For hockey card aficionados and collectors itching for the next addition to their prized stacks, rejoice! The 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey has finally been unleashed upon the world, thrilling enthusiasts with its vibrant roster of cards that promise to be both a joy to collect and a spectacle to behold. This latest installment graces the world of hockey card collecting, offering a tantalizing conclusion to the annual trilogy of Upper Deck's flagship hockey releases.
Let's skate right into the heart of the collection. The 2024-25 Extended Series isn't just a mere footnote to its predecessors—Series 1 and Series 2. It is a giant in its own right, adding a staggering 250 cards to bring the grand total for this year's Upper Deck lineup to a hefty 750 cards. This hefty package means that anyone cracking open a hobby box is guaranteed more than just a facsimile of past offerings. With multiple inserts or parallels nestled in almost every pack, collectors can anticipate a thrilling and dynamic adventure every time they rip open one of those foil-wrapped treasures.
At the core of this series is a meticulous checklist that serves as a collector's roadmap through the debuting lineup. The 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series has carved out a cavernous space especially for veteran players, with 200 spots providing a showcase for these seasoned pros, many sporting fresh jerseys or reflecting new team allegiances. Such updates deliver a refreshing visual delight, enriching collections with both a historical narrative and present-day relevance.
Turning the spotlight to the rookies, the remaining 50 cards are reserved for the famously cherished Young Guns subset and the delightfully exclusive 1st Round Rookies. These rookie cards come packed with an air of mystery and promise, appearing roughly every other pack. Such distribution ensures that each purchase tickles the collective anticipation of collectors hoping to unveil future stars ripe for fandom.
Our journey through the Extended Series is peppered with parallel offerings, gifting collectors with a deliciously challenging chase. The spectrum of parallels includes the Outburst variety with odds of 1:30 packs for Hobby boxes, and 1:90 for Blasters. Craving something more elusive? The Clear Cut parallels appear at 1:96 packs, while Deluxe parallels are limited and numbered to 250. As the digits shrink, the exclusivity rises—cards such as the Exclusives (numbered to 100), Outburst Red (numbered to 25), and High Gloss (capped at 10) would cause any collector to skip a heartbeat. Topping the rarity chart is the coveted Outburst Gold, a unique 1/1 masterpiece—a holy grail for diehard card seekers.
But what's an Upper Deck series without its standout inserts? Familiar favorites make a triumphant return with UD Canvas cards leading the charge. Appearing four times in each hobby box, these gems include subsets that celebrate Young Guns, Legends, and NHL All-Stars. Keep a keen eye out for the rare Black and White parallels and those elusive Printing Plates, sought-after collectibles that shine brightly in any collection.
Dazzlers are back with a bang, too—Blue editions appear 1:12 packs, and the even rarer Pink versions peek through at 1:72 packs. If you're lucky, you might just stumble upon the one-of-a-kind Printing Plates. Meanwhile, the Blaster boxes provide an exclusive treat in the form of Green Dazzlers, catching the eyes of collectors at 1:4 packs.
New to this echelon of cards is the mysterious Oracles insert. This tarot card-inspired installment introduces a mystical element into hockey card collecting. Ranging from challenging SP (1:30 packs) to almost mythical SSP (1:45 packs), these Oracles offer a unique collecting challenge for those with a taste for the arcane.
Nostalgia rings through the aisles of the Extended Series as well, echoing with the return of some beloved classics from Upper Deck’s rich history. Pros and Prospects and Beehive inserts (both 1:5 packs) infuse the collection with a touch of vintage flair, while UD3 (Gold parallel numbered to 333), Upper Deck Encore, and the venerable Trilogy Rookie Premiere present varied levels of rarity and charm. Adding a certain shimmer, Silver Skates return, with its base version found in 1:4 packs and limited Gold parallels numbered to 250.
The 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey promises an intricate configuration that rewards collectors for their dedication. As each Hobby box boasts 12 cards over 12 packs, and Blaster boxes squeezing the same number of cards into a tighter 4-pack format, every unsealing is an adventure loaded with potential.
Whether tracking down the glint of a rare Oracles card, savoring the unveiling of a Young Guns rookie, or marveling at the artistry of a Dazzler, this series is designed to satiate the desires of the most avid of collectors. Recognizing each card as a potential treasure, the 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey stands as an exhilarating addition to any collection, drawing both casual fans and seasoned veterans into its enchanting vortex.
2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey
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