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Collector's World 0204
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
Many who anted up to become a high-stakes gambler in the business world of collecting discovered some of those holding all of the cards may have to fold. Even with the hobby in its Golden Age with alluring products and increasing consumer interest, profits are down and tension is up on both sides of the border. Dealers are bracing for an expected significant slump in the sports card market over the next year. “There will be a tremendous correction in the market and it’s happening right now,” says Smokey Scheinman, who owns a Las Vegas-based national card distributorship. How serious is this downturn? “You might even see a card company or two gone in the shakedown,” Scheinman says. Unsold new wax boxes cluttering dealers’ stores, wildly fluctuating prices for new products, a sluggish market…
ATTITUDE IS KEY TO GETTING MOST OUT OF OUR HOBBY
Many people are upset and angry at the way our hobby has changed in recent years. They long for the days before high prices, cut-throat dealers and product explosion became the order of the day. While I agree that much is wrong in the current card game, I suggest collectors take a more constructive attitude. For example, I’ve stopped attending large shows with their huge crowds, rude dealers and unfriendly atmosphere because they annoy me. Instead, I take advantage of the now numerous small, local card stores which give friendly and high-quality service to ensure customer loyalty. Smalltown hobby shows and flea markets are also a favorite as people will actually talk about the players whose cardboard images they are selling, the crowds are small and a bargain is still possible. Also positive is the…
TIP OF THE MONTH
It shouldn’t be surprising that Mike Craig has already surpassed his point total from last season. After all. from his first season of major junior hockey to his second, he increased his offensive output more than four times. But after seven games this season, it looked extremely unlikely the rugged right winger would have any chance of matching his total of 12 points in 39 games he posted in 1990-91. He was scoreless in the Minnesota North Stars’ first two games of the season and then sat out the next five. Just when it was looking like Craig would never get an opportunity to play, he was inserted into the lineup against the Philadelphia Flyers Oct. 24 and recorded his first assist of the season. Then, against the New York Rangers Oct.…
SO ERIC, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY?
Rookie prospects can either skyrocket or fizzle out. A card company can overproduce one year then short the market the next. In a hobby full of inconsistencies, just about the only thing that is constant is that attitude, “what have you done for me lately?” Such is the case with two of the biggest movers in the hobby-Eric Lindros and Upper Deck. Lindros burst onto the hockey scene amidst controversy three seasons ago when he refused to report to the Ontario Hockey League team that drafted him the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. One rule change later enabling teams to trade their first-round draft pick, and Lindros became an Oshawa General. He was part of two World Junior Championships, one Memorial Cup title and a Canada Cup victory over the next two years. Then…
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