The recent National Hockey Card Day saw an unprecedented level of participation and excitement, largely due to unexpected autographs from rookie sensation Connor Bedard in the free promotional packs distributed by Upper Deck.
National Hockey Card Day on April 13, 2024, turned into an extraordinary event for hockey card enthusiasts, thanks to a delightful surprise from Upper Deck. Across North America and beyond, hobby shops welcomed huge crowds as collectors flocked to get their hands on a free card of the Chicago Blackhawks' rookie star, Connor Bedard. The excitement soared even higher when Upper Deck revealed that some of the promotional packs contained Bedard’s autographs, adding a rare treasure to the mix.
This special day, celebrated annually, encourages fans to visit local hobby shops where they can receive a complimentary pack of hockey cards. This year’s edition was particularly noteworthy, featuring a blend of cards from both current players and hockey legends, with rookies taking center stage. The inclusion of autographed cards was a strategic move by Upper Deck, enhancing the day’s appeal and drawing even larger crowds.
Dave Tellier, owner of Wizard’s Tower in Barrhaven, Ontario, observed a significant increase in traffic to his store, which he attributed to the allure of Bedard's cards. The excitement around these cards was evident as early birds lined up before dawn, and the store saw many first-time visitors, particularly families, eager to partake in the hobby.
The promotion has also served as a catalyst for reconnecting people with card collecting. In addition to the excitement at hobby shops, Upper Deck's retail partners, including notable chains like GameStop and Toys R Us, participated by distributing special nine-card sheets that featured Bedard among other players.
As collectors continue to share their finds online, Bedard’s autographed cards are already making waves on platforms like eBay, where they are fetching attractive prices. These cards are expected to gain further traction at upcoming events like the Toronto Spring Sport Card and Memorabilia Expo, promising a spike in collector interest and market value.
National Hockey Card Day has once again proven to be a pivotal event in the hockey card collecting calendar, this year made even more memorable by Connor Bedard's unexpected signatures.