In the dazzling world of trading cards, the 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey has hit the scene like a puck to an empty net, completing this year’s thrilling triptych of flagship hockey releases. For collectors who have been eagerly awaiting this latest installment, the anticipation rivals that of a sudden-death overtime goal. Sporting an invigorating blend of player updates, unique inserts, and rookie cards that are practically glowing with potential, this release is a veritable smorgasbord for any serious hockey card aficionado.
This set isn’t just a cherry on top of Series 1 and Series 2; it’s more like a double-scoop sprinkled with the finest hockey goodness. It boldly expands the 2024-25 Upper Deck Hockey lineup to a grand total of 750 cards, turning collectors’ binders into mini-Torontos of trading card glory. Each hobby box promises a kaleidoscopic collecting experience, akin to opening a box of assorted chocolates – you never quite know what delightful surprise you’ll get, but you’re sure to enjoy it.
Creating quite the splash, the Extended Series has enriched itself with an impressive addition of 250 cards. The first 200 positions are comfortably housed by veteran players, many of whom can be spotted donning fresh jerseys or showcasing blazing trades to new teams. For the giddy fan, it’s akin to watching a beloved soap opera with ever-changing plot twists. The final 50 slots, however, are reserved for a tantalizing subset: the ever-cherished Young Guns and the crème de la crème of rookies, the 1st Round Rookies. These short-printed gems pop up once in roughly every other pack, setting collectors off on a treasure hunt that could rival a pirate’s quest for buried gold.
Now, let’s talk about the thrilling world of parallel cards, where rarity and allure go hand-in-hand like a well-timed power play. The subset boasts ventures like Outburst, with odds defying appearances of 1:30 for Hobby packs and 1:90 for Blaster packs. Then there’s the translucent Clear Cut at 1:96 packs, while the arty Deluxe is tastefully numbered to 250. Exclusives, however, tighten the noose at a nifty 100, while Outburst Red reserves its enigmatic allure, being numbered to a mere 25. As for those with a thirst for the rarest of the rare, High Gloss at a daunting 10 or the Outburst Gold unicorn, a unique 1/1, will have you wringing your hands in excited anticipation.
But the excitement doesn’t end there – oh no! The Extended Series features a vibrant lineup of insert sets that have rightly earned their legendary status. The much-adored UD Canvas cards are back, gracing collectors’ eyes four times per hobby box. Inside, you’ll find subsets shimmering with Young Guns, legends, and even NHL All-Stars. For those with a penchant for exclusivity, keep an eye out for rare Black and White parallels, or perhaps one of the singular Printing Plates.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get more dazzling, the Dazzlers inserts reappear, their Blue versions found in every twelfth pack, with Pink versions rarer than a hat trick on the penalty kill at 1:72 packs. Speaking of rarity, one-of-a-kind Printing Plates continue to intrigue. Not to be left out, Blaster boxes sneak in the Green Dazzlers at a friendly 1:4 packs.
Making their enigmatic debut are the Oracles inserts, transporting collectors into a realm where hockey cards meet mystique. These tarot card-inspired beauties vary from challenging SP at 1:30 packs to ultra-rare SSP at 1:45 packs, and an even scarcer offering that will have you walking like a hockey soothsayer at 1:180 packs.
Old favorites don’t just hang back in the shadows; they’ve strutted onstage like a Stanley Cup champion to reprise roles that collectors know and love. Nostalgia-inducing classics like Pros and Prospects fall at a generous 1:4 packs, while Beehive buzzes into every fifth pack alongside UD3 and Upper Deck Encore. Trilogy Rookie Premiere offers its Common out at /999, dances the Uncommon at /499, and the Rare, oh the Rare, at /99. Triple Dimensions Reflections drop in at 1:6 packs with Ruby (/500), Amethyst (/300), Emerald (/100), Gold (/50), and Sapphire (/10) doing the parallel jig.
Who could forget Silver Skates? They glide gracefully back with base versions in 1:4 packs, and limited Gold parallels numbered lavishly at 250.
As hobby boxes reveal their treasures, here’s what awaits eager hands in a 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey hobby box: 12 cards per pack, 12 packs per box, with 12 boxes per case for the Hobby, and it all kicks off on May 29, 2025.
Each hobby box opens windows into a magical world, offering Beehive, Pros and Prospects, or Upper Deck Encore cards at eight total, a Blue Dazzler, two mystical Oracles, and the note of the Rookie Reflections, Silver Skates, or UD3 again at eight. Triple Dimensions Reflections surprise and delight twice, UD Canvas shines fourfold, an Outburst Parallel dazzles, and you won’t be short on Young Guns or 1st Round Rookies, landing half a dozen! Special Finds like Clear Cut, UD Canvas Black and White, or the rarefied air of SSP Oracles round out the box with one mysterious offering.
From collectors to casual fans, this series beckons with its treasury of cardboard gold. Hockey enthusiasts will find the 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey a thrilling, varied, and endless little corner of the hockey universe as they dive into its many colorful artifacts nestled within each pack.
