00:09 - Introduction to the Episode 🎙️

• Hosts Connor Bedard and PSA's Brad Hartland discuss the Halifax Expo pickups.
• Welcome to episode 412 of the Hockey Guards Gang Show podcast, presented by Upper Deck.

05:00 - Gong Show Breaks Announcement 💥

• Saturday night will feature the breaking of 2025-26 Parkers cards.
• Both team random and PYT spots are open at gongbreaks.com.
• Mega mixer and celebrity rookie auto chase expected to draw interest.

06:01 - Internet Trouble Recap 📡

• Exchanging thoughts on last week's disastrous live episode due to poor internet.
• Hilarity in a potato cam setup; reflection on how reliant they are on technology.

10:30 - Get to Know Your Hall of Famers 🏆

• Introduction to Lynn Patrick, a notable Hockey Hall of Famer.
• Background info: Played for the New York Rangers with a career spanning from 1934 to 1947.
• Noteworthy achievements include being a Stanley Cup champion and a posthumous awardee of the Lester Patrick Trophy.

15:06 - Discussion on Athlete Legacies 👀

• Conversation about the pressures on offspring of famous athletes.
• Reflective thoughts on the challenges faced by children of legends like Michael Jordan and Mario Lemieux.

15:37 - Introduction to Muzz and Family History 🎉

• Muzz's Role: Joined the Rangers in 1938, marking a family legacy with father Lester managing and brothers Lynn and Muzz playing.
• 1939-40 Season: Lynn had a standout season contributing to the Rangers’ Stanley Cup victory, showcasing the family's history.

17:30 - Lynn Patrick's Career Highlights ⭐

• Career Stats: Not a standout initially, but emerged as a top scorer, leading the NHL with 32 goals in 41-42 and achieving all-star status.
• Military Service: Interrupted his career due to World War II but returned post-war with notable achievements.

19:02 - Hall of Fame Discussions 🏆

• Hall of Fame Worthiness: Debate on whether Lynn’s accolades (one all-star, one scoring title, a Stanley Cup) would be enough for Hall of Fame induction, especially considering his family name's influence.

22:36 - Discussion at Piktu Lodge 🏡

• Lodge Overview: The hosts introduce a stay at Piktu Lodge, discussing its scenic beauty and history tied to Babe Ruth’s visits and Ken Reed’s wedding.
• Lodge Experience: Emphasis on relaxation amid nature, coupled with modern amenities like Wi-Fi for leisure activities.

30:02 - Halifax Sports Card Expo 🃏

• Expo Significance: Highlighted as the largest sports card show ever for Atlantic Canada, outpacing previous smaller events in the region.
• Growth of the Hobby: Discussion on the expansion of sports card interests and events in recent years, reflecting a cultural shift within the sports memorabilia community.

30:38 - Growth of the Card Show Experience 📈

• Discussion on the increased viability of large card shows.
• Introduction of PSA submission center in Halifax, a first in Canada.

31:35 - Planning of the Show 🗓️

• The show has been in the works for a while, linked to building relationships and expanding PSA's reach across Canada.
• Significant planning ensures participation from dealers nationally and a strong brand presence.

33:04 - Show Expectations 🏅

• Anticipation for a successful summer show, carefully timed before major events.
• Emphasis on showcasing Halifax while ensuring a strong community connection among attendees.

35:39 - Diverse Offerings at the Show 🎴

• Expect a mix of card types, including TCG and vintage sports cards.
• Encouragement for local dealers to bring diverse inventories, including discount boxes for value buyers.

39:44 - Exclusive Networking Event 🎉

• An invite-only event planned for Saturday night, tailored for dealers and select local individuals.
• Special prizes and potential celebrity appearances discussed to elevate the event's status.

45:39 - Evolution of Iconic Trading Cards 🎴

• Understanding Iconic Cards: The creation of iconic cards often comes from serendipitous combinations by Upper Deck, including unique player combinations and fabric designs.
• Intentional Design Focus: Upper Deck is now intentionally engineering cards to commemorate significant moments, fostering innovation in the hobby.

46:31 - Card Collecting Trends 💡

• Shift in Collector Preferences: Discussion on how collectors originally prioritized autograph and jersey cards but are now appreciating cards without signatures and numbers, leading to a broader interest in various styles of collecting.
• The Thrill of the Hunt: Collecting is a dynamic journey; energy can ebb after completing projects, but returning to previous interests can reignite excitement.

52:04 - Involvement of Players in the Hobby 🏒

• Athlete Engagement: Players are becoming more actively involved in card collecting, not just out of contractual obligation but due to genuine interest, as seen with interactions at events.
• Impact of Personal Connections: Unique relationships and experiences, such as trading with celebrities, are enhancing the hobby community.

57:29 - The Social Aspect of Collecting 🤝

• Connection Through Collecting: Emphasizes the importance of building friendships within the hobby, highlighting the shared experiences and community benefits.
• Personal Growth Through Hobbies: Collecting helps individuals reconnect with their interests and find community in their adult lives, fulfilling both fun and social needs.

58:31 - ** PSA Updates and Challenges** 📈

• PSA Submission Backlog: Discusses PSA's recent challenges with card submissions, noting a significant backlog that reached 14 million but is steadily decreasing due to recent strategic changes.
• Community and Corporate Culture: Highlights the importance of community and friendship in the hobby, regardless of the financial scale of collecting.

Well, let's break it down.

1:00:39 - Healthy Humbling Experience 🤔

• Acknowledges the need for humility.
• Discusses the overwhelming backlog of card submissions and the challenges faced in managing them.

1:02:02 - Company Growth and Challenges 📈

• Mentions PSA's significant growth in employees, from 3,000 to over 4,500 in two years.
• Highlights the complexity of forecasting demands and maintaining resources in fluctuating markets.

1:05:40 - International Expansion Plans 🌍

• Details PSA's expansion with new grading facilities in various locations, including Japan.
• Discusses receiving centers opening to alleviate pressure from the US operations.

1:08:44 - Response to Criticism 💬

• Addresses the challenges of running a large company and the continual criticism that comes with it.
• Stresses the commitment and effort of the team in securing growth and addressing customer needs.

1:10:05 - Future Growth Opportunities in Asia 🌏

• Talks about the potential explosive growth of the hobby in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Emphasizes collaboration among global teams to harness this growth and foster international relationships.

1:15:41 - Missed Calls and Canadian Hockey Culture 🇨🇦

• Discusses a missed call in a hockey game leading to audience reactions.
• Compares experiences between Montreal and Ottawa hockey atmospheres.

1:16:09 - Player Empowerment in NHL 🏒

• Talks about the need for the NHL to address competitiveness in Canadian markets.
• Players like Brady Kachuk are leveraging their positions to influence team choices.

1:17:50 - Loyalty and Team Culture ❤️

• Emphasizes the responsibility of team owners to cultivate a supportive environment for players.
• Discusses how loyalty from players can foster a stronger team culture.

1:19:04 - Impact of Salaries on Loyalty 💰

• Notes the pressure players face to maximize contracts for future players.
• Highlights how Sidney Crosby's decisions can affect the NHL's future salary landscape.

1:29:00 - Crosby's Legacy in Hockey 🏆

• Examines how Crosby's professionalism and adaptability marks him as a top player in history.
• Discusses his influence outside the sport and how it contributes to his legend.

1:30:42 - Discussion on Player Performance ⚽

• Debate on the potential timing for a player to retire, comparing past stars like Michael Jordan and the risks of declining performance.
• Concerns about veterans like Ovechkin struggling in their later years and how that impacts team dynamics.

1:31:54 - Crosby's Legacy 🌟

• Discussion around Sidney Crosby's exceptional career longevity and ongoing performance, including participation in the World Championships.
• Insight into Crosby's influence as a leader and mentor in the locker room for younger players.

1:34:40 - Event Experience 🏒

• Appreciation of the hospitality received from hosts Brad and Sherry during their visit.
• Reflections on the enjoyable interactions and how these experiences in the hobby community can foster connections.

1:36:01 - Interview Insights 🎤

• Reiteration of the genuine passion and dedication of Brad towards the hockey card community.
• Emphasis on the importance of having authentic figures in the hobby that support and uplift others.

1:38:01 - Hobby News and Rankings 💼

• Introduction to the current top-selling hockey cards and player rankings on eBay.
• Lighthearted banter regarding predictions and speculations on player sales, concluding with humorous commentary on performance trends.

1:45:57 - Top Player Picks 🔥

• Discussion on picking hockey players.
• Crosby and Baddard are key mentions.
• Pointed out Crosby's position as seventh.

1:48:16 - Injuries Discussion 💔

• Talk about Baddard's injury and potential surgery.
• Concerns about his performance given past injuries.
• Optimism around rehab for a quicker return.

1:54:03 - Prospect Potential 🌟

• Discussion on how surrounding talent impacts Baddard's performance.
• Comparison to other players and teams.
• Emphasis on the importance of finding him linemates to maximize his scoring.

1:57:02 - Buying Opportunities 💰

• Suggestion of Baddard's cards as a potential value buy.
• Discussion of the strategy of holding versus flipping sports cards.
• Call for cautious investments due to market conditions.

2:01:02 - Recap of Top Players 📊

• Overview of the top 10 hockey players on the market.
• Notable players include Gretzky, Crosby, and Baddard.
• Mention of the market stability despite fluctuations.

2:01:12 - Financial Commitment in Card Collecting 💰

• Discussion on Investment: Participants discuss the importance of putting accurate investments into collectibles and the potential risks involved.
• ESPN ESPYs: They touch upon ESPN's SP Awards and whether similar awards exist in Canada.

2:02:45 - Exciting Sports Card Categories 🏅

• Cards of the Year: Highlight about the "Sports Card of the Year" nominations.
• Finalists: Two hockey cards among the five finalists, specifically mentioning notable rookie cards.

2:06:43 - Michael Jordan's Partnership Announcement 🌟

• Upper Deck Resignation: Announcement about Michael Jordan being re-signed as an exclusive partner, indicating a significant lifetime deal.
• Significance of the News: Discussion on the implications for Upper Deck in light of competition from Fanatics.

2:09:10 - Product Releases from Upper Deck 📦

• Upcoming Collections: Insights into the forthcoming releases, including the Ultimate Collection and PWHL cards.
• Parkhurst Set: Focus on the latest Parkhurst set release showcasing its features.

2:15:56 - Hobby Community Discussion 🎤

• Collectors' Preferences: Lighthearted conversations about favorite players and types of cards among collectors.
• Consumer Interest: Hard discussions on purchasing cases versus individual boxes, emphasizing personal preferences in the hobby.

2:16:17 - Discussion on Gadgets and Cards 🎮

• Dave's situation: Discussion on fixed income post-retirement.
• Use of Geek Squad: Dave mentions having a membership for computer repairs.

2:16:54 - Personal Pickups 📦

• Phil's Box Opening: Plans for future unboxing, nostalgia about past box openings.
• Chocolate mishap: A humorous moment about chocolate on Phil's blanket.

2:19:02 - Collectible Cards Showcases 🃏

• Wayne Gretzky Card: Phil showcases his top card, the Gretzky Fleer Retro Blue PMG, limited to 40 copies.
• Card condition discussion: Importance of condition with autographs.

2:27:04 - Exciting New Acquisitions 💼

• Haul from Halifax Show: Discussion on Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux cards with emotional connections.
• Highlight on blue autos: Picking up blue border autos and designs for personal collections.

2:31:11 - Curious Card Features 🤔

• Unidentifiable Patch: Engaging conversation about a game-used patch from a Mario Lemieux card with no identifiable source.
• Community Input: Friends joining in to help identify the patch origin heightens the excitement.

2:31:19 - Discussion on Jersey Logos and Collectibles 🏒

• Conversation about a mystery logo on a jersey's shoulder.
• Request for expertise from viewers about its origin.

2:32:05 - Sign of the Times Collectibles 🃏

• Nostalgia shared with a recently acquired Sign of the Times card.
• Mention of challenges in finding valuable cards, leading to a successful find of a Gordie Howe auto.

2:34:30 - New Card Picks 🛒

• Introduction of four significant card pickups over the weekend.
• Specific mention of a Wayne Gretzky retro black rainbow and a 1996 select certified Gretzky mirror blue card.

2:35:44 - Switch to Patch Auto Cards 🧩

• Host discusses an unexpected interest in patch autos, sharing excitement over acquiring Mario Lemieux patch cards.
• Mention of personal feelings regarding the aesthetics and significance of patch cards.

2:38:00 - Closing and Community Engagement 📅

• Conclusion of the episode with encouragement for listener interaction.
• Promotion of the podcast's social media presence and the possibility of supporting through Patreon.