ONE SHEET, ONE SET - 1971/72 Topps

Time to show off a few more of the vintage goodies from my antique show haul of a couple weeks ago.

These cards were some of the nicest I've seen from this release (although I haven't really been hunting for them too hard) and the price was really nice.

In doing some research about this set, I've found some really neat information that I'll share at the end.

But for now, let's take a look at the design and layout from a truly memorable year.

1971/72 Topps

Now, before I start, I'll say that the OPC version from this year remains one of the most sought after sets from the 70's (maybe even of all vintage sets) and is a huge challenge to find in top shape.

The Topps counterpart is equally as appealing but has a number of benefits that really draws in a crowd.

The design is definitely an iconic one. Collectors can immediately point out these unique oval shaped, bubble lettered gems from a mile away. But does that necessarily make the card layout a good one?


I might become a little unpopular here for a moment, but I don't think the appeal to these cards from a design point is nearly as strong as some of its neighbouring releases. While the oval card shape with blue ring border and bubble letter team name are indeed unlike any other release, the 'wow factor' of the set pretty much ends there.

Yes, there's a team logo in the bottom right. Yes, there's the players name in the bottom left. Yes, there's the position in the bottom right. But that's it. All you're left with is the photo.

And that's where this set really falls short.

The 71/72 set might have utilized the 'cutout' of players, but the lack of background in the shots is more a miss than anything.

The pastel colors that act as a background might seem neat to some, but I think that it hurts the overall card design. Add to that the absolute top to bottom boring shots used in the set and I just can't get past it. In other years there was some attempt at action shots, but these cards just have a disconnect for me.

Further to that, a number of cards utilize the 'head swap' and 'jersey airbrushing'. It just loses points....simple as that.

If you disagree (and have some 70's cards handy) take a moment to do some comparing. Sets from 73/74, 75/76 and 77/78 are way ahead when it comes to photo presentation. Even the 69/70 release has a better selection in my opinion.

So what is it about the 71/72 set that has that mass appeal? I think it's because a number of the cards have that 'instant recognition' factor......because of the lack of (I'll call it) photo excitement.

Like a crappy commercial - you remember it.

Think of the Ken Dryden rookie, the Marcel Dionne rookie, the Guy 'La Fleur' rookie. To the vintage collector - automatic recall. Boring cards, but easily describable.

But enough about the card front. For what may seem like a lot of negatives on my part, this set does have some positives.


The card back is one of my favorites from the 70's and ranks high when it comes to all-time card backs.

The instantly recognizable 'darker tone' cardboard immediately indicates that this is a Topps release (plus the fact that there is no French on the card). The green and yellow tones on this darker cardboard really give off a neat color palette.

Although blocky, the layout is really clean and organized. I love the placement and fonts used for the player name, position, team and card number. It shows that a little time and care can really take something simple and make it impressive.

The player's attributes in one box and a cartoon unique to the individual in the other really gives some aesthetic balance in addition to good, simple information.

The green on yellow for the tidbit of info in the middle of the card really punches out nice. Its size is also relative to the stats below. Fewer years played, more tidbit - and vice versa (the Delvecchio in my sheet has just a single line of info while it includes 20 years of stats - all with Detroit. It's pretty cool to look at).

Speaking of stats, there complete. Complete player stats. Thank you vintage cards.

Again, I like the fonts used for the statistics as well as the sizing. Everything just fits nicely and the card back has a great overall look. It's not crammed in there at all. (note....just a little mice type at the bottom of the card too as opposed to loads of logos and muck).

Probably the coolest part of the card back for this set is that it is unique to the Topps release.


Here's the OPC card back from the same year.

It's pretty nice too. Similar ideas, but I love that Topps has something different. It's happened a couple times before, but it's rare to see. And often overlooked until you do a direct comparison.

When you take a look at the card design as a whole, it's got a lot of great attributes. Sure there are a few things I'd like to have seen done differently, but I think that's why this set is so sought after. It's unlike anything else ever released in the vintage era.

But what I really like about the Topps version are the set differences to its OPC counterpart.

In addition to the differing card backs, the Topps release is half the size of the OPC (132 cards vs. 264). That makes it a much more manageable set to build.

Half the size, and how about less than a quarter of the price of the OPC version. That's right...while the OPC set books for $1000-1500, the Topps release comes in around $200-350. A huge difference.

Why? Well, because it's half the size, there are some key cards missing (like the Lafleur RC, the Dionne RC, all the trophy cards, the Howe and Beliveau tribute cards just to name a few).

In fact, the only rookie card of note in the release is the Ken Dryden (and one could probably land a nice copy of it for under $100.

But less cards doesn't necessarily mean less interest. The Topps version has cards unique to its set. There are League Leaders cards (not included in the OPC release) and there's a Gordie Howe base card (that doesn't appear in the OPC version because Howe has a tribute card instead).

There's a lot of really cool things about the 71/72 Topps set. It looks like a fun build. A challenge for the vintage set builder (since cards from that era are always tough to find in tip top shape....and centered), a much less expensive option compared to its OPC brother and in the end can be just as rewarding to complete.

That doesn't forgive the below average photo selection. And at the end of the day, I'm scoring on design only.

3 out of 5

'DID YOU KNOW' - "Double O" Davidson

Sometimes, choosing the number you're going to wear on your jersey can be a tough decision. Other times, it's the easiest thing an NHLer will do.

A tip of the hat to an idol from days gone by? A tribute to family or friends? How about a play on words (check out 'Heinze 57' and 'Commodore 64').

Some numbers can evoke a sense of tradition (like goalies choosing 1, or defencemen sticking to low number single-digits) while other numbers reek of cockiness (c'mon.....'66', '88', '99'?).

But there are times where you'll see a number that just really looks odd.


DID YOU KNOW: New York Rangers goalie John Davidson was the first player in the NHL to wear "Double Zero".

You can barely make it out on the card, but Davidson's move the '00' came during the 1977 season. He had worn '30' up until that point, but felt that the zeros looked good to goalies.

By the way....I love the ol' fibreglass mask tucked into the top of John's pad. There's something you don't see anymore.

Davidson ended up with a 14-13-8 record and a 3.18 GAA while wearing this unique choice. In 1978, with new coach Fred Shero at the helm, John returned to a more conventional '30' on his back and ended up leading the Rangers to the 1979 Stanley Cup Finals.

Funny thing....all those zeros on his back resulted in only one shutout during those 35 games.

But he wasn't the only goalie to don the '00'.....


Martin Biron wore it as a rookie with the Buffalo Sabres in 1995-96.

Get this though, after NHL statisticians discovered a bug in their new stat-tracking software, the "Biron rule" was created, restricting jersey numbers to whole numbers between 1 and 99 (later limited to numbers between 1 and 98 after the league-wide retirement of number 99 for Wayne Gretzky).

Rule 9 - Uniforms
9.2 Numbers - Each player and each goalkeeper listed in the line-up of each team shall wear an individual identifying number at least ten inches (10'') high on the back of his sweater. Sweater numbers such as 00, ½ (fractions), .05 (decimals), 101 (three digit) are not permitted. In addition, each player and goalkeeper shall wear his surname in full, in block letters three inches (3'') high, across the back of his sweater at shoulder height.

Biron switched to number 43, a number he has worn ever since.

Now you know.

Custom Creations - Mr. Hockey

I've had the opportunity over the past month to get some time in on my custom card creations.

It's really been a fulfilling experience working on designing different types of cards (from regular cards to autograph cards, to cut autos and memorabilia).

And while it does take time to 'refine, refine, refine', the process has been a lot of fun.

I'm having fun making hockey cards.

Now there's a sentence worth the price of admission alone.

This most recent creation is for someone looking to get a couple autographs 'framed'. I figured (once again) that I'd try something a little different.


I wanted to do something simple and classy for this Gordie Howe cut auto. After all....it's Mr. Hockey.

I also wanted to try utilizing 'flourishes'. The fancy border lines that frame this card.

I wanted to make sure I didn't go overboard with it and feel I got the right mix. I like how the various elements work with each other and the fonts tie in to the whole design.


The back is more a repositioning of elements as opposed to new design facets. I think I got the 'amount of information' about right too. I have a tendency to cram too much crap on the back of the card.

Hopefully the other one I'm looking to build this week will come together as nicely as this one.

Then.....it's on to assembly. Always a fun challenge.

TO THE BIKE SPOKES!!! - Oh No......Not Again!

A Jaromir Jagr card has made another case for the bike spokes. But this time, it's not because of anything he did.

It's not the 'ultimate mullet' or his scrawny, lanky frame. Heck, in the photo, it's not even the cheesy warmup gear he's wearing or the fact that he's just sitting on the bench looking bored.

No, Jaromir's card from the 97/97 Leaf Preferred release needs to go to the bike spokes for one reason.

Petr Nedved!


And the return of 'The Pyjama Clad Sniper'.

That makes not one.....not two.....but THREE different cards showing him in his 'next to naked' garb.

And it's cameo pyjamas to boot. That's just awesome. How sad is it that Jagr actually looks like the normal one in the photo? And that's not saying much. He's wearing an inside out snow coat, hockey pants and sweats. Flipflops or sneakers with no socks? I just gotta know.

These guys trade wardrobe secrets. I guarantee it.

If I find another Nedved card with him in his faded blue undies, I think I will permanently change these post titles from 'To The Bike Spokes!!!' to 'The Petr Nedved Award'.

He definitely should be handed something.....anything.

Petr, for refusing to rid me of your crazy clothing.....

PPPPPFFFFFFFTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!

TO THE BIKE SPOKES!!!!!!!

Custom Creations - Common Numbers

I've had the idea for this card for over a year now, but have put it on the backburner time and time again.

I finally sat down in front of the computer today, bound and determined to build it. After all, the Bruins are coming to town in a little over a week.


This dual autograph card is one I'm building for someone that I'm a huge fan of. If the name doesn't ring a bell, drop on by The Hockey Life and you'll get a great dose of hockey, hobby and how the pursuit of both are seen through the eyes of a father and son.

During last year's Stanley Cup Finals, Colin and I had a nice, friendly wager. If his Bruins beat my Canucks, I would build him a custom Patrice Bergeron card (Patrice being his #1 player for years). If my Canucks won, I would get a homemade team sheet signed by the Vancouver Canucks.

Well, as everyone knows, my Canucks couldn't seal the deal. I built the card in hopes of having Patrice sign it when he came to Tampa Bay during Boston's last visit.

Sadly, the opportunity didn't come about, but for good reason. Colin got to skate out on the ice during the Lightning's warmups for the game against the Bruins. A pretty cool gig if you ask me.

Well, the Bruins are returning one more time before the end of the season. March 13 to be exact.

So my goal is to get the card assembled and off to him so he receives it in time to get it signed (along with the Stanley Cup custom as well). And yes, to those of you who know card designs, I did take some inspiration (OK, maybe a lot) from an existing set out there, but I really liked it and I tweaked it a bit too.

I always liked the photo of Colin I used in the card. I thought it would make a great pic for a dual card.

I'm excited to hear what Colin thinks and (hopefully) Patrice as well on the 13th. I'll be sure to include a few copies so both Patrice and Colin get one (and maybe a couple extra just in case......after all, there are two autos to go on it).

MY COLLECTION: Odd & Old

In other words.......antique.

OK, I picked them up at the antique show last weekend. But there are some odd pieces of cardboard in the mix, and some really nice jewels as well.

I had my vintage cards hat on since a lot of the items there were.....old(er). But it was the oddball pickups that really stole the show.

I'll start with my favorite though. This card always catches my eye whenever I see one and I couldn't resist picking this copy up.

1973/74 Topps
#162 Billy Smith RC

This card has really held its shape for being almost 40 years old. The gloss on the front is still there, the good ol' OPC 'card curve' is there, the centering is above average and the corners are really strong.

And this was a year where cards had a terrible time keeping their condition.

But what I really love about this card (other than the fact it's a rookie card of one of my fave goailes as a kid) is the photo.

The leather goalie pads, the 70's sideburns and the fact it looks like Billy just finished scrapping with someone. I much prefer this shot to a warmup pose or even some lame game action.

And I'm very happy to see him not in front of the aqua blue wall looking stoic.

1973/74 Topps
#44 Keith Magnuson

I love the Topps cards from this year because instead of the red and green colors in the OPC verisions, they have yellow and blue to go along with the green.

This Magnuson card is in the same sort of condition as the Smith and the name just made me want to include it in my collection.

It was one of a dozen or so cards from this year that I picked up and will make it into my 'One Sheet, One Set' project. I also picked up some older Topps too. Stay tuned.

But like I said, it was the oddball stuff that took the crown. The Kings' crown in fact.

1980 Los Angeles Kings
Team Set (14 cards)

These look so ugly, they're awesome. Only a guy who loves the 'Flying V' Canucks jersey of the 70's would find this set attractive I guess.

I had never seen this set before. But from what I was told by the seller, it was a one game, in arena promotion. Only 5000 sets were produced and handed out at a game back in 1980.

Who knows what the true production run was (there's little info on these I could find) or how many of the sets were thrown away by fans who really didn't care about the cards.

Nonetheless, this set found its way to the show.....and me.


Yup, the back of the cards are just as ugly as the front. No dialing of the number now.....I'm sure you won't get All-Star Cards Ltd.

Love it.


But what I love even more (and was the biggest reason for my interest) was the inclusion of all three members of the Triple Crown Line. Marcel Dionne was hands down one of the most underrated players ever. He was so good, but never truly got the credit he deserved.

It's tough when you play in a Los Angeles market that just didn't care for hockey back then. Oh, and then there's the fact that a kid named Gretzky is stealing literally all the thunder.

Charlie Simmer and Dave Taylor are no slouches as well. I like Simmer and enjoy his color commentary on the Calgary Flames broadcasts here in town.

He was recently honored by the Kings for his contribution to the team and when they spewed off some of his stats, I was quite amazed.

For a couple years in the late 70's, early 80's, he was one of the most dominant players in the league.


Here are the rest of the cards in the set. These are in pristine condition. White backs. Crisp, glossy fronts. Sharp, sharp corners.

I had to have them.

Problem was, he had a $40 price tag on the set. Not a chance. But the said the magic words......"Make me an offer".

The little gerbil in my head started spinning the wheel. How do I do this? I started bundling all the stuff I was hoping to get, threw together a number that I thought was low, but fair and fired away. I wanted to find that line.

In the end, for everything.....I paid $35. And it was just the right amount. He countered with $40, but I held solid. He gave in and the goodies were on their way home.

Now to figure out what to do with them all.

Antique shows are awesome. Especially when they have hockey card tables.

CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Brett Hull

They call it the 'junk wax' era. The early 90's. Overproduced and outta control. A lot of people (myself included) jumped on board and started picking up a lot of these inserts and sets.

You take a look at a lot of the cards from back in those days and they were an ugly bunch. Less than exciting card design, blurry photos, poorly framed shots, the list goes on and on.

But every so often, there's a card that finds a way to shine through. Finds a way to bust free of the millions and millions of card counterparts from that time period.

Finds a way to get the credit it deserves.

1992/93 Score
#350 Brett Hull

It a simple base card, from one of the lowest of low-end sets. Sure it's of a star player, but make no mistake....you literally couldn't give away this card these days.

But the photo on the front not only gives it merit, it finds a way into my Cardboard Photography collection. Forever to be inserted into a binder sheet and stored for posterity.

What I love about this photo is that it is literally full of St. Louis Blues players. The framing of this shot is perfect. And unique for cards from that year.

You always would see a full body 'action' shot. Action meaning a glide to the left or a lean on the knees after a stoppage of play.

Look at the emotion on Hull's face.....and his teammates as well. The frozen action of sticks, gloves and helmets all blend together so well. You really couldn't get another card like this if you tried.

The jersey colors and numbers are really cool too. I love that you can see both the back of Hull's jersey while seeing the logo on another player's. Things like the CCM logo, the NHL shield, the glove brands and the wooden sticks.

Again, it's the small details all combined together that really take this photo from good to great.

This card definitely sticks out from its counterparts in the Score brand. And I for one am glad it does.

Good thing I found a copy of it.