Heroes and Prospects review

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February 6, 2010

Product Review – 2009 – 2010 ITG Heroes and Prospects

Posted by chemgod under Bad Wax Review, Heroes and Prospects review | Tags: , , , , , |
[7] Comments 

About a week ago I got a hobby box of 2009 – 2010 ITG Heroes and Prospects to review.  This happens to be my favorite hockey set to chase every year.  So needless to say as soon as I saw the box I just wanted to rip it open.  Too bad I had a homeowners association meeting I had to go to before I got to tear into the new box.  Unfortunately the meeting left me very pissed off and I felt in order to give it a good review I should at least wait until my fuming subsided.

Mrs. Chemgod and I started a ripping party the next day.  We played pack wars and she kicked my butt.  Out of the 9 packs she opened, 6 of them had autographs or game used jerseys.  My feelings on this product was mixed.  What I liked most about previous releases of Heroes and Prospects was that the two were clearly delineated with different base designs.  This set lacked that delineation, and we had to (gasp) think as to whether the player was a hero or a prospect.  As dumb as that seems as a knock on the product, it bothered me and I figured that others would feel the same.

With that objection out of the way, I liked the overall design of the set and the amount of inserts that a typical hobby box produces.  The inserts, as always, are colorful swatches often not found in regular releases.  Also the pieces of jerseys are substantially larger than your typical game used card.  The autograph cards have a sharp design and even though they are sticker autographs, I just like how they sit on the logo of the team.

The configuration is 18 packs of cards with 9 cards per pack.  With 150 cards in the set, it is possible to complete it with one box.  You won’t be able to do it, but theoretically it’s possible.  A typical box will yield two autographs and two game used cards. At 1:8 odds for either an autograph or a game used card, you could see a third (as you will see from this box).  Overall I like the product, I am going to give it 4 stars.

The Stats:

Base Cards: 156 cards (two of which have blank backs, not sure what that is about)

Real Heroes: 1 – Sid Abel

2009 Calder Cup Winner: 1 – Keith Aucoin

Autographs: 2 – Zach Kassian and Andrej Hestrasil

Game Used: 3 – Chris Stewart (Jumbo Jersey), Kari Lehtonen (AHL Grad), Carter Ashton (Emblem Patch)

The Good:

  • Autographed cards have a great design
  • Big swatches of jerseys
  • Love the Emblem cards
  • Packs come with 9 cards (a large amount for a newer product)
  • The Lehtonen jersey is so big that it actually pops out of the card
  • He Shoots He Scores Promotion is back
  • Hobby Boxes are running about $70 – $75 on eBay

The Bad:

  • No delineation between heroes and prospects on the base cards
  • Only 18 packs in the box
  • Some retail only cards

 

January 27, 2010

What Is Next For Patrice Cormier?

Posted by chemgod under Heroes and Prospects review, hockey news | Tags: , , , , , |
[5] Comments 

At this point most puckheads know all about Patrice, but for those of you who are not a die-hard fan of the sport (including the junior levels), he plays in the QMJHL for Rouyn-Noranda and is known for his vicious elbowing and cheap shots.  Last week he was suspended from the “Q” league for the rest of the season and the post season, for his hit on Mikeal Tam of the Quebec Ramparts.  The video can be seen below (note due to the graphic nature of this hit, it is not for the squeamish so be warned).

This was not the first time he sucker punched a player, he also did the same thing during the World Junior Championships against Sweden, when he took out Anton Rodin of team Sweden a month earlier, the video of that hit can be seen below:

Although police were called to the arena after the Tam hit, no criminal charges have been entered.  Instead, the Devils second round draft pick of 2008 finds himself at a crossroads in his career.  At 19, he has one more year of junior eligibility left. However it is unlikely that he will return to the QMJHL next season.  Instead it was thought that he would enter the AHL or ECHL, where he could continue playing as early as this season.  Unfortunately for Patrice, Lou Lamarillo (GM of the Devils) has gone on record supporting the current QMJHL suspension.  This means, no hockey for Patrice until next season.

He is actually a very solid hockey player, built in the mold of another troublemaker Todd Bertuzzi.  He was named captain of the Junior Team Canada team in the last World Junior Championships.  Last year he had a breakout season with 23 goals and 28 assists and 118 penalty minutes.  The Devils love his strong physical play, but his mean streak they can live without.  He needs to get a hold of his anger issues and play strong, physical, non-life threatening hockey if he is going to succeed in the NHL.

As for his cards, he only has one.  It is his 2008-09 ITG Heroes and Prospects card number 98.  I couldn’t find any certified autographs of him so all we are left with is his pre-rookie card and that doesn’t even draw a dollar on eBay.  Some of his signed photos and pucks went for between $2 – $10, but there really isn’t too much signed stuff out there.  As for his future, I see him getting schooled in the NHL personally.  Those kinds of hits if done in the pros puts a target on your back, and he doesn’t want that, just ask Steve Moore.
 

June 8, 2009

In The Game Pack Reviews

Posted by chemgod under Heroes and Prospects review, between the pipes review | Tags: , , , , |
[2] Comments 

We are going to open a pack of Between the Pipes and Heroes and Prospects.  First let’s start with 2009 Between the Pipes:

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Geroge Gardner not only played in the NHL, but also the WHL and the WHA.  He was best known for his days with the Vancouver Blazers.  His overall WHA recod was 23-45 with a 3.89 GAA and 1 shutout.

Grant Fuhr won 5 Stanley Cups with that powerful 1980’s Edmonton Oilers teams.  He won the Vezina Trophy in 1987-88, and shared the Jennings Trophy with Hasek in 1993-94.  He was a 6 time All Star and won the MVP in the 1986 All Star game.  His career record was 403-295 with a 3.38 GAA and 25 shutouts.

Michael Hutchinson is a long term project with the Boston Bruins.  He shows flashes of brilliance, but is still a 0.500 goalie who let’s up about 3 goals a game.  Should spend next year in the CHL for one more year before moving on the the AHL.

Josh Unice is a top prospect in the Blackhawks system.  He had an amazing season in 2007-08 when he went 30-6 record and a 2.45 GAA.  He took a step back last year but was also involved in a trade and had some injury woes.  Look for him to spend one more year in the juniors then move up to the AHL and should at sometime see some time in the NHL.

Pack Rating: 2.0/5.0 – love the Fuhr card, but also the Unice is nice too.

Here is the next Heroes and Prospects Pack:

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Kelsey Tessier is an outstanding prospect for the Colorado Avelanche.  He is a solid scorer and distributer.  I can see him in the minors next season and possibly landing on the Avs at some point next season.

Fabian Brunnstrom is a standout with the Dallas Stars.  This season he went 17-12-19 in his rookie year.  He looked fabulous at times and also looked lost during other times.  He is definitely NHL ready right now, he just needs to adapt to the North American game. Great card!

Teddy Purcell is a LA King.  He showed some serious output for the Manchester Monarchs last year when  he put up 25-58-83.  He still needs to grow into a rold for the Kings, but I think he is going to be an outstanding player if the Kings remain patient with him.

Darren Helm is yet another decent prospect for the Detroit Red Wings and there never ending supply of great talent.  Last season he split time with Grand Rapids and Detroit and put up a combined 13-25-38.  He is burried in the lines for Detroit, should spend some more time at Grand Rapids before an extended stay in Detroit.

Jordan Eberle is a rising star in the Oilers system.  He moved up from the juniors to the AHL last season and put up a combined 38-45-83 in just 70 games.  His offensive output is not a question, the only question is when the Oilers are going to have a full time slot for him.  It might be by next season.

Pack Rating – 4.0/5.0 – Very nice pack, every player should end up as a regular in the NHL.

If you disagree with any of my pack ratings or have an opinion on any of these players, leave a comment. We all would like to hear about it.

 

June 2, 2009

In The Game Pack Reviews – 2009 Heroes and Prospects / Between The Pipes

Posted by chemgod under Heroes and Prospects review, between the pipes review | Tags: , , , , , , |
1 Comment 

Two more hockey pack reviews, first 2009 Between The Pipes:

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J-S Giguere is of course the starting goalie (although not for much longer) for the Anaheim Ducks.  Before this season he had never had a GAA above 2.66, this year it was 3.10 and he had all kinds of injury issues this year.  He is still one of the best goalies in hockey even with the last season.  Pencil him in for another 30 win season with a GAA of around 2.55 for next year.

Justin Pogge is a goalie for the AHL Marlies (Toronto affiliate).  Too bad for Justin that Toskala is doing well for the Leafs.  The truth is thoughm, he is going to have to make the jump soon.  He is just too good to be in the minors.  His last 2 seasons he has averaged 26 wins and a GAA of around 2.60.  This season he had some injury issues, next season he should be ready for the leaf to the majors.

Gary Smith nicknamed “Suitcase” for playing on 6 teams in 13 seasons.  The WHL was the last stop on his career and he was on the 1978 Indianapolis Racers team that featured Wayne Gretzky just before they folded.  He then moved on to the Jets and led the team to a cup.

Curtis McElhinney is currently the backup with the Calgary Flames.  He is a solid backup and deserves some more time.  Even if it might not be with the Calgary Flames.

Pack Rating: 2.0/5.0, besides the Guiguere and Pogge the pack was a bit weak.

Now for the Heroes and Prospects pack:

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What a pack!

Victor Hedman is a stud defensivman who is likely going to be the second overall pick in this upcoming draft.  He could very well be  the next great defensive Swede.

Zach Bogosian is a former first round draft pick of the Thrashers.  He went 9-10-19 in 47 games, then got sent down to the AHL team.  Next year he will be with the parent club, and he should be one of the best defensive guys on that team.

Max Paxioretty has already gotten a taste of the majors this year with Montreal, and what little I have seen of him, I like and he is an exciting player. He went 6-23-29 for the Hamilton Bulldogs before getting the call, then helped out down the stretch for the Canadiens going 3-8-11 in 34 games.

Steven Stamkos was last years first overall pick in the draft for the Lightening.  This season he sure had his ups and downs as he was trying to get used to the speed of the NHL.  He ended up going 23-23-46 and had a monster second half.  He is going to be a star in the league and it might not be long before he is one of the best in the league.

Oscar Moller is a right wing prospect for the LA Kings.  He spent most of last season in LA and went 7-8-15 in 40 games.  He is still very young and could probably use a season in the AHL to get used to North American play.

Pack Rating: 5.0/5.0 – what can I say not a bad player in this pack and all should be starters in the NHL very soon.

Have any stories with the above players? Don’t like my rating? Leave us a comment.

 

May 29, 2009

In The Game Pack Reviews

Posted by chemgod under Heroes and Prospects review, between the pipes review | Tags: , , , , , |
1 Comment 

2009 In The Game Between The Pipes

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This is a pretty solid pack, first off the Masked Men insert (Silver Edition) of Manny Fernandez is fantastic, the scan doesn’t do it justice, it is a very sharp card. It’s not serial numbered or anything, but even if you aren’t a Bruins fan you have to appreciate the clarity of the mask.

Leland Irving is the possibly the best goalie prospect in their minor league system. Last year for the Quad City Flames he put up a respecatble 24-18-2 and a GAA of 2.23. He was the 26th overall pick in the 2006 draft and his time is coming soon in Calgary.

Kevin Poulin is a former 5th round pick of the New York Islanders. He is still in the Junior ranks as he continues to improve each year. Last season for the Victoriaville Tigres he 18-16-3 with a 3.01 GAA. He needs more seasoning but he appears to be headed in the right direction.

Al Smith was a star of the New England Whalers of the WHA, who was named Goalie of the Year after the 1977-78 season. His career WHA numbers are 141-98 with a 3.25 GAA.

Pack Rating: 4.0/5.0 – Nice mix of prospects, current and former goaltenders.

2009 In the Game Heroes and Prospects

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Brian Lee was the 9th overall pick in 2005 by the Sens. He spent most of 2009 with the club but was sent down mid season where he put up identical numbers in half the time played. Next year he should stick with the Sens. They have a young and exciting team, should prove to be fun to watch.

Keven Veillieux is the 2007 2nd round draft pick for the Pens. Still in the juniors (although this was his last season) expect him to surface in Scranton next season and for probably 2 years there.

Alexander Ovechkin, he’s a pretty good player for the Caps.

Vladimir Mihalik had a solid season for the Norfolk Admirals where he put up 15 points. He is still at least a year away from Tampa though.

Philippe Cornet is someone who you should keep an eye out for. Lots of teams passed on him, but he has really come out since being drafted by the Oilers in the 5th round of the 2008 draft. This past season he put up a 29-48-77 stat line and expect it to get better next year (his last of the juniors). He should be ready for Edmonton by 2011.

Pack Rating – 3.0/5.0 – The Ovechkin lifts this pack quite a bit, but also the Cornet and Lee cards are good prospects.

Don’t agree with my pack ratings, leave a comment and give us your own! Also know anything about these guys? Tell us what you know.

 

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