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Posted by: finestkind Jul 17 2010, 12:52 PM

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).

http://www.cardboardconnection.com/10-things-the-hobby-could-learn-from-hockey-cards for the list.

The Cardboard Connection.com
July 14, 2010

Posted by: edgerrin32 Jul 17 2010, 01:04 PM

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

Posted by: cbware88 Jul 19 2010, 10:14 AM

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

Posted by: Icrackwax Jul 19 2010, 03:52 PM

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

Posted by: northicehero99 Jul 20 2010, 11:39 AM

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.

Posted by: Rusty_Dawg37 Jul 21 2010, 10:04 AM

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

Posted by: cardcrazed Jul 23 2010, 11:56 PM

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

Posted by: aceecards Aug 16 2010, 06:48 PM

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

Posted by: 2000 rushing yards Aug 17 2010, 11:59 AM

agreed

Posted by: urbanmonk Oct 21 2010, 12:09 PM

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

Posted by: heynetboy Nov 9 2010, 11:40 AM

Great article. Thanks for sharing.



Wally