Upper Deck Ice 2005-2006
About this collection

My family and I have been investing in a master collection hockey cards project of which could be described as somewhat unique and probably statically almost impossible to complete.  The 2005-06 Upper Deck Ice Hockey is particularly interesting because it is the year after the NHL Lockout and so the collection is jam packed with two years top rookies: Crosby, Ovechkin, Ward, Vanek, Phaneuf, Brule, Lundqvist, Carter, Richards, Getzlaf and many more.

It features eye catching signature acetate patch cards and includes some of the best looking cards of the year. The acetate autographs marked a milestone in the hockey card industry, being that no other set has ever featured patch card versions of acetate autographs. Other rare cards are also included like Gretzky, Roy and more. We have invested  for more than 3 years to develop this master set puzzle of 1028 cards when almost 70% of the cards have serial numbers out of /10, 15/, 35, 50, and so on. Some cards value when up to $7000 on Ebay. It has been an intense virtual treasure hunt while trying to locate each precious card. Of course, our surrounding now thinks we are crazy for investing into this project!  We think it's a great collection because of the unique acetate quality of the cards as well as being Crosby, Ovechkin etc rookie year as well as top-notch players.

References:

http://www.hockeyheadquarters.com/articles/review-2006-ice.php  (Article)
http://www.tradingmart.net/ouvertureBoitesHockey/upperdeck_ice_05-06_hobby.htm  (Article French Only)
http://sports.upperdeck.com/collectorszone/cardsethome.aspx?q=6&sid=13586 (Upper Deck Official View Set list)