McDavid Outselling Crosby

[Peter_Spaeth]

I never tire of the Orr v Gretzky debates, meaningless as the ultimately are.

[irv]

Originally Posted by Writehooks

Nice post, Irv. One other thing that most fans don't remember: Orr debuted in the NHL wearing No. 27.

I did not know that either. Thanks for the info.

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I never tire of the Orr v Gretzky debates, meaningless as the ultimately are.

2 different players, imo, but both equally talented in their respective positions.
If Orr was protected like Gretzky was, I am sure his numbers and his career would have been much higher and longer.

[58pinson]

Irv,

Enjoyed very much reading your Bobby Orr posts. I wonder how many people down here in the US realize that these kids in Canada leave home at the young age they do to play Major Junior. That's what it means to be a national pastime. On my bucket list is a trans Canada trip via rail to catch as many games as possible in a two week period or so of the WHL and OHL. Might try my hand at the QMJHL also, but my French is non-existent. Some day I hope.

[irv]

Originally Posted by samosa4u

I was too small when Lindros playing for Oshawa. I have always wanted to see his Oshawa games and I even contacted the Generals to see if they had any in their archives, but nope, nothing.

Like I mentioned, I never missed a game, including his home opener/debut.
Like this vid, there are many you can watch via youtube. Just scroll down the right side and you will see for yourself. Likely not all that you are after, but still some pretty good clips there. I regret never saving any of my tickets. Not that they are likely worth anything, I just wish I had some, especially his home opener/debut
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W4YfbXkzWA

Originally Posted by 58pinson

Irv,

Enjoyed very much reading your Bobby Orr posts. I wonder how many people down here in the US realize that these kids in Canada leave home at the young age they do to play Major Junior. That's what it means to be a national pastime. On my bucket list is a trans Canada trip via rail to catch as many games as possible in a two week period or so of the WHL and OHL. Might try my hand at the QMJHL also, but my French is non-existent. Some day I hope.

My Boss's brother, from Stirling Ont, (not far from Cobourg/Belleville) was drafted by the Soo St. Marie Greyhounds of the OHL but didn't go because of the huge change/undertaking that was involved with such a move.
It entails not only moving far far away from home, but also living with billets, going to a new school, making new friends, etc, etc.
It is not an easy thing to do for a 15-16 yr old let alone an adult, but that's what takes if you want to continue on with the NHL dream.

I currently work with John Goodwin. He was the OHL scoring leader for the Soo Greyhounds and was drafted by the Montreal CDN's. Despite his scoring prowess/skill, he never did crack their lineup and eventually, after trying a few other different avenues, packed it in, unfortunately.
http://www.saultstar.com/2013/03/07/...1980-81-season

I also have a friend, Brian Heard, who's son, Mitch was drafted 41st overall but hasn't played in one NHL game yet.
It is tough! From the early days at the rink at a very young age, to numerous amounts of travel, practices, camps, tournaments, etc, etc and to be never called up or make the big team, is a huge disappointment, but most adults/kids know this is a possibility but in order to live their dream, this is what it takes.
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/p...php?pid=122869

(Some miscellaneous pics of my son below and some other pics of my son with Bryan Bickell with the Stanley Cup he won with the Chicago Blackhawks and a couple others with Andrew Shaw formerly from the Hawks but now with Montreal. He actually got to play a game of shinny with Andrew! )

Your bucket list item sounds like a great one, 58 Pinson! Something I wouldn't mind doing myself someday.
I have traveled far and wide with my son's hockey but we have never been to Quebec to play. I speak about as much French as you but I still think that would be fun.
He is now only playing house league and High School hockey so my travelling days are likely far behind me, but despite how busy it was, it was also a lot of fun.

Glad you enjoy my Orr story.

[58pinson]

Wow! Great pics of your son Irv. Your mention of the Soo Greyhounds forced me to drag out my now almost 25 year old Soo sweatshirt and take a look at the names on the mini jerseys on it's front - Ron Francis, Rick Tocchet, Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey, and John Vanbiesbrouck. That club has had some great players. Also have a Brandon Wheat Kings gamer from '92-93 of Colin Cloutier, drafted in the 2nd round by the Lightning. Unfortunately he got busted up and never fulfilled his potential.
Since we're talking Junior Hockey I thought, on the 1 in a 1,000 chance that you haven't heard of it, I'd mention the movie "Youngblood" with Rob Lowe and a bunch of other familiar faces. Eric Nesterenko has the part of Lowe's father as sort of a cameo. Always make a point of watching it when the season gets started.

[irv]

Originally Posted by 58pinson

Wow! Great pics of your son Irv. Your mention of the Soo Greyhounds forced me to drag out my now almost 25 year old Soo sweatshirt and take a look at the names on the mini jerseys on it's front - Ron Francis, Rick Tocchet, Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey, and John Vanbiesbrouck. That club has had some great players. Also have a Brandon Wheat Kings gamer from '92-93 of Colin Cloutier, drafted in the 2nd round by the Lightning. Unfortunately he got busted up and never fulfilled his potential.
Since we're talking Junior Hockey I thought, on the 1 in a 1,000 chance that you haven't heard of it, I'd mention the movie "Youngblood" with Rob Lowe and a bunch of other familiar faces. Eric Nesterenko has the part of Lowe's father as sort of a cameo. Always make a point of watching it when the season gets started.

Yes, the Soo has definitely developed some great hockey players over the years, that's for sure.

I'm not sure how many times I have watched Youngblood, but it is a lot. As hormone raging, barley out of my teens kid, I'm not sure what I enjoyed more, the hockey or seeing Cynthia Gibb? LOL

Also, I had no idea, until now, Rob Lowe's Dad in the movie was a hockey player. I assumed back then he was just an actor. Thanks for the info.

[samosa4u]

Alright, now to get back on topic here (lol), it looks like I made a mistake. In my original post, I stated that Crosby's The Cup Rookie is going for $3,000 - $4,000 USD, however, those sale prices I came across were for the Gold version (#'ed /87) and not the base card (which is #'ed /99). On April 28th 2016, PWCC sold one example for almost $11,000 USD. Here is the link below:

https://www.pwccauctions.com/item.php?item_id=1272819

According to my research, majority of hockey collectors collect the base cards, so this is why the one #'ed to /99 (a base card and his true rookie) is worth 3 - 4 times more than the gold version (an insert). Check this thread out below:

http://www.blowoutcards.com/forums/h...much-less.html

So it looks to me as if the prices have not dropped over the years. The gold version has gone up a bit, and I am going to assume that his base card is probably worth $12,000+.

Anyhow, McDavid's cards are still going for more and I still find this surprising considering Crosby is currently the best player in the world with 3 rings.