richie.rocket.cards
Verified Trader,
Hello HI friends!
Wow, I can’t believe another year has gone by since my last update already. Even though the pandemic carries on, I was very thankful to able to watch a hockey game in person this year, attend a card show out in Langley, and even obtain a few in-person autographs at various sporting events this year!
The hobby growth continues to amaze me, with record sales seemingly every week, the continued production of high quality social medial content, and with some absolutely insane cards switching hands these past few months. I was fortunate to even have been a guest on one such hobby channel (Sports Cards Live) with our very own gomaz (thanks Jer!)
With my Canucks autograph collection, I have actually gone somewhat backwards in percent completion—Jim Benning has been a mad man, and as such, no less than 27 new players have made their Canucks debut this past 1.5 seasons! Limited access to the team in-person doesn’t help things, but I’ll slowly plug away!
Welp, to the SHOW!
You guys know by now, this Show-and-Tell will be seriously EXTRA: go grab your beer, popcorn, and Christmas baked goods for the ride!
(Once again, sports items will be sandwiching entertainment adds in an intermission section. Top 10 at the bottom!)
First, here is a carry-over project from my last update: I had met Grant Fuhr at a public signing pre-COVID, to get the first half of this custom card done. I actually got the Hirsch autograph not long after, but the rate-limiting step was finding Corey Hirsch memorabilia to put into the card!
Anyhow, here it is completed:
17-18 UD Cup Honorable Numbers Corey Hirsch & Grant Fuhr jersey auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Onto some miscellaneous pick-ups for some non-Canuck side PCs:
First, a killer Honorable Numbers card with Lanny McDonald and Bernie Nicholls! They both wore #9, not sure why the number is 25?
07-08 UD Cup Dual Honorable Numbers McDonald-Nicholls patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
No post would be complete without some Zigmund Palffy right?
Here is a card on the wantlist for quite some time, 03-04 UD Buybacks Palffy RC /28
03-04 UD Buyback 91-92 Upper Deck Zigmund Palffy RC auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Limited logos
05-06 UD Cup Limited Logos Zigmund Palffy auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Beezer 14-15 UD Cup NHL Glory: UD can you make more Florida Panthers Vanbiesbrouck cards? =p
14-15 UD Cup NHL Glory John Vanbiesbrouck auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Joe Nieuwendyk 13-14 Panini Crown Royale Silhouette jersey auto:
13-14 Panini Crown Royale Silhouette Joe Nieuwendyk auto jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Dave Taylor 04-05 UD Legends Classics Signature Moments: vintage purple-gold LA Kings jersey? Yes.
04-05 UD Legends Classics Signature Moments Dave Taylor auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
06-07 UD Cup Signature Patches Dave Taylor auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Colby Armstrong: remember when this guy was tearing it up as a rookie along side Sidney Crosby? His cards were all the rage!
06-07 UD Sweet Shot Signature Shots Stick Signings Colby Armstrong auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
06-07 Black Diamond Gemography Colby Armstrong auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
06-07 BAP Signature Portraits Colby Armstrong 8x10 auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Here's one that was exceptionally hard to find, even the regular version, never mind this Black auto /5
13-14 UD Team Canada Juniors Black Colby Armstrong #33 auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Pat Verbeek 01-02 BAP Signature Series 500 Goal Scorers
01-02 BAP Signature Series 500 Goal Scorers Pat Verbeek jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Jari Kurri 00-01 UD A Piece of History 500 Goal Scorers:
00-01 UD A Piece of History 500 Goal Scorers Jari Kurri jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Owen Nolan: a few higher end autographs:
17-18 UD Cup Base auto
17-18 UD Cup Base Owen Nolan auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
19-20 UD Chronology Timeless Signatures
19-20 UD Chronolgy Timeless Signatures Owen Nolan auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
16-17 UD Black Color Coded auto: love cards with the ol’ Nordiques jerseys!
16-17 UD Black Color Coded Owen Nolan auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Vincent Lecavalier 09-10 Sp Authentic Rookie Review: they recycled this design, I think it’s one of the best ever subsets in SpA
09-10 Sp Authentic Rookie Review Vincent Lecavalier patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Phil Housley 17-18 Ultimate Collection ’97 Legends auto
17-18 Ultimate Collection 97 Legends Phil Housley auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Pierre Turgeon: my small PC of this guy is slowly growing! He has quite the following so I was happy to be able to win not one but x2 1/1 autographs this past year:
This first one was pulled via ePack by a FB group member, and I was glad to secure it for a good price behind the scenes:
19-20 UD 30th Anniversary Buybacks Pierre Turgeon auto 1-of-1 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
20-21 UD Artifacts Aurum Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
19-20 Sp Game Used Blue Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
18-19 UD Chronology Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
19-20 UD Clear Cut Metal Universe Palladium Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
17-18 UD Cup Color Coded Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
19-20 UD Canvas Signatures Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
18-19 Trilogy Signature Pucks Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
14-15 UD Trilogy Signature Pucks Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
This 1/1 was listed for probably all of 30 minutes before I jumped on it:
19-20 UD Buybacks 08-09 Canadiens Centennial Captains Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Paul Coffey custom: 05-06 UD Notable Numbers. Always thought Coffey looked cool in a Red Wings jersey:
05-06 UD Notable Numbers Paul Coffey auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Arturs Irbe 14-15 UD Cup NHL Glory auto: this is my favorite design amongst all the NHL Glory cards, can’t go wrong with good ol’ Irbe on it!
14-15 UD Cup NHL Glory Arturs Irbe auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Next, how about some Canucks custom cards? It’s definitely been a slower year with few public Canucks events.
First up, here is a cut autograph featuring Jim Hargreaves. This autographed index card sat at the USA border in kmitchel’s mailbox for 1.5 years before I recently finally got it in hand (thanks Kev!)
17-18 UD Cup Scripted Swatches Jim Hargreaves auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
The Canucks alumni did participate in the most recent Vancouver Hockey Helps the Homeless event, for which I volunteer at annually. Check these:
Jannik Hansen: I actually never asked his autograph during his playing days, but it was great to see him at this event. He even signed “Honey Badger” on this:
04-05 UD Legendary Signatures AKA Jannik Hansen auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
07-08 Ultimate Collection Rookies Jannik Hansen auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Scott Walker literally days before he was hired as the new assistant coach to Bruce Boudreau:
16-17 Sp Game Used base blue Scott Walker auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Brad May:
18-19 UD Clear Cut Canvas (vertical) Brad May auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Aaron Volpatti:
2009 Sp Authentic Signatures (MLB) Aaron Volpatti auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Geoff Courtnall:
17-18 Sp Authentic Limited base Geoff Courtnall auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
04-05 ITG Franchises Geoff Courtnall auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Here’s another carry-over from the last post: I’d been hanging onto this card with the Sundstrom half completed after his private signing for more than a year, before finally getting another opportunity to see Captain Kirk (PS they were traded for one another):
04-05 ITG Franchises Geoff Courtnall auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
A few TTM returns: it has been VERY slow this year in terms of Canucks TTM returns, but I will not complain!
Rick Lanz:
04-05 ITG Franchises Rick Lanz auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2007 Sp Authentic SOTT (NFL) Rick Lanz auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Louis Domingue via Calgary Flames:
19-20 Sp Authentic SOTT Louis Domingue auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
19-20 Panini Contenders Legendary Contenders (NFL) Louis Domingue TTM auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Arturs Silovs:
16-17 UD Top Draft Pick Arturs Silovs auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Rob McVicar:
05-06 Sp Authentic FW Rob McVicar auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Gary Bromley: still the coolest Canucks mask ever?
19-20 UD Trilogy Signature Pucks Gary Bromley auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Jim Sandlak: upgraded autographs after getting him TTM some 10 years ago!
02-03 Sp Authentic (NBA) Jim Sandlak auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
08-09 UD Signature Sensations Jim Sandlak autograph by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Evan Oberg: this card was from 9 years ago, I was using a different printer altogether back then on the island, as you can tell by the color difference vs these more current customs:
10-11 Sp Authentic FW Evan Oberg ver 2 auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Jayce Hawryluk: nice that he responded so quickly last season as he’s gone to the SweHL this year:
18-19 Panini Noir Shadow Signatures (NBA) Jayce Hawryluk auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
17-18 UD Premier Inked Script Jayce Hawryluk auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Marc Michaelis: yes, Marc who? This fella was undrafted and came through the WCHA en route to the NHL last year. Guy will unfortunately probably never get an NHL card, never mind an autographed one. I guess he’ll have to do with the ones I made for him!
19-20 Panini Flawless Finishes (NBA) Marc Michaelis auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
17-18 UD Top Shelf Rookies Marc Michaelis auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Kris Manery: yep this was a head swap, can you tell?
05-06 Sp Signature Edition Authentic Signatures (NBA) Kris Manery auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Justin Bailey:
1999 UD Authentics Encore (NFL) Justin Bailey auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2019 Panini Impeccable Victory Signatures (NFL) Justin Bailey auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Nils Hoglander!
19-20 Sp Authentic FW Nils Hoglander auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Dave Logan: he’s eluded me for many years, such that last year I went ahead and built a cut autograph card of him for my collection; what do you know, he started signing TTM again, so now I have these hard-signed cards too:
12-13 Sp Authentic Marks of Distinction Dave Logan auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
09-10 Sp Authentic Marks of Distinction Dave Logan auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Tyler Toffoli: a very nice return from Toffoli, who seems like a nice guy, but man, he is the modern day Canucks killer akin to Peter Forsberg way back when..
08-09 UD Exquisite Collection Limited Throwback Logos (NBA) Tyler Toffoli patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
One vintage Canuck via a private signing…how in the world they ever found this guy to do a private signing is beyond me: DAN SEGUIN
19-20 UD Chronology Timeless Signatures Dan Seguin auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
05-06 Sp Signature Edition Authentic Signatures (NBA) Dan Seguin auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Before the pandemic restrictions tightened up again, I did manage to attend a couple Canucks practices. Who knows when those will be safe to attend again moving forward, so very happy to get these done:
Jack Rathbone: is this guy going to get any true autographed UD RCs?
16-17 Panini Immaculate Collection Marks of Greatness (NBA) Jack Rathbone auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
18-19 UD Game Dated Moments horizontal Jack Rathbone auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
00-01 UD Prospects CHL Signatures Jack Rathbone auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Will Lockwood: this guy made his NHL debut at the tail end of last season, hopefully we see him on the NHL ice again soon
13-14 Black Diamond Rookie Gems Will Lockwood auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
15-16 Sp Authentic SOTT Rookie Will Lockwood auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
20-21 UD Star Rookies Will Lockwood auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Kyle Burroughs: hometown boy Burroughs made the team out of training camp and even scored his first NHL goal at home at Rogers Arena!
18-19 UD Exquisite Collection Signatures Kyle Burroughs auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Brad Hunt: another hometown boy from Maple Ridge:
20-21 UD MVP Rookie Brad Hunt auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Tucker Poolman:
2017 Panini Elite Draft Picks (NFL) Tucker Poolman auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Conor Garland: enough said, what an acquisition!
20-21 Panini Hoops Hot Signatures (NBA) Conor Garland auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Quinn Hughes: guys is the real deal and has been lights out! I am especially happy with this card because those Lunar New Year jerseys are basically never featured on licensed NHL cards:
2018 Panini Flawless (NFL) three team Quinn Hughes auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Elias Pettersson: been hanging on to this custom card which was signed in his rookie season, until now to complete the build, mainly as his game used memorabilia were too expensive in his early days. Future is bright!
17-18 Sp Authentic Limited Auto Material Elias Pettersson patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Final act of the first half:
This year, I began circling back to upgrade some vintage RCs. Up to this point, I had mostly raw RCs in my collection, but I’ve certainly found some new love for the graded variety:
Stan Mikita 60-61 Topps RC PSA 7: amazed how clean this card is!
60-61 Topps Stan Mikita RC PSA 7 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Phil Esposito 65-66 Topps RC PSA 7: this is my first ever Phil Esposito RC. Do the Blackhawks have the best vintage RCs or what?!
65-66 Topps Phil Esposito RC PSA 7 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
I have been mostly obtaining PSA cards for pre-1980 rookies, but I have to say, I also LOVE the BGS 9.5 cards with the gold labels. I like that you can tell from across the room that it is a Gem Mint card!
Luc Robitaille 87-88 OPC RC BGS 9.5
87-88 OPC Luc Robitaille BGS 9.5 RC by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Pavel Bure 90-91 UD Young Guns BGS 9.5
90-91 UD Young Guns Pavel Bure BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Sergei Fedorov 90-91 UD Young Guns BGS 9.5
90-91 Upper Deck YG Sergei Fedorov RC BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Alexander Mogilny 90-91 Upper Deck BGS 9.5
90-91 Upper Deck Alexander Mogilny RC BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Nik Lidstrom 91-92 Upper Deck BGS 9.5
91-92 Upper Deck Niklas Lidstrom RC BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Dominik Hasek 91-92 Upper Deck BGS 9.5
91-92 UD Dominik Hasek RC BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
90-91 OPC Premier: is this the greatest early set of the 1990s? It is loaded with HHOF rookies:
Owen Nolan
90-91 OPC Premier Owen Nolan RC BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Mike Modano
90-91 OPC Premier Mike Modano BGS 9.5 RC by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Mats Sundin
90-91 OPC Premier Mats Sundin BGS 9.5 RC by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Jaromir Jagr: this card has a very large pop, but it is as coveted as I have ever seen!
90-91 OPC Premier Jaromir Jagr RC BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Martin Brodeur 90-91 Score Canadian BGS 9.5
90-91 Score Canadian Martin Brodeur RC BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Okay, here’s one: 08-09 Sp Authentic FW Nikita Filatov! This card in itself is not really that amazing, and Filatov may actually be retired from pro hockey already. BUT, this was one of those hard to find redemptions right out of the gate, and so continues to hold a premium! I remember really wanting this when he first broke into the NHL. Good to add one this past month:
08-09 Sp Authentic FW Nikita Filatov auto RC by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Tony Esposito upgraded 69-70 OPC RC in PSA 8: didn’t I say the Blackhawks have the coolest vintage RCs?
69-70 OPC Tony Esposito PSA 8 RC by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Paul Coffey upgraded 81-82 OPC RC in PSA 9: from PWCC auctions, my first ever PWCC win:
81-82 OPC Paul Coffey PSA 9 RC by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Guy LaFleur 71-72 OPC RC in PSA 8: some say this is the greatest post-war hockey set, with this card being one of the most iconic alongside the Dryden; I’ll say this, that centering is very very tough for this year:
70-71 OPC Guy LaFleur RC PSA 8 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Okay! Wow, it is only just the intermission
Like my previous posts, here I will update on some non-sport acquisitions. While I couldn’t go to any comic cons this year, a handful of cool things still came in!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: still one of my favorite series of all time. There have been comic cons dedicated to BTVS but usually, the main character is not present:
Sarah Michelle Gellar: she has been to one Star Wars Celebration (she apparently voice-acted for the animated series), but I could not attend, and otherwise, she is hard to find!
Sarah Michelle Gellar 8x10 autograph by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Eliza Dushku: the other Slayer!
1999 Inkworks BTVS - Eliza Dushku auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
David Boreanaz: another had auto to come by!
1998 Inkworks BTVS - David Boreanaz auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Only one Power Rangers addition this year: 13-14 UD Exquisite Colleciton Year of the Horse with Eka Darville auto (he also was in Jessica Jones)
13-14 UD Exquisite Collection Year of the Horse Eka Darville auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Simu Liu 8x12 autograph from Shang Chi! Such a good film, and love that a Canadian born Chinese is leading the cast:
Simu Liu - Shang-Chi 8x12 auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Poke-updates:
As some of you know by now, I collect cards of a triple mole Pokemon named Dugtrio. In 1999-00, Topps released a few Pokemon card sets…with an absurd number of parallels!!
I’m not kidding: Base blue, Base black, Base green, Base pink, Foil smooth, Foil rays, Foil flames, Foil targets, RAINBOW smooth, Rainbow rays, Rainbow flames, Rainbow targets…and get this there is Topps CHROME variants with regular, Sparkle, Spectra, and Tekno! WTH!
Here’s the Tekno version which is the hardest to pull. Still looking for Sparkle, and some Rainbow variants!
2000 Topps Chrome Tekno Dugtrio - 51 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
And why not add some BGS 9.5 Dugtrio too:
1999 Base Set Unlimited Dugtrio #19 BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
My favorite Pokemon card of all time:
2000 Team Rocket - Dark Dugtrio 1st Ed BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Here’s a cool controversial card that I received as a present from the wife: Sabrina’ Gengar! The original Japanese artwork featured Gengar standing in a graveyard with tombstones all over the field; however, when this North American version was printed, they took out all the tombstones to be more PG!
2000 Gym Heroes - Sabrina's Gengar BGS 9 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Lud i Lin 8x12 autograph from Mortal Combat: so cool. Cool tidbid, this guy worked, and worked out at my local YMCA once upon a time when I was growing up!
LUDI 8x12 auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Emilia Clarke in the style of 2020 Rittenhouse Game of Thrones Inflexions auto
Actually I haven’t seen Game of Thrones yet, but I think I would enjoy it when I get to it =) This is one custom card I am considering getting slabbed in a BGS holder, what do you all think?
2020 Rittenhouse Game of Thrones Inflexions Emilia Clarke auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2020 Rittenhouse Game of Thrones Inflexions Emilia Clarke back by Richard Ho, on Flickr
To cap it off, here’s a big return on a Birds of Prey poster: MARGOT ROBBIE. Is she the hottest female in Hollywood right now or what!
Margot Robbie 8x12 auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Act II
Back to the sports, how about some Olympic and Team Canada additions!
Probably one of my favorite sports memories this entire year has to be from the Canadian Women’s National Team Soccer, who took home Olympic Gold in spectacular fashion at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics! I have not cheered so loud at the TV since Sochi!
Two of the ladies are from right here in BC, so I went to join the welcome party at the airport on the Monday after the Games
Julia Grosso: scored the game-winning penalty kick goal to give us the gold medal; instant household name!
12-13 Sp Authentic Authentic Moments Julia Grosso auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
19-20 UD Chronology Timeless Memories vertical Julia Grosso auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Julia Grosso - Team Canada soccer by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Jordyn Huitema: one of the brightest upcoming stars in women’s soccer!
2012 Sp Game Used Golf Spectrum Jordyn Huitema auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2014 Sp Authentic Golf Authentic Rookies Limited Jordyn Huitema auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Jordyn Huitema - Team Canada soccer by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Janine Beckie: these two TTM through her club in Manchester City
2019 Panini World Cup Instant USWNT Janine Beckie auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2017 Panini Immaculate Soccer Modern Marks Janine Beckie auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Christine Sinclair: one of the greatest Canadian athletes ever, period. While I have yet to meet or see her actually play live, I was very happy to land this 8x10 TTM:
2004 Sp Signature Golf Signature Shots Christine Sinclair 8x10 auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Speaking of hometown heroes, here’s another TTM return from Alannah Yip, who made her Olympic debut in the brand new Sport Climbing event:
17-18 Sp Authentic Moments Alannah Yip auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2021 Topps Tribute Engraved Greats (MLB) Alannah Yip auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
More TTM from some Canadian women legends:
Jamie Sale, Olympic gold in pairs figure skating Salt Lake City 2002
19-20 Sp Game Used New Style Jamie Sale auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Oh yea, got Craig Simpson also in the same TTM return!
01-02 Topps Archives relics Craig Simpson auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
France Saint-Louis, Olympic silver in Nagano 1998
20-21 UD Signature Sensations France Saint-Louis auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2018 Panini National Treasures Legendary Signatures (Soccer) France Saint-Louis auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Helen Upperton, Olympic silver in Vancouver 2010 in 2-women bobsleigh
2019 UD Goodwin Champions Goudey Sport Royalty Autographs Helen Upperton auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
14-15 Black Diamond Gemography Helen Upperton auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Therese Brisson, Olympic gold in Salt Lake City 2002
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Black Therese Brisson auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2016 Panini National Treasures All Decade Therese Brisson auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Kim Lamarre, Olympic bronze in Freestyle ski Slopestyle Sochi 2014
18-19 Panini Noir Sneaker Spotlight (NBA) Kim Lamarre auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2016 UD Goodwin Champions Goudey Autographs Kim Lamarre auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Kirsten Moore-Towers & Michael Marinaro; Kirsten was a part of the figure skating team in Sochi 2014 which took home team Silver:
16-17 Sp Authentic Silver Skates Kirsten Moore-Towers auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
06-07 Sp Game Used Significance Kirsten Moore-Towers & Michael Marinaro auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Kylie Masse, x3 Olympic medals in Tokyo 2020 including silver medals in both the 100m and 200m backstroke:
18-19 Sp Authentic Moments Kylie Masse auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
19-20 Panini Impeccable RC auto (NBA) Kylie Masse auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Ann-Renee Desbiens with a custom card commemorating a real cool event: after the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, she actually retired from hockey. She then came out of retirement 18 months later with new resolve ahead of the 19-20 Canada-USA Rivalry series. She would also star at the NHL All-Star Weekend in 2020, in which North American women played a 3 on 3 mini-series!
2010 Upper Deck WPS Marks Ann Renee Desbiens auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Also, the only post-Olympic public event I attended this year was a Judo training camp/showcase in Abbotsford, with two Olympic medallists as guests! It literally felt weird taking a picture with people without the mask, but dang, it was a fun time:
Jessica Klimkait: Olympic bronze at Tokyo 2020 in women’s 57kg Judo
17-18 UD CHL Autographs Jessica Klimkait auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
20-21 Panini Noir Showtime (NBA) Jessica Klimkait auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
16-17 Sp Authentic Authentic Moments Jessica Klimkait auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard, Olympic bronze at Tokyo 2020 in women’s 63kg Judo
19-20 Sp Authentic Moments Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2020 UD Goodwin Champions Goudey Sport Royalty Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Here's a cool cut autograph featuring Anna GASSER from Team Austria. I rarely venture beyond Team Canada but this girl’s got some SICK moves, and took home the Olympic gold in 2018 PyeongChang Snowboard Big Air. Goal is to meet her at X-Games one of these days!
13-14 Panini Dominion Frozen Moments Anna Gasser cut auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Team Canada women’s hockey: so much has gone on for these ladies, including the collapse of the CWHL and then the cancellation of the Halifax World Championships, and now a second year straight cancellation of the U18 championship…I’m just amazed they are all working hard, training, and staying ever motivated to compete at the Beijing Olympics 2022. Good luck ladies!
Emerance Maschmeyer
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Emerance Maschmeyer auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Ann-Renee Desbiens
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Ann-Renee Desbiens patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Genevieve Lacasse
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Genevieve Lacasse patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Melodie Daoust
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Melodie Daoust patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Laura Stacey
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Laura Stacey patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Jill Saulnier
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Jillian Saulnier auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Loren Gabel
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Loren Gabel auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Renata Fast: interesting note, I’m not really sure who’s autograph this is, but I do not believe Renata has ever worn 36, and the penmanship is unlike any other Renata Fast autographs I have ever seen, including in-person ??
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Renata Fast auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Victoria Bach
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Victoria Bach patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Jamie Bourbonnais
19-20 UD Team Canada Juniors Jamie Bourbonnais patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Jocelyne Larocque
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Jocelyne Larocque patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Lauriane Rougeau
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Lauriane Rougeau patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Couple of pink variants:
Rebecca Johnston
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Pink Rebecca Johnston auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Brigette Lacquette
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Pink Brigette Lacquette auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Langley big show pickup: Jennifer Wakefield
14-15 UD Team Canada Juniors Jennifer Wakefield auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Marie-Philip Poulin
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Marie-Philip Poulin patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Can’t forget some of the men Olympians too:
Evan Dunfee, Olympic bronze in the 50km Race Walk Tokyo 2020
18-19 UD Game Dated Moments vertical Evan Dunfee auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
16-17 OPC Signatures Evan Dunfee auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Evan Dunfee - Racewalking by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Mike Riddle, Olympic silver in freestyle ski, halfpipe, Sochi 2014
18-19 Panini Noir Rookie (NBA) Mike Riddle auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2019 UD Goodwin Champions Goudey Sport Royalty Mike Riddle auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Curt Harnett, x3 Olympic medallist in cycling, including silver in 1984 Los Angeles
12-13 OPC Signatures Team Canada Curt Harnett auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
17-18 UD Premier Award Winners Curt Harnett auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Derek Drouin, Olympic gold in high jump, Rio de Janeiro 2016
17-18 Sp Authentic Moments Derek Drouin auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
18-19 Sp Authentic Rookie Year Derek Drouin auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Vincent Damphousse, didn’t play in the Olympics, but did represent Canada at the 1996 World Cup
17-18 UD Team Canada Juniors Vincent Damphousse auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Simon Gagne, Olympic gold in 2002 Salt Lake City
13-14 UD Team Canada Juniors Simon Gagne auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Two awesome autos from Team Canada Master Collection, one of my favorite Team Canada themed sets ever!
Vincent Lecavalier, Olympics 2006 Turin, /25
15-16 UD Team Canada Master Collection Vincent Lecavalier base auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Eric Staal, Olympic gold 2010 Vancouver, /15
15-16 UD Team Canada Master Collection Eric Staal base auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
To end this section, check this crazy TTM return from Russia:
Alina Zagitova, Olympic gold in ladies’ singles figure skating 2018 PyeongChang!
My second time incorporating the rainbow gold foil in a shadow box type custom, very happy with the end product:
Alina Zagitova Shadow Box auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Alina Zagitova autograph by Richard Ho, on Flickr
16-17 Sp Authentic Silver Skates Alina Zagitova auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
And the booklet!
16-17 UD Cup Pro Gear Alina Zagitova by Richard Ho, on Flickr
16-17 UD Cup Pro Gear Alina Zagitova auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Heading towards the FINALE now, here is one area that I have really beefed up this year: Canucks pick-ups! I have become a lot more selective these days, but trust me, there is no shortage of good sh*t upcoming
Kirk McLean: some collectors dislike the Inked Insignias due to the manufactured patches, but I think it actually works quite nicely on this style of card:
19-20 UD Cup Inked Insignias Kirk McLean auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
19-20 UD Chronology Timeless Memories Kirk McLean auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
20-21 UD Black Diamond Mine Duel Relics Kirk Mclean Roberto Luongo jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr
19-20 UD Exquisite Collection Signatures Kirk McLean auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Some all-time Canucks defensemen, and some new kids on the block:
Mattias Ohlund
05-06 Be A Player Mattias Ohlund auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
98-99 Be A Player Mattias Ohlund auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
19-20 UD Chronology Mattias Ohlund auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Troy Stecher
18-19 UD Game Jersey Troy Stecher jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Dennis Kearns
18-19 UD Chronology Dennis Kearns auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Ashton Sautner true RC /59
18-19 Sp Game Used Ashton Sautner RC by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Guillaume Brisebois
19-20 Sp Game Used Guillaume Brisebois auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Luc Bourdon: don’t’ see these cards very much at all these days!
06-07 Ultimate Collection Signature Debut Threads Luc Bourdon auto jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Next up, Trevor Linden
20-21 SPx UD Black Pride of a Nation Trevor Linden auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
20-21 Black Diamond Silver Signatures Trevor Linden auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
20-21 UD Synergy Purple Trevor Linden auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
12-13 UD Cup Brilliance Trevor Linden auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Love this UD Premier base Blue Spectrum parallel /5
16-17 UD Premier Collection Blue Spectrum Trevor Linden auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
More goalies? You got it!
Richard Brodeur
13-14 Ultimate Collection 97 Legends Richard Brodeur auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Corey Hirsch
96-97 BAP Pinnacle Corey Hirsch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Mika Noronen
07-08 UD Fleer Ultra Fresh Ink Mika Noronen auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Dan Cloutier
05-06 Sp Game Used SIGnificance Dan Cloutier auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
06-07 UD Trilogy Scripts Dan Cloutier auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
05-06 Be A Player Dan Cloutier auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
02-03 BAP BTP Goalie Autographs Dan Cloutier auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Johan Hedberg
03-04 ITG Used Signature Series Gold Johan Hedberg auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Eddie Lack
12-13 Pacific Certified Signatures Eddie Lack auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Robert Luongo: just a matter of when before this guy ends up on the Canucks Ring of Honor!
06-07 Fleer Hot Prospects Hotagraphs Roberto Luongo auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
11-12 Panini Certified Fabrics of the Game Roberto Luongo auto jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Felix Potvin
00-01 BAP Signature Series Felix Potvin auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Thatcher Demko: the way this guy is playing, possibly Jim Benning’s greatest signing?!
19-20 UD Overtime Thatcher Demko auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
20-21 UD Signature Sensations Thatcher Demko auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
16-17 Sp Authentic FW Thatcher Demko auto RC by Richard Ho, on Flickr
A smattering of former Canucks:
Alex Burrows
19-20 UD Chronology Letterman Alex Burrows auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
15-16 UD Tim Hortons Relics Alexandre Burrows jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Brendan Morrison
05-06 UD Ultimate Collection Endorsed Emblems Brendan Morrison patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
06-07 UD Power Play The Specialists Brendan Morrison jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Patrik Sundstrom: who would have ever thought UD would be able to get this guy for an autograph set?
19-20 UD Chronology Patrik Sundstrom auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Tony Tanti
18-19 UD Chronology Tony Tanti auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Cliff Ronning
19-20 UD Chronology Cliff Ronning auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Sven Baertschi: definitely overpaid for this but I guess there’s only /10
16-17 UD Parkhurst Priority Signings Sven Baertschi auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Tyler Toffoli
20-21 UD Trilogy Signature Pucks Tyler Toffoli auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Cam Neely: love when they make Canucks cards for him
19-20 Sp Authentic SOTT 80s Cam Neely auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Steve Bernier: remember this guy?
09-10 Trilogy Super Star Scripts Steve Bernier auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Ronalds Kenins: remember THIS guy??
15-16 UD Full Force Goooal Ronalds Kenins auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Zack MacEwen
19-20 UD Engrained Rookie Signature Shots Zack MacEwen auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Ryan Kesler: one of his nicest patch cards!
11-12 UD Cup Limited Logos Ryan Kesler patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Todd Bertuzzi: check how full his autograph was back in the early 2000s
03-04 Spx Signature Threads Todd Bertuzzi jersey auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
03-04 Upper Deck Buybacks 02 UD Todd Bertuzzi auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Pavel Bure: you were wondering where these were by now eh? =p
His cards are as popular as ever, they continue to skyrocket, and I’ve definitely lost my share of auctions this year. But very glad to have gotten these:
15-16 UD Exquisite Collection Signatures Pavel Bure auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
12-13 Sp Authentic 1994-95 SP Retro Die Cut Pavel Bure auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Thanks kmitchel for picking this up from cross border for me!
18-19 Sp Game Used A Piece of History 50 Goal Club Pavel Bure jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr
12-13 UD Cup Enshrinements Pavel Bure auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
12-13 Sp Authentic Moments Pavel Bure auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
13-14 Sp Authentic Moments Pavel Bure auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
13-14 Sp Authentic Marks of Distinction Pavel Bure auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Wait, there’s still mooore Canucks?!
Yes, we’re just getting to the current guys
Captain Bo Horvat: I’m telling you, the Ultimate Collection cards are not as popular as some other staple sets, but seriously, they make some AMAZING cards, like this Rookies auto patch!
14-15 Ultimate Collection Rookies Bo Horvat auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr
20-21 UD Game Jersey Bo Horvat jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr
17-18 UD Exquisite Collection Material Signatures Bo Horvat patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
J.T. Miller
20-21 Sp Game Used JT Miller auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
20-21 UD Artifacts Tundra Teammates Duos Bo Horvat JT Miller jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr
20-21 SPx Base JT Miller auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Tanner Pearson: I’m looking for the Artifacts auto parallel /5 still, if anyone sees it
19-20 UD Artifacts Tanner Pearson jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr
What about Brock?
No problem! Check this awesome Canvas card with the old skate logo jersey featured!!
19-20 UD Clear Cut Canvas Signatures Brock Boeser auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
17-18 Sp Authentic Future Watch Brock Boeser RC auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
And…the Emblems of Endorsement patch auto! I think these have to be top 5 amongst Cup subsets no?
17-18 UD Cup Emblems of Endorsement Brock Boeser auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Quinn Hughes, can’t forget Huggy Bear:
19-20 Sp Authentic FW Quinn Hughes auto RC by Richard Ho, on Flickr
20-21 UD Artifacts Aurum Quinn Hughes auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Ultimate Collection, I’m tellin ya =p
19-20 Ultimate Collection Rookies Retro Quinn Hughes patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Last but not least…
Elias Pettersson 18-29 UD Ice Premieres auto patch! This is my first every Ice Premieres card, I see the appeal now after holding this in person:
18-19 UD Ice Premieres Autographed Patch Elias Pettersson auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr
But wait, there’s more
We’ll finish up with some scores through a couple of awesome private signings via Sport Authentix; my experience with them is always A+
Gary Roberts: his autograph is hard to come by, and even on the few licensed versions, they are mostly Maple Leafs or Hurricanes cards, not to mention his loopy autograph often goes outside the space allocated for the signature.
As such, I am very happy with how these customs turned out, as he signed really nicely:
17-18 UD Cup Emblems of Endorsement Gary Roberts jersey auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
19-20 UD Trilogy Signature Pucks Gary Roberts auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Gary Roberts 8x10 auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Jaromir Jagr: the first ever hockey card I owned was a 95-96 McD Jaromir Jagr, and back then, I had no idea just how much a legend this guy was! Will he play pro hockey until he’s 60?
This signing was postponed multiple times due to the pandemic. Actually I tried writing to Jagr via Kladno at some point and actually received some cards back signed, however, many of us in the autograph community weren’t sure if they were secretarial.
Anyhow, these came back from Sport Authentix, and I’m 10x more confident with these autograph examples, which look very much like the UD licensed autographs!
09-10 Sp Authentic Rookie Review Jaromir Jagr patch auto updated by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Jaromir Jagr 8x10 auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Phew! That was a lot of cards. Sometimes I don’t even realize how much I’ve added until compiling a year-end review like one of these (and we are currently at page 36 as I prep on a Word doc.)
But wait, there’s MORE! We still got the Grand Finale: THE TOP 10 FOR 2021.
10. Here’s a card I’d been looking at for a long time. One was sitting on ebay for years, and the seller was not willing to move on the price. I finally did bite, and man, no regrets.
Jim Carey doesn’t have many cards out there, but this one probably his best ever. Also, it’s my very first piece of Vezina memorabilia!
00-01 BAP Memorabilia Vezina Memorabilia - Jim Carey by Richard Ho, on Flickr
9. Jari Kurri 81-82 OPC Rookie in BGS 9.5. I’ve long owned a pretty nice raw copy, but it cannot compare to this beaut of a card:
81-82 OPC Jari Kurri BGS 9.5 RC by Richard Ho, on Flickr
8. Pavel Bure custom in the style of 04-05 Ultimate Collection Signature Patches, patch auto! This design was actually one of the first customs I ever made (with Kirk McLean on it), but it was rather poorly done as my Photoshop skills were much more elementary then. Happy with how this turned out!
04-05 Ultimate Collection Signature Patches Pavel Bure auto jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr
7. Peter Forsberg 19-20 UD Cup Scripted Stick auto: have you ever come across a card you didn’t eve know existed, but just had to have? That was this card here! I had been on the lookout for a Forsberg auto to add to the collection, in Avs uniform, and dang, this card checked every box:
19-20 UD Cup Scripted Stick Peter Forsberg auto stick by Richard Ho, on Flickr
6. Steve Yzerman 84-85 OPC Rookie in BGS 9.5: one of the greatest centers of all time, and in one of the greatest sets of all time (certainly my favorite sets of the 1980s). This card is so sharp, you can shave your face!
84-85 OPC Steve Yzerman RC BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
5. Mario Lemieux 85-86 OPC Rookie in PSA 9: hard a hard time ranking between the Yzerman and this card, but I think this card gets the slight edge given it is PSA, and also as Lemieux is pretty much in everyone’s top 5 (if not 3) players of all time:
85-86 OPC Mario Lemieux PSA 9 RC by Richard Ho, on Flickr
4. Jaromir Jagr 18-19 UD Exquisite Collection Patches /10: if you thought the custom Rookie Review card was nice, check this thing!! I had been on the hunt for one of these ever since someone offered it to be for a Bure card I didn’t want to let go of. Glad to land this, without having to spend any Bures!
18-19 UD Exquisite Collection Patches Jaromir Jagr auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr
3. Quinn Hughes 19-20 UD Ice Premieres Autograph Patch /10: this is rare for a Canucks other than Bure to be up here in the top 3, but let me tell you…this is a stunning card in person! I was able to pick it up in person at the Langley show after a bit of ho-humming, but boy, it was worth the price:
19-20 UD Ice Premieres Autograph Patch Quinn Hughes auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr
2. Natalie Portman (& Hayden Christensen)
If you dabble at all in entertainment autographs, you know why she’s up here at number 2. Portman is as talented as they come, and I enjoy her movies be it action, drama, or comedy. But when it comes to signing autographs, she has been notoriously tough…in fact, she is regularly found on ‘worst signers of the year’ lists.
So this was a total GAME-CHANGER when SWAU announced a private signing with her last year. Just WOW. I literally thought it was a prank.
But low and behold, here they are, now in-hand, and she signed both these pieces perfectly! I’ve seen some recent Topps Star Wars Stellar Signatures cards of her signature (from the same signing), and she signed them ‘Natalie’ without the Port. In other words, couldn’t be happier with these:
Star Wars II - Attack of the Clones - Christensen & Portman auto 8x12 by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Star Wars II - Attack of the Clones - Hayden Christensen & Natalie Portman auto poster by Richard Ho, on Flickr
And the top acquisition in 2021…
1. Wayne Gretzky 79-80 OPC Rookie in PSA 7
Is this the most iconic hockey card ever? Probably! This is a major upgrade from my previous raw copy, and I’ve certainly seen some copies graded higher but with more problems (in my opinion). Super happy with this new centerpiece!
79-80 OPC Wayne Gretzky PSA 7 RC by Richard Ho, on Flickr
Welp, and there we have it, another year gone by! Hope you enjoyed this looong show, and I’ve already begun the hunt for next year’s update! Happy New Year in advance all!
Wow, I can’t believe another year has gone by since my last update already. Even though the pandemic carries on, I was very thankful to able to watch a hockey game in person this year, attend a card show out in Langley, and even obtain a few in-person autographs at various sporting events this year!
The hobby growth continues to amaze me, with record sales seemingly every week, the continued production of high quality social medial content, and with some absolutely insane cards switching hands these past few months. I was fortunate to even have been a guest on one such hobby channel (Sports Cards Live) with our very own gomaz (thanks Jer!)
With my Canucks autograph collection, I have actually gone somewhat backwards in percent completion—Jim Benning has been a mad man, and as such, no less than 27 new players have made their Canucks debut this past 1.5 seasons! Limited access to the team in-person doesn’t help things, but I’ll slowly plug away!
Welp, to the SHOW!
You guys know by now, this Show-and-Tell will be seriously EXTRA: go grab your beer, popcorn, and Christmas baked goods for the ride!
(Once again, sports items will be sandwiching entertainment adds in an intermission section. Top 10 at the bottom!)
First, here is a carry-over project from my last update: I had met Grant Fuhr at a public signing pre-COVID, to get the first half of this custom card done. I actually got the Hirsch autograph not long after, but the rate-limiting step was finding Corey Hirsch memorabilia to put into the card!
Anyhow, here it is completed:
17-18 UD Cup Honorable Numbers Corey Hirsch & Grant Fuhr jersey auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrOnto some miscellaneous pick-ups for some non-Canuck side PCs:
First, a killer Honorable Numbers card with Lanny McDonald and Bernie Nicholls! They both wore #9, not sure why the number is 25?
07-08 UD Cup Dual Honorable Numbers McDonald-Nicholls patch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrNo post would be complete without some Zigmund Palffy right?
Here is a card on the wantlist for quite some time, 03-04 UD Buybacks Palffy RC /28
03-04 UD Buyback 91-92 Upper Deck Zigmund Palffy RC auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrLimited logos
05-06 UD Cup Limited Logos Zigmund Palffy auto patch by Richard Ho, on FlickrBeezer 14-15 UD Cup NHL Glory: UD can you make more Florida Panthers Vanbiesbrouck cards? =p
14-15 UD Cup NHL Glory John Vanbiesbrouck auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrJoe Nieuwendyk 13-14 Panini Crown Royale Silhouette jersey auto:
13-14 Panini Crown Royale Silhouette Joe Nieuwendyk auto jersey by Richard Ho, on FlickrDave Taylor 04-05 UD Legends Classics Signature Moments: vintage purple-gold LA Kings jersey? Yes.
04-05 UD Legends Classics Signature Moments Dave Taylor auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr06-07 UD Cup Signature Patches Dave Taylor auto patch by Richard Ho, on FlickrColby Armstrong: remember when this guy was tearing it up as a rookie along side Sidney Crosby? His cards were all the rage!
06-07 UD Sweet Shot Signature Shots Stick Signings Colby Armstrong auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr06-07 Black Diamond Gemography Colby Armstrong auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr06-07 BAP Signature Portraits Colby Armstrong 8x10 auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrHere's one that was exceptionally hard to find, even the regular version, never mind this Black auto /5
13-14 UD Team Canada Juniors Black Colby Armstrong #33 auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrPat Verbeek 01-02 BAP Signature Series 500 Goal Scorers
01-02 BAP Signature Series 500 Goal Scorers Pat Verbeek jersey by Richard Ho, on FlickrJari Kurri 00-01 UD A Piece of History 500 Goal Scorers:
00-01 UD A Piece of History 500 Goal Scorers Jari Kurri jersey by Richard Ho, on FlickrOwen Nolan: a few higher end autographs:
17-18 UD Cup Base auto
17-18 UD Cup Base Owen Nolan auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr19-20 UD Chronology Timeless Signatures
19-20 UD Chronolgy Timeless Signatures Owen Nolan auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr16-17 UD Black Color Coded auto: love cards with the ol’ Nordiques jerseys!
16-17 UD Black Color Coded Owen Nolan auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrVincent Lecavalier 09-10 Sp Authentic Rookie Review: they recycled this design, I think it’s one of the best ever subsets in SpA
09-10 Sp Authentic Rookie Review Vincent Lecavalier patch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrPhil Housley 17-18 Ultimate Collection ’97 Legends auto
17-18 Ultimate Collection 97 Legends Phil Housley auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrPierre Turgeon: my small PC of this guy is slowly growing! He has quite the following so I was happy to be able to win not one but x2 1/1 autographs this past year:
This first one was pulled via ePack by a FB group member, and I was glad to secure it for a good price behind the scenes:
19-20 UD 30th Anniversary Buybacks Pierre Turgeon auto 1-of-1 by Richard Ho, on Flickr20-21 UD Artifacts Aurum Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr19-20 Sp Game Used Blue Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr18-19 UD Chronology Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr19-20 UD Clear Cut Metal Universe Palladium Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr17-18 UD Cup Color Coded Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr19-20 UD Canvas Signatures Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr18-19 Trilogy Signature Pucks Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr14-15 UD Trilogy Signature Pucks Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrThis 1/1 was listed for probably all of 30 minutes before I jumped on it:
19-20 UD Buybacks 08-09 Canadiens Centennial Captains Pierre Turgeon auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrPaul Coffey custom: 05-06 UD Notable Numbers. Always thought Coffey looked cool in a Red Wings jersey:
05-06 UD Notable Numbers Paul Coffey auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrArturs Irbe 14-15 UD Cup NHL Glory auto: this is my favorite design amongst all the NHL Glory cards, can’t go wrong with good ol’ Irbe on it!
14-15 UD Cup NHL Glory Arturs Irbe auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrNext, how about some Canucks custom cards? It’s definitely been a slower year with few public Canucks events.
First up, here is a cut autograph featuring Jim Hargreaves. This autographed index card sat at the USA border in kmitchel’s mailbox for 1.5 years before I recently finally got it in hand (thanks Kev!)
17-18 UD Cup Scripted Swatches Jim Hargreaves auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrThe Canucks alumni did participate in the most recent Vancouver Hockey Helps the Homeless event, for which I volunteer at annually. Check these:
Jannik Hansen: I actually never asked his autograph during his playing days, but it was great to see him at this event. He even signed “Honey Badger” on this:
04-05 UD Legendary Signatures AKA Jannik Hansen auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr07-08 Ultimate Collection Rookies Jannik Hansen auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrScott Walker literally days before he was hired as the new assistant coach to Bruce Boudreau:
16-17 Sp Game Used base blue Scott Walker auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrBrad May:
18-19 UD Clear Cut Canvas (vertical) Brad May auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrAaron Volpatti:
2009 Sp Authentic Signatures (MLB) Aaron Volpatti auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrGeoff Courtnall:
17-18 Sp Authentic Limited base Geoff Courtnall auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr04-05 ITG Franchises Geoff Courtnall auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrHere’s another carry-over from the last post: I’d been hanging onto this card with the Sundstrom half completed after his private signing for more than a year, before finally getting another opportunity to see Captain Kirk (PS they were traded for one another):
04-05 ITG Franchises Geoff Courtnall auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrA few TTM returns: it has been VERY slow this year in terms of Canucks TTM returns, but I will not complain!
Rick Lanz:
04-05 ITG Franchises Rick Lanz auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr2007 Sp Authentic SOTT (NFL) Rick Lanz auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrLouis Domingue via Calgary Flames:
19-20 Sp Authentic SOTT Louis Domingue auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr19-20 Panini Contenders Legendary Contenders (NFL) Louis Domingue TTM auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrArturs Silovs:
16-17 UD Top Draft Pick Arturs Silovs auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrRob McVicar:
05-06 Sp Authentic FW Rob McVicar auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrGary Bromley: still the coolest Canucks mask ever?
19-20 UD Trilogy Signature Pucks Gary Bromley auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrJim Sandlak: upgraded autographs after getting him TTM some 10 years ago!
02-03 Sp Authentic (NBA) Jim Sandlak auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr08-09 UD Signature Sensations Jim Sandlak autograph by Richard Ho, on FlickrEvan Oberg: this card was from 9 years ago, I was using a different printer altogether back then on the island, as you can tell by the color difference vs these more current customs:
10-11 Sp Authentic FW Evan Oberg ver 2 auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrJayce Hawryluk: nice that he responded so quickly last season as he’s gone to the SweHL this year:
18-19 Panini Noir Shadow Signatures (NBA) Jayce Hawryluk auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr17-18 UD Premier Inked Script Jayce Hawryluk auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrMarc Michaelis: yes, Marc who? This fella was undrafted and came through the WCHA en route to the NHL last year. Guy will unfortunately probably never get an NHL card, never mind an autographed one. I guess he’ll have to do with the ones I made for him!
19-20 Panini Flawless Finishes (NBA) Marc Michaelis auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr17-18 UD Top Shelf Rookies Marc Michaelis auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrKris Manery: yep this was a head swap, can you tell?
05-06 Sp Signature Edition Authentic Signatures (NBA) Kris Manery auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrJustin Bailey:
1999 UD Authentics Encore (NFL) Justin Bailey auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr2019 Panini Impeccable Victory Signatures (NFL) Justin Bailey auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrNils Hoglander!
19-20 Sp Authentic FW Nils Hoglander auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrDave Logan: he’s eluded me for many years, such that last year I went ahead and built a cut autograph card of him for my collection; what do you know, he started signing TTM again, so now I have these hard-signed cards too:
12-13 Sp Authentic Marks of Distinction Dave Logan auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr09-10 Sp Authentic Marks of Distinction Dave Logan auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrTyler Toffoli: a very nice return from Toffoli, who seems like a nice guy, but man, he is the modern day Canucks killer akin to Peter Forsberg way back when..
08-09 UD Exquisite Collection Limited Throwback Logos (NBA) Tyler Toffoli patch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrOne vintage Canuck via a private signing…how in the world they ever found this guy to do a private signing is beyond me: DAN SEGUIN
19-20 UD Chronology Timeless Signatures Dan Seguin auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr05-06 Sp Signature Edition Authentic Signatures (NBA) Dan Seguin auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrBefore the pandemic restrictions tightened up again, I did manage to attend a couple Canucks practices. Who knows when those will be safe to attend again moving forward, so very happy to get these done:
Jack Rathbone: is this guy going to get any true autographed UD RCs?
16-17 Panini Immaculate Collection Marks of Greatness (NBA) Jack Rathbone auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr18-19 UD Game Dated Moments horizontal Jack Rathbone auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr00-01 UD Prospects CHL Signatures Jack Rathbone auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrWill Lockwood: this guy made his NHL debut at the tail end of last season, hopefully we see him on the NHL ice again soon
13-14 Black Diamond Rookie Gems Will Lockwood auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr15-16 Sp Authentic SOTT Rookie Will Lockwood auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr20-21 UD Star Rookies Will Lockwood auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrKyle Burroughs: hometown boy Burroughs made the team out of training camp and even scored his first NHL goal at home at Rogers Arena!
18-19 UD Exquisite Collection Signatures Kyle Burroughs auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrBrad Hunt: another hometown boy from Maple Ridge:
20-21 UD MVP Rookie Brad Hunt auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrTucker Poolman:
2017 Panini Elite Draft Picks (NFL) Tucker Poolman auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrConor Garland: enough said, what an acquisition!
20-21 Panini Hoops Hot Signatures (NBA) Conor Garland auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrQuinn Hughes: guys is the real deal and has been lights out! I am especially happy with this card because those Lunar New Year jerseys are basically never featured on licensed NHL cards:
2018 Panini Flawless (NFL) three team Quinn Hughes auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrElias Pettersson: been hanging on to this custom card which was signed in his rookie season, until now to complete the build, mainly as his game used memorabilia were too expensive in his early days. Future is bright!
17-18 Sp Authentic Limited Auto Material Elias Pettersson patch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrFinal act of the first half:
This year, I began circling back to upgrade some vintage RCs. Up to this point, I had mostly raw RCs in my collection, but I’ve certainly found some new love for the graded variety:
Stan Mikita 60-61 Topps RC PSA 7: amazed how clean this card is!
60-61 Topps Stan Mikita RC PSA 7 by Richard Ho, on FlickrPhil Esposito 65-66 Topps RC PSA 7: this is my first ever Phil Esposito RC. Do the Blackhawks have the best vintage RCs or what?!
65-66 Topps Phil Esposito RC PSA 7 by Richard Ho, on FlickrI have been mostly obtaining PSA cards for pre-1980 rookies, but I have to say, I also LOVE the BGS 9.5 cards with the gold labels. I like that you can tell from across the room that it is a Gem Mint card!
Luc Robitaille 87-88 OPC RC BGS 9.5
87-88 OPC Luc Robitaille BGS 9.5 RC by Richard Ho, on FlickrPavel Bure 90-91 UD Young Guns BGS 9.5
90-91 UD Young Guns Pavel Bure BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on FlickrSergei Fedorov 90-91 UD Young Guns BGS 9.5
90-91 Upper Deck YG Sergei Fedorov RC BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on FlickrAlexander Mogilny 90-91 Upper Deck BGS 9.5
90-91 Upper Deck Alexander Mogilny RC BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on FlickrNik Lidstrom 91-92 Upper Deck BGS 9.5
91-92 Upper Deck Niklas Lidstrom RC BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on FlickrDominik Hasek 91-92 Upper Deck BGS 9.5
91-92 UD Dominik Hasek RC BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on Flickr90-91 OPC Premier: is this the greatest early set of the 1990s? It is loaded with HHOF rookies:
Owen Nolan
90-91 OPC Premier Owen Nolan RC BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on FlickrMike Modano
90-91 OPC Premier Mike Modano BGS 9.5 RC by Richard Ho, on FlickrMats Sundin
90-91 OPC Premier Mats Sundin BGS 9.5 RC by Richard Ho, on FlickrJaromir Jagr: this card has a very large pop, but it is as coveted as I have ever seen!
90-91 OPC Premier Jaromir Jagr RC BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on FlickrMartin Brodeur 90-91 Score Canadian BGS 9.5
90-91 Score Canadian Martin Brodeur RC BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on FlickrOkay, here’s one: 08-09 Sp Authentic FW Nikita Filatov! This card in itself is not really that amazing, and Filatov may actually be retired from pro hockey already. BUT, this was one of those hard to find redemptions right out of the gate, and so continues to hold a premium! I remember really wanting this when he first broke into the NHL. Good to add one this past month:
08-09 Sp Authentic FW Nikita Filatov auto RC by Richard Ho, on FlickrTony Esposito upgraded 69-70 OPC RC in PSA 8: didn’t I say the Blackhawks have the coolest vintage RCs?
69-70 OPC Tony Esposito PSA 8 RC by Richard Ho, on FlickrPaul Coffey upgraded 81-82 OPC RC in PSA 9: from PWCC auctions, my first ever PWCC win:
81-82 OPC Paul Coffey PSA 9 RC by Richard Ho, on FlickrGuy LaFleur 71-72 OPC RC in PSA 8: some say this is the greatest post-war hockey set, with this card being one of the most iconic alongside the Dryden; I’ll say this, that centering is very very tough for this year:
70-71 OPC Guy LaFleur RC PSA 8 by Richard Ho, on FlickrOkay! Wow, it is only just the intermission
Like my previous posts, here I will update on some non-sport acquisitions. While I couldn’t go to any comic cons this year, a handful of cool things still came in!Buffy the Vampire Slayer: still one of my favorite series of all time. There have been comic cons dedicated to BTVS but usually, the main character is not present:
Sarah Michelle Gellar: she has been to one Star Wars Celebration (she apparently voice-acted for the animated series), but I could not attend, and otherwise, she is hard to find!
Sarah Michelle Gellar 8x10 autograph by Richard Ho, on FlickrEliza Dushku: the other Slayer!
1999 Inkworks BTVS - Eliza Dushku auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrDavid Boreanaz: another had auto to come by!
1998 Inkworks BTVS - David Boreanaz auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrOnly one Power Rangers addition this year: 13-14 UD Exquisite Colleciton Year of the Horse with Eka Darville auto (he also was in Jessica Jones)
13-14 UD Exquisite Collection Year of the Horse Eka Darville auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrSimu Liu 8x12 autograph from Shang Chi! Such a good film, and love that a Canadian born Chinese is leading the cast:
Simu Liu - Shang-Chi 8x12 auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrPoke-updates:
As some of you know by now, I collect cards of a triple mole Pokemon named Dugtrio. In 1999-00, Topps released a few Pokemon card sets…with an absurd number of parallels!!
I’m not kidding: Base blue, Base black, Base green, Base pink, Foil smooth, Foil rays, Foil flames, Foil targets, RAINBOW smooth, Rainbow rays, Rainbow flames, Rainbow targets…and get this there is Topps CHROME variants with regular, Sparkle, Spectra, and Tekno! WTH!
Here’s the Tekno version which is the hardest to pull. Still looking for Sparkle, and some Rainbow variants!
2000 Topps Chrome Tekno Dugtrio - 51 by Richard Ho, on FlickrAnd why not add some BGS 9.5 Dugtrio too:
1999 Base Set Unlimited Dugtrio #19 BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on FlickrMy favorite Pokemon card of all time:
2000 Team Rocket - Dark Dugtrio 1st Ed BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on FlickrHere’s a cool controversial card that I received as a present from the wife: Sabrina’ Gengar! The original Japanese artwork featured Gengar standing in a graveyard with tombstones all over the field; however, when this North American version was printed, they took out all the tombstones to be more PG!
2000 Gym Heroes - Sabrina's Gengar BGS 9 by Richard Ho, on FlickrLud i Lin 8x12 autograph from Mortal Combat: so cool. Cool tidbid, this guy worked, and worked out at my local YMCA once upon a time when I was growing up!
LUDI 8x12 auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrEmilia Clarke in the style of 2020 Rittenhouse Game of Thrones Inflexions auto
Actually I haven’t seen Game of Thrones yet, but I think I would enjoy it when I get to it =) This is one custom card I am considering getting slabbed in a BGS holder, what do you all think?
2020 Rittenhouse Game of Thrones Inflexions Emilia Clarke auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr2020 Rittenhouse Game of Thrones Inflexions Emilia Clarke back by Richard Ho, on FlickrTo cap it off, here’s a big return on a Birds of Prey poster: MARGOT ROBBIE. Is she the hottest female in Hollywood right now or what!
Margot Robbie 8x12 auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrAct II
Back to the sports, how about some Olympic and Team Canada additions!
Probably one of my favorite sports memories this entire year has to be from the Canadian Women’s National Team Soccer, who took home Olympic Gold in spectacular fashion at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics! I have not cheered so loud at the TV since Sochi!
Two of the ladies are from right here in BC, so I went to join the welcome party at the airport on the Monday after the Games
Julia Grosso: scored the game-winning penalty kick goal to give us the gold medal; instant household name!
12-13 Sp Authentic Authentic Moments Julia Grosso auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr19-20 UD Chronology Timeless Memories vertical Julia Grosso auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrJulia Grosso - Team Canada soccer by Richard Ho, on FlickrJordyn Huitema: one of the brightest upcoming stars in women’s soccer!
2012 Sp Game Used Golf Spectrum Jordyn Huitema auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr2014 Sp Authentic Golf Authentic Rookies Limited Jordyn Huitema auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrJordyn Huitema - Team Canada soccer by Richard Ho, on FlickrJanine Beckie: these two TTM through her club in Manchester City
2019 Panini World Cup Instant USWNT Janine Beckie auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr2017 Panini Immaculate Soccer Modern Marks Janine Beckie auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrChristine Sinclair: one of the greatest Canadian athletes ever, period. While I have yet to meet or see her actually play live, I was very happy to land this 8x10 TTM:
2004 Sp Signature Golf Signature Shots Christine Sinclair 8x10 auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrSpeaking of hometown heroes, here’s another TTM return from Alannah Yip, who made her Olympic debut in the brand new Sport Climbing event:
17-18 Sp Authentic Moments Alannah Yip auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr2021 Topps Tribute Engraved Greats (MLB) Alannah Yip auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrMore TTM from some Canadian women legends:
Jamie Sale, Olympic gold in pairs figure skating Salt Lake City 2002
19-20 Sp Game Used New Style Jamie Sale auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrOh yea, got Craig Simpson also in the same TTM return!
01-02 Topps Archives relics Craig Simpson auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrFrance Saint-Louis, Olympic silver in Nagano 1998
20-21 UD Signature Sensations France Saint-Louis auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr2018 Panini National Treasures Legendary Signatures (Soccer) France Saint-Louis auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrHelen Upperton, Olympic silver in Vancouver 2010 in 2-women bobsleigh
2019 UD Goodwin Champions Goudey Sport Royalty Autographs Helen Upperton auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr14-15 Black Diamond Gemography Helen Upperton auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrTherese Brisson, Olympic gold in Salt Lake City 2002
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Black Therese Brisson auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr2016 Panini National Treasures All Decade Therese Brisson auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrKim Lamarre, Olympic bronze in Freestyle ski Slopestyle Sochi 2014
18-19 Panini Noir Sneaker Spotlight (NBA) Kim Lamarre auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr2016 UD Goodwin Champions Goudey Autographs Kim Lamarre auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrKirsten Moore-Towers & Michael Marinaro; Kirsten was a part of the figure skating team in Sochi 2014 which took home team Silver:
16-17 Sp Authentic Silver Skates Kirsten Moore-Towers auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr06-07 Sp Game Used Significance Kirsten Moore-Towers & Michael Marinaro auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrKylie Masse, x3 Olympic medals in Tokyo 2020 including silver medals in both the 100m and 200m backstroke:
18-19 Sp Authentic Moments Kylie Masse auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr19-20 Panini Impeccable RC auto (NBA) Kylie Masse auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrAnn-Renee Desbiens with a custom card commemorating a real cool event: after the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, she actually retired from hockey. She then came out of retirement 18 months later with new resolve ahead of the 19-20 Canada-USA Rivalry series. She would also star at the NHL All-Star Weekend in 2020, in which North American women played a 3 on 3 mini-series!
2010 Upper Deck WPS Marks Ann Renee Desbiens auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrAlso, the only post-Olympic public event I attended this year was a Judo training camp/showcase in Abbotsford, with two Olympic medallists as guests! It literally felt weird taking a picture with people without the mask, but dang, it was a fun time:
Jessica Klimkait: Olympic bronze at Tokyo 2020 in women’s 57kg Judo
17-18 UD CHL Autographs Jessica Klimkait auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr20-21 Panini Noir Showtime (NBA) Jessica Klimkait auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr16-17 Sp Authentic Authentic Moments Jessica Klimkait auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrCatherine Beauchemin-Pinard, Olympic bronze at Tokyo 2020 in women’s 63kg Judo
19-20 Sp Authentic Moments Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr2020 UD Goodwin Champions Goudey Sport Royalty Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrHere's a cool cut autograph featuring Anna GASSER from Team Austria. I rarely venture beyond Team Canada but this girl’s got some SICK moves, and took home the Olympic gold in 2018 PyeongChang Snowboard Big Air. Goal is to meet her at X-Games one of these days!
13-14 Panini Dominion Frozen Moments Anna Gasser cut auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrTeam Canada women’s hockey: so much has gone on for these ladies, including the collapse of the CWHL and then the cancellation of the Halifax World Championships, and now a second year straight cancellation of the U18 championship…I’m just amazed they are all working hard, training, and staying ever motivated to compete at the Beijing Olympics 2022. Good luck ladies!
Emerance Maschmeyer
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Emerance Maschmeyer auto patch by Richard Ho, on FlickrAnn-Renee Desbiens
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Ann-Renee Desbiens patch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrGenevieve Lacasse
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Genevieve Lacasse patch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrMelodie Daoust
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Melodie Daoust patch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrLaura Stacey
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Laura Stacey patch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrJill Saulnier
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Jillian Saulnier auto patch by Richard Ho, on FlickrLoren Gabel
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Loren Gabel auto patch by Richard Ho, on FlickrRenata Fast: interesting note, I’m not really sure who’s autograph this is, but I do not believe Renata has ever worn 36, and the penmanship is unlike any other Renata Fast autographs I have ever seen, including in-person ??
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Renata Fast auto patch by Richard Ho, on FlickrVictoria Bach
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Victoria Bach patch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrJamie Bourbonnais
19-20 UD Team Canada Juniors Jamie Bourbonnais patch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrJocelyne Larocque
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Jocelyne Larocque patch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrLauriane Rougeau
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Lauriane Rougeau patch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrCouple of pink variants:
Rebecca Johnston
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Pink Rebecca Johnston auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrBrigette Lacquette
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Pink Brigette Lacquette auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrLangley big show pickup: Jennifer Wakefield
14-15 UD Team Canada Juniors Jennifer Wakefield auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrMarie-Philip Poulin
20-21 UD Team Canada Juniors Marie-Philip Poulin patch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrCan’t forget some of the men Olympians too:
Evan Dunfee, Olympic bronze in the 50km Race Walk Tokyo 2020
18-19 UD Game Dated Moments vertical Evan Dunfee auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr16-17 OPC Signatures Evan Dunfee auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrEvan Dunfee - Racewalking by Richard Ho, on FlickrMike Riddle, Olympic silver in freestyle ski, halfpipe, Sochi 2014
18-19 Panini Noir Rookie (NBA) Mike Riddle auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr2019 UD Goodwin Champions Goudey Sport Royalty Mike Riddle auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrCurt Harnett, x3 Olympic medallist in cycling, including silver in 1984 Los Angeles
12-13 OPC Signatures Team Canada Curt Harnett auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr17-18 UD Premier Award Winners Curt Harnett auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrDerek Drouin, Olympic gold in high jump, Rio de Janeiro 2016
17-18 Sp Authentic Moments Derek Drouin auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr18-19 Sp Authentic Rookie Year Derek Drouin auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrVincent Damphousse, didn’t play in the Olympics, but did represent Canada at the 1996 World Cup
17-18 UD Team Canada Juniors Vincent Damphousse auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrSimon Gagne, Olympic gold in 2002 Salt Lake City
13-14 UD Team Canada Juniors Simon Gagne auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrTwo awesome autos from Team Canada Master Collection, one of my favorite Team Canada themed sets ever!
Vincent Lecavalier, Olympics 2006 Turin, /25
15-16 UD Team Canada Master Collection Vincent Lecavalier base auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrEric Staal, Olympic gold 2010 Vancouver, /15
15-16 UD Team Canada Master Collection Eric Staal base auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrTo end this section, check this crazy TTM return from Russia:
Alina Zagitova, Olympic gold in ladies’ singles figure skating 2018 PyeongChang!
My second time incorporating the rainbow gold foil in a shadow box type custom, very happy with the end product:
Alina Zagitova Shadow Box auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrAlina Zagitova autograph by Richard Ho, on Flickr16-17 Sp Authentic Silver Skates Alina Zagitova auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrAnd the booklet!
16-17 UD Cup Pro Gear Alina Zagitova by Richard Ho, on Flickr16-17 UD Cup Pro Gear Alina Zagitova auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrHeading towards the FINALE now, here is one area that I have really beefed up this year: Canucks pick-ups! I have become a lot more selective these days, but trust me, there is no shortage of good sh*t upcoming
Kirk McLean: some collectors dislike the Inked Insignias due to the manufactured patches, but I think it actually works quite nicely on this style of card:
19-20 UD Cup Inked Insignias Kirk McLean auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr19-20 UD Chronology Timeless Memories Kirk McLean auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr20-21 UD Black Diamond Mine Duel Relics Kirk Mclean Roberto Luongo jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr19-20 UD Exquisite Collection Signatures Kirk McLean auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrSome all-time Canucks defensemen, and some new kids on the block:
Mattias Ohlund
05-06 Be A Player Mattias Ohlund auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr98-99 Be A Player Mattias Ohlund auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr19-20 UD Chronology Mattias Ohlund auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrTroy Stecher
18-19 UD Game Jersey Troy Stecher jersey by Richard Ho, on FlickrDennis Kearns
18-19 UD Chronology Dennis Kearns auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrAshton Sautner true RC /59
18-19 Sp Game Used Ashton Sautner RC by Richard Ho, on FlickrGuillaume Brisebois
19-20 Sp Game Used Guillaume Brisebois auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrLuc Bourdon: don’t’ see these cards very much at all these days!
06-07 Ultimate Collection Signature Debut Threads Luc Bourdon auto jersey by Richard Ho, on FlickrNext up, Trevor Linden
20-21 SPx UD Black Pride of a Nation Trevor Linden auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr20-21 Black Diamond Silver Signatures Trevor Linden auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr20-21 UD Synergy Purple Trevor Linden auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr12-13 UD Cup Brilliance Trevor Linden auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrLove this UD Premier base Blue Spectrum parallel /5
16-17 UD Premier Collection Blue Spectrum Trevor Linden auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrMore goalies? You got it!
Richard Brodeur
13-14 Ultimate Collection 97 Legends Richard Brodeur auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrCorey Hirsch
96-97 BAP Pinnacle Corey Hirsch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrMika Noronen
07-08 UD Fleer Ultra Fresh Ink Mika Noronen auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrDan Cloutier
05-06 Sp Game Used SIGnificance Dan Cloutier auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr06-07 UD Trilogy Scripts Dan Cloutier auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr05-06 Be A Player Dan Cloutier auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr02-03 BAP BTP Goalie Autographs Dan Cloutier auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrJohan Hedberg
03-04 ITG Used Signature Series Gold Johan Hedberg auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrEddie Lack
12-13 Pacific Certified Signatures Eddie Lack auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrRobert Luongo: just a matter of when before this guy ends up on the Canucks Ring of Honor!
06-07 Fleer Hot Prospects Hotagraphs Roberto Luongo auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr11-12 Panini Certified Fabrics of the Game Roberto Luongo auto jersey by Richard Ho, on FlickrFelix Potvin
00-01 BAP Signature Series Felix Potvin auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrThatcher Demko: the way this guy is playing, possibly Jim Benning’s greatest signing?!
19-20 UD Overtime Thatcher Demko auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr20-21 UD Signature Sensations Thatcher Demko auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr16-17 Sp Authentic FW Thatcher Demko auto RC by Richard Ho, on FlickrA smattering of former Canucks:
Alex Burrows
19-20 UD Chronology Letterman Alex Burrows auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr15-16 UD Tim Hortons Relics Alexandre Burrows jersey by Richard Ho, on FlickrBrendan Morrison
05-06 UD Ultimate Collection Endorsed Emblems Brendan Morrison patch auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr06-07 UD Power Play The Specialists Brendan Morrison jersey by Richard Ho, on FlickrPatrik Sundstrom: who would have ever thought UD would be able to get this guy for an autograph set?
19-20 UD Chronology Patrik Sundstrom auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrTony Tanti
18-19 UD Chronology Tony Tanti auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrCliff Ronning
19-20 UD Chronology Cliff Ronning auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrSven Baertschi: definitely overpaid for this but I guess there’s only /10
16-17 UD Parkhurst Priority Signings Sven Baertschi auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrTyler Toffoli
20-21 UD Trilogy Signature Pucks Tyler Toffoli auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrCam Neely: love when they make Canucks cards for him
19-20 Sp Authentic SOTT 80s Cam Neely auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrSteve Bernier: remember this guy?
09-10 Trilogy Super Star Scripts Steve Bernier auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrRonalds Kenins: remember THIS guy??
15-16 UD Full Force Goooal Ronalds Kenins auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrZack MacEwen
19-20 UD Engrained Rookie Signature Shots Zack MacEwen auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrRyan Kesler: one of his nicest patch cards!
11-12 UD Cup Limited Logos Ryan Kesler patch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrTodd Bertuzzi: check how full his autograph was back in the early 2000s
03-04 Spx Signature Threads Todd Bertuzzi jersey auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr03-04 Upper Deck Buybacks 02 UD Todd Bertuzzi auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrPavel Bure: you were wondering where these were by now eh? =p
His cards are as popular as ever, they continue to skyrocket, and I’ve definitely lost my share of auctions this year. But very glad to have gotten these:
15-16 UD Exquisite Collection Signatures Pavel Bure auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr12-13 Sp Authentic 1994-95 SP Retro Die Cut Pavel Bure auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrThanks kmitchel for picking this up from cross border for me!
18-19 Sp Game Used A Piece of History 50 Goal Club Pavel Bure jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr12-13 UD Cup Enshrinements Pavel Bure auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr12-13 Sp Authentic Moments Pavel Bure auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr13-14 Sp Authentic Moments Pavel Bure auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr13-14 Sp Authentic Marks of Distinction Pavel Bure auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrWait, there’s still mooore Canucks?!
Yes, we’re just getting to the current guys
Captain Bo Horvat: I’m telling you, the Ultimate Collection cards are not as popular as some other staple sets, but seriously, they make some AMAZING cards, like this Rookies auto patch!
14-15 Ultimate Collection Rookies Bo Horvat auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr20-21 UD Game Jersey Bo Horvat jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr17-18 UD Exquisite Collection Material Signatures Bo Horvat patch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrJ.T. Miller
20-21 Sp Game Used JT Miller auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr20-21 UD Artifacts Tundra Teammates Duos Bo Horvat JT Miller jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr20-21 SPx Base JT Miller auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrTanner Pearson: I’m looking for the Artifacts auto parallel /5 still, if anyone sees it
19-20 UD Artifacts Tanner Pearson jersey by Richard Ho, on FlickrWhat about Brock?
No problem! Check this awesome Canvas card with the old skate logo jersey featured!!
19-20 UD Clear Cut Canvas Signatures Brock Boeser auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr17-18 Sp Authentic Future Watch Brock Boeser RC auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrAnd…the Emblems of Endorsement patch auto! I think these have to be top 5 amongst Cup subsets no?
17-18 UD Cup Emblems of Endorsement Brock Boeser auto patch by Richard Ho, on FlickrQuinn Hughes, can’t forget Huggy Bear:
19-20 Sp Authentic FW Quinn Hughes auto RC by Richard Ho, on Flickr20-21 UD Artifacts Aurum Quinn Hughes auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrUltimate Collection, I’m tellin ya =p
19-20 Ultimate Collection Rookies Retro Quinn Hughes patch auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrLast but not least…
Elias Pettersson 18-29 UD Ice Premieres auto patch! This is my first every Ice Premieres card, I see the appeal now after holding this in person:
18-19 UD Ice Premieres Autographed Patch Elias Pettersson auto patch by Richard Ho, on FlickrBut wait, there’s more
We’ll finish up with some scores through a couple of awesome private signings via Sport Authentix; my experience with them is always A+
Gary Roberts: his autograph is hard to come by, and even on the few licensed versions, they are mostly Maple Leafs or Hurricanes cards, not to mention his loopy autograph often goes outside the space allocated for the signature.
As such, I am very happy with how these customs turned out, as he signed really nicely:
17-18 UD Cup Emblems of Endorsement Gary Roberts jersey auto by Richard Ho, on Flickr19-20 UD Trilogy Signature Pucks Gary Roberts auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrGary Roberts 8x10 auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrJaromir Jagr: the first ever hockey card I owned was a 95-96 McD Jaromir Jagr, and back then, I had no idea just how much a legend this guy was! Will he play pro hockey until he’s 60?
This signing was postponed multiple times due to the pandemic. Actually I tried writing to Jagr via Kladno at some point and actually received some cards back signed, however, many of us in the autograph community weren’t sure if they were secretarial.
Anyhow, these came back from Sport Authentix, and I’m 10x more confident with these autograph examples, which look very much like the UD licensed autographs!
09-10 Sp Authentic Rookie Review Jaromir Jagr patch auto updated by Richard Ho, on FlickrJaromir Jagr 8x10 auto by Richard Ho, on FlickrPhew! That was a lot of cards. Sometimes I don’t even realize how much I’ve added until compiling a year-end review like one of these (and we are currently at page 36 as I prep on a Word doc.)
But wait, there’s MORE! We still got the Grand Finale: THE TOP 10 FOR 2021.
10. Here’s a card I’d been looking at for a long time. One was sitting on ebay for years, and the seller was not willing to move on the price. I finally did bite, and man, no regrets.
Jim Carey doesn’t have many cards out there, but this one probably his best ever. Also, it’s my very first piece of Vezina memorabilia!
00-01 BAP Memorabilia Vezina Memorabilia - Jim Carey by Richard Ho, on Flickr9. Jari Kurri 81-82 OPC Rookie in BGS 9.5. I’ve long owned a pretty nice raw copy, but it cannot compare to this beaut of a card:
81-82 OPC Jari Kurri BGS 9.5 RC by Richard Ho, on Flickr8. Pavel Bure custom in the style of 04-05 Ultimate Collection Signature Patches, patch auto! This design was actually one of the first customs I ever made (with Kirk McLean on it), but it was rather poorly done as my Photoshop skills were much more elementary then. Happy with how this turned out!
04-05 Ultimate Collection Signature Patches Pavel Bure auto jersey by Richard Ho, on Flickr7. Peter Forsberg 19-20 UD Cup Scripted Stick auto: have you ever come across a card you didn’t eve know existed, but just had to have? That was this card here! I had been on the lookout for a Forsberg auto to add to the collection, in Avs uniform, and dang, this card checked every box:
19-20 UD Cup Scripted Stick Peter Forsberg auto stick by Richard Ho, on Flickr6. Steve Yzerman 84-85 OPC Rookie in BGS 9.5: one of the greatest centers of all time, and in one of the greatest sets of all time (certainly my favorite sets of the 1980s). This card is so sharp, you can shave your face!
84-85 OPC Steve Yzerman RC BGS 9.5 by Richard Ho, on Flickr5. Mario Lemieux 85-86 OPC Rookie in PSA 9: hard a hard time ranking between the Yzerman and this card, but I think this card gets the slight edge given it is PSA, and also as Lemieux is pretty much in everyone’s top 5 (if not 3) players of all time:
85-86 OPC Mario Lemieux PSA 9 RC by Richard Ho, on Flickr4. Jaromir Jagr 18-19 UD Exquisite Collection Patches /10: if you thought the custom Rookie Review card was nice, check this thing!! I had been on the hunt for one of these ever since someone offered it to be for a Bure card I didn’t want to let go of. Glad to land this, without having to spend any Bures!
18-19 UD Exquisite Collection Patches Jaromir Jagr auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr3. Quinn Hughes 19-20 UD Ice Premieres Autograph Patch /10: this is rare for a Canucks other than Bure to be up here in the top 3, but let me tell you…this is a stunning card in person! I was able to pick it up in person at the Langley show after a bit of ho-humming, but boy, it was worth the price:
19-20 UD Ice Premieres Autograph Patch Quinn Hughes auto patch by Richard Ho, on Flickr2. Natalie Portman (& Hayden Christensen)
If you dabble at all in entertainment autographs, you know why she’s up here at number 2. Portman is as talented as they come, and I enjoy her movies be it action, drama, or comedy. But when it comes to signing autographs, she has been notoriously tough…in fact, she is regularly found on ‘worst signers of the year’ lists.
So this was a total GAME-CHANGER when SWAU announced a private signing with her last year. Just WOW. I literally thought it was a prank.
But low and behold, here they are, now in-hand, and she signed both these pieces perfectly! I’ve seen some recent Topps Star Wars Stellar Signatures cards of her signature (from the same signing), and she signed them ‘Natalie’ without the Port. In other words, couldn’t be happier with these:
Star Wars II - Attack of the Clones - Christensen & Portman auto 8x12 by Richard Ho, on FlickrStar Wars II - Attack of the Clones - Hayden Christensen & Natalie Portman auto poster by Richard Ho, on FlickrAnd the top acquisition in 2021…
1. Wayne Gretzky 79-80 OPC Rookie in PSA 7
Is this the most iconic hockey card ever? Probably! This is a major upgrade from my previous raw copy, and I’ve certainly seen some copies graded higher but with more problems (in my opinion). Super happy with this new centerpiece!
79-80 OPC Wayne Gretzky PSA 7 RC by Richard Ho, on FlickrWelp, and there we have it, another year gone by! Hope you enjoyed this looong show, and I’ve already begun the hunt for next year’s update! Happy New Year in advance all!
such a fantastic show! So many outstanding cards, but as a Flames fan that Gary Roberts Emblems of Endorsement card really stands out.
