"The Mask"

Jim Carey
1995-96 Upper Deck #344

The post-lockout years were a strange time for the NHL, with many new faces emerging as other players were leaving. There were also more hockey card brands than you could shake a hockey stick at.

From the main "flagship" 1995-96 Upper Deck set is a card of long-forgotten netminder Jim Carey. Also known as the "Net Detective".

He went undefeated in the first seven games of his rookie year. In just his second season he managed to win the Vezina Trophy as top goaltender.

The Washington Capitals had recently changed their colors from red to blue.

Jim Carey
1995-96 Upper Deck #344
(card back)

Back of the card offers a good look at his Portland Pirates mask from his days in the American Hockey League.

Jim Carey would also be traded to the Boston Bruins on March 1, 1997.