Weird Hockey Cards From the 90’s

Below are 5 of the weirdest hockey cards from the 1990s. 

When it comes to sports card collecting, hockey cards generally do not rank as high as many of the other professional sports in the United States.

Weird Hockey cards collage

Baseball cards are considered the most popular and valuable options for collectors, with football and basketball cards ranking 2nd and 3rd respectively. Although hockey cards remain a distant fourth, they still do possess some value to collectors. Especially with the recent dramatic growth in the collectible market over the last few years.

One unique feature of some hockey cards, especially 90s hockey cards, is that many of them possess weird pictures and/or card styles.

5. 1995-1996 Pinnacle Olaf Kolzig, Card #134 – “Hot Dog and Mustard”

1995-1996 Pinnacle Olaf Kolzig Card #134

Enjoying a successful career as a goalie with the Washington Capitals. Olaf Kolzig ended his playing days with a save percentage of 90.6% and a goals-against average of 2.71.

He was named to 2 All-Star games and won the Vezina Trophy in 1999-2000. Which is awarded to the NHL’s best goaltender. The 1995-1996 Pinnacle #134 card shows Kolzig posing with a hot dog and mustard. With the mustard cleverly spelling out the name “Olaf” which some collectors may miss at first glance of the card.

1995-1996 Pinnacle Olaf Kolzig, Card #134 back of card

Kolzig appears in full hockey garb, sans helmet, with a hockey arena and crowd in the background. Meaning that this unique pose may have been orchestrated right before or after a game. 

4. 1998-1999 Upper Deck Choice Dean McAmmond, Card #79 – “Hand Feeding Deer”

1998-1999 Upper Deck Choice Dean McAmmond, Card #79

Dean McAmmond was a classic journeyman. Playing for 9 different teams over a career that spanned from 1992 to 2010.

His best individual year came during the 2001-2002 season with the Calgary Flames when he scored 20 goals and dished out 31 assists. Although he may have had a pedestrian career, McAmmond does have a special place in the “weird hockey card” universe with his 1998-1999 Upper Deck Choice #79 card.

The card pictures McAmmond lying down on a yellow toboggan in a field of snow wearing jeans and an Oilers jersey. All while holding out each hand on either side of his body to feed a couple of deer.

1998-1999 Upper Deck Choice Dean McAmmond back of Card #79

It’s a little hard to imagine how Upper Deck came up with this idea for a pose. But it ended up being a hit, nonetheless. 

3. 1997-1998 Upper Deck Mike Grier, Card #67 – “Eating a Slice of Pizza”

1997-1998 Upper Deck Mike Grier, Card #67

Enjoying a pretty solid, if not uninspiring career at the right wing position. Mike Grier played for 4 different teams from 1996 to 2011.

Grier gained more notoriety after his playing days when he became the NHL’s first African American general manager after being hired by the San Jose Sharks, a position he currently holds today.

The 1997-1998 Upper Deck #67 card pictures Grier casually eating a slice of pizza in his Oilers jersey. While sitting on top of a chair in what appears to be the team’s locker room.

1997-1998 Upper Deck Mike Grier, Card #67 back of card

Probably the most entertaining aspect of this picture is the hilarious expression on Grier’s face. Which somehow appears to be a combination of a smile, frown, and laugh all in one sustained look. 

2. 1994-1995 Upper Deck Be a Player Snap Shots Steve Yzerman, Card #R115 – “The Model”

1994-1995 Upper Deck Be a Player Snap Shots Steve Yzerman, Card #R115

One of the greatest NHL centers of all time. Steve Yzerman spent his entire 22-year career with the Detroit Red Wings, amassing 692 goals and 1,063 assists.

Currently serving as the executive vice president and general manager of the Red Wings. Yzerman was named to 9 All-Star games and won the Conn Smythe Trophy during the 1997-1998 season, which is awarded to the league’s MVP. And the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league’s best defensive forward during the 1999-2000 season.

The 1994-1995 Be a Player Snap Shots series by Upper Deck featured different players posing as models.

1994-1995 Upper Deck Be a Player Snap Shots Steve Yzerman, weird hockey Cards #R115 back of card

The #R115 Steve Yzerman photo showcases a close-up shot of Yzerman from the chest up. In a black-and-white frame, looking away from the camera with a hauntingly detached look.

At first glance, it does actually make Yzerman look like a model or actor. 

1. 1992-1993 Pinnacle Sidelines Doug Gilmour, Card #233 – “Creepy Cowboy”

Doug Gilmour played for 7 different teams during a 2-decade career in the NHL. Which saw him accrue 450 goals and 964 assists.

1992-1993 Pinnacle Sidelines Doug Gilmour, Card #233

He established himself as a great all-around center. Making 2 All-Star teams and winning the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league’s best defensive forward during the 1992-1993 season.

He was also known for being quite the fashion aficionado. Which was showcased on several different sports cards featuring his impressive wardrobes.

However, the 1992-1993 #233 Pinnacle Sidelines card of Gilmour goes above and beyond the realm of fashion, even for the most forgiving fashion analysts.

Gilmour is pictured from the chest up in full cowboy garb. Including a cowboy hat, red necktie, black vest, and white shirt.

1992-1993 Pinnacle Sidelines Doug Gilmour, weird hockey Card #233 back of card

The wardrobe, combined with the grim look from Gilmour makes him appear like a cross between a well-dressed farm hand from the late 19th century and a notorious convicted felon.

Bruno Breen

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