In Ken Reid’s book, “Hockey Card Stories,” he had a fun look at 59 of his favorite hockey cards from his youth and interviewed the athletes depicted on the cards about them. While Ken really looked at vintage cards (primarily O-Pee-Chee) in his book, we thought it would be fun to have him share his thoughts on new O-Pee-Chee cards from Upper Deck. We recently met up with Ken at a trading card show, had him open a box of new O-Pee-Chee NHL® trading cards and pick out five cards that reminded him of cards featured in his book.
#5 – JORDIE BENN #356
“First things first, I love that OPC continues to capture “the spirit of the thing” by printing the cards on the old school card stock. Just the feel of these cards alone brings me back to when I was a kid. I love this card because Benn has that old school (which has become new again) look: the hair and the beard. Enough said. This card could be right out of the ‘70’s. Maybe that’s why I have a soft spot for these great Dallas unis. They remind me of some colorful sweaters that we saw back in the WHA. Some love these Stars unis (me) some (like my Sportsnet Central co-anchor Evanka Osmak) not so much.”
#4 – BEN SCRIVENS #91
“I was always a softie for goalie cards when I was a kid. This card takes me back. I love the close up shot of Scrivens, his mask, and the fact that you can’t see his eyes. It reminds me of some of the photography we used to see on cards back in the day, not perfect, but truly authentic. And how about the design? I love it; the goalie stick right down the side of the card takes me right back to 1969-70 O-Pee-Chee Hockey. If I write a book, in say 2036, about old school cards, this one will be in it.”
#3 – MARK GIORDANO # 277
“One day I hope to see an entire set made up of guys striking old school hockey poses, until then, this is as good as it will get. Giordano looks like he is in mid-dangle, he even has his dangle face. We all look like that when we’re making a move on the ice, whether we are in squirt or old timers. I love that this photo captured the perfect pic of Giordano. It looks like they pulled it right out of the 1981-82 “In Action” series. I also love the female Capitals fan over his shoulder pulling her hair out over whatever he is about to do.”
#2 – TIM THOMAS # 319
“The best thing about old school goalie cards is that every goalie had a unique look. They didn’t all look the same. Goalies for the most part these days, all look the same, except for Tim Thomas. I love this shot of him. And I love his mask. That bucket is unique, he’s like the Corrado Micalef of his era (see Micalef’s Highlight card from 1983-84 for details. Oh and by the way that Micaelf card is in my book, Hockey Card Stories. Cheap Plug!!!!)”
#1 – MARC METHOT #488
“Fantastic. Awesome. Outstanding. Pure hockey. Pure throwback. When I saw this card I smiled. It looks like it is right out of a pack from the mid ‘70’s. I love the close up shot. Love it. Plus it looks like Methot is missing a chicklet or two, add in the nice 5 o’clock shadow that he is sporting, along with the killer design, and you have yourself one awesome hockey card. This one is a winner!”
