Hockey cards still matter, just ask Jason Strudwick.
The former Edmonton Oilers defenceman and longtime hockey card collector was one of many to attend the Border City Card Show at the Gold Horse Casino last weekend. The event marked the fifth show in three years.
Read more: Border City Card Show continues to grow, give
“I started out loving the game, and one of the ways you could connect with your favourite players was through cards,” said Strudwick. “You get to see their stats. Before the internet, that’s how you figured out what they were scoring or doing.”
The card show, which has more than doubled in size since its start, has become a community staple. It now features 56 tables of vendors and collectors. Organizers also raised roughly $2,000 this year for local charities.
“This year’s charity, we are raising money for the lunch program in Onion Lake,” said event organizer Chris Brinklow. The other charity to benefit from the day was I Love Alberta Boobs.
For Strudwick, card collecting is personal. His passion started young and never left.
“I remember the time I saw my first card and I was so proud,” he said. “Even to this day, I still don’t take that for granted. Your first card, your first goal, first game, all pretty cool moments.”
His advice to new collectors? Start simple and with your heart.
“I think you get the cards of the players you like,” said Strudwick. “That’s what I did. I think I have every Wayne Gretzky card from his rookie through till, like, 10, 15 years into his career. That was my guy, him and Messier.”
Brinklow had some advice for would-be collectors.
“Keep it simple, know what you like, and stay in that lane,” Brinklow said. “See if it’s comfortable for you.”
Over the years, the Border City Card Show has become more than just tables and trades.
“There’s a sense of community,” said Brinklow. “All these guys, they do multiple shows throughout the year. A lot of them know each other, but there’s also some new collectors and new vendors that we have at this year’s show.”
Strudwick says the hobby is still growing. His family proves it.
“My one son is really into it,” he said. “He’s out there scouring for a deal, and he’ll probably be grinding on someone to get him a deal on a card. But he’ll find some treasures for sure.”
While prices of cards can vary, Strudwick knows what’s hot.
“Anything with Connor McDavid on it, obviously Connor Bedard,” he said. “I remember I got a Wayne Gretzky rookie when I was very young, and I still have that, one of my favourite possessions.”
Mayor Gerald Aalbers said the show reflects what Lloydminster is all about.
“I think it highlights our community,” said Aalbers. “You’ve got young people, you’ve got seniors, you got people here at a card collecting show from all over Western Canada.”
Brinklow is grateful for the growth and support.
“We just grateful for Lloydminster’s turnout,” said Brinklow. “The hobby is growing, whether it’s Pokémon, Magic, hockey, basketball, football.”
He’s also thankful for all the exposure the event received, from both word of mouth and media.
Strudwick believes hockey cards will always hold a special place for fans.
“I didn’t know if I’d actually become an NHL player,” he said. “But every kid has dreams. So to have my own card and give it out to some of my buddies and my mom and dad, it was really special.”
The Border City Card Show returns on Nov. 1 at the casino. With record turnout over the weekend, they hope to expand to a larger space next spring.
Read more: Card show getting good traction
