90-91 Upper Deck Hockey High Series
For hockey fans of a certain age, the 90-91 Upper Deck Hockey High Series holds a special place in our hearts. It was the third year of Upper Deck’s foray into the world of hockey cards and saw the introduction of some exciting rookie cards and subsets. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and examine what made this set so memorable.
The Design
The design of the 90-91 Upper Deck Hockey High Series was sleek and modern. The black borders made the cards stand out from other sets and gave them a premium feel. The upper left corner featured the player’s name while the bottom left corner had a small team logo. The upper right corner had an Upper Deck logo, and the bottom right corner featured a photo of the player in action. The back of the cards featured a headshot, career statistics, and a brief bio. Overall, the design was simple but effective.
The Rookies
One of the highlights of the 90-91 Upper Deck Hockey High Series was the impressive crop of rookies. The set featured several players who would go on to have successful NHL careers, including Eric Lindros, Owen Nolan, and Bill Guerin. Lindros, in particular, was highly touted and was the first overall pick in the 1991 NHL Draft. His rookie card is still highly sought after by collectors today.
The Subsets
Another standout feature of the 90-91 Upper Deck Hockey High Series was the subsets. The set included “Hockey Heroes,” which featured legends like Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky, and “French Connection,” which highlighted the Buffalo Sabres’ trio of Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, and Rene Robert. The “Hockey Heroes” subset, in particular, was a hit with collectors and included some stunning photos of the game’s all-time greats.
The Impact
The 90-91 Upper Deck Hockey High Series was significant for a few reasons. First, it cemented Upper Deck as a major player in the hockey card market. The company had already made a name for itself in baseball and football, but the success of the hockey sets allowed it to solidify its position as one of the premier card manufacturers. Second, the set helped usher in a new era of hockey cards. The black borders, quality photography, and sleek design set a new standard for what hockey cards could be.
The Legacy
The legacy of the 90-91 Upper Deck Hockey High Series is still felt today. Many collectors consider it to be one of the greatest sets of all time and continue to hunt for the elusive Lindros rookie card. Upper Deck has also continued to innovate and push the boundaries of what a hockey card can be, with sets like “The Cup” and “SP Authentic” becoming collector favorites.
Conclusion
The 90-91 Upper Deck Hockey High Series was a groundbreaking set that helped usher in a new era of hockey cards. With its sleek design, impressive rookie crop, and standout subsets, it quickly became a favorite of collectors. The set’s legacy is still felt today, and it will always hold a special place in the hearts of hockey fans who grew up in the early 90s.