How to Collect NHL Cards

Relive thrilling moments from the professional hockey season, commemorate your devotion to a specific player or show your allegiance to a team, conference or division by collecting NHL trading cards. Collect cards to keep track of statistics, discover interesting trivia or to simply enjoy the sport.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Determine the type you want to collect. This could be complete sets of NHL teams, individual cards of favorite players, valuable releases (like rookie cards, rare inserts or limited editions) or hockey cards in general.
2. Find cards of favorite players or those commemorating league awards (like the Conn Smythe, Calder or Hart Memorial) at sports memorabilia shops, trading card stores or NHL card or sports conventions. Some hockey and trading card websites conduct online auctions and allow you to post trade and wants lists.
3. Expand your collection of common cards or complete team sets by buying packs or boxes. Find them at sports shops, toy stores and discount chains or online through shopping or manufacturer websites.
4. Check for condition and authenticity before buying rare, exclusive, autographed or expensive cards.
5. House the assortment in three-ring binders within trading card sheets. Plastic cases are also available to store large groups. Protect valuable NHL cards in individual snap-tight holders.
6. Track and catalog your collection with a list, on a database or with specialty trading card software. Use lists to tally the value of your collection. Determine current prices through guides found online or sold in bookstores.
7. Secure valuable cards by protecting them in a fireproof safe or your bank safety deposit box.

Tips & Warnings

• Increase the value of your cards by getting players to autograph them. Call sports memorabilia stores, NHL trading card shows or sports conventions for their schedule of player appearances. Some teams will also allow you to visit team practices and ask available players for signatures.