CSE Games in Tuff Stuff’s Sports Collectors Monthly

June 24, 2008

Strong turnout for NHL Draft Show in Ottawa

The 2008 NHL Draft Trading Card and Memorabilia Show took place at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa last weekend, attracting such a large turnout that the league extended the show past its scheduled closing time.

The lure of seeing the NHL’s next rookie stars, and the fact the Ottawa area doesn’t host many big collectibles shows, combined to fuel the enthusiasm of fans.

“Never underestimate the passion and loyalty of hockey fans, certainly here in Canada. The fans were here in numbers,” said Dave McCarthy, director, entertainment products, for the NHL. “It was full. It looked great. The traffic was solid throughout.”

The Stanley Cup and all the other trophies were on display for fans to see. A variety of interactive games were available, as well. “Yesterday was a great day. We went through a lot of games, had a chance to chat with a bunch of people and the crowd has been awesome, even during the draft. We were supposed to shut down but the crowds were so good that we stayed open,” said Fabio Del Rio of CSE Games, which produces a hockey trading card game.

Some fans waited more than an hour to get free autographs from some of the first-round selections. Collectors who purchased five packs of Upper Deck hockey cards got a special draft redemption set with cards of local heroes Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson and his teammate Jason Spezza, plus Sidney Crosby (Penguins), Alex Ovechkin (Capitals), Jarome Iginla (Flames) and Carey Price (Canadiens). Fans could also get a personalized trading card made with the official 2008 NHL Draft backdrop, and that was free as well.

“The show’s been great,” said Josh Zusman, Upper Deck hockey brand manager. “It’s been really busy, and there has been a lot of good traffic at the booth. Fans seemed really pumped, so I’m looking for a big turnout.”

Added McCarthy, “I think the passion and loyalty of the collectors are on center stage here today, and we are really, really thrilled with how things shaped up here in Ottawa.” Next year’s show will be held in Montreal.

– Russ Cohen, reporting from Ottawa

http://www.tuffstuff.com/article/Strong_turnout_for_NHL_Draft_Show_in_Ottawa/