When I first heard that Upper Deck and the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) were going to release hockey cards, I was happy for all the players involved and all the influential women in my life who never had the chance to play hockey. found I grew up with two older sisters in the 1970s, and both were great athletes with their mom. She excelled in sports such as softball, curling and broomball, but unfortunately there was no organized women’s hockey program available to her at the time. It’s great to see how time has progressed, especially with the introduction of the PWHL at length this season and now with the release of Upper Deck PWHL hockey cards.
Some of my proudest moments as a hockey fan came courtesy of the Canadian women’s hockey team at the Olympics. I will never forget the gold medal in Salt Lake City in 2002 and the joy I felt for the Canadian women’s team. And, even more dramatically, the gold medal game at the 2014 Sochi Olympics when Canada came back with two goals in the final three and a half minutes to tie the Americans and send the game to OT. Where Canada’s Mary Phillip Pollan scored the winning goal. It was one of the greatest hockey games I have ever seen. And I’ve seen hundreds over the years.
Upper Deck and PWHL – Growing the Game
Upper Deck unveiled its exclusive license with the PWHL on March 7 to mark Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. To make it easier for fans to join the celebration, Upper Deck released a free digital trading card set on its e-pack online platform featuring some of the league’s superstars, including gold medalist Mary -Features Philip Pollan, Savannah Harmon, and Kendall Quinn Schofield. Additional digital and physical trading card sets will be produced and available soon.
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The PWHL made history earlier this year by dropping the puck in its inaugural season in January 2024, and they continue to set attendance records. Under the license, Upper Deck will join them in making history by becoming the first exclusively licensed producer of women-only physical and digital trading cards for the PWHL.
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“This collaboration represents a shared commitment to advancing hockey and providing opportunities for all athletes on and off the ice,” said McKenzie Young, Marketing Lead, Upper Deck. “We are passionate about advancing the growth of women’s hockey and inspiring the next generation of players and collectors.”
Celebrating with inspiring hockey stars
To celebrate the license, Upper Deck has released a fully accessible, free digital trading card set for fans to start their own collection on e-Pack®. This set of ‘Inspirational Icons’ features American and Canadian Olympians and World Championship gold medalists Emily Clark (PWHL Ottawa), Kendall Quinn Schofield (PWHL Minnesota), Savannah Harmon (PWHL Ottawa), Hilary Knight (PWHL Ottawa), Hilary Knight (PWHL Ottawa). (PWHL Ottawa), Hilary Knight (PWHL), Boston, (PWHL Toronto) Marie-Philip Poulin (PWHL Montréal), Abby Roque (PWHL New York), and Natalie Spooner (PWHL Toronto). The collection is available until March 26, 2024, and Upper Deck is allowing fans and collectors to add these trading cards to their collections.
“Upper Deck’s unparalleled expertise in sports collections makes them an ideal partner as we continue to build our community,” said Amy Shear, senior vice president of business operations, PWHL. “Together, we will elevate the visibility of the PWHL, inspire fans around the world to embrace the spirit of our game and connect with the stars of their league.”
Collectors will want to keep an eye on local hobby shops and Upper Deck E-Pack later this year for more product announcements. Fans can add free digital trading cards to their collection at UpperDeckEpack.com.
A great way to celebrate hockey
When I think of all the great female players in my life, from my mom, my sisters, my daughter who played in the 2022 Canadian Women’s U19 Fastball Championship, and family friend Eric Reeder, who played at the University of Winnie. Pegg helped the women’s hockey team to victory. Their first national championship, I do so with great pride and a grateful heart. I share similar sentiments when I think about this new licensing agreement between Upper Deck and the PWHL. Not only do we get to see the greatest women’s hockey players on the ice together in the same league, but they are immortalized in a hockey card for future collectors to appreciate and enjoy. Congratulations, PWHL and Upper Deck! Thank you both for making history.
