Upper Deck Spotlighted Hockey's Next Wave at NSCC
ROSEMONT, Ill. - Upper Deck brought one of the busiest hockey attractions to the National Sports Collectors Convention by pairing collectors with some of the sport's most talked-about young players. Gavin McKenna, the projected top overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, was among the biggest draws as he joined fans for live box breaks and autograph-style interactions inside Upper Deck's Breakers Lounge.
The scene mixed prospect hype with the hands-on appeal that has helped Upper Deck build excitement around its hockey releases. Collectors sat beside McKenna and other NHL prospects while opening packs, taking photos and watching cards come out live in front of them.
Gavin McKenna Draws a Crowd in the Upper Deck Breakers Lounge
McKenna's appearance quickly became one of the most talked-about moments at the show. The 18-year-old, who played at Penn State last season as a freshman and led the Big Ten in scoring, sat with collectors and opened packs of 2025-26 SP Authentic and Ultimate Collection.
One of those collectors was 13-year-old Ryan Trench of Chicago, who left the lounge visibly stunned after sharing the experience with McKenna. Trench, a Blackhawks fan who wore a Connor Bedard jersey and a Penn State hat, said the session produced a Ryan Leonard patch card numbered to /50 and a Ryan Greene autograph.
For Upper Deck, the appeal was clear. McKenna has become one of the most prominent names in the next generation of hockey prospects, and his presence gave collectors a chance to see a player many already view as a centerpiece of the sport's future.
Porter Martone, Cole Hutson and Other Prospects Join the Event
McKenna was not the only young player on hand. Upper Deck also welcomed Porter Martone, Cole Hutson and more than a dozen other NHL rookies and prospects to the convention. The players took part in live pack ripping with collectors, signed autographs, posed for photos and appeared on Upper Deck's live stage as well as at dealer tables around the show floor.
Roger McQueen, a prospect for the Anaheim Ducks, also drew attention while interacting with fans and returning an autographed card to a collector. The mix of live breaks and direct fan engagement gave attendees a rare chance to connect with players before they reach the NHL stage.
Instant Print Trading Cards Added a Personal Touch
Upper Deck also used the convention to showcase its instant print trading card technology. Collectors could have their photo taken with one of the prospects and receive a physical trading card in about 90 seconds.
The setup created a personalized souvenir that fit naturally alongside the live-break atmosphere. McKenna and several other players also appeared on solo instant print cards, giving fans another way to leave the event with a unique piece tied to the convention experience.
Why Upper Deck Is Leaning Into Hockey's Young Stars
Upper Deck President Jason Masherah said the growing attention around players such as McKenna reflects a broader shift in the hockey collecting market. He pointed to a new generation of collectors who are entering the hobby through current young stars and then expanding their interest into the game's history.
Masherah compared the current moment to the eras when Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin helped drive hockey collecting into a new phase two decades ago. Today, he said, players like McKenna, Matthew Schaefer, Ivan Demidov, Beckett Sennecke and Macklin Celebrini are helping create a similar cycle of interest.
According to Masherah, that progression matters for both Upper Deck and the NHL because it gives younger collectors an entry point that can grow over time. As those fans mature, they may begin collecting older current players and retired stars, building a deeper connection to the sport and the hobby.
2025-26 SP Authentic and Ultimate Collection Were Part of the Action
The live breaks at the Upper Deck Lounge centered on 2025-26 SP Authentic and Ultimate Collection, giving collectors a chance to open current hockey product alongside some of the game's most promising young players. The event format turned a standard box break into a memorable show-floor experience, with prospects sitting shoulder to shoulder with fans as cards were revealed.
That approach matched the energy around the convention and the growing interest in hockey cards tied to emerging talent. With McKenna, Martone, Hutson and others in attendance, Upper Deck used the National Sports Collectors Convention to highlight both the product and the players who could shape the market in the seasons ahead.
Additional Photos and Convention Coverage
Upper Deck's presence at the National Sports Collectors Convention extended beyond the Breakers Lounge, with players appearing throughout the show and collectors stopping by for photos, cards and live interactions. The event underscored how prospect-driven experiences have become a major part of the modern hockey card landscape.
For collectors following the next wave of NHL talent, the convention offered a close look at the players generating the most buzz and the products that continue to connect them with the hobby.
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