While my card-buying has decreased this year, I still have had some great pulls, like my Connor McDavid Future Watch autographed card and my Evgeni Malkin autographed dual jersey card, but this isn't about my best card of 2016, it's about my favorite.
For me, it has to be my Tanner Kero Young Guns rookie card from 2015-16 Upper Deck Series 2.
As far as I'm concerned, this is such a great card, because Kero is one of a very small list of alumni from our local USHL team, the Fargo Force, to make it to the NHL. Kero played just one year in the USHL before attending Michigan Tech for four years of college hockey, After his college days were up, the Chicago Blackhawks signed him to a contract, and he would eventually make his NHL debut on October 29, 2015. He would play 17 games in the NHL during the 2015-16 season, scoring one goal and two assists, He has spent the 2016-17 season with Chicago's AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.
So far, the Fargo Force have had five alumni make it to the NHL: Nate Schmidt (Washington), Luke Witkowski (Tampa Bay), Christian Folin (Minnesota), Kero, and most recently, Zane McIntyre (Boston). It's always great to see a guy from the local team make it to the NHL, especially since so few of them ever do.
Oh, and if you noticed the blue ink on this card, it was signed by Kero through the mail toward the end of the 2015-16 season. He was also nice enough to sign a puck for me, as well.
Well, there you have it. A card that might not mean a whole lot to some people, but means a whole lot to me.
First of all, how the heck did you pull a McDavid SPA? Congrats on that! I got a McDavid Young Guns RC out of UD and nearly jumped a mile. It was my best pull in at least a decade.
ReplyDeleteSecond, good on you for not listing that Connor card and instead choosing one that has a personal story and a meaningful connection to you. I collect local players as well, at least local to where I grew up.
Goodluck to Tanner Kero in the NHl, and good luck to you in the contest!
Nice choice! I'll always choose the "personal connection" over the "book value" card. Glad I'm not the only one!
ReplyDeleteGreat pick for your card of the year! Always nice to see a local guy succeed.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a nice choice - personal value carries far more weight than perceived monetary value. Hopefully Kero makes it back up to the Hawks soon!
ReplyDeleteI've really enjoyed reading everyone's favorite 2016 card posts. The personal ties is cool... but honestly I'm even more excited that any hockey card is receiving some love.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don't collect hockey cards, gotta admit they are pretty cards. Love the colors and action against the white
ReplyDeleteCongrats, the randomizer landed you in the top spot of the "Favorite Cards of 2016" contest. I need your address to ship out your prize. Please e-mail it to me or give me a follow on Twitter so we can have a quick DM conversation. Thanks!
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