Nhl Hockey 1990 91 Upper Deck
The 1990-91 NHL season was undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable seasons in the history of hockey. It was the year when the Gulf War started, the Soviet Union collapsed, and Wayne Gretzky was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings. But it was also an important year for hockey trading cards, thanks to Upper Deck's debut.
What is Upper Deck?
Upper Deck is an American company that produces high-quality sports trading cards. Established in 1988, the company rose to fame with its innovative and premium sports cards that featured sports stars in high definition photography with excellent printing quality.
The Birth of the Hockey Card Industry
Before Upper Deck entered the market, the hockey card industry was ruled by two giants: Topps and O-Pee-Chee. Topps had been producing hockey cards since the 1950s, while O-Pee-Chee had started its operations in the 1960s. However, their cards were not of great quality, and the market was in need of a new player.
That's when Upper Deck came into the picture. With its premium quality and innovative designs, Upper Deck completely transformed the hockey card industry. Its debut set of hockey cards in the 1990-91 season was a huge hit among collectors and fans alike.
The Features of the 1990-91 Upper Deck Hockey Cards
The 1990-91 Upper Deck hockey card set consisted of 500 cards, including 19 checklist cards. The cards were made using high-quality cardstock and featured excellent printing quality. Each pack contained 15 cards, and the complete set sold for around $40.
One of the most significant features of Upper Deck's cards was the hologram on the back of each card. The hologram, which was unique to Upper Deck, helped prevent counterfeit cards from entering the market. It also gave the collectors a sense of authenticity and exclusivity.
The 1990-91 Upper Deck hockey card set also included a subset called "The Heroes of Hockey." The subset featured 10 of the greatest hockey players of all time, including Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, and Gordie Howe, among others. The subset cards were designed to look like they were from the 1960s, paying homage to the golden era of hockey.
The Legacy of Upper Deck's Debut
The 1990-91 Upper Deck hockey card set was a game-changer for the hockey card industry. Its premium quality, innovative designs, and unique features were a huge hit among collectors and fans alike. The hologram on the back of each card set a new standard for authenticity, and the "Heroes of Hockey" subset paid tribute to the legends of the game.
Today, Upper Deck is still one of the biggest players in the sports trading card market. Its commitment to quality and innovation continues to set it apart from its competitors. The legacy of the 1990-91 Upper Deck hockey card set lives on, and it's safe to say that it will always be remembered as a turning point in the history of hockey cards.
