The world of hockey card collecting is abuzz with excitement as the wait is officially over for one of the most anticipated releases of the year. The 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey has arrived, completing a sensational trilogy of flagship hockey sets that have kept fans and collectors on their toes throughout the season. This latest installment delivers a riveting mix of updated player cards, intriguing inserts, and a fresh batch of collectible Young Guns rookie cards. It’s a collection designed to make the eyes of any serious enthusiast gleam with delight and anticipation.
This year’s Extended Series doesn’t just serve as a cherry on top of a successful release line; it expands the entire 2024-25 Upper Deck Hockey lineup to a significant count of 750 cards. The strategic addition ensures that every pack on offer is packed with surprises, promising a diverse, dynamic collecting experience that keeps even the most knowledgeable fans guessing. Hobby boxes reveal multiple inserts or parallels in almost every pack, making each one a mini treasure hunt.
Taking a closer look at the checklist, the comprehensive Extended Series scores big with an additional 250 cards. The bulk of these, a cool 200 cards, spotlight veteran players who are seen sporting updated jerseys or representing new teams. This ensures fervent fans stay current with the evolving dynamics of their favorite teams, players, and the overall league. The remaining 50 cards in this series are where the gold lies for collectors—these are dedicated to the sought-after Young Guns and the exclusive 1st Round Rookies. With these short-printed rookie cards popping up roughly every other pack, collectors are set for an adrenaline-packed chase to secure these promising future stars of hockey.
For many, the thrill of chasing parallel cards is a big part of the collecting journey, and Upper Deck doesn’t disappoint in this domain. A cascade of stunning parallel cards, each with varying rarity, awaits fervent collectors’ hands. Whether it’s the Outburst (found at a rate of 1 in every 30 hobby packs), the elusive Clear Cut (1:96 packs), or the exceptional High Gloss limited to just 10 copies, every card features unique qualities that make each find a veritable prize. Then there’s the much-coveted Outburst Gold, a unique one-of-one masterpiece that dares diligent collectors to dream big.
But the delights don’t stop there. Inserts and special features galore are drawn from Upper Deck’s rich well of creative card design. Fans can rejoice as fan-favorite insert sets return, featuring the iconic UD Canvas cards with exciting subsets like Young Guns, Legends, and NHL All-Stars. Black and White parallels, as always, stir a special thrill, just as the appearance of the exclusive Printing Plates adds a layer of irresistible challenge.
Collectors with a penchant for the dazzling will find their eyes widening with glee at the return of the Dazzlers inserts. Blue versions appear at an approachable 1 in every 12 packs, while the rare Pink version, emerging at a rate of 1 in every 72 packs, ignites the chase with its illustrious charm. Those who dare venture further can pursue the one-of-a-kind Printing Plates and, in Blaster boxes, exclusive Green Dazzlers at the rate of 1:4 packs.
New to this series, and sure to captivate a whimsical corner of the collector’s heart, are the Oracles inserts. These tarot card-inspired treasures bring an enigmatic appeal to card collecting, offering a mix of challenging SP cards (1:30 packs), ultra-rare SSP (1:45 packs), and even scarcer cards popping up at a thrilling 1:180 packs. The Oracles add a tantalizing twist, calling on collectors to delve into the mysteries they hold.
Nostalgic collectors are not left wanting as the Extended Series revives some beloved classics from Upper Deck’s extensive history. Stepping back onto the scene are Pros and Prospects, Beehive, and Upper Deck Encore, each beautifully crafted to beckon collectors old and new. Adding to the excitement, the Trilogy Rookie Premiere set offers cards across rarities from Common (/999) to the highly prized Rare (/99), while the Triple Dimensions Reflections bring a splash of color with their Ruby (/500), Amethyst (/300), and more.
With all these captivating options on the table, let’s take a look at what a hobby box actually promises. The 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey presents a well-rounded package where every box becomes a golden opportunity to build an impressive collection footprint. With 250 cards to complete the set, each pack teems with potential.
From the return of Blue Dazzlers, the enchanting Oracles, and the quest for Outburst Parallels to the anticipation of landing coveted Young Guns or 1st Round Rookies, the variety promises a roller-coaster ride at each unboxing. Each pack and box invites collectors to embrace the chaos or work meticulously through the set to piece together an enviable collection. Upper Deck has indeed set the stage for a thrilling year in hockey card collecting, serving up treasures waiting for discovery.
