This year’s NHL® rookie class has been a pleasant surprise for both fans and collectors alike. The depth of this class has been incredibly impressive and many are doing things on the ice the likes of which have never been done. Upper Deck is paying tribute to the incredible feats of the 2016-17 NHL® Rookie Class by releasing a special set touting their achievements in two different series this year, with the first series set to hit next week!
The 2016-17 Upper Deck NHL® Biography of a Season sets will be offered exclusively through Upper Deck’s network of Authorized Internet Retailers and Authorized Group Breakers. The cards will be available as a gift with online purchase of with 2016-17 Upper Deck NHL® products. For every $20 spent, customers will earn one random card from the set.
Here’s a look at the checklist for Series One:
BIO1 – Auston Matthews – October 12, 2016 – SCORES 4 IN DEBUT
Auston Matthews did the unthinkable in his first NHL® appearance as a Maple Leaf, scoring all 4 Toronto goals in front of his proud mom and dad. His achievement set a modern NHL® record for a rookie on his debut.
BIO2 – Jimmy Vesey – October 17, 2016 – VESSEY SCORES 1ST NHL® GOAL
In only his third professional game, the hyped college free-agent, netted his first NHL® goal at home. He’s added many more since that game, showing the Rangers he’s here to stay full-time.
BIO3 – Patrik Laine – October 19, 2016 – LAINE NETS HIS 1ST HAT TRICK
Laine is a pure goal scoring talent. Those talents were on display early in the season when he snapped his first career hat trick against the Maple Leafs at home in front of thousands of adoring fans. The third goal ended up being the game winner in overtime to top it off.
BIO4 – Mitch Marner – October 27, 2016 – REGISTERS 3 POINTS IN WIN
Marner picked up another milestone early into his debut season on October 27, 2016 when he assisted on all three Maple Leafs goals for his first 3-point game as he helped the Leafs defeat the Panthers 3-2.
BIO5 – William Nylander – November 1, 2016 –NAMED NHL® ROOKIE OF THE MONTH
Even with all the hype surrounding Auston Matthews, Nylander managed to get rookie of the month honors for October, which came as no surprise to his team. Nylander has become a dynamic duo with Matthews shifting over from his usual center position to play on the wing.
BIO6 – Patrik Laine – November 8, 2016 – LOGS 2ND HAT TRICK OF THE SEASON
Laine has already proven early in the season that he’s a scoring sensation. He netted his 2nd career hat trick in only his 14th game on November 8, 2016.
BIO7 – Mitch Marner – November 17, 2016 – MARNER WOWS AGAINST REIMER
Marner has wowed the coaching staff this year not only with his offensive ability but also his defensive awareness. He had a highlight reel goal on November 17, 2016 undressing former Leaf goal James Reimer.
BIO8 – Jake Guentzel – November 21, 2016 – SCORES 1ST GOAL ON 1ST SHOT
Jake got his start on November 21, 2016, and it was a night he won’t soon forget as he managed to score his first NHL goal on his first shift, with his first shot. He added another first period goal to add to his incredible professional debut game.
BIO9 – Zach Werenski – December 1, 2016 – NAMED NHL® ROOKIE OF THE MONTH
A surprise emergence this season, and already in talks for the Calder, Werenski has been a dominant force on defense for the Blue Jackets. He’s quickly becoming an elite defenceman who adds a much needed scoring touch on the teams blue line. Zach was also named rookie of the month for November.
BIO10 – Auston Matthews – January 1, 2017 – SCORES OT WINNER IN THE CLASSIC
On January 1, 2017, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings met in the 2017 Scotiabank NHL Centennial Classic™. With the game locked up at four goals each, Auston Matthews lit the lamp in overtime to score his second goal of the game and deliver a thrilling end to this game that was aptly named a “classic.”
Later this year Upper Deck will release a second series showing incredible moments from the second half of the season. Don’t miss out on your chance to collect history with these limited-edition Upper Deck NHL® Biography of a Season cards!
