The program returns to Canada on Saturday, February 11, 2012 where packs will be delivered exclusively through Upper Deck’s network of Certified Diamond Dealers who operate brick and mortar hobby shops throughout Canada. Puck fans can visit one of these shops and receive a FREE pack of Upper Deck NHL National Hockey Card Day cards while supplies last. Most of these retailers will be running a variety of other events and specials to capitalize on all the interest in this special day.

There are several factors that make Upper Deck’s National Hockey Card Day such a favorite with collectors. First, this program is exclusive to Canada and only Canadian-born players are featured in the set so there is a true sense of national pride in putting it together. Additionally, three subsets (five cards each) showcase the top rookies, stars and legends of the NHL. Next, a special 16th card is available to fans as a gift with purchase of Sidney Crosby featuring him as a member of Team Canada. Upper Deck will also be sprinkling in some very limited autograph cards randomly into packs as well of some big names that will be sure to have collectors excited.

There will be a retail portion to the program this season as well. Collectors who visit a London Drugs or Toys “R” Us in Canada and make an Upper Deck purchase can receive a special National Hockey Card Day blow-up card. The five players featured will be Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Roberto Luongo, Jonathan Toews, Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky.

Upper Deck will also be taking the experience of National Hockey Card Day online with fans through the special Facebook page created for the program. Upper Deck will offer fans a variety of FREE giveaways where they can score packs, boxes, blow-up cards and signed memorabilia just for sharing their experience with us by posting photographs or video to that Facebook page. Make sure to like that page today to take part and get other updates about the event!

We will be sharing information on which stores will be participating as the event draws closer, but in the meantime, enjoy a first look at the cards in the 2012 Upper Deck National Hockey Card Day Canada set:

https://www.facebook.com/NationalHockeyCardDay

Here is another link with additional information:

http://upperdeckblog.com/

Just a reminder of this upcoming offer on Feb 11. :-)