Sometimes you can get great pulls in the most unlikely places.

So those of you who know me from the boards I frequent, know that I'm a big fan of the "alternatives" when it comes to hockey cards. Being in a town where the only two small hobby shops (both having limited selection when it comes to boxes) are a half hour drive away, I tend to seek out other ways to get my fix. What you also know if you know me from the boards, is that I seem to have pretty good luck in these places. Here's a few of them, along with some of my more memorable pulls.


GAS STATION:

Once the lock-out ended, and the hobby started gaining momentum again, the local gas stations started carrying hockey cards. So since then, I've been picking up a few packs along with my fill-up. Some of my more noteable pulls have been:

05-06 UD Crosby RC
06-07 UD Malkin RC
07-08 UD Carey Price RC

On top of these, I've also pulled countless RCs, many game-used and more inserts than I know what to do with.


DOLLAR STORE:

In Canada, we have a chain of bargain stores called A Buck Or Two, and they often carry various products from various years, mainly 03-04 Pacific products. These are usually a steal, mostly at 2 bucks a pack, and you often get some decent stuff (at least, if you get there before the pack feelers). Here's what I've gotten over the years:

03-04 Parkhurst Original 6 NY Ed Giacomin Auto
03-04 Parkhurst Original 6 NY Phil Esposito GU
03-04 Pacific Vincent Lecavalier Auto
02-03 PS Reserve Rick Nash RC
02-03 PS Reserve Henrik Zetterberg RC

Aside from cards, the dollar store also has other hockey stuff. I've been able to add to my Maple Leafs collection including bobbleheads, pucks, die casts, and mini jerseys.


THRIFT STORE:

OK, so cards aren't usually found here, but the local thrift store is often a great place to find Jerseys, pucks, toys, and other hockey-related items.