Hockey fans participate in card trading event before NHL Heritage Classic

The name of the game was trading hockey cards Saturday morning at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

As part of the celebration lineup for the 2019 NHL Heritage Classic between the Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames, hockey fans gathered inside the AGT Lounge at the stadium for Canada’s largest Tim Hortons hockey card trading event.

Fans of all ages signed up before October 20 in the hopes of securing a spot. Invites were then sent and only the first 200 people who responded to the invites were asked to take part in the unique experience.

From new hockey card fanatics to experienced collectors, a long line waited outside the doors of the lounge in anticipation for the event to begin at 10:00 a.m.

Guests have arrived for an exciting @NHL Heritage Classic event at Mosaic Stadium in #Regina. Fans are taking part in the largest @TimHortons hockey card trading event in the AGT Lounge. #YQR #HeritageClassic pic.twitter.com/Sj0KyStXEr

— Moises Canales (@MoisesCanalesJr) October 26, 2019

Lots of neat things happening at today’s trading card event from #MosaicStadium. Fans have a chance at winning 1 of 5 Sidney Crosby signed portraits. #YQR #Regina #HeritageClassic pic.twitter.com/DWqDerbHps

— Moises Canales (@MoisesCanalesJr) October 26, 2019

While there were many teams represented by fans in the lounge, one of them was Winnipeg Jets fan Richard Bueckert.

His sons surprised him with not only a spot in the trading card event, but he was also given tickets to the game for his birthday. He talked about how there was one original card in particular he was on the lookout for.

“If I could score a Dale Hawerchuk rookie card in a deal, that would be pretty cool,” said Bueckert.

Decked out in his Toronto Maple Leafs attire, Matthew Dayman, who was trying to complete his set, was enjoying talking trades with others while spending time with his family.

“It’s so much bigger and so much more than I expected it would be. There’s so much to do here, there’s free stuff – it’s a lot of fun.”

One of the young participants who was lucky enough to get a seat at a table was Edmonton Oilers fan Brady Gronnerud. Even though he was looking to complete his set with other cards, he admitted there’s one card that stands out as his favourite.

“Probably the ‘Franchise Duo’ with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.”

Celebrities who made appearances during the event included Calgary Flames mascot Harvey the Hound, Winnipeg Jets mascots Mick E. Moose and Benny, along with Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving.