Upper Deck has signed 17-year-old hockey prospect Brayden Yager to an exclusive card, autograph and memorabilia deal. The NHL’s trading card partner will be the sole producer of his autographed trading cards and a new memorabilia collection that includes authenticated hockey pucks, limited edition jerseys and memorabilia featuring Yager’s image and autograph.
Yager, the Canadian-born center for the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Western Hockey League, is the first player from that club to be named the CHL Rookie of the Year. During the 2021-22 season, he scored 59 points, including 34 goals in just 63 games, breaking a 38-year-old franchise record for most goals by a 16-year-old. Yager is currently projected to be a top-five pick in the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft.
Upper Deck President Jason Masherah highlighted Yager’s “exceptional talent and love for the game” in announcing the pact with the Prince Albert, Saskatchewan native.
“When you look at some of the legendary and world-class hockey players associated with Upper Deck, it’s a dream come true to be included with such world-class athletes.” Yager stated.
In a draft diary he’s writing for NHL.com, Yager recalled growing up watching in awe as some young prospects, including Leion Draisaitl, came visit one of his team’s practices.
“I remember him being in the hallway after the event, untying his skates and I remember asking my dad if I should ask him for a stick. He said, ‘Sure, why not?’ So I went out and it took a lot of nerves. I remember being super nervous, but I asked him for a stick, and he was really good about it. He said ‘Sure’ and signed it for me. It had a huge impact on me as a kid and I definitely won’t forget that.”
Upper Deck Authenticated’s Yager memorabilia will include Moose Jaw Warriors jerseys, hockey pucks, and the 20”x16” “Cold Strike autographed print depicting Yager shooting a puck on the ice donning his black Warriors jersey. The UDA collection also includes limited edition memorabilia of the WHL Moose Jaw Warriors jerseys and the “Cold Strike” print, both inscribed “CHL ROY”. Prices range from $300-$1,000.
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