Upper Deck is celebrating the 17th anniversary of National Hockey Card Day on April 11, 2026, with even more great cards and special inserts, including a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) insert set for the first time.
Related: Upper Deck Releases New 2024-25 PWHL Set
National Hockey Card Day is a day where fans and collectors can all celebrate the great game of hockey and unwrap some truly unique cards. Upper Deck’s National Hockey Card Day packs will feature top rookies, veterans, and legends. And there will be special surprises, including a Victory Rookie, an autograph, or a mascot insert card.
A True Celebration of Hockey Cards
Paul Nguyen, senior manager at Upper Deck says that 2026 will be a special year for National Hockey Card Day. “We’re proud to be offering special inserts of PWHL Cards for the first time on National Hockey Card Day. Fans and collectors can pick up star cards such as Taylor Heise, Marie Philip-Poulin and Sarah Fillier.”
Nguyen also noted that National Hockey Card Day has expanded to even more countries across the globe. “This year hockey fans in China, and Australia will be participating along with collectors in Europe and throughout Canada and the United States.”
A Special Year for Buffalo
Adam Martin, co-founder and CEO of Dave & Adams Card World, the largest seller of unopened Upper Deck boxes in the United States, says this year’s National Hockey Card Day is going to be a special one at their shop in Buffalo, New York. “We’re not just having a one-day event on Saturday, April 11; we’re hosting a three-day celebration with specials and unique events throughout the weekend.”
With the playoffs returning to western New York with the resurgent Buffalo Sabres, hockey fans in Buffalo and western New York should be in a great mood to celebrate everything hockey.
Martin mentioned that National Hockey Card Day will also be celebrated at their other locations, including New York City. “Saturday, our store in Manhattan, near Times Square, will also be celebrating with the same promotions we’re offering in Buffalo. This is the biggest National Hockey Card Day we’ve ever done.” You can check out all the National Hockey Card Day specials and activities on Dave & Adams Card World’s website.
A Special Line Up of Cards Available to All Fans and Collectors
This year’s National Hockey Card Day packs will feature rookies such as Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, Beckett Senneke and Ivan Demidov. In addition to the free packs, collectors can get an Ivan Demidov Rookie Moments card with a $10 purchase of Upper Deck product, while supplies last.
Collectors will also find Hockey Superstars like Connor McDavid, Alex Ovechkin, Sydney Crosby and Jack Eichel in assorted packs. There will be special Legends on Ice cards featuring Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr, Patrick Roy and more. And fans of NHL mascots will be able to snag some Mascot Mannerism cards featuring mascots from around the league.
Canadian collectors can also find a free nine-card sheet available at select retail stores in Canada, such as Pro Hockey Life and Sports Rousseau. Check their websites for dates and availability.
National Hockey Card Day – A Celebration Created Just For Hockey Fans
Upper Deck’s National Hockey Card Day was made for fans who are looking to start their collection and join the hobby community. It’s also a day for veteran hockey card collectors to continue to embrace the hobby and build on their collections. Wherever hockey fans live, from China and the Netherlands to Buffalo and Winnipeg, this is your chance to connect with other sports card enthusiasts and discover the enjoyment of trading hockey cards.
