Moose Hunt...

Johan Hedberg
2001-02 O-Pee-Chee #294

Bagged this one and dragged it back to the camp.

Haven't got many cards of Johan Hedberg in a Penguins uniform.

Never knew this card existed, but found it (along with a duplicate) in a huge bag of cards from the 2001-02 O-Pee-Chee set.

Hedberg was only with the Pens for a short while, but certainly made a splash.

From the back of the card:

"Still sporting the Manitoba (IHL) Moose goalie mask he'd worn throughout his brilliant 2000-01 season, Johan joined the Penguins via rade mid-March '01 and immediately caused a sensation..."

Gettin' Duped!

Stay Away From The Blue Acid...

 

Keepin' an eagle eye out for sweet deals - Which sometimes can be a gamble.

Ever wary of junk dealers, but as they say "it is what it is".
Guys simply looking to peddle something for more than they paid for it.

I'm just out for some cheap entertainment.
As long as everybody wins - Or at least feels they did.


After scoring a couple decent "sealed" bags (of relatively worthless) turn-of-the-century OPC, got a small stack loaded with so many duplicates that I thought my own vision had gone blurry.

Still, most the extras I got weren't that bad.

Ray Bourque with the Avs, All-Star patch on his jersey.
Roenick, one of my favorite characters (most people forget he was a Coyote).
Nice shot of Roman Turek.
Another goalie card, Pittsburgh's J-S Aubin playing the puck. And of course, Pat Verbeek in a Detroit uniform (with Brendan Shanahan cameo)

Some of the cards were damaged - Guessing the duplicates were included to "replace" most of the roughed up cards (while appearing to fill out space in the lot).


Actually don't mind having extra copies of these cards for my "Favorites" binder. Still haven't put together a full page of consecutive cards from this set just yet

Ed Belfour
2001-02 O-Pee-Chee #90

Got pair of Eddies - Rather appropriate with Belfour getting the nod as one of the official goaltenders of this blog's collecting season.


This is actually a really beautiful set.

Only had but a couple of cards from 2001-01 O-Pee-Chee before picking up these 50 (which in reality, turned out to be more like 36 after pulling out the extras).

Player names don't scan well as they're printed in foil, but at least they're capitalized. (Sets from this era don't lose points from me in this department because I'm familiar with the players)

The set also has 360 cards, making it one of the larger OPC sets before the second lockout era (which basically killed the company).

Ed Belfour
2001-02 O-Pee-Chee #90
(card back)

On the reverse, League Leader stats in red - Belfour has quite a few of them...

TEN times he's led all goalies in a particular category...

Games Played, Shutouts... Even later in his career he's leading the league in Goals Against Average and Save Percentage (at around age 35).

Cards within this set offer some interesting player bios - Although with veterans like Eddie (and a career full of stats), there's no room for that colorful blurb.

Still think it's a terrific set from what I've seen so far.. (have also been fond of the following year's OPC set)

A Blogroll Please...

Collecting Under The Influence

Tomas Vokoun
2013-14 O-Pee-Chee #200

Entering the SEVENTH season for this Sports Card Blog.
(Time really flies when you're wasting it!)

Have been absent for a few seasons here and there...
Still, the stats are adding up. Hard to believe this is post number FIVE HUNDRED.

Looking at some of the blogs that have inspired this one, along with helping to form new collecting habits.

Taking in other people's comments, observations, and all the neat trivia they share that really adds the color commentary that I feel is essential for maximum enjoyment of the hobby.

So many sets and years that it's virtually impossible to see it all.
It's often during a Google search that one of these blogs will turn up, offering an answer to the question I seek...

Also the desire to better organize our collections - And no organization system is perfect.

In many cases, the content is just as (if not more) entertaining than a sports magazine. The link list of ten blogs that discuss hockey hasn't changed - But felt it was time to taking a quick look at which blogs are still active.

So many great posts that I obviously haven't read them all.
But these were the blogs that I found myself spending the most time with when I got back into the hobby again, and was re-familiarizing myself with an overwhelming amount of new information.

Definitely see a bit of myself in the following collectors...

Blogrolladex: Active Inactive

A Pack A Day http://apackaday.blogspot.com/search/label/hockey "Like anything else, collecting baseball cards can become an addiction. Luckily for us, it's one we've got down to a pack a day." (1,275 posts from 2007-2018) A great blog to supplement the habit. Many images on the main page no longer work... The link filters the posts labelled "hockey", most of which do load.

A Pack to be Named Later http://apacktobenamedlater.blogspot.com/ "Ripping at least one pack of every card product ever made". They call themselves "ambitous". I thought they were nuts - So obviously was interested in contributing. Quickly discovered they've opened practically every hockey-related product I can think of... Damn.

Sportscards From The Dollar Store https://buckstorecards.blogspot.com/ (4,178 + posts since 2012) Was this blog that first introduced me to the concept of "re-packs". Still going strong, I don't know how this guy does it...

Card Boarded https://cardboarded.blogspot.com/ "A blog about hockey cards, my collection and life as a collector." (886 posts from 2009-2022) It was the "Goaltending Gilimaufry" segment and his obsession with Upper Deck MVP Stanley Cup Edition that caused me to find his blog.

Cards From The Crease https://cardsfromthecrease.blogspot.com/ "A blog for sharing my hockey card collecting experience, TTM sending and receiving attempts and a blog about hockey in general." (206 posts from 2011-2013) Goalie card blog, so it definitely caught my attention.

High on Hockey http://highonhockey.blogspot.com/ "Your hockey cards aren't worth anything!" (115 posts from 2007-2012) Can definitely relate to this guy. So many great posts that resonate with me as a collector and a fan. His "Worst Ever Hockey Cards" segment is a riot.

My Hockey Card Obsession http://myhockeycardobsession.blogspot.com/ "The quest for cards, the creation of customs and the thoughts and opinions of a collector who enjoys the hockey card hobby after all these years." (1,252 + posts since 2009) Just a fantastic all-round hockey card blog. Updated regularly. Top notch infotainment.

Puck Junk http://puckjunk.com/ Hockey Cards, Collectibles & Culture Launched in 2007. One of the best hockey websites, period. Sal Berry is a legend.

Shoe Box Legends http://shoeboxlegends.blogspot.com/ (2,258 posts from 2008-2021) Sports Card Blog across all sports, with a hearty dose of hockey.

Wax Stain Rookie http://waxstainrookie.blogspot.com/ (874 posts from 2009 - 2020) Just another great, well-written blog. Lots of posts in the archive.

Ed Belfour
1993-94 SPX #27

It also seems that Eddie Belfour will be the starting goaltender of Chainsaw and Hockey Mask - At least for this collecting season, anyway.

Made of Stars

Greats of the Game...

Gilles Gilbert
2006-07 In The Game
Between The Pipes
- Greats of The Game #90

On a really big "Between The Pipes" kick lately.


Entire sets comprised of goaltender cards (of which I've been lucky enough to obtain a handful).


2006-07 In The Game
Between The Pipes
Total Cards: 150


Most of the "Between The Pipes" sets contain several neatly organized sections within the main set.
Typically some prospects, active stars, and retired stars.
In this case, "Greats of the Game" (spanning card numbers 78-104)

This card features NHL All-Star goaltender Gilles Gilbert.




(other "Greats of the Game" within the set include Resch, Giacomin, Cheevers, Hall, Bower, Wregget, Palmateer, Vachon, Barasso, Hextall, Esposito and Tretiak)




From the back of the card:

"Gilbert first saw NHL action as a member of the Minnesota North Stars from 1969-70 to 1972-73 and his arrival in Boston allowed him to step into a starting role.
The move paid off as he took the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 1973-74 and he appeared in the All-Star Game. He twice won over 30 games in a season and often worked in a tandem with Gerry Cheevers that kept the Bruins near the top of the standings."

While death is inevitable for us all, it's always a bummer to collect a card only to discover that the player has passed away just recently.

Felt compelled to scan the card and learn some more about Gilles Gilbert.
He backstopped the Bruins to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1974.
(with Boston goaltender Gerry Cheevers defecting to the WHA)

Gilbert also played in the 1974 NHL All-Star Game.

Gilles Gilbert was born in 1949.
Died August 6, 2023 at age 74.

According to Wikipedia:

"Gilbert was a pro scout and goaltending coach for the New York Islanders from 1996 to 2001."

Gilles Gilbert
1976-77 O-Pee-Chee #255

Happened across this card from 1976-77 O-Pee-Chee.
The card seemed to speak to me, so I made sure to add it to my hoard.

Cards of this era are typically stored in toploaders within my collection.

(Previously had just a lone OPC card from this season)

Gilles Gilbert
1976-77 O-Pee-Chee #255
(card back)

Scanned the reverse side of this 1976-77 OPC card because enjoy the color and the cartoon...

Plus, having just a few cards from this era, I really like to take a few moments to appreciate the design.

Relatively primitive at a glance - But they've stuffed a lot of neat stuff on there, along with the vital stats that cleverly blend with the background (but are still legible).

Gilles Gilbert
1981-82 O-Pee-Chee #88

Gilles Gilbert's last NHL season was 1982-83 with the Detroit Red Wings.

Gilbert remained active long after his NHL career, tending goal with the "Greatest Hockey Legends on Ice".



As recently as 2019, he posed for a photograph in goal, striking a classic goaltender pose with goal stick in hand.

Gilles Gilbert with the Boston Bruins.
Absolutely love the stars on his mask.

(note defenceman Ray Bourque wearing jersey number 7)

Found a webpage featuring the same image used on the "Between The Pipes" card - A full un-cropped picture of Gilles Gilbert posing for a photo while he was a member of the Boston Bruins.

Frosty's Hockey World
https://frostyshockeyworld.com/Players/GillesGilbert.aspx

Project Lineup...

"Chainsaw & Hockey Mask"

Taking a look at what's in store for this year's collecting season. Certainly won't be going to a store to purchase any cards... Prefer to get massive boxes for next to nothing, along with countless cards given to me. Tons of unsorted junk anyway, so lets' begin!

Semyon Varlamov
2019-20 Upper Deck #344

2025 Projected Lineup (Designated Starters):

• 1980's Commons: Card Sets Now "Vintage".
• 1990's Junk: Using Wax as Low-Cost Wallpaper
• 2009-10 - 2019-20 Upper Deck: Sorting & Filing
• Original Six: Snapshots From a Simpler Time
• NHL All-Star Game: Flashing Back to Decades Past
• Expansion Teams of  1998-2000 (Preds, Thrashers, Jackets & Wild)
  

Most of my cards are in binders - But still have a few thousand that could also stand to be filed in such an album to be displayed and enjoyed.

Bob Sauve
1981-82 O-Pee-Chee #23

Have nearly 70% of the 1981-82 OPC set in my posession.
All commons, acquired for a couple dollars - Missing the really great cards, but still quite a chunk of hockey history right there.

Would take 44 binder sheets to tuck them away, leaving space for the missing cards...

That's the discouraging part, because it could easily get frustrating ensuring that the correct spaces are left, to "display" the cards properly, and allow the slots necessary should I happen to acquire a few more.. Maybe stick to one or two teams per sitting, and finish it over a few days instead of trying to stuff it into an afternoon.

Returning Segments:

Pascal Leclaire
2005-06 In The Game
- Heroes and Prospects #89

• Minor League: Occasional cards, mentions of teams & players.
• "Freaky Mask Friday": Scary or unusual goalie masks on hockey card (preferably a decent angle).
• NHL Playoffs: The REAL Hockey Season. Particularly fond of cards that feature snapshots from the Playoffs.
• "WTF Hockey Cards": Attempting to explain how such a bad card could ever be made - Or making sense of what's going on in the photo".
• Random Re-Packs: Misadventures in Junk Wax for a few cheap thrills.
• Goalie Cards: HOFers, backups & unknowns added to my collection.
  
  
  

The Bear-Shark Project...

Joe Thornton
2010-11 SP Authentic #34

After Joe Thornton departed from San Jose, I decided to take a look at other Sharks players who wore jersey number 19.

Joe Thornton facts from Wikipedia:

San Jose Sharks' all-time leader in points per game with 1.01.

Only player in NHL history to win the Art Ross Trophy and Hart Memorial Trophy while switching teams in his winning campaign – 2005–06.

Marco Sturm
2003-04 Upper Deck #158

Being a relatively new franchise, San Jose only a few players don the number 19 jersey before Thornton arrived.

Coincidentally, Marco Sturm was one of the players traded to Boston for Joe Thornton).



San Jose Sharks players to wear number 19 before Joe Thornton:
Marco Sturm (1998-2006)
Jeff Friesen (1996)
Doug Zmolek (1993-1994)
Brian Mullen (1992)

Brian Mullen
1992-93 O-Pee-Chee #260

Brian Mullen was one of the first San Jose Sharks to wear number 19.

From the back of the card:

"In November he [Brian Mullen] scored a wrap-around in overtime to clinch the Sharks' first-ever win over LA"

Joe Thornton
2005-06 Upper Deck MVP #28

Joe Thornton with the Boston Bruins, during the pre-beard era.
(I swear that he and Brent Burns must have had a contest going)

Mariusz Czerkawski
1995-96 Collector's Choice #50
(Player's Club Parallel)

Some of the Boston Bruins players to wear number 19 before Joe Thornton:
Rob DiMaio (1997-2000)
Kevin Sawyer (1996)
Mariusz Czerkawski (1994-1996)
Dave Poulin (1990-1993)
Ray Neufeld (1989-1990)
Tom McCarthy (1987-1988)
Normand Leveille (1982-83)
Bobby Lalonde (1980-81)
Ab DeMarco (1979)

Joe Thornton
1999-00 Stadium Club #75

Curiously enough, Joe Thornton actually wore number 6 at the very beginning of his career.

Being an older franchise, numbers 2 thru 9 had already been retired by the Boston Bruins - with the exception of jersey number 6.

A relatively low number for a centreman, Thornton wore 6 from 1998 - 2000.

Number 19 became available in Boston when Rob Dimaio was traded to the NY Rangers.
Joe Thornton wore number 19 with Boston from 2000-2006.

Dick Redmond
1981-82 O-Pee-Chee #9

Some of the Boston Bruins Players to Wear Number 6 Before Joe Thornton:
Alexei Kasatonov (1995-1996)
Glen Featherstone (1992-1994)
Gord Kluzak (1983-1991)
Dick Redmond (1978-82)
Mike Forbes (1978)
Dennis O'Brien (1978)
Clayton Pachal (1977)
Darryl Edestrand (1974-1978)
Nick Beverley (1973-74)
Ted Green (1961-1972)

SHARK WEEK: Shark Hunting...

Brian Hayward
1992-93 Pinnacle #266

Kicking off SHARK WEEK with Freaky Mask Friday and one of the coolest hockey cards ever - Brian Hayward's card from the very first edition of Pinnacle Masks.

This card is part of the base card set. Future releases saw the Pinnacle Masks become a separate subset.

Brian Hayward wore a rather unique goalie mask during his brief tenure with the San Jose Sharks...



I remember seeing a full sized poster of his mask and thought it was awesome... But had never actually owned a card featuring the infamous shark mask.

Had caught a few glimpses of his mask on other cards...

 

Mark Tinordi
1991-92 Pro Set Platinum #58

1991-92 was the debut year for the Sharks franchise.
It also happened to be the 75th anniversary of the NHL - So all team uniforms featured a commemorative "NHL 75" patch.

Mike Sullivan
1992-93 O-Pee-Chee #144

Barely noticeable, but the Shark mask is there - Albeit out of focus and in the background.

Pretty sure there's at least one other card in my collection with a Brian Hayward cameo with the mask. If I find it, my intention is to add it to this post...

Freaky Mask Friday (John Vanbiesbrouck, Philadelphia Flyers)

John Vanbiesbrouck
1999-00 O-Pee-Chee #201

Always excited to see a Beezer mask I've never seen before.

Don't normally associate John Vanbiesbrouck with the Philadelphia Flyers.

He spent 2 seasons with the Flyers, playing 112 games.
(Compared to 449 games with the Rangers and 268 with the Panthers)

Just realizing that the shape of his unusual mask offered more canvas for art than a typical mask...

Calgary Number 55, New Jersey Number 6...

Never realized that Steve Smith played for the Calgary Flames, but here he is wearing jersey number 55.

Smith's usual number 5 was occupied by Tommy Albelin.

This "discovery" comes on the heels of a recent post featuring a relatively modern card with Calgary number 55 (Noah Hanifin from 2019-20 UD).

Steve Smith won a Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers, and made it all the way to the Finals with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1992 (ultimately losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins)























Here's New Jersey Devils number 6, Brad Bombardir from 1999-00 OPC.

A previous card was just featured (2017-18 UD) depicting Andy Greene wearing 6 for the NJD.

2000-01 OPC (Near-Complete Set)

Kevin Weekes
2000-01 O-Pee-Chee #29

2000-01 O-Pee-Chee
Total Cards: 330

Picking up complete sets is always great...

But near-complete sets will force you to become more familiar with the set, and enjoy a bit of the fun involved with "set building".

Wasn't initially a fan of the design  - But this set was slowly growing on me.

Couldn't pass up a chance to pick up a set in binder that was near completion.

One of my favorite cards features awesome action in front of the Isles' net.

Jocelyn Thibault
2000-01 O-Pee-Chee #85

Felt kinda unlucky because 13 cards were missing...

As usual, checked my OPC binder in hopes of having a couple of these in my existing collection.

Since I only had 24 existing cards from 2000-01 OPC to begin with, the odds weren't great that I'd have many...

Actually found 7 lucky cards from my existing collection towards finishing the set... Which now has just 6 cards remaining.
(324 of 330)


With T-Bo's head tilted down, we can see the face of Chief Blackhawk.

Pat Verbeek
2000-01 O-Pee-Chee #218

Another Original 6 matchup. Great shot of Pat Verbeek wearing number 15 with the Detroit Red Wings (instead of his usual number 16 - Pulled from circulation in Detroit to honor Vladimir Konstantinov).


Cujo in net for Toronto, the camera is at right angle to see the vicious dog on his mask.

Jean-Sebastien Aubin
2000-01 O-Pee-Chee #238

One from my existing collection...

The goalie blocks the bottom corner of the net to thwart the scoring chance.

Bonus point for card featuring state rivals.

400 Posts!

Henrik Lundqvist
2015-16 Upper Deck #382

"Clang!"

Have managed to scan and upload (at least!) 400 of my favorite hockey cards.

That's approximately 0.02% of my entire collection.

Dominik Hasek
1999-00 O-Pee-Chee #9

"Chainsaw and Hockey Mask" is just a fun project that increases my own enjoyment of the hobby, and serves as a quick easy place to store the never-ending tidbits of useless trivia.

Two of the best all-time NHL goaltenders prove that a bit of luck can make all the difference...

Point Men...

Larry Murphy
1981-82 O-Pee-Chee #393

Was kinda surprised that this 1980-81 record still stands...

Larry Murphy scored 16 goals and 60 assists for 76 points in his first season.

This set a new record for most points by a rookie defenceman.

A new record had been set the previous year with Ray Bourque scoring 65 points (1979-80).


















 

 

 

Brian Leetch RC
1989-90 O-Pee-Chee #136

The only D-men to come close:
Brian Leetch had 71 points (1988-89)
Gary Suter had 68 points (1985-86)

*Brian Leetch only played 68 games his rookie season (as compared to 80 games by Larry Murphy).

The 71 points scored by Brian Leetch are at a rate of more than a point per game.

Leetch still holds the record for goals by a rookie defenceman with 23.



Despite the 2019-20 shortened season, two guys managed to crack the top 20 of the all-time list for rookie defenceman scoring:
Quinn Huges (Vancouver) 53 points
Cale Makar (Colorado) 50 points

1999-00 O-Pee-Chee (Near-Complete Set)

Jaromir Jagr
1999-00 O-Pee-Chee #5

1999-00 O-Pee-Chee
Total Cards: 286

Yet another near-complete set that I acquired a few years back.

Had previously only seen a few cards - But really liked the design and the photos.

When I had the opportunity to grab most of the set in a binder, I snatched it up.

Another card with Scott Stevens bothering Jaromir Jagr.

Patrick Roy
1999-00 O-Pee-Chee #16

Patrick Roy - With former teammate Vincent Damphousse on the doorstep. They were both part of the 1993 Stanley Cup Champion Montreal Canadiens.

Glen Wesley
1999-00 O-Pee-Chee #27

Glen Wesley unloads a shot from just inside the blue-line.

Not much happening in the background, but it's still an excellent-looking card.



















 

Glen Murray
1999-00 O-Pee-Chee #65

Makes me laugh - Glen Murray has the same basic facial expression as Dave Andreychuk.

Sean Burke
1999-00 O-Pee-Chee #230

Love this card...
Sean Burke and a tense moment with a shooter.
About to fire the puck at point blank range, is Rod Brind'Amour.

Ken Wregget Wins His First NHL Game...

Ken Wregget
1988-89,O-Pee-Chee #264

It's not very often that a goaltender finds himself on the winning side of his first NHL start.

Found it interesting that Ken Wregget is one of them.

From Wikipedia:

"He turned a lot of heads during his first game in the league posting a jaw-dropping 48-save performance against the Hartford Whalers to record his first NHL victory."

(Other goalies include Carter Hart and Carey Price)

Bonus point for the glowing Heineken beer sign in the background.

Buffalo Biron...

Martin Biron
2002-03 O-Pee Chee #115

For Freaky Mask Friday, a closeup look at Martin Biron's mask from the Buffalo Sabres' red, white and black era.

Relatively basic mask design, but cool nonetheless.
Buffalo's experimental color scheme wasn't bad, it just throws me off because it's not the colors typically associated with the team.

That 3-D Buffalo still looks pretty slick.
His intense stare also makes this a captivating card.

Number 85...

Peter Klima
1988-89 O-Pee-Chee #28

Petr Klima
1964-2023

Famously wore number 85 for his entire career, as 1985 was the year he defected from Czechoslovakia.

Played some memorable playoff games with the Detroit Red Wings, eventually joining the Edmonton Oilers for their 1990Stanley Cup victory. Also played three seasons for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Appeared briefly for the Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Even came back for return stints in Edmonton and Detroit.

NHL Playoffs: Scored 28 goals and 24 assists for 52 points in 95  Playoff Games.
Regular Season: Scored 313 goals and 260 assists for 573 points in 786 NHL games.

Carolina VS New Jersey...

Joe Nieuwendyk
2002-03 O-Pee Chee #255

With the New Jersey Devils emerging as the victor of a seven-game series with the New York Rangers, the Devils will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the 2023 NHL Playoffs.

This card from two decades ago features NHL Playoff veteran Joe Nieuwendyk.

Nieuwendyk won the Stanley Cup with THREE different franchises:
-Scored 10 goals in the 1989 Playoffs, winning the Stanley Cup with the Calgary Flames.
-Scored SIX game winning goals (11 in total) to help the Dallas Stars win it all in 1999.
-Won his third Championship with the New Jersey Devils in 2003.


Also saw action for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2004 Playoffs.
Played 80 regular season games for Florida Panthers.

Joe Nieuwendyk scored 66 goals and 50 assists for 116 points in 158 Playoff games.
Also has 14 game-winning goals in his NHL Playoff career.

Green Bishop...

Ben Bishop
2020-21 Upper Deck #58

A scene from what now seems like a really long time ago - The NHL outdoor game between the Dallas Stars and Nashville Predators on January 1, 2020.

Bonus point for the "Winter Classic" badge visible on his jersey.
The oldschool "leather" style of the pads, blended with green is actually a nice touch.

Ben Bishop's NHL resume includes stops in St Louis, Ottawa, Tampa, LA and Dallas.

The Dallas Stars would also appear in the Stanley Cup Finals in the (rather messed up) 2020 Playoffs. - After a disappointing loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Stars would also miss the Playoffs the following season (2020-21) .

Jon Casey
1989-90 O-Pee-Chee #48

Couldn't resist this older card of (North) Stars goaltender Jon Casey.

A blast from the past with a genuinely retro goalie getup.
(old enough to be called vintage?)

Jon Casey
1990-91 Upper Deck #385
(card back)

Yet another Casey card that I've scanned but hadn't uploaded - Until now.

This time, he's got a white bucket on his head.

Once again, it's a mad scramble in the crease, with a maze sticks and legs.

I'm definitely a fan of cards like this.

Jon Casey
1990-91 Upper Deck #385

Despite an older photo on the reverse side, the front of this particular card actually depicts Casey with the "modern" goalie mask, painted with stars.

Man, I love the 90s!