THE APPALLING REPETIOUSNESS OF TOPPS IS NOTHING SHORT OF BLATANT WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR HOCKEY ISSUES. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE HOCKEY PRODUCTION WAS 18 TO 1, COMPARED WITH BASEBALL. I THINK THAT'S A STRETCH FOR THEIR EARLY YEARS; IT PROBABLY REFLECTS PRODUCTION FROM WHEN TOPPS HOCKEY BECAME MAINSTREAM--1968-69-ONWARDS.
MY FAVORITE PLAYER GROWING UP IN THE SUBURBS OF CHICAGO WAS BOBBY HULL, NATURALLY. I DIDN'T DISCOVER HOCKEY CARDS UNTIL ABOUT 1966, THROUGH THE MAIL ORDER FIRM OF THE TRADING CARD COMPANY (FARMINGTON HILLS, MICHIGAN). OUR AREA NEVER GOT ANY WAX PACKS UNTIL THE 1968-69 SERIES, AND I WAS IN A HOTBED OF DISTRIBUTION.
A CARD I ABSOLUTELY ADORE IS THE 1961-62 TOPPS BOBBY HULL. After 3 years of using the same photo, they chose a great shot to go with their dazzling design of that year. I never bothered going after Bobby's first three cards, preferring just to revere his fourth year gem. Though Topps repeated the photo for 63-64, their design was so dissimilar to 61-62 it made for a good card.
Just my nickel-pack's worth, as again I write more than 2 cents.
--Brian Powell