CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - This Photo Theme Is Worthy Of The Bike Spokes

Let's start the week with some Cardboard Photography. It's been a while.

There was a time in the 70's and 80's where hockey card pics would be a "what you see is what you get" situation. There weren't a ton of photo opportunities (maybe a couple games in some instances) for some of the shutterbugs to capture all the players, so the options and varieties would be quite limited. It's why we saw a lot of backup goalies doing warmup laps with towels around their necks.

These days, I feel like there are countless photos to choose from when putting a player's card together - and it's gotta be infinitely easier for everyone. Photos are digitally stored, accessible at anytime and anywhere. The quantity of pics to choose from must be overwhelming at times...you aren't thinking about the costs of film or having to develop your rolls before submitting. It's just "here...dig through this pile".

So the ability to get the best of the best is there...right?

Not always.

This stunning snap comes from the 2023/24 Upper Deck Series 2 set. This is the flagship offering for UD and has been a staple for set collectors since the early 90's.

Now, I know Mike Matheson can often be the buttend of some jokes...but this card feels like there's a bit of a dirt kick going on. 

He's gone sliding into the net, back to the netting and seemingly focused on......something. It is one of the more unflattering photos I've seen on a card in some time.

But as I was sifting through other singles from the set, I couldn't help but notice a trend.

Fabian looks like he's just flat out falling down. And his face shows more panic or concern than it does grit and determination.

Did someone give him a little hipcheck just moments before?

Is Palmieri stretching before the game? Is he diving for a puck? Did he fall?

What is happening here?

Marner looks like he hit the boards awkwardly...all by himself. The scorpion look on a forward isn't flattering.

This is not the kind of superstar photography I'd like to have on my cards.

Sure, it's "low angle"...but there are better ways to do it.

Exhibit A....now this is a stunner of a photo! Beautifully framed, wonderful depth. So many great details to check out.

Why can't more hockey cards be like this? Is the selection just not there? Doubt it.

Just because somebody is following the puck, doesn't make it a captivating photo.

And switching to a landscape layout does not help.

Toffoli looks like he's scrambling.

Geez...this is not the "up close and personal" vibe I'm looking for.

Nope.

OK...this was a planned shot...right? Jake posed for this.

Even Matthews can't escape the wrath of the "I've fallen and I can't get up" theme.

Man, sucks to be a Leafs team collector with this product.

It's shocking to see how many photos from this set just fall completely flat in my eyes. This is a first for a flagship product. I can't think of another example where this many shots just don't cut it.

Am I wrong here? Do these pics do anything for you? Sure, it's a bit "outside the box"...but it's too much of a reach for me. Give me slick looking action shots, closeups of faces that show some emotion, unique moments that grab a viewer, or even a reflective moment...a posed shot with a smile. Something less messy.

If anything though, these cards made me stop...look, and even post about. So there's that.  :)

BEHIND THE MASKS - Super Seventies Saints Schedule

Going back again to last April to share the final item I picked up along with my Linden pamphlet and Linden program. This was a fun find that added a bit of value for the bundled price I paid.

As a goalie mask fan...especially the vintage fibreglass era, I'm a sucker for the nice, closeup photos where you can really appreciate the craftsmanship of the headgear. It's not just a slick paintjob that appeals to me...I love the unique shape that molds to the tender's face. The experimental airholes cut out all around (because did anyone REALLY know what they were doing back then??). The piercing eyes glaring at you from behind the cage...just daring you to take your best shot. I love it all.

But yeah, the paintjob is king. Some masks from the era are pretty crude (as expected) but each is completely unique to the player. No two masks are alike. You don't see individuality like this in any other sport.

This is such a slice of time in an era that many people no longer remember. The WHA was a league competing with the NHL back in the 70's and many of the top players found new life (and robust contracts) playing in the rival league. Names like Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, Gerry Cheevers, Derek Sanderson took the league to a reputable level...but the chaos, turmoil and inexperience behind the scenes made this league a doomed venture from the start.

This pamphlet is from the upcoming 75/76 season for the Minnesota Fighting Saints. The Saints were one of the founding teams of the World Hockey Association (a 12-team startup that launched in 1972) but only managed to last 4 seasons before folding due to lack of funds.

This item represents that last season in the league for the Saints. But I didn't buy the pamphlet for that nugget of history...I bought it because of the cool mask.

So, who's the goalie? For people of a certain age in Canada, we know his name and voice more for his colour commentary that his goaltending. It's John Garrett.

Garrett had a 12-year career split between the WHA and NHL. He played for 7 teams in total including the Whalers, Nordiques and Canucks in the NHL. He always had a slick run of goalie masks but I must admit...this Saints offering isn't one that I remember well. So it's very cool to see it captured on a piece like this. The yellow on either side of the eyes represent wings and the band above is a halo. Very much pays homage to the log and team name. John had a second version of the mask with just white wings that covered more of the eyes.

Why weren't photos like this plastered on hockey cards back in the day??? Seriously...I'd have bought way more packs. :)

Let's take a look at the inside of the pamphlet...

If this doesn't scream 70's...I don't know what does. Absolutely fantastic.

There are no action shots of players or superstar endorsements. These cartoons represent a more family-friendly, simple gameday experience. That's a message we don't see often anymore.

But the real treat to this pamphlet - and a definite sign of the times....

Check out that arena layout. She's no oval. And those prices!! I love that they have per-seat savings listed by the cents. Crazy.

Forty games...that would be a solid season of sport.

And yeah...$300 for a prime seat, incredible. Seven bucks a game.

So while I pack this pamphlet away with my other collectibles in the closet, I can't help but reminisce of a great era in hockey...not too far gone. Affordable tickets, cool goalie masks. What's not to love?

Oh, and my lasting memory of John Garrett as a player?...that's easy. John played in the 1983 All-Star game. Not because he was having a great year (he was playing for the Canucks as a backup to Richard Brodeur) but because Brodeur was injured and Garrett replaced him as the only Vancouver representative in that season's classic.

Garrett stole the show that night and was voted MVP...that was before some kid named Wayne Gretzky scored 4 times in the final 10 minutes of the game. Officials held a re-vote and gave Gretzky the MVP and the new car awarded to the top player. Garrett was robbed.

RAISE THE CUP - A Unique Card That I NEVER Would Have Found

A couple of months ago, I was asked to be on the Sports Cards Live podcast to talk about my approach to collecting, lessons learned in this hobby and share some of my PC pieces. It was a real joy to sit and enthusiastically "talk shop" with a person and audience that would (hopefully) appeciate my words. It's something I don't normally do.

This blog is really the major outlet for me to share my thoughts on the hobby, let me explore topics with a little more detail and show off some new finds. Even though I don't post nearly as much as I used to, I absolutely love that this platform is here when I want. Lately, the bug to post has returned...and I'm enjoying it.

In the days after my appearance on the podcast, I had a few people start following me on social media (be it Twitter or Instagram) which I found flattering as I don't normally post card stuff on those sites. And I had a couple collectors even reach out to me to connect - which I greatly appreciated. There are a lot of fantastic, positive hobbyists out there and their genuine care and love of collecting really cuts through the noise of negativity for me. In fact...I'm quite drawn to it. I love good hobby people and I love good hobby stories.

One of my new connections mentioned that he had a couple cards for my 'Raise The Cup' project...one of my favourite builds, as it celebrates the pinnacle moment in a player's career (winning the Stanley Cup and lifting it over their head). It's also a very affordable chase. There's no checklist but ample cards out there to find and acquire.

We swapped addresses as I noticed he liked Paul Kariya cards and I had one sitting in my trade box for a while. When I received my cards, I had a curious smile on my face when I was presented with this gem...

1996/97 Upper Deck SP

Inside Info

#NNO Joe Sakic

So...as we can all see, this card does not show Burnaby Joe lifting the Cup over his head. Right?

Wrong.

Don't let the cover fool you. The goodies are inside. :)

Ohhh....what have we here?? This looks fun.

I gotta say, for a card from the late 90's, this is pretty slick. Remember, there were no booklet cards at this time. Memorabilia cards were in their infancy. This was a very solid insert for its day.

And we're not even at the best part, yet.

Ta-da!!

What a great reveal...a little surprise inside the card. Very fun, very cool.

I never in a million years would have found this card to add to my Cup Raisers collection. I love the fact that someone else recognized they had this and knew I'd appreciate it.

And I do. I think this is without question the most unique card in this project - and one with a great story. Have I mentioned that I like stories? :)

I'm curious though, as to the choice to use a "backside Sakic" photo. What led to that decision? It's a great pic and I love the fact that it's part of the card, but I can't help but think that if they were considering that backside Cup photo to put on a standalone card...they wouldn't have gone with it. It's too outside the box.

That makes me like this card even more. It's awesome.

So a sincere thank you to Andrew over at Dog House Hockey Cards for the fantastic gift. I greatly appreciate you thinking of me...and your generosity.

Do you have a card with an "outside the box" photo on it? Something that makes the card feel almost foreign to the set or your collecting project? Love it or hate it?

LINDEN POSTER OF THE WEEK - Can Lightning Really Strike Twice??

One slick looking Linden poster, framed...found locally, is something that makes my day. 

My week.

Heck, my summer.

That happened last year.

So when I was scanning Facebook Marketplace for Linden items and this gem popped up, my jaw dropped when I saw that it was just a 10 minute drive away.

Can lightning really strike twice?

Are you kidding me??!!! This is Ace of Spades stuff. One of the top Linden posters to be had out there.

Framed, exquisitly (what is that...triple matted) with a custom presentation that just ties this all together with a big, bright, beautiful bow.

Let's take a closer look as I share where this comes from.

Might be tough to see, but there is a "Trevor Linden 16" embossed stamp in the lower left corner. So this is the real deal.

Not a "Vancouver Canucks" poster...but a "Trevor Linden, Vancouver Canucks" poster. Lovely.

The bottom has two coins...to allow easy appreciation of both the front and back of the custom Linden coin. It celebrates Trevor becoming the all-time team leader in games played, goals and points.

Again, matted beautifully. It just adds to the overall impressiveness of the piece.

Would have loved an authentic hand-signed offering, but I'm not going to complain. This is a slick, shiny, silver foil auto that they put in the bottom right. You can also see some key info.

03-04 Ticket Holder Limited Edition

Sadly, it's not numbered, so I can't be sure as to how many copies of this exist. I've seen a few out on the open market - some framed, some not. But none are as cheap as what I got mine for.

I absolutely love the photo selection used for this poster. It's the true highlight of the piece.

From his youthful, draft day photo to the iconic hug after game 6 of the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals, there is a great mix of images, placement and sizes.

This headshot is king though. I love this look and how they used this image on the poster. It just has a commanding feel. Scroll back up and tell me what you think.

The piercng stare is perfect.

This has been housed in its original frame all these years and was put up for purchase because (as the seller put it) "Ex forgot to take it when he left!...It's got to go!!"

Ha ha...does that mean I could barter the price down a bit?

In fact, it was. Listed at $45, I got her down to $40. She was happy to see it go to a good home and I couldn't be happier as I shelled out a pair of twenties.

I wonder what I'll find next summer?

LINDEN CARD OF THE WEEK - Completionist Or Crazy??

Sometimes I think I'm a little off my rocker about my Linden collecting. I'll just start with that.

A number of years ago, I decided that I would add "cameo" cards to my master Trevor Linden checklist. A cameo is when a player is pictured on someone else's card. It could be alongside, battling in front of the net, celebrating in a group hug after a goal, chilling out on the bench sharing a story, or just gliding in the background.

In total, there have been about 10-12 instances of Linden cameo cards out there and when I find them...I add them to the list. It fun, and usually inexpensive. Sure, there are times when parallels pop up...and me being the completist, I cave and add them all.

Foreshadowing.

I had a friend mention to me a few years ago that he saw Trev in the background of a card. He sent me a pic and sure enough, he was there...barely. I was on the fence if I should even add it to the list as I knew it could balloon into some trouble.

Foreshadowing.

1999/00 Be A Player Millenium

#92 Aaron Ward Emerald  /10

When this card popped up on my radar, I decided that the chase for some new Linden cameos was most definitely on. When the toughest card to obtain is the first one you see...and for a really good price, it's near impossible for me to ignore.

And yeah...I still can't believe I'm buying cards of a no-name player (sorry Aaron) just because it's got a fleeting image of Linden in the background.

That's him...without question. Captain of the Islanders. :)

But in my defense, to see the uber-tough Emerald copy /10 show up really made deciding things a lot easier. The Emeralds are so hard to find (I have a few Linden's from around that time that are still on my wantlist) and most people want an arm and a leg for them. Not in this case...thankfully.

So in addng this line to the master list, I decided to reference the Linden offerings from the same product - so I could match the amount of parallels that are available. And there's a bunch of them.

A whole bunch. Color variants, signed cards, show cards.

Foreshadowing.

Ugh...show cards.

Did I say a bunch?? Yeah, I binged...binged hard. Ha ha! Oh my goodness, I have mini-PC of Aaron Ward now...all with a little slice of Linden to make me laugh.

The completist in me couldn't let these go. How could I not. They do look kind of cool all grouped together in their class photo. And I accept the fact that I may be a little crazy when it comes to my Linden collecting. But a good Aaron Ward story only adds to the awesomeness of my collection. 

Ha!...I can't believe I said that.

What's the most you have stretched in terms of boundaries to add to your player PC? What are the limits? Would the Aaron Ward situation cut it in your hobby world?

BEHIND THE MASKS - My New Plante Addition Is Absolutely... Magnifique

Switching things up a bit...it's not a new Linden card. :)

But this item has some real coolness to it and sits perfectly within my collection.

I've been a goalie mask nut for a very long time. I tell people that I'm a sucker for a mask. I think it's without question the most unique piece of equipment across the entire sporting landscape. There is nothing else like it. It protects...but it also showcases character. No two are identical and the stories behind them are endless.

Over the years, I've collected the various goalie mask sets that have been released, found myself dabbling in other mask-related items and love to find things that relate back to the originator...Jacques Plante.

This little booklet hits the nail on the head.

1971/72 O-Pee-Chee

#4 "The Story Of..." Booklet (French)

These card-sized comic booklets were an insert set included in the 71/72 OPC offering. They were 8 pages in length and provided a consise biography of the featured player. A checklist of all 24 booklets were on the back page and featured a who's who of hockey stars from that era.

I've seen these a number of times at the local shows and while they look cool, I've never really picked any up. But a stop over at the local card shop a while back had me discover a handful of the french booklets (something I don't see hardly at all). 

As you can see in the picture above, the condition of this Plante is superb...dare I say, magnifique. And it was sitting in one of their discount boxes...so the price was equally as nice.

Ok, my one beef with this booklet comes from the drawings of the mask Jacques is wearing.

As the guy who is responsible for introducing the goalie mask to pro hockey back in 1959, you'd think there would be a tiny bit of attention to detail. Plante's mask looks less like the one he wore and more like a street hockey shield. My other question is...why is Plante wearing a blue sweater??? (shoulder shrug)

Can't win 'em all, I guess.

I still love the fact that I have another small, tough to find piece of goalie mask history in my collction. I never did pick up an english version of the comic...now I have a reason to.

LINDEN CARD OF THE WEEK - Another Shocking New Find From Decades Past

It has been a summer unlike any I've seen in a very long time...for a number of reasons. From a collecting standpoint, it's been fairly quiet - but when I've hit, I feel like I've hit big. Author's Note...I can't believe I just said what I did about the card you're about to see. :)

Big for me isn't maybe what others might consider "big". Two of my favourite pickups this year have been quite affordable actually. The Canadian Ice Provincial Series Player's Club from the post before this (a card that's almost 30 years old)...and what might be the most exciting, boring, questionable, confusing card I've got in my collection. And it actually is 30 years old!

Let's set things up...

1993/94 Upper Deck NHLPA Roots #1

First of all...this is the kind of Linden card that makes me laugh. It's smack dab from the junk wax era and honestly, couldn't be less appealing to a hockey card fan if they tried.

But I get it. The NHL Player's Association teamed up with Roots clothing and did a little cross promoting. I scratch your back, you scratch mine. It was a small, twenty card set that might draw in a few people. The appeal is less to the hockey card collector and more to a wider audience.

Me being me....It's on my master checklist and the copy above is the one I've had for decades - literally. So why am I showing it to you???

Well, I recently found out that there's a variation to the card. Something I had no clue about for 30 years.

1993/94 Upper Deck NHLPA Roots

#1 Hang Tag

I was perusing a chat board that I don't go to often (less so over the past 3-4 years) and did a routine search for Linden. I found a post about a "rare" and hard to find offering from 1993. Apparently these cards were initially produced as a promotion for a new clothing line from Roots called "Hang Out". Each article of clothing came with one of these "hang tag" cards - hence, the small hole punched in the upper left corner.

I don't remember these cards at all...probably because I never went into Roots stores. And these came out before I was knee deep in my Linden collecting, so it would be completely off my radar.

Versions of these cards without the punched hole also exist (no kidding...it's the one I've had forever). I don't even know which ones are the regular version and which ones are the "parallel" offering. I can only assume that the hole punched version is the tougher to find (since I had no clue about it for all these years). 

Sadly, There is no revealing item on the front or the back of the card to differentiate it. Ugh. That's a big red flag.

I was absolutely stunned to learn about this card, excited to discover a new Linden to add to the checklist, but bummed that I'd be needing to go on blind faith on if it'd be legit. After all, it doesn't take much to punch a hole in a card and call it "special" or "rare".

And that's where I was at a couple weeks ago when I was staring at an ebay auction...contemplating if the card I was looking at was the real deal. On one hand, I was truly giddy that I found a card I needed for my collection. The other...countless voices reminding me that fakes are out there and people are looking to make a quick buck on suckers like me.

My mind then went to "Who would go out of their way to do this to a Linden card?" I mean...really? Linden? For what...a couple extra bucks? Nah.

Turns out I spent more than just a "couple extra bucks" for the card. I'm shaking my head right now as I type this. The regular card is literally worth pennies - if that. You could not give it away these days. The punched version...eight bucks! Ha ha ha!!!

Oh my goodness, it just goes to show how absolutely off my rocker I can be with my justifications of pricing. There are cards out there that I refuse to pay more than $10 for - and have passed on endlessly because of that...and here I am shelling out almost that for a junk wax card with a hole punched in it. And a gawd ugly photo to boot (for a hockey card).

But...the feeling I had when I opened the bubble envelope this morning was everything I love about this hobby. The anticipation and excitement of something I've never seen before finally finding its way into my collection. The simple smile of crossing this off the list (after adding it only a few weeks prior). Knowing that this all happened because I just kept digging. I was open to discovery. It's a great card that now has a great story - and I love stories.

It's a reminder to me that even in slow times, it's good to keep your eyes open. Take the time to look under the rocks...and not just the ones you go to on a regular basis. Check out the places you've not been to in a while, it might provide you some new chases. And even if it doesn't...it can still be a ton of fun.

What's the most you've ever spent for a "this card is worth pennies" card? One that you just had to add to your collection. Do you regret paying the price...or just laugh at it now?

LINDEN CARD OF THE WEEK - Almost 30 Years And I've Never Seen This Card

My latest Linden card that came in the mail today represents everything I love about this hobby and where I'm at with it in my journey.

I've been a player collector for around 30 years - same guy throughout - and I'm holding on to a card right now that I've never seen, nor did I know even existed. This card is likely an afterthought for most of the modern day hobbyists, but for me is a true reminder that patience and the continuous search for any new possibilities is something to keep at the forefront. I cannot believe I have it and I have a huge smile on my face at the excitement of it. Lastly, for a measly dollar...that's right, a buck, I found what is probably going to be my favourite Linden card of the year. 

To pay the ridiculous eBay shipping cost to Canada...on this card, gladly.

So let's get straight to the reveal and then we can break it down. Because I have questions. :)

1997/98 Donruss Canadian Ice

#32 Provincial Series Player's Club

Doesn't look like much, eh? It's a nice, foily card from the mid-90's. What's the big deal?

I'll get to the 'Player's Club' aspect of it soon. But first, let's just talk about the Provincial Series set.

So on my master checklist (which I have been crafting and building and revising and adding to for decades) this card has had the designation **MIGHT NOT EXIST** by it. I can't even remember why I initially added that note (it's been so long). But I can say that for a card that should have 750 copies...I've never seen a single one. Ever.

This is part of the 1997/98 Donruss Canadian Ice set. It's got the regular, dare I say "junk wax" era base card, a Dominion Series parallel that is red and then a Provincial Series parallel /750. There is also a Dominion Series Gold...but I don't know if Linden has one of those either (I doubt it).

In a quick online search this afternoon, I was easily able to find a picture of all other cards in the Provincial Series set (150 cards)...except Linden. So why was he not included?

It is what it is...I'm fine not having a copy if it doesn't exist, but it just makes me wonder.

So you can imagine my double take when I saw the above copy surface. I knew I needed it. But was completely baffled at what I was seeing.

Especially when I saw the back. That 'Player's Club' stamp at the bottom of the card had me scratching my head even more.

This is definitely not part of the 150-card Provincial Series set. It's a promo card of sorts...and how many copies exist? I've no clue.

But this was the easiest, and luckiest, purchase I've made in years. I still can't believe it popped up on eBay for just a dollar.

So let's take a closer look at the 'Player's Club' stamp...because it is not unique to my Linden collection.

I've seen this particular stamp before...and even have another card with it.

That said, the origins of this 'Player's Club' and where it has been used is something I've got no information on.

And there doesn't seem to be much online on the topic either.

Here's the other card I have. It's from the same year, but it's the Pinnacle Totally Certified Platinum Blue offering.

Did Donruss and Pinnacle have a connection in the mid-90's? I honestly don't know.

But as you can see, the stamp is identical. Same font and everything. 

On this card, it's stamped directly on the back of the card. With the Provincial Series card...it's got a surface that the lettering was applied to (you can see the top and bottom of it in the photo if you go back and look). Kind of like a super-thin piece of tape.

At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter if I solve these unknowns. I just love the fact that I've found a new card for my master list - and was able to obtain it for a super-cheap price.

A goosebump moment for sure. Something that will never grow old...made me feel like a kid today.

Have you ever unearthed a unknown for your player collection (or any collection for that matter)? How old was that discovery? How did you feel when you learned of the card?

LINDEN PROGRAM OF THE WEEK - It's Quite The Debut

Quick show & tell post to wrap up my card show finds from last April. Ha ha...I gotta laugh at myself for that sentence.

So, same table as the Hamilton Canucks pamphlet I shared a few days ago. Digging away, and once again I caught a fleeting image of a Cooper helmet and the number 16. Stop.....Rewind.

Again, I managed to unearth something that my eyes have never seen before...

This is the Canucks program from the opening game of the 1991/92 season. I have a few other gameday magazines in my collection...but it's not something I go all-in to chase (when I find one, I consider it). This particular edition...I considered.

So, does anyone know the significance of October 4th, 1991?

It was the very first regular season game in San Jose Sharks history. They just happened to play the Canucks in Vancouver. I had no idea that they put Linden on the cover. In all my years I've never even seen a copy of this program (not that I was actively looking). But this find had me interested.

Unlike the pamphlet, it was priced with the "importance of the event" in mind (translated...it wasn't $4). It was a heck of a lot more...$30. Did I need this program? Not a chance. It's not on my master list and I don't consider it a "must have" in terms of my collection. Would I like to have it? You bet. But it's got to be for the right price.

I knew I wouldn't be able to talk the price down too much. "It's a significant event." Sure...but it's also been sitting in a box for who knows how long without being sold. I decided to bundle it with the pamphlet and was pretty sure I'd get the seller to bite. In fact, I dug around to find an additional item to pull the favor my way just a little bit more. It was another pamphlet...a WHA offering...with a slick looking goalie mask on the cover. I'll share that one down the road.

The vendor tried to counter, but I was firm on my offer. I told him that the Linden pamphlet was guaranteed to come home with me...but the program was one I'd be happy to put back and walk away. I think he realized that it was a take it or leave it situation. He took it.

So it's another cool item for the Linden collection. One that I've never come across until this year. It seems to be a trend. Fingers crossed, but I've got a couple cards on their way that has me extremely excited. Cardboard that is 25...30 years old and has completely eluded me all these years (in both instances...I just found out they existed).

Stay tuned.

Oh, Vancouver won 4-3. First goal in San Jose Sharks history?....Craig Coxe (never would've guessed that one).

Do you have any significant, dated items in your player collection? Something that commemorates an event or special date? Was it a "must have" for your collection?

LINDEN.... PAMPHLET?? OF THE WEEK - Truly One Of The Most Unique Items I've Come Across

Chatting with a hobby friend the other day, he jokingly (but with a small bit of true curiosity) blurted out "You've probably seen it all by now, haven't you?" It made me smile...one of those slow, reflective, Cheshire cat-type grins. I've learned that no matter how long you stroll through a garden, if you keep your eyes open, pay attention and allow unlikely possibilities to appear...they sometimes will.

Believe it or not, it's happened a few times this year...and I'm a decades-long player collector.

I'll take you back to the spring card show here in town...so, April. It's a semi-annual bonanza that I really look forward to and enjoy. A lot of local guys are there to sell but it's also a chance to get some out-of-towners setting up a few tables. I quite like it when my window shopping has some new and exciting displays.

I met up with a longtime friend who dug out some of his collection from the 80's and 90's and decided to do some research on them. Why am I telling you this? He's responsible for leading me to the table where I found this item - literally as I was wrapping up my day and ready to leave.

I had found nothing Linden-related on any of the tables at that show. It's a hit-or-miss situation with me and local shows these days. Not many Lindens to chase the last couple seasons. So I wasn't too shocked to be shut out. But this final table not only saved the day, but provided an item I had never seen...and it likely goes down as one of the most unique in my collection.

The vendor had a lot of non-card items...programs, photos, ticket stubs, knick knacks, that sort of thing. I had passed by his table a couple times during the day but nothing really drew me in. My buddy was checking a couple things out so I decided to dig through some of the side boxes - mostly to kill time.

I flipped through a box of programs, magazines and other flat items and caught a glimpse of a player I knew all too well. Linden's look in the early 90's...the posture, the Cooper helmet and the captain's C had me stop and confirm. Yup, it was Trev.

And what I pulled out had me wide-eyed.

Yeah...it's a Hamilton Canucks info pamphlet. I shook my head and started my detective work. Why Hamilton? Why Trev? This makes no sense.

So this item is a season ticket and information pamphlet for the (at the time) newly formed Hamilton Canucks. They were the AHL (American Hockey League) farm team for the Vancouver squad from 1992 to 1994 (a very small window). The challenge at the time...they had no players, so they had no photos to entice and inspire their potential fanbase in Hamilton as they were entering the market.

Enter, Trevor Linden. The team decided to put the captain of the parent squad on the front of the foldout. He had never played in the AHL, he went straight to the big leagues, but it made sense for him to be the poster boy. If you're going to promote a new team, why not start with a player like Trev. 

It's just extremely odd to see him associated with a Hamilton Canucks banner. It still looks weird when I look at it all these months later. A very cool weird though. I mean come on...that is one killer looking photo of Linden. I love that intense stare. And that time period is my absolute fave for Linden pics.

The price was even nicer. I'm sure most people would shake their head at a $4 tag for a 30-year-old pamphlet of a now defunct AHL team, but that was an outstanding price in my eyes. I knew it would be coming home with me. Another fantastic day at the card show.

But stay tuned...this wasn't the only fun Linden item I found at that table. :)

Lesson learned. Always take the time to stop and look. You never know what you might come across.

LINDEN CARD(s) OF THE WEEK - Nothing Like A Little Synergy

While I might not be chasing as many Linden cards as I once did, I still find myself popping into the nearby local card store to see how things are, talk a little shop and hope that maybe someone has tracked something down for me.

Today, I was fortunate to have a couple cards waiting when I arrived. It's one of the many things I love about being a longtime Trevor Linden collector - people know...and keep an eye out.

This time, it was the shop owner who had a couple of new cards for me. He had opened some of the recently released Upper Deck Synergy - a product that has a couple of new Lindens to add (plus their "all too common these days" parallels). It's a modest 6 cards added to the list as a result of this release and only one low-numbered chase (numbered to just 25 copies). This is the kind of layout that is exactly what I enjoy. A bit of a chase without breaking the bank.

2023/24 Upper Deck Synergy

#SD-13 Synergistic Duos Star-Legend Green  /399

I'll admit, this was a weird looking card when I first laid my eyes on it. Not because of the design (which I quite like) and not because it's shiny (I'm really taken by the foil effect this card has...looks great in person). No, what threw me was the pairing of Linden and current Canucks star Elias Pettersson. Makes me feel old. Ha ha. 

I didn't feel this way with Naslund, the Sedins or even Horvat, but pairing him up with Pettersson just makes me think about how long it's really been since Trev's last game (over 16 years now). It feels like just a few seasons ago. Time flies.

As mentioned, I really like the looks of this particular card. The green parallel color definitely adds some punch. I don't know if I'll say the same about the base, gold or red copies. And with it numbered out of 399, it's the second rarest of the lot (only the gold /149 is the tougher chase). Very nice.

Love adding this one to the master collection. This next card...not my fave.

2023/24 Upper Deck Synergy

#LD-23 Fearless Leaders

I like the idea of this card, I don't mind the layout...but I hate the font choice and the quote. It just doesn't grab me the way the other card does. It feels a little dated in the look and the words just don't really inspire (sounds generic). I think that's where I'm have a tough time. The layout, modern look of the image, logos and player name all work. It's just those hokey letters used for the insert set name and quote...I can't get past it.

Oh well...I'm not going to complain too much. After all, these cards were gifted to me and I'm very grateful to add them. It'll be fun to look back at these years down the road. Maybe I won't feel quite the same as I do now.

Something else that I took note of as I was crossing these off my master list. We are near the end of the 2023/24 season for product releases (Upper Deck is still a little behind) and Trev only has 20 cards in total to chase (and 6 of them are digital cards from Topps Skate!). That's down from 29 the year before. 

Well less than 50 unique Trevor Linden cards over the past two years have been pushed out into the hobby. That's not a lot. It takes me back to the 2009/10 season when he had just a single card (a sticker actually, from Panini, before they dove into the deep end of hockey card production and provided a rebirth of sorts to my Linden pc).

I wonder if a time will come where Trev is completely ignored in products. I have to think so. He was never a superstar...more of an all-timer for the team. Is that enough to have him show up in products? How many? How often? Something I thought of today...something I haven't thought of for a very long time.

As a player collector, it is one of the only times where I am at the mercy of the hobby...it will dictate what happens. I have no control over it.

Any player collectors out there that have seen a sharp decline (or complete removal) of their player from current product releases? Was it sudden?...or eventual? Have you come to grips with it?

MY COLLECTION - The Sports Card Live Podcast - Episode #233...It's Me!

It was a hobby first for me last night. I was a guest on the Sports Card Live podcast...and had an absolute blast sharing my hobby story and showing off some of my collection. 

For those who know my blog...you know I love telling stories - it's a major part of what I love about my collection and pieces within it. But I rarely hop in front of a camera to chat cards. For many years, I've been an introvert with card collecting - something I didn't really share with non-hobby people I knew. This blog has really helped and allowed me to bring an enjoyment that maybe has connected more with some of those friends, family and co-workers. I'm much more comfy with it. :)

I've known the show's host, Jeremy, for decades and have always enjoyed his enthusiasm, knowledge and just overall passion for a positive hobby landscape. He knows a lot of industry people in this sportscard world and his genuine curiosity is something I am drawn to. He's a person I have a ton of respect for and was excited when he asked me to be on his show.

And yes, this episode is 2 hours in length...but no joke, I could've talked for another couple hours. It was so extremely fun. You can actually see the times when Jeremy has to reel me in because I just get so into it. Ha! 

If you have the time, check it out.

I share a few early items from my collecting story, "Wallet Card" Oscar Gamble makes an appearance, some inexpensive side projects are discussed and (of course) plenty of Linden talk. 

Near the end of the episode, I got a chance to share my thoughts about a number of other Linden collectors who have been so very instrumental to my hobby world and I just want to give them a shout out on this blog as well. I can't overstate how lucky I am to have had (and with some, still have) such a positive rapport with them. My collection and my collecting mindset wouldn't be what it is without them.

Kevin, Victor, Elliot...huge thank you. Your positive presence, selflessness and example is something I try to bring forward constantly when I hobby. I'm grateful for the longstanding relationship we have built. Brad, James, Gary...cheers guys...you've made such a positive impact on my collection...and more importantly, my enjoyment and experiences that are a part of it. To all others who I have crossed paths with over the years...I valued our connection of Trevor Linden collecting.

Lastly, to Ian (who I unfortunately forgot to shout out by name in the episode), a guy who I'm connected with in this Linden collecting world probably more so than any other - just a genuine Thank You! Ian is the person who had a major part of his Linden collection stolen years ago and I am so grateful that the stars aligned and I was able to help recover some major pieces of said collection. I enjoy talking cards with you and look forward to the next time we do so.

I say it in the episode...I'm very lucky to have such an awesome Linden collecting ecosystem.

And to all the other hobby bloggers I've crossed paths with over the years - cheers to you all. My hobby is more complete because of this outlet and the people I've met from it. From player collectors like Paul to the guy who brought the birth of my Wallet Card (and my Oscar Gamble collection), Casey, big thanks.

This podcast episode has given me a jolt to tell more of my hobby stories. Geez...if only I had a blog to share it on. :)

Have a great day!

LINDEN CARD OF THE WEEK - (Not Mine)...As Things Have Been A Bit Upside Down Lately

Hello again. I can't believe we are on the precipice of June...the true sign of summer. Or, 4 more weeks of Stanley Cup Playoffs. Ha!

Things have been very up and down for me lately. I just wrapped a month of heavy duty volunteer work and it was honestly one of the best few weeks of my year. If you ever are in need of an energy boost...go volunteer. Seriously.

On the flip side, work has been a rocky road for months now. Hopeful and optimistic that things will turn around in June, but as my colleague says..."we need a win". So bring on June!

June's a month I've been anticipating for a while. Tomorrow, my niece is tying the knot. I'm beaming. She has the unique power of making me feel both young and old - often at the same time. This is no different. I'm so incredibly excited for her as she enters this next chapter of her life.

OK...let's get to the Linden card. As I was out running some last minute errands this afternoon, I noticed a post on Twitter (yeah...I still call it that) that made me stop to do a standard player search.

President's Choice Trading Cards, the current work of Dr. Brian Price (of what was In The Game), puts out one-off cards and small sets featuring some high-end memorabilia pieces that are definite eye-catchers. I know for a fact that he has some Linden material as he's released some cards of Trev in the past. And a quick query confirmed a new addition to the wantlist.

2023/24 President's Choice

Jumbo Memorabilia  1/1

What can I say...this is a very nice jumbo piece. Maximum room for the patch piece and I love the fact that they even threw a photo of Trev (proper era) in the corner. Man, I'm a sucker for the orange and yellow of that classic skate logo.

Speaking of...let's take a closer look at the crest. Something about the card just didn't feel right.

Yup...that's what I thought. Do you see it?

My subconscious kicked into gear and left me feeling a little "upside down". Sometimes...you just know.

No question that the patch was accidently placed in the card upside down. I can't see it being a purposeful decision. Unfortunate.

Now, to be fair, I think this would be a very easy mistake to make. The patch used doesn't really provide an obvious "this side up" vibe.

But when the card is being slapped with a $300us price tag...I don't think it's much to ask.

Regardless, at that price, it was out of my range (I've got my eye on another gem right now). I let another Linden collector know about it and within minutes, it was snatched up.

A great looking card, don't get me wrong, but one that I'm perfectly fine not having in my collection. I've got the scan of it and that'll sit nicely as a proxy. It's nice knowing too that it's going to sit in a Linden collection.

Now...on with the bigger business at hand. A definite weekend to remember. 😎

Have you ever come across a pc-potential card that gave you second thoughts because of an upside down patch? How bad is bad?

LINDEN POSTER OF THE WEEK - Patience Pays Off...But You Better Be Quick

How long do you wait for the price to become "right"? What's the switch that flicks to make you all of the sudden go all in on a piece?

Last summer, I was dealt with just those questions...and it led to one of the more striking items to land in my collection, and with it a very cool story of a rarely discussed chapter in Linden's career.

In addition to eBay (the standard go-to for my Linden searches), I also check out some online forums, bulk card sites, Kijiji and more recently, Facebook Marketplace. 

Technically, I'm on Facebook...but I don't post. I don't follow. I buy.

And there have been some cool Linden items to pop up on the site over the past couple of years. And this is without a doubt the most exciting one that I've actually obtained.

Summer 2023 and a pretty stunning Linden poster shows up on the site ready to be sold. It looks amazing and is given a beefy price tag to match. Here's what was cast out into the lake...

How many of you can name all three of the players in this image without going to Google? I knew them right away...because I had seen this item a handful of times, but never locally. It was pretty much off the radar for me as I felt it was just too expensive to justify.

Got your guesses yet? In addition to Linden in the upper right, we have Wendel Clark on the left and Alexandre Daigle (The Chosen One) front and centre. All three wearing their World Junior getup.

Look at how young Trev looks...he was just a 17-year-old when he played in the 1988 junior tournament (the youngest player on that squad). 

And yes...that's an autograph - not a facsimile. All three of these players signed this gem of a poster.

Let's talk about the poster first before I get into how I obtained it and provide a bit of a glimpse into the 1988 tourney.

Steven Houston created this gorgeous item called 'Canadian Tradition' back in 1993. Surprisingly, I have found zero information on the item and the artist (thanks interwebs).

It looks to be watercolor and it's stamped and signed by the artist (along with the signatures of the aforementioned players).

It's also numbered to 1500 copies and is double matted and framed very nicely for show.

It's a stunner of a piece and one that I knew I had to have if I could just be patient.

It was posted with a $150 price tag.

Zero interest at that price - even with the signatures...even with the framing.

It didn't take long before the price was reduced to $100. Now my radar is full on. If the guy was willing to drop the price that much, that quick...he had to be a motivated seller.

I told myself "Fifty bucks". When it hits $50, I'll reach out to him.

Well, I'd have to wait a few weeks for the $75 tier. It was a pretty niche item so I didn't think anyone would be chasing it.

$60...no takers. I almost buckled, but held firm. And then....

$40!!

I was shocked to wake up one morning to find that the price had been reduced to just a pair of twenty dollar bills. I near panicked as I scrambled to touch base with the seller expressing my interest.

"Across the city you say?"....I guess I'm going on a trip. 

I could not get there fast enough and whipped the forty bucks out of my pocket with not a single thought of bartering. It was more than a fair price. He simply said that he didn't want it taking up space in his house anymore.

Thank you and good night.

I had a massive grin on my face the whole way home as this piece is mint. It looked like it'd been sitting in a dust-proof box never seeing the light of day. I was floating on air.

So why Linden? Why was he chosen to be on this junior hockey print? I have no idea. He wasn't hardly a factor at all in the '88 tournament (scoring just a single goal). The team he played for was stacked with future NHLers...Sakic, Recchi, Graves, Desjardins, Fleury just to name a few. It was the year after the infamous "Punch-Up in Piestany" (again...homework time for you youngsters) and Team Canada was on a mission for gold...one they achieved.

Do I know why he was chosen to be on the print?...nope. And I could care less. I just love that he is. 

A neat side note...

In 2007, a Team Canada World Junior dvd box set was released featuring full broadcast games from seven different Team Canada offerings....including, you guessed it, the 1988 gold medal winning match. 

So I have the game that Trev played in that's featured on this poster. I think that's a pretty cool tie-in on all of it.

Now...recap. Patience is good, but when the time comes to strike - move real quick (and have cash ready to rock).

What's the longest you've waited for an item to get to your comfy place dollar-wise? Have you ever missed the boat by waiting too long? (I know I have)

LINDEN STUB OF THE WEEK - An Awesome Oddball Ticket Stub

I love oddball Linden items. Maybe it's because there's just not as many cards I'm able to find in my budgeting wheelhouse.

Or maybe because these odd relics are just super-cool.

This one popped up on ebay and I did a triple take. It looked awesome...the price was fantastic...so what's the catch?

Sometimes, there is none. That's a win for me.

This gem of a ticket stub comes from the 1991 Buffalo Sabres season. I don't know when teams started putting player images on tickets...but this has got to be a very early iteration. I love that it's beat up...probably shoved in a pocket back in the day. The fact that someone kept it all these years and is now selling it - that's all the better for me.

With the Smythe division rarely playing the Adams division (you young folks can now do some homework on what I'm talking about), it was pretty easy to figure out exactly what game this stub came from.

March 10th, 1991. Linden was just a kid back then. He didn't even have the captaincy at this point. Look at that photo...outstanding! And can I geek out for just a second...Section 16. C'mon.

This was an easy item to justify ringing up. Really love having a unique piece like this in with the rest of my collection.

The other thing I love about it...it's a little taller than a tobacco card so it fits nicely into a penny sleeve and toploader. Right into the early section of my Linden cards it goes.

I like when items can live in amongst my cards. Much of my oddball stuff I have to put in separate boxes so it messes with the overall mojo.

Oh...as for the game itself. It was a 7-5 win for the Canucks (typical early 90's hockey). Linden with a goal and assist in the first period. Troy Gamble kept it together long enough for the win. Good times.

What's the coolest oddball item in your collection? What's an item that lives within your card collection that "just fits" in with them?