As the winter chill settles in and the frantic energy of hockey prevails, collectors have a new reason to rejoice: the arrival of the eagerly anticipated 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey. This release completes the year’s trilogy of flagship hockey releases, promising to be an exhilarating crescendo for the discerning collector. Whether you’re an ardent hockey fan or a savvy card connoisseur, this latest installment has something to captivate your interest.
Upending the status quo of its predecessors, the Extended Series doesn’t just complement the beloved Series 1 and Series 2—it elevates this year’s Upper Deck Hockey card offerings to an all-time high. With a plethora of 750 total cards now in play, the 2024-25 Upper Deck lineup promises collectors more thrills than a nail-biting overtime period. Hobby boxes introduce a lively collecting experience where surprises await in every corner, filled to the brim with tantalizing inserts and parallels that ensure no two packs are ever the same.
Peeling back the wrapper reveals an impressive checklist with a fresh infusion of 250 new cards. On the roster are 200 cards featuring veteran players donning updated jerseys or basking in the glory of new team representations, making each card a delightful discovery of unfolding hockey narratives.
But all eyes will likely be on the concluding 50 cards, dedicated to the tantalizing appeal of the Young Guns and the exclusive 1st Round Rookies—a hallmarked offering for budding stars on the ice’s horizon. These rookie cards, short-printed and elusive, make sporadic appearances in every other pack, keeping the heart of collectors pounding away with anticipation.
The allure of the chase intensifies with parallel cards that are sure to be the crowning jewels of any collection. Each offers a unique challenge for those daring enough to seek the rare: the eye-catching Outburst parallels show up sparingly, with Outburst Red demanding even more tenacity as they are limited to just 25 copies. For the diehard thrill-seekers, the Outburst Gold presents the ultimate challenge as a unique 1/1 find.
Vet collectors will delight in the return of fan-favorite UD Canvas cards, drizzling that artistic flair that has long been revered. Within the four portraitures found in each hobby box are rare subsets showcasing Young Guns, Legends, and NHL All-Stars. Keep those eyes peeled for tantalizing Black and White parallels and exclusive Printing Plates that are sure to make a serious splash.
Not to be outdone, the captivating Dazzlers make a sparkling return. With enchanting Blue versions available at every twelfth pack, and the elusive Pink versions creating a subtle crescendo at 1:72 rates, there is no shortage of luminosity here. Blaster boxes don’t miss out, offering exclusive Green Dazzlers guaranteed to captivate at 1:4 packs.
On newer shores, collectors will encounter the mystical Oracles, tarot card-inspired inserts that allure with their enigmatic design. Running from challenging short prints to ultra-rare special finds, these additions forge a feeding frenzy for the determined hobbyist.
A touch of nostalgia graces the series with returns like Pros and Prospects and Beehive, recalling Upper Deck’s illustrious past while still managing to surprise with nuanced variations. The Trilogy Rookie Premiere—regaled in Common, Uncommon, and Rare rarities—along with UD3 inserts numbered in glistening Gold, make for an irresistible combination for past and present aficionados.
For those who revel in Silver Skates, these glide effortlessly back into action, with base versions sprinkled liberally throughout packs, while the exquisite Gold parallels, numbered at just 250, ace every savvy collector’s must-have list.
With the hobby boxes configured to provide maximum joy, expect the following lineup:
– Hobby boxes offer 12 cards per pack, with 12 packs per box, and a case consisting of a full dozen hobby boxes. Blaster packs follow at 12 cards per pack, with four packs per box and a generous 20 boxes per case.
– The complete set stretches to 250 cards, housing a treasure trove of Beehive, Pros and Prospects, or Upper Deck Encore inserts—eight in total with every weighting.
– Look out for two Oracles, a compelling pair of Triple Dimensions Reflections, and five dynamic Dazzlers, dolloped with the serenity of Blue Dazzlers as a definitive highlight.
From the sport’s ardent admirers to the seasoned connoisseurs, the 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey raises the stakes, boasting a bountiful diversity of inserts, rare parallels, and prized rookie cards. It’s a veritable treasure trove (and a collector’s dream) ripe for those ready to dig deep into its opulent riches. Hockey enthusiasts and card aficionados alike now have a reason to celebrate—the stage is set for another extraordinary season of collecting delight.
