The year of anticipation is finally over, and it’s time for hockey card collectors to clear their shelves (and their schedules) for the 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey release. This newest edition might just be the crown jewel of the year’s trilogy of official hockey releases, rounding out the set with a cascade of spectacular new cards that will send enthusiasts into a frenzy.
This latest installment isn’t merely a side dish to the hearty meals of Series 1 and Series 2; it’s a whole buffet on its own, as the full 2024-25 Upper Deck Hockey lineup now swells to a capacious 750 cards. Each hobby box promises layers of excitement, offering a plethora of inserts or parallels in nearly every single pack, ensuring collectors get their fill of thrill.
A Glimpse into the Checklist
The Extended Series breathes life into the lineage with an impressive count of 250 new cards. For the seasoned fans who appreciate a bit of change, the first 200 cards shine a spotlight on veteran players displayed in freshly pressed jerseys or sporting their colors for new teams. But the real allure swathes the final 50 cards—those tantalizing subsets that include the iconic Young Guns and the exclusive 1st Round Rookies. These short-printed gems emerge approximately every two packs, adding a sense of adventure for collectors in hot pursuit of the future hockey stars.
The Dynamics of Parallel Cards
The true magic lies in the chase for the vibrant array of parallel cards that vary in rarity and promise:
– Outburst – lands 1 in every 30 packs (Hobby) or 1 in 90 packs (Blaster)
– Clear Cut – a rare sighting at 1 in 96 packs
– Deluxe – a more attainable treasure, numbered to 250
– Exclusives – rarer still, numbered to 100
– Outburst Red – hard to capture, numbered to 25
– High Gloss – seldom seen and numbered to a mere 10
– Outburst Gold – the grand unicorn, a unique 1/1
These scarce parallels inject an adrenaline rush into the collection process, offering aficionados rare chances to flaunt unique, highly prized additions to their burgeoning collections.
Inserts and Special Features
Longtime fans will rejoice as familiar insert sets make their spirited return. UD Canvas cards stage a grand comeback, stealing the limelight four times per hobby box. They include crowd-pleasing subsets featuring Young Guns, nostalgic Legends, and celebratory NHL All-Stars. For those with an appetite for color variation, Black and White parallels, as well as exclusive Printing Plates, demand attention.
The captivating Dazzlers inserts reappear in their glittering glory—Blue versions sparkle in 1 in 12 packs, while elusive Pink versions emerge 1 in every 72 packs. They are further accompanied by one-of-a-kind Printing Plates. The Blaster boxes serve up their own exclusive Green Dazzlers at an enticing 1 in 4 packs.
Presenting Oracle Inserts
Adding a touch of mysticism, we introduce the Oracles inserts, a new addition that brilliantly marries the enigma of tarot cards with the sport. Ranging from the Secretive SP (1 in 30 packs) to the even more elusive ultra-rare SSP (1 in 45 packs), and those extra special finds at 1 in 180 packs, these Oracles present a delightful challenge for the devoted collector intent on capturing their mysterious charm.
The Return of Classics
The Extended Series nostalgically revisits some venerable favorites from Upper Deck’s cherished history:
– Pros and Prospects (1 in 4 packs)
– Beehive (1 in 5 packs)
– UD3 (1 in 5 packs, Gold parallel numbered to 333)
– Upper Deck Encore (1 in 5 packs)
– Trilogy Rookie Premiere, classified as Common (/999), Uncommon (/499), and Rare (/99)
Triple Dimensions Reflections sprinkle additional sparkle, with base versions appearing in 1 in 6 packs and glints of Ruby (/500), Amethyst (/300), Emerald (/100), Gold (/50), and Sapphire (/10) parallels making the chase even more engaging.
Glide into the scene once more with Silver Skates, featured in base versions 1 in every 4 packs and with limited Gold parallels numbered to only 250.
Delving Into Hobby Boxes
Here’s what awaits in the 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey hobby boxes:
– Cards per Pack: Hobby – 12, Blaster – 12
– Packs per Box: Hobby – 12, Blaster – 4
– Boxes per Case: Hobby – 12, Blaster – 20
– Complete Set Size: A cool 250 cards
– Release Date: Mark it on your calendars—May 29, 2025
Inside the Hobby Box, collectors can uncover:
– A mix of Beehive, Pros and Prospects, or Upper Deck Encore – a total of 8 delights
– Blue Dazzlers – 1 vibrant catch
– Oracles – 2 mystical finds
– Combinations of Rookie Reflections, Silver Skates, or UD3 – totaling 8
– A couple of Triple Dimensions Reflections – 2 appearances
– UD Canvas – 4 for good measure
– Outburst Parallels – 1 surprise
– Young Guns or 1st Round Rookies – a strategic 6 total
– Special Finds including Clear Cut, UD Canvas Black and White, or the elusive Rare/SSP Oracles – a cherished 1
As the 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey arrives, collectors from every corner of the hockey sphere are bound to find joy in its diverse mix of inserts, rare parallels, and the always-coveted rookie cards. Whether it’s chasing that exclusive release or hammering down a personal favorite, it’s a well-stacked offering for both the casual fan and the seasoned collector, a labyrinth of treasures waiting to be unearthed.
