Sunday, September 23, 2012

PC Spotlight #20: Manon Rheaume Collection

Every now and then a historical event takes place that sends shockwaves into our hobby.

Twenty years ago on September 23rd, 1992... that caliber of an event took place.

It was on this date that Manon Rheaume became the first and only woman to ever play in an NHL game for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

In an exhibition game against the St. Louis Blues, Rheaume played one period facing nine shots and allowing only two goals... one against future hall of famer: Brendan Shanahan.

Anyways... if you collected cardboard back in 1992, then you know the impact she had on hockey cards and one card company in particular:  Classic Games, Inc.  She became an overnight sensation.

Twenty years later, her trading cards have cooled off a little.  But her autographs still command a decent dime.

Here's my cardboard collection of Manon Rheaume:


2008/09 Upper Deck Masterpieces Brushstrokes



1992 Classic Four Sport



1993 Classic Acetate



1995 Assets Gold



1992 Classic



1993 Classic Pro Prospects



1993 Classic Four Sport




I picked up the Masterpieces autograph last year for under $10 on eBay.  The acetate card is a sweet looking insert that I found sitting in one of my rookie card boxes from the 90's.

But the rest of the cards have been dime card purchases from card shows over the past few years.  In fact, the last three cards were picked up this weekend at the Serramonte Mall Show.  I'll have a recap of my show purchases tomorrow.

Until then... 


Who are some of your favorite female athletes?

Happy Anniversary Manon!  And the rest of you... have a happy Sunday and sayonara!

5 comments:

buckstorecards said...

I've got to go for someone who sadly does not appear to have been immortalized on cardboard. Clara Hughes.

She's the first athlete to win multiple Olympic medals at both the Summer and Winter Olympics, but more importantly for me, I really admire her work for and openness in dealing with depression and mental illness.

Here's an interview with her, although you have to put up with George Stroumboulopoulos as the interviewer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEvLL-u2f1w

Fuji said...

Thanks for sharing her. I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't know her until now. But that YouTube video was awesome. Hopefully someone at Topps (thinking A&G) or Upper Deck (Goodwin?) will include her in a set.

It makes me wonder, how many other athletes have won medals in both the Summer & Winter Olympic games?

Fuji said...

It's funny you mentioned that particular issue of Future Stars. I've wanted to add one to my collection for awhile now. An autographed version would be even cooler.

jacobmrley said...

That Masterpiece auto is pretty damn sweet. I have a pretty decent sized Manon collection I might share one of these days.

Though Manon is my second favorite female athlete of all time. Steffi Graf was my first and always my best love. Something about big noses and shapely legs go a long way in my world.

Fuji said...

I saw that Brustrokes auto and knew I had to have it. Awesome card design + on-card autograph = cool.

It's funny that you mention Steffi. I couldn't stand her... but she was the best in the game. I personally liked Gabriella Sabatini at first... then transferred over to Jennifer Capriati.