Ladies and gents, it’s time to dust off your hockey jerseys and dive into the icy realms of card collecting like never before. SP Game Used Hockey, that beloved relic-based card series that has captured the hearts of puck followers for a solid 25 years now, is back in action with its milestone edition that brings an exciting blend of nostalgia and novelty. While Upper Deck’s endeavors to blend the magic of SP Game Used into sports like baseball, football, and basketball fizzled out quicker than an amateur skater on a frozen lake, the hockey crowd has remained loyal, marking a quarter-century of applause for this collector’s favorite.
The 2025-26 edition isn’t just about basking in the glorious past, though there’s plenty to celebrate. This latest chapter in the SP Game saga revolves around an entirely new chase, which will have collectors buzzing with excitement—a series of cards featuring relics from the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off. The international tournament starring the USA, Canada, Finland, and Sweden was held amidst fabled frosts in February 2025. The game’s most intense rivalries add an exhilarating edge to the pursuit, making these cards not just collectibles, but relics of sports history you’ll want to get your hands on.
Each hobby box continues its tradition of offering a single, treasure-filled nine-card pack. What’s the composition, you ask? Prepare for a collector’s dream mix:
– 4 hits, be they autographs, memorabilia, autographed memorabilia, or premium inserts.
– 3 base cards, Authentic Rookies, or the new, jazzy New Grooves inserts.
– 2 intriguing parallels of base cards, Authentic Rookies, or the aforementioned New Grooves.
And what delights make the checklist really sparkle? The base assembly itself is a robust 200 cards deep, bringing together current NHL superstars, gilded legends of yesteryears, and spirited Authentic Rookies poised to either steal the limelight or simply your savings.
For those parallel hunters who charge into the fray with the ferocity of a professional after their trophy, here’s what awaits:
– The shiny Red parallels (not numbered but definitely swoon-worthy).
– The Gold edition, numbering a classic /149.
– Rainbow, always serial-numbered to the player’s jersey (a twist in scarcity due to varying jersey numbers).
– Purple, counted at a mere /5.
– The crown jewels in collectible land, Green parallels carrying the magical 1/1—a delightful unicorn for your binders.
Then there’s a roster full of autographed treasures and relic parallels to ensure that your card albums stay refreshingly jam-packed.
Living up to its “SP Game Used” roots, this edition boasts an impressive slew of game-worn goodies, curated for the discerning collector. Upper Deck has outdone itself with gear procured from standard NHL season showdowns, the esteemed Stanley Cup playoffs, the NHL Global Series, Stadium Series, Winter Classic, and now with relics fresh from the sensational 4 Nations Face-Off.
For those on the relic hunt, key sets like:
– Rookie Sweaters, limited to /299
– Troupe Threads, with a run of /199
– Game Day Gear, reducing the magic to /100
– Rookie Jumbo Patches (/25)
– Supreme Materials (/15), complemented by the extraordinarily stunning Supreme Patches (/15), showcase relics from the Face-Off, and because bigger is always better.
Famed fan favorites like Puck Relics and Net Cord cards also make a grand return, offering snippets of game-used nets from NHL debuts and those unforgettable milestone matches.
Another comeback king is Draft Day Marks, majorly featuring manufactured letter patches autographed by rookies. Assembling a player’s entire name is not just a goal; it’s a legacy—and a serious flex for the social media savvy.
Inked Rookie Sweaters (/99) continue their celebrated run, dappled with scarce Patch parallels (/25), while seasoned veterans bring forth their own Inked Sweaters; once more, these are arduous pulls, standing at 1:100 packs, yet bearing their own Patch parallels (/25).
Don’t overlook Banner cards returning with gusto, hewing bits from banners of renowned events such as Draft Days, the Stanley Cup Finals, and those frigid Winter Classics. Look ma, autographs!
And just when you thought the excitement was over, there’s the continuation of New Grooves inserts featuring rookies vibrating with potential, accompanied by:
– Red /499
– Gold /149
– Rainbow /99
– Purple /5
– A rare sighting, Green 1/1
Not to forget, entering the rink with a flourish is the NHL Masters (/299) insert series. Featuring Jersey and Patch versions of rookies, present titans, and storied legends, this fresh format promises collectors even more thrills.
For the pragmatic folks burning to know the box details before diving into wallets:
– Each Pack: 9 cards
– Boxes per Case: 20 (divided into two 10-box inner cases)
– Robust Set Size: 200 cards
– Scheduled Release Date: January 2026 (but remain patient with eyes peeled; delays are as predictable as a zamboni on ice).
In every Hobby Box lines a guaranteed score of:
– 4 Autographs, Memorabilia Cards, or Premium Inserts
– 2 captivating Parallels
– 3 Base, Authentic Rookies, or intriguing New Grooves inserts
Buckle up for a frosty escapade of sporting memorabilia and a nostalgia-laden roller-coaster as SP Game Used Hockey reels into its 25th anniversary with chunkier relics, shinier inserts, and the kind of vinegar-spiced card-collecting delight that only hockey can offer.
