Grab your best hockey jersey and prepare to be bedazzled as SP Game Used Hockey celebrates its illustrious 25th year. This momentous release is set to enthrall both seasoned collectors and newcomers with its array of memorabilia-based cards, solidifying its place as a pillar in the world of hockey trading cards. While SP Game Used’s attempts to thaw out in the baseball, football, and basketball realms were as short-lived as a playoff beard, its hockey rendition has been loyally supported and loved for a quarter of a century.
This anniversary edition isn’t resting on laurels, it’s skating into the limelight with fresh concepts that pay homage to its legacy. The crowning jewel of this year’s chase are cards featuring relics from the debut 4 Nations Face-Off featuring Team USA, Canada, Finland, and Sweden. An international rivalry such as this injects a dose of competitive spirit into card pulling, making it that much more exhilarating.
Continuing the tradition, each hobby box houses a solitary nine-card pack that offers a fiery mix bound to satiate the most fervent of collectors:
– Four hits, which could be autographs, memorabilia, autographed memorabilia, or premium inserts
– Three base cards, Authentic Rookies, or New Grooves inserts
– Two parallels of base cards, Authentic Rookies, or New Grooves
The base set features a robust 200 cards, an assembly of the sport’s current stars, revered retired legends, and Authentic Rookies, poised to capture the spotlight—and your wallet.
For the ardent parallel hunters, here’s the breathtaking chase list:
– Red (deceptively unnumbered but nonetheless eye-catching)
– Gold /149
– Rainbow (serial-numbered to the player’s jersey—a mix that makes some cards rarer than others)
– Purple /5
– Green 1/1 (the unicorns that every hockey card collector dreams of)
Not to forget, there are ample autographed and relic parallels, turning collector’s binders into a treasure trove of memories.
As for memorabilia and autographs, SP Game Used proves yet again why it’s hailed like a slapshot to the top corner. Game-used memorabilia from NHL games, Stanley Cup playoffs, Global Series, Stadium Series, the Winter Classic, and the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off form the backbone of the collection.
Enticing relic sets include:
– Rookie Sweaters (/299)
– Troupe Threads (/199)
– Game Day Gear (/100)
– Rookie Jumbo Patches (/25)
– Supreme Materials and their super-sized counterparts Supreme Patches (/15)—these swathes now include relics from the 4 Nations tournament, because bigger is undoubtedly better.
Old favorites return, like the crowd-pleaser Puck Relics and Net Cord cards, which feature authentic pieces of game-used nets from significant NHL events such as debuts and milestone matches.
One of the perennial collector’s dreams, Draft Day Marks make a comeback, with manufactured letter patches signed by rookies. Those who complete an entire player’s name gain eternal bragging rights—and a valid excuse to be insufferably proud on all social media platforms.
Rookies have lent their signatures to the Inked Rookie Sweaters (/99) with rare Patch parallels (/25). Veteran players aren’t sidelined here either, gracing Inked Sweaters (a sought-after find at 1:100 packs) and their own Patch parallels (/25).
Banner cards slash their way back into action, offering pieces from notable events like Draft Days, Stanley Cup Finals, Winter Classics, among others—because nothing says iconic like a piece of an actual event’s banner.
The New Grooves inserts, which highlight thrilling rookies, are on the scene with their own set of parallel options:
– Red /499
– Gold /149
– Rainbow /99
– Purple /5
– Green 1/1
Adding a new twist, the NHL Masters (/299) insert set makes a grand entrance, available in Jersey and Patch versions, featuring rookies, current superstars, and legends of the ice.
For those strategizing their box purchases, here’s a quick peek into what lies ahead:
– Cards per pack: 9 (1 pack per box)
– Boxes per case: 20 (divided into two 10-box inner cases)
– Set size: 200 cards
– Release Date: January 2026 (though always subject to change, like the weather in a Canadian winter)
Inside every Hobby Box lurks the promise of:
– Four Autographs, Memorabilia Cards, or Premium Inserts
– Two Parallels
– Three Base, Authentic Rookies, or New Grooves inserts
As SP Game Used Hockey skates into this landmark anniversary, it promises to deliver legendary thrills and perhaps even a bit of wallet-induced chill. But rest assured, this spectacular ensemble stands ready to enchant with a piece of hockey magic for every aficionado out there. Here’s to another 25 years of collectible marvels!