockey Canada Scandal
The deepening scandal involving Hockey Canada has tentacles that have wrapped themselves around the hockey card collecting season. In the midst of the annual Tim Hortons NHL hockey card promotion in Canada, the quick service restaurant chain has withdrawn its sponsorship from Hockey Canada. Tim Hortons, a brand more aligned with hockey that any major corporation in Canada, … [Read more...] about Hobby Feels Ripple Effect of Hockey Canada Scandal
Tim Hortons Upper Deck Hockey Is Back
There is frost on the ground, the leaves have changed color on the trees, and the NHL season is about to begin. All of that adds up to one thing. The annual Tim Hortons Upper Deck NHL hockey card program is back for another year. Timmy’s dropped the puck on the 2022-23 promotion Mon., Oct. 3. Guests can get a pack of three cards for $1 with a purchase of any qualifying … [Read more...] about Tim Hortons Upper Deck Hockey Is Back
How Paul Henderson Autographs Ended Up In 1997-98 Certified Hockey
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