When fans today talk about the NHL’s Original Six era, they speak highly of legends like Maurice Richard, Gordie Howe, or Jean Beliveau – but often neglect mentioning one of that time’s greatest stars – Frank Mahovlich. Today, Mahovlich hockey cards represent a chance to collect across multiple classic sets. Known as the “Big M”, Mahovlich had the size and skill which was … [Read more...] about The Big M: A Guide to Collecting Frank Mahovlich
1970s hockey cards
Phil Esposito’s Rookie Card a Slightly Confusing but Underrated Hobby Gem
I was involved in an interesting conversation about collecting last week while at an NHL game in Ottawa. There was a group of us who had taken more than a few trips around the sun, or were on the back nine, or whatever you want to say about old guys talking about hockey and hockey cards. One of them had mentioned that he heard on the pre-game show that it was recently the … [Read more...] about Phil Esposito’s Rookie Card a Slightly Confusing but Underrated Hobby Gem
Les Binkley Expo Appearance Triggers Memories Of A Kid Opening His First Ever Wax Pack
Have you ever had a random player that you have collected at one time or another? I’m not talking about Hall of Famers or superstars or even All-Stars. Maybe there is just one player that for some reason is your favorite and you have decided to collect him. There were a few of those players I collected in various sports for various reasons. As I gleamed over the … [Read more...] about Les Binkley Expo Appearance Triggers Memories Of A Kid Opening His First Ever Wax Pack
Hot Start: Collecting the Original Atlanta Flames
With the World Hockey Association threatening to bring high-level pro hockey to non-traditional markets in the early 1970s, the National Hockey League was ready to head them off at the pass. Among their moves was to bring the fast growing city of Atlanta into the fold. Minor league hockey had varying degrees of success below the Mason-Dixon line prior to the birth of the … [Read more...] about Hot Start: Collecting the Original Atlanta Flames
50 Years Later: Memories of the First WHA Trading Card Set and the Deal That Gave the League Its Big Star
I cringe when I say I am going to write about what I was doing 50 years ago this week. The reason I cringe is that it was 50 years ago and it feels like it was not that long ago. I have become that old guy that I used to make fun of for saying exactly what I just did. I will be honest, though, I don’t remember every wax box I cracked open in my lifetime. But this one, 50 … [Read more...] about 50 Years Later: Memories of the First WHA Trading Card Set and the Deal That Gave the League Its Big Star
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
1 of 2 PSA 10 Gretzky Rookie Cards Expected to Bring Seven-Figure Price
One of just two copies of Wayne Gretzky’s 1979-80 Topps rookie card to be awarded a PSA 10 grade will be on the market later this month. Heritage Auctions will offer one of them in its Summer Platinum Night Auction and it’s expected to sell for a record price. Overall, Gretzky’s rookie card isn’t rare. PSA alone has graded about 8,600 of them in the past 20 years. In … [Read more...] about 1 of 2 PSA 10 Gretzky Rookie Cards Expected to Bring Seven-Figure Price
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
Ken Dryden Rookie Card Turns 50
One of the most iconic hockey cards of all time is celebrating it’s 50th birthday this season. The Ken Dryden 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee and Topps rookie cards were first ripped from real wax as the sweet aroma of delicious, yet sometimes crispy, sticks of gum tingled the senses of collectors. The Dryden rookie card is widely considered the premier hockey card of the 1970s. Just … [Read more...] about Ken Dryden Rookie Card Turns 50
The Big Three: Collecting the Heart of the 1970s Montreal Canadiens
Throughout the 1970s, the Montreal Canadiens were the most dominant club in hockey. While the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers tried to wrestle that title away from them throughout the decade, the team's defense corps that featured the Hall of Fame trio of Larry Robinson, Serge Savard, and Guy Lapointe ensure that Lord Stanley's Mug was staying with the Bleu, Blanc et … [Read more...] about The Big Three: Collecting the Heart of the 1970s Montreal Canadiens