Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ Things the Hobby Could Learn From, America’s Fourth Most Popular Pro Sport

By Brett J. Lewis Jul 14, 2010

In the real world hockey is the 4th most popular sport, which might explain why it’s so well done in the world of sports cards. Instead of constantly trying to court a new demographic, the hockey sector of the hobby focuses on pleasing hardcore hockey fans, which ironically draws in new fans.

Below are 10 things the industry could learn from hockey cards. Granted, it's a lot easier to achieve the things below when you have (had) the exclusive rights to a sport, but Upper Deck has seen it's fair share of competition come and go over it's 20 years in the hockey card business. Instead of dwell on what the competition is doing, Upper Deck simply focuses on continuing what they are doing and trying to please hockey fans. Bare in mind that this is written by someone who's fourth favorite sport was hockey as of last year (currently it's tied with basketball for the third).

Click here for the list.

The Cardboard Connection.com
July 14, 2010

WOW, great read! And very true on so many points! To bad I don't know much hockey at all.

WOW!!!!! Cool article......thanks for the link.

I think all the points are great. Too bad I'm not a fan of hockey or I would definitely be a hockey collector!

As a hockey collector, I think this writers perspective is fresh on the topic, but I think he gives UD too much credit. UD has been status quo for the last five years, re-producing sets that are similar year after year. As an example we have had some of the same insert sets in UD hockey for the last few years like Captains Calling, All-World Team, and so on.

Additionally, while pulling a rookie #/99 sounds great, it really is meaningless if all the rookies in the set are #/99 and your pull is a scrub like it is in BAP. In addition, it kills set builders as the odds of getting these cards to complete the set is near impossible, unless you want to risk several hundred $ on an unproven rookie, if he takes off it is a great investment, if not watch your money get flushed.

UD has done some things right, but for a "monopoly" they apparently did not do enough right to appease the NHL or NHLPA as we now have Panini in the game. Lets see what changes that brings in innovation, design, etc. I have a feeling Panini is going to give UD a run for their money based on Alan Muir (former editor of Beckett Hockey) joining their company.

We shall see.

i can say that i see hockey cards all the time that make me wish i was a hockey fan!

i can say that i see hockey cards all the time that make me wish i was a hockey fan!

I second that! But then I sit down and try to watch a game and realize that it just isn't for me! Great article find as always, very interesting!

Justin

hockey has always been my number 1 favorite spectator sport since i was a kid in the late sixties.

hockey has always been my number 1 favorite spectator sport since i was a kid in the late sixties.

agreed

Excellent read thanks Dave. I agree with many of the points, but tend to go with Brian on many and Brian's points.

Great article. Thanks for sharing.



Wally