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
1970s hockey cards
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
Capital Punishment: Hockey Cards of the Original Washington Capitals
With the World Hockey Association spreading into markets throughout North America in the early 1970s, the National Hockey League needed to combat the rival league - even if it meant expanding at a dangerous rate and watering down the amount of talent playing at the highest pro level at the time. Enter the 1974-75 Washington Capitals - a club whose auspicious start ranks as the … [Read more...] about Capital Punishment: Hockey Cards of the Original Washington Capitals
A Collector’s Guide to the 2019 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees
The annual announcement of new inductees by the Hockey Hall of Fame always creates discussion among fans - especially in years where there are some controversial choices made by its Selection Committee. This year, there has been plenty of uproar over the talents that are being enshrined in November. No matter how they feel, many hobbyists are already on the hunt for rookie … [Read more...] about A Collector’s Guide to the 2019 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees
1977-78 O-Pee-Chee WHA Has A Difficult Legacy
Down to eight teams heading into the 1977-78 season, the World Hockey Association was on its last legs, but that did not stop them from being involved in a trading card project for the fourth straight year. The 1977-78 O-Pee-Chee WHA set marked the end of an era, whether or not collectors cared much at the time. Even now, it appears that O-Pee-Chee got a little overzealous … [Read more...] about 1977-78 O-Pee-Chee WHA Has A Difficult Legacy
Hockey’s 10 Most Underrated Rookie Cards Of The 1980s
For the generation that grew up watching hockey in the 1980s, there are plenty of heroes from that era which are still heavily praised. The exploits of players like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Mike Bossy and many others are well-remembered, but there are also those that were stars at the time which have been forgotten or are in danger of fading into the ether of hockey … [Read more...] about Hockey’s 10 Most Underrated Rookie Cards Of The 1980s
1975-76 O-Pee-Chee Hockey: Traded Cards Come Into Style
One of the greatest quirks about classic O-Pee-Chee cards regardless of sport was that the London, Ontario-based company was quick to update their cards with notations of trades or other player movement. The familiar "Now With..." notation was a part of Canadian childhood for many years as we saw many of our favorite players in their old uniforms since there was not enough time … [Read more...] about 1975-76 O-Pee-Chee Hockey: Traded Cards Come Into Style
Vintage Pack Facts: 1977-78 Topps Hockey
The Montreal Canadiens were still dominant. Cleveland had a franchise. The Colorado Rockies (no, not the baseball team) were a team (and made the playoffs). The 1977-78 NHL season had a lot going on but American kids collecting hockey cards found a kind of comfort food in the form of Topps hockey cards, which still came with gum and plenty of … [Read more...] about Vintage Pack Facts: 1977-78 Topps Hockey
1979-80 Topps Hockey Ushered In New Era
It was the first Topps hockey card set to feature The Great One, and the final one to include Mr. Hockey. In some ways, the 1979-80 Topps set ushered in the modern era of National Hockey League cards. Wayne Gretzky’s rookie card (No. 18) is the key card in the set, and the 264-card product is the final main run appearance of Gordie Howe (No. 175). Even the design signaled … [Read more...] about 1979-80 Topps Hockey Ushered In New Era