For hockey enthusiasts and card collectors, the excitement gains momentum with the grand arrival of the 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey set. The much-awaited addition not just completes an enthralling year of hockey releases but expands the universe of the flagship hockey lineup to a mind-boggling 750 cards, each one a potential gem for collections. At the heart of this expansion are the updated player cards, marvelous inserts, and, not to be overlooked, a fresh array of the much-coveted Young Guns rookie cards. Believe me when I say, this set is a crown jewel for any earnest hockey aficionado.
From the moment the first pack is cracked open, collectors are in for a dynamic experience. Each hobby box isn't just a collection of cards; it's an invitation to a treasure hunt with multiple inserts or parallels tucked into nearly every pack. The Extended Series boldly thrusts the 2024-25 Upper Deck lineup forward, introducing a lavish 250 new cards into the fold. A veteran’s gallery graces the initial 200 slots, giving a fresh makeover to beloved players, some sporting new jerseys, others aligned with new teams, ensuring collectors have something new and visually exciting to look forward to. But the true allure often comes down to that last stretch—those 50 final cards dedicated to the Young Guns and 1st Round Rookies hang like tantalizing bait, spurring frenetic pursuits among collectors intent on snagging the future stars of the hockey world.
If you're heart starts racing at the mere mention of parallel cards, then breathe easy—you're in good company. The Extended Series is ripe for the chasing, with an enticing line-up of parallel variants to keep collectors on their toes and their collections uniquely enriched. A peek into the selection might reveal an Outburst card—1:30 packs for Hobby, 1:90 for Blaster packs. Or perhaps a Clear Cut, with odds sitting at 1:96 packs. Deluxe cards are limited, numbered to 250, while the Exclusives shrink precipice of rarity down to a scant 100. Outburst Red is even scarcer, numbered to 25, and the High Gloss brings it dangerously close to fantasy, with just 10 made. But then there’s an even rarer beast—the Outburst Gold, a one-of-a-kind treat that leaves most collectors dreaming.
Beyond the parallels, the series swells with cherished inserts, some making a triumphant return. The UD Canvas cards are back, a beloved staple appearing four times in each hobby box, accompanied by subsets like Young Guns, Legends, and NHL All-Stars—each a narrative within the broader hockey universe. The daring and elusive Black and White parallels, alongside exclusive Printing Plates, add another hot pursuit for those eager fans.
There’s another spectacle which remains luminous in the sphere of inserts—the Dazzlers, which have returned with verve. Blue Dazzlers frequent the packs at a rate of 1:12, but venture further, and you might uncover the rare Pink versions at 1:72. One might even stumble upon unique Printing Plates or the Blaster box-exclusive Green Dazzlers at 1:4 packs.
The series introduces the exotic Oracles inserts, tantalizing collectors with their mystic tarot card-inspired design. Their rarity ranges from Special (SP) appearing at 1:30 packs to the straight-up elusive SSP at 1:45 packs, topped by one card in 180 for the ultimate challenge: as arduous as a spirited defenseman at a shootout.
Fans of the past will revel in the return of classic gems. The nostalgic Pros and Prospects return at a rate of 1:4 packs alongside Beehive and UD3 (with elaborate Gold parallels numbered to 333). Upper Deck Encore and Trilogy Rookie Premiere—categorically organized as Common (/999), Uncommon (/499), and Rare (/99)—offer a chance to indulge in hockey history, with Pro and Prospects courting collectors like a vintage siren call. The Triple Dimensions Reflections splashes onto the scene, its base version alluring at 1:6 packs and joined by Ruby (/500), Amethyst (/300), Emerald (/100), Gold (/50), and the enchanting Sapphire (/10) parallels.
The Silver Skates series glides elegantly back, offering base cards at 1:4 packs, with a graceful limited Gold parallel finishing its sweep at a slim 250.
With this symphony of cards, collectors can expect each box to be a cornucopia of treasures. Packs brim with 12 cards, spread across 12 hobby or 4 blaster box arrangements per case. Complete with the grand total of 250 cards in the set, it truly caters to the most ardent collector's longing for completeness.
With its fantastic blend of tradition, rarity, and modern updates, the 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey set teems with opportunity. Whether you’re a fervent devotee of the game, or a collector who lives for the thrill of the chase, this release sparkles like a good-luck charm your collection couldn’t do without.
2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey
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