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...

This Bud's For You...

Pavel Bure
1993-94 Upper Deck #35

Managed to spot the same fan making appearances on three different hockey cards...

Always noticed the contrasting background characters on this particular card from 1993-94 Upper Deck.

The dude with the beard and sunglasses obviously had nothing to wear to the game, so he draped an American flag over his shoulders... (surely the librarian next to him must have "Shushed" him for his loud attire)

Brent Gilchrist
1992-93 Fleer Ultra #293

Literally did a double take when I happened upon this card from 1992-93 Fleer Ultra...

It's the exact same guy, wearing the exact same outfit, sitting in the exact same seat (just behind the "w" in "Budweiser").

With millions of sports cards produced, surely this has  happened before.

Rob Blake
1991-92 Pro Set Platinum #51

Had often noticed this card where Rob Blake is eating his chinstrap...

After scouring my LA Kings cards via TCDB, I spotted the same fan on Rob Blake's card #51 from 1991-92 Pro Set Platinum.

Wearing a black LA Kings jersey, I wouldn't have even noticed him if he wasn't sitting in his favorite seat behind the Budweiser ad.



Gonna keep a lookout for hockey card photos taken in Los Angeles during the early 1990s, just to see if this guy makes additional appearances... Pretty sure I've seen him on other cards, partially cropped out, or out of focus in the distant background.

A Second Glance...

Steve Thomas
1991-92 Pro Set Platinum #203

Destined for the duplicates pile, the photographs on these cards managed to catch my eye and earn a second look.

Pat LaFontaine
1991-92 Upper Deck #253

The scene will play out in slow motion for both the goaltender and the shooter.

Corey Millen
1992-93 Parkhurst #292

I like how the puck is still airborne as it hits the back of the net, with the Bruins' defender swiping hopelessly at it.

Tim Sweeney
1994-95 Parkhurst #9

Frantic action in front of the net is always enjoyable.

Glen Murray
2007-08 Upper Deck #168

Excellent demonstration of balance as Glen Murray gets everything he can on this one.

Valterri Filppula
2011-12 Upper Deck #392

The hometown fans don't look impressed as the visiting Detroit Red Wings celebrate a goal in the Boston rink.