The hockey card collector’s dream is alive and well with the thrilling release of the 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey set. It’s akin to the final crescendo in a symphony of collectible delight, elegantly tying together the full year’s trio of flagship Upper Deck hockey releases. This eagerly anticipated set not only rounds off the hockey lineup for the year but does so with a panache that sets it apart as a must-have for any collector worth their salt.
Let’s cut to the chase: this latest series doesn’t just tag along with Series 1 and Series 2; it boldly kicks the door open, rocketing the full 2024-25 Upper Deck Hockey collection to an astonishing 750 cards. For those who relish the thrill of cracking open a hobby box, these are heady times indeed. Each box promises a dazzling collection, with multiple inserts or parallels in practically every pack, allowing collectors to lose themselves in a veritable buffet of hockey goodness.
Taking a deep dive into the checklist reveals an impressive array. The Extended Series ups the ante with an additional 250 cards, parsing a rich visual landscape of veteran players who’ve either switched teams (and thus jerseys) or are showcased in fresh new shots that tickle the fancy of die-hard fans everywhere. It’s the final 50 cards, though, that truly push the series into collector’s golden territory. These are the estates of the Young Guns and the exclusive 1st Round Rookies. These pint-sized treasures, printed fewer than you’d like, tend to crop up every other pack, tantalizingly close yet just beyond reach, turning every pack opening into the thrill of a lifetime.
The saga doesn’t end with just the cards themselves. Oh, no. The Extended Series rolls out a wondrous roster of parallel cards, each rarer than the last. The spectrum ranges from the Outburst, popping up at a rate of one per 30 Hobby packs or 90 Blaster packs, to the elusive Outburst Gold— a unique 1/1 unicorn that’s the stuff of collectors’ dreams. Clear Cut cards, Deluxe numbered to 250, Exclusives to 100, Red to 25, and the dizzyingly rare High Gloss at just 10—each parallels hold the key to upgrading any collection from good to great.
For those whose hearts beat faster at the sight of an insert, this series delivers in spades. The fan-favorite UD Canvas cards return with a vengeance, eager to steal the spotlight four times per hobby box. Whether capturing the smooth moves of Young Guns, basking in the glory of Legends, or spotlighting NHL All-Stars, these inserts hold a mirror to the soul of hockey. And let’s not forget the rare Black and White parallels or the enticing prospect of exclusive Printing Plates.
Behold the wonder that is the Dazzlers inserts, coming back from a triumphant run in Blue versions (one in every dozen packs), rare Pink ones (one in every 72 packs), and those scrumptious Printing Plates. Blaster boxes whip out exclusive Green Dazzlers at a clip of one in every four packs, adding another layer of complexity to this collecting confetti.
Brandishing an air of mysticism, the Oracles inserts make their series debut, weaving a magical tarot card-inspired ambiance to the already captivating hockey universe. Collectors will find their fortunes (ever so metaphorically) as they track down challenging SP (Short Print) cards, ultra-rare SSP (Super Short Print) versions, and cards with rarity ratios straight from a collector’s fever dream.
Not to be overshadowed, the series brings back a slice of nostalgia with classic inserts like the Pros and Prospects, the charmingly rustic Beehive, the evocative UD3 with Gold parallels numbered to 333, and the evocative Upper Deck Encore. The Trilogy Rookie Premiere returns as well, possessing a hierarchy from Common (/999) to Rare (/99) that only adds to the thrill of the hunt. If that weren’t enough, Silver Skates slide back into the fray with base iterations in one out of every four packs and glittering Gold parallels capped at just 250.
Capsule Summary for Product Configuration: Here’s the lowdown collectors have been waiting for. Each 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey hobby box is packed with 12 packs per box, 12 cards per pack. Collectors can hunt through 12 boxes per hobby case and 20 Blaster boxes per case. Across a complete spectrum of 250 cards, this release, due to shine on May 29, 2025, promises thrilling discoveries at every turn.
With its varied mix of inserts, rare parallels, and sought-after rookie cards, this series is a harmonious blend of past favorites and new innovations that make the 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series Hockey an adventure waiting for eager hands to unbox. Whether you’re a newly minted fan or a seasoned veteran of the hobby, the 2024-25 Upper Deck Extended Series offers countless treasures begging to be discovered, stared at, and, perhaps, proudly displayed. It’s hockey heaven in card form.
