The hockey card world was turned upside down in the mid-1950s. Canadian kids had a difficult choice to make as they could check out the new competition from Topps or stick with what they already liked with the 1954-55 Parkhurst collection. 1954-55 Parkhurst was the last set to feature all of the Original Six together in one offering. Topps made deals with the teams … [Read more...]
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...]
Notes: Ja Morant Signs with Panini; Topps TBT Has Jays Rookies; Howe Auction Results
Panini America has reached an exclusive autograph trading card and memorabilia agreement with 2019 All-American point guard Ja Morant, the former Murray State star and projected top-five pick in the June 20, 2019 NBA Draft. Morant, who led the nation in assists (10.0 apg) while scoring 24.5 points per game during his sophomore season at Murray State, is expected to … [Read more...]
Guyle Fielder: Hockey’s Greatest What If?
Every sport has at least one forgotten figure from its past that was incredibly talent but never translated that greatness to its highest level for one reason or another. Decades ago, Guyle Fielder appeared on his way to becoming a major star. Long-term greatness never materialized but make no mistake--avid fans of old-time hockey know his name. And at … [Read more...]
Gordie Howe “Personal Effects” Auction to Raise Money for Late HOFer’s Foundation
A large auction of items from the estate of Mr. Hockey are now on the block in an auction that will raise money for charity. Over 140 items are listed in the “Personal Effects of Gordie Howe Auction,” which is being conducted through Frozen Pond Inc. They include seats from Olympia Stadium, commemorative jerseys he wore during special events, autographed hockey items … [Read more...]
1963-64 Parkhurst Closes Chapter in Hockey Card History
Regarded by most vintage hockey card collectors to be one of the visually striking sets ever made, 1963-64 Parkhurst marked the end of the company's run of releases which captured the imagination of Canadian kids who wanted to worship their heroes and chew plenty of gum along the way. With the exception of the 1956-57 season, Parkhurst hockey cards and the closely associated … [Read more...]
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...]
1969-70 Topps Hockey Set Reflected NHL’s Growth
The 1960s were a time of upheaval and growth for the NHL, and the 1969-70 Topps hockey set put the finishing touches to a decade of change. Topps' wax packs now carried a few more cards but the prices in each sport had morphed from a nickel to a dime between the spring release of baseball and the fall and winter sports. Each pack contained a pair of player stamps (more … [Read more...]
1966-67 Topps Hockey Showcased Bobby Orr Rookie Card
The 1966-67 Topps hockey set used a wood-grain television design to frame color photos of the NHL’s best players. Color television was still a novelty in 1966. It was a big deal when the opening credits of a television program boasted that the show was being brought to you “in living color.” The newest and brightest star of the NHL would be the signature card in this set — … [Read more...]
1963-64 Topps Hockey Set Sported Horizontal Look
Topps continued its pattern of a 66-card set for its 1963-64 hockey set. Like the previous year, the set was split among the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers as Parkhurst took care of the Leafs, Canadiens and Red Wings. It would be the last year for the split with Parkhurst exiting the hockey card market before the following season. And again, the … [Read more...]