"Old Time Hockey"

Peter Forsberg
2003-04 Topps C55 #1
(Full Length Variation)

2003-04 Topps C55
Total Cards: 155

Hidden within a bulk purchase of cards was a random handful of 2003-04 Topps C55.

Combined with a simple, old-time border design, it seems like player photographs have been rendered to make them seem appear as if they were illustrated.

For the most part, they look pretty good. I'm not keen on pursuing the entire set just yet, but would definitely like to find more of these.

Petr Nedved
2003-04 Topps C55 #39

One of my favorites... I just find it amusing to see a Nike logo on an old-fashioned card design.

It's also funny to consider that these are inspired by a set of cards originally designed to help sell tobacco - Introducing kids to the joys of hockey card collecting while getting their nicotine fix.

Mario Lemieux
2003-04 Topps C55 #66
(Closeup Variation)

Had collected a few of these back in the day, including Mario.

Mario Lemieux
2003-04 Topps C55 #66
(Full Length Variation)

In addition to the closeup shot, I was aware that variation cards existed for Forsberg, Lemiux, Nash and Kovalchuk (among others, ten in total).

As a set builder, these variations drive me nuts... But since I'm not actively collecting this set, I was pleasantly surprised to find this "full length" shot, which is also conveniently numbered card 66.

Jean-Sebastien Giguere
2003-04 Topps C55
Award Winners #15 of 16

The team that loses in the Stanley Cup Finals is often forgotten... That's not the case with Jean-Sebastien Giguere of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. He was THE story during the 2003 playoffs, and received the Conn Smythe Trophy as Playoff MVP for his efforts. Really glad to be adding this one to my collection.


Somehow, I was under the impression that Ron Hextall was the only previous winner to be a member of a losing team... A total of four goaltenders and one player have received this honor:

Roger Crozier (1966 Detroit Red Wings)
Glenn Hall (1968 St Louis Blues)
Reggie Leach (1976 Philadelphia Flyers)
Ron Hextall (1987 Philadelphia Flyers)
Jean-Sebastien Giguere (2003 Anaheim Mighty Ducks)

(Reggie Leach of the Flyers is the only non-goaltender to win Playoff MVP in a losing effort)