The long-anticipated 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey set has finally slid onto the rink, cementing itself as the sparkling conclusion to this year’s trilogy of flagship hockey card releases. For the die-hard collector or the enthusiastic completist, this release represents more than just another batch of cards; it’s an extensive buffet of updated player visuals, enchanting inserts, and a fresh lineup of the ever-coveted Young Guns rookie cards—an irresistible dish to any serious hockey aficionado’s palate.
While the Extended Series is often perceived as merely an appendage to the initial Series 1 and Series 2, this latest installment flexes its muscles to provide a formidable expansion to the 2024-25 Upper Deck Hockey lineup. These additional 250 cards bring the total collection to a staggering 750. With hobby boxes teeming with an enticing variety of inserts or parallels in nearly every pack, the set promises collectors a multi-faceted and engaging experience.
**Unpacking the Comprehensive Checklist**
Adding an impressive depth to the series, this extended card set boasts an additional 250 new cards. The first 200 entries proudly flaunt veteran players, many depicted in new jerseys or freshly minted team affiliations, thus offering fans pristine visuals paired with thrilling roster updates. The remaining 50 slots are meticulously reserved for the lush subsets that house the commanding Young Guns and exclusively curated 1st Round Rookies. These highly sought-after rookie cards are crafted in low print runs, appearing approximately every other pack, fanning the flames of excitement for devoted collectors hunting these budding stars of hockey’s future.
**Parallel Cards: A Tale of Rarity and Valour**
Parallel seekers rejoice, for the chase continues and it’s studded with exciting treasures varying in rarity:
– Outburst – Discover it in 1:30 packs (Hobby), or 1:90 packs (Blaster)
– Clear Cut – Keep your eyes peeled across 1:96 packs
– Deluxe – Limited to 250 prints
– Exclusives – Limited to 100
– Outburst Red – Only 25 made
– High Gloss – A mere 10 exist
– Outburst Gold – The singular, magnificent 1/1
These limited parallels aren’t mere card variants; they add a succulent layer of excitement, tantalizing collectors with the promise of unique, collectible trophies to elevate their collections.
**Inserts and Special Features: A Haven for Collectors**
Seasoned fans will recognize the triumphant return of cherished insert sets from previous series. UD Canvas cards make another strong showing, appearing four times per hobby box with enticing subsets highlighting the Young Guns, Legends, and NHL All-Stars. Additionally, hunters will enjoy the pursuit of rare Black and White parallels and the fetching exclusive Printing Plates.
Making their dazzling return are the Dazzlers inserts, showcasing Blue versions at 1:12 packs frequency, rare Pink editions at 1:72 packs, curiously paired with singularly unique Printing Plates. Meanwhile, Blaster boxes throw in exclusive Green Dazzlers at a delightful 1:4 packs.
**Introducing Oracles: Mystical and Rare**
A novel enchantment to the series are the Oracles inserts, an innovative, tarot card-inspired archetype that transports hockey collecting to mystical new realms. These cards range from tricky-to-snag SP (1:30 packs) to ultra-rare SSP (1:45 packs) and even more elusive cards at a dazzling rate of 1:180 packs, presenting captivating challenges for the tenacious.
**Classic Inserts Return: A Nostalgic Carousel**
The Extended Series repatriates fan-favorite classics from Upper Deck’s storied yesteryears, including:
– Pros and Prospects appearing in 1:4 packs
– Beehive found every 1:5 packs
– UD3, with a special gold parallel numbered to 333
– Upper Deck Encore in 1:5 packs
– Trilogy Rookie Premiere, categorized into Common (/999), Uncommon (/499), and Rare (/99)
Triple Dimensions Reflections swirl into the series with base appearances every 1:6 packs, adorned by Ruby (/500), Amethyst (/300), Emerald (/100), Gold (/50), and luminous Sapphire (/10) parallels.
Of course, no nostalgic journey would be complete without the Silver Skates, elegantly gliding back into collectors’ hands, base versions brightening 1:4 packs with limited Gold parallels limited to a mere 250.
**Product Configuration: Boxing Strategies**
What can collectors anticipate from these hobby boxes of the 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey? Here’s a closer look:
– Cards per pack: Hobby – 12, Blaster – 12
– Packs per Box: Hobby – 12, Blaster – 4
– Boxes per Case: Hobby – 12, Blaster – 20
– Complete Set Size: 250 cards
– Release Date: May 29, 2025
Hobby Box Breakdown includes:
– 8 assorted Beehive, Pros and Prospects, or Upper Deck Encore
– 1 Blue Dazzlers
– 2 Oracles
– 8 Rookie Reflections, Silver Skates, or UD3
– 2 Triple Dimensions Reflections
– 4 UD Canvas
– 1 Outburst Parallels
– 6 Young Guns or 1st Round Rookies
– 1 Special Find (Clear Cut, UD Canvas Black and White, or Rare/SSP Oracles)
This exuberant synthesis of inserts, rare parallels, and prized rookie cards within the 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey offers collectors a dynamic, richly rewarding endeavor. Whether you’re a casual fan skimming the ice or a seasoned collector prowling the rink for gems, this series brims with treasures waiting to be uncovered.
