Hundreds of thousands of new hockey card packs will be available for distribution to collectors across North America as part of Upper Deck’s 2014 National Hockey Card Day initiative. It’s the sixth year Upper Deck has run this event as a way not only to thank existing collectors for their support, but also to encourage hockey fans, youngsters and lapsed collectors to get involved. The promotion takes place in both the U.S. and Canada.
Anyone who goes to a participating sports card shop Saturday, January 18 will receive a free pack of Upper Deck’s National Hockey Card Day cards featuring rookies, stars and legendary players with random 
autographs inserted. The autograph checklists are unique to each country but rookie cards will be in abundance.
“Last year’s abbreviated season provided hockey collectors with the unique opportunity of experiencing two season’s worth of rookies in one year’s worth of trading card products this year,” said Josh Zusman, hockey brand manager for Upper Deck. “National Hockey Card Day affords Upper Deck the opportunity to share the excitement around the Double Rookie Class by providing fans with twice as many rookies as they normally find in these annual sets. The fact that fans can sample these cards for free and potentially pull a rare autograph card makes this an event that fans will not 
want to miss.”
Both Canada and the United States have their own themed National Hockey Card Day sets comprised of 20 cards each (10 rookies, five current stars and five legends). A special 21stcard is being offered as a gift with any $10 or more Upper Deck hockey card purchase. This bonus card features two rookies from the Double Rookie Class.
Many of Upper Deck Certified Diamond Dealers are preparing for the event by running specials, fun promotions and giveaways. For a full listing of shops participating in both Canada and the United States, please visit www.upperdeck.com/nhcd.
You can watch the packs roll off the production line below.
Special eight-card sheets commemorating National Hockey Card Day will be available at select retailers in Canada such as London Drugs and Toys “R” Us. These sheets will also be available at the Hockey Hall-of-Fame and some other events throughout Canada, including select NHL home games like the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday, January 18.
The U.S. sheets will be much tougher to find. Some will be given out at Saturday night’s New York Islanders game while others will be distributed through charities who will distribute them to military families and personnel.
If you don’t live near a participating hobby shop, you can usually find the cards on eBay. Some from this year’s promotion are already being sold.
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