2019 Toronto Expo Pickups!

Greetings, fellow collectors!

As a lot of you may know, this weekend was the 2019 Toronto Spring Sports Card & Memorabilia Expo. 

I was lucky enough to attend the Expo for my 4th time this weekend, and boy, the Expo never ceases to amaze me everytime I go. For those who haven't been, it really is the place to be if you're a hockey card collector. Dealers from everywhere form to create the largest sports card show on the planet. Cards, jerseys, hats, and memorabilia (+ many more collectibles) for all to see. There is something for everyone here.

So what did I end up walking away with today? Just two cards. Yes, unlike my last trip to the Expo two years ago, I did not walk away with handfuls of cards I needed for various collections, but this year I decided to take it slow and go for quality over quantity, and I beleive I did just that! 

While there were no Jhonas Enroth cards found from my complete wantlist, I did find these gems for my collection:

15-16 Upper Deck 300 Win Club - Terry Sawchuk (SP)

Arguably THE card to chase in this Upper Deck 300 Win Club set, I was lucky enough to obatin one of these gems today. I have seen a few Sawchuk's since attempting this set (they are all case hits,by the way), but they have all been out of my price range or snapped up by other collectors, so I knew my next attempt at a Sawchuk I needed to try my best to land one, and I'm fortunate enough to have finally done that today. 

As of right now I'm currently at 13 of the 24 cards for the complete set. I am only chasing the regular jersey/stick versions, not the Gold parallels #/10. With the likely release of Carey Price, Jonathan Quick, and Kari Lehtonen (the jersey version) for this evolving 300 Win Club set, it looks like I'll have some work to do with this one in the near future. Ah well, just happy to knock Sawchuk off the list. Great fit for my collection of a HHOF goaltender! 

08-09 ITG Ultimate Memorabilia 9th Edition - Complete Package Silver Version - Jacques Plante 9/9.

I've always loved watch Sawchuk brought to the game of hockey. How he was the first goalie to ever wear a mask regualrily. As a goalie myself, I've always admired his courage both on and off the ice in order to grow the goaltending position to what we see today. I couldn't imagine ever playing without my mask. Thank you for everything, Mr. Plante. 

This piece I was lucky to snag just before I left the show. I was scavanging through one of many boxes and came across this Complete Package Silver card /9. I've always really liked these complete package cards, and to snag one of the best goaltenders to ever strap on the pads is really something else. This card also makes me miss old In The Game and the type of cards they brought into the hobby on a regular basis. Although I wasn't necassarily looking to pick up a Plante, this one caught my eye and the rest is history. Don't you just love additions like those? I sure do. 

​I hope everyone had a nice time at the Expo this year. The next Expo will take place this Fall, and maybe I'll be able to snag some new pieces for my collection. Here's hoping ... :)

​Happy Collecting!