2023-24 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey Set Review and Checklist

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2023-24 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey Trading Card Box Set: Detailed Review and Analysis

The 2023-24 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey trading card set, released on January 30, 2025, is a premium product tailored for serious collectors seeking high-end autographs, memorabilia, and low-numbered cards. With only four cards per hobby box, each pack guarantees at least one autograph, one memorabilia card, and often additional premium hits. This comprehensive review analyzes the set’s variations, inserts, parallels, and overall value, incorporating details from the official checklist to provide an authoritative look at its offerings.

Overview of the Set

The 2023-24 Ultimate Collection features a 200-card base set, split into:

Veterans (1-75): Current NHL stars, numbered to 149.
Legends (76-100): Hockey greats, numbered to 149.
Ultimate Rookies (101-200): Top prospects, with autographed versions numbered to 99 or 299 and non-autographed to 299.

Each hobby box contains one pack of four cards, promising:

1 Autograph Card
1 Memorabilia Card
1 Numbered Base Card or Ultimate Introductions/Rookie Card
1 Additional Autograph, Memorabilia, or Premium Insert

The set emphasizes quality over quantity, with hard-signed autographs, game-worn memorabilia, and new inserts like Ultimate Planks and Crease Collection. Its premium presentation and low print runs make it a chase for collectors.

Base Set and Parallels

Base Set

Veterans (1-75): Features stars like Connor McDavid (#1), Auston Matthews (#22), and Sidney Crosby (#73), all numbered to 149.
Legends (76-100): Includes icons like Wayne Gretzky (#99), Bobby Orr (#76), and Patrick Roy (#95), numbered to 149.
Jumbo Jersey Veterans: Numbered to 149, with game-worn jersey swatches (e.g., Connor McDavid).
Jumbo Jersey Legends: Limited to 10 copies, extremely rare (e.g., Mario Lemieux).

The base set’s scarcity ensures exclusivity, with Jumbo Jersey variants adding memorabilia appeal. Legends cards are particularly coveted for their historical significance.

Parallels

Parallels enhance the base set’s collectibility:

Blue Parallel: Numbered to 99 (e.g., Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews).
Gold Parallel: Numbered to 35 (e.g., Sidney Crosby, Wayne Gretzky).
Purple Parallel: Numbered to 15 (e.g., Alex Ovechkin, Mario Lemieux).
Black Parallel: Numbered to 5 (e.g., Nathan MacKinnon, Patrick Roy).
Patch Parallel: Numbered to 49 or less, with premium memorabilia.
Shield Patch Parallel: 1/1, featuring a player’s NHL shield logo (e.g., Connor Bedard).

Autograph Parallels:

Veterans Autographs: 1:8 packs, with Gold (/35), Purple (/5), and Black (1/1) versions.
Legends Autographs: 1:48 packs, with Gold (/15), Purple (/5), and Black (1/1) versions.

The Shield Patch Parallels are the set’s pinnacle, with their one-of-one status. Autograph parallels, especially Legends, are rare and highly valued due to low pack odds.

Rookie Cards and Introductions

Rookies are a focal point, with a strong class led by Connor Bedard (#101). The set pays homage to the 2003-04 Ultimate Collection Signatures design for added nostalgia.

Ultimate Rookies (101-200)

Non-Autographed: Numbered to 299 (e.g., Connor Zary #103, Brock Faber #126).
Autographed: Numbered to 99 (e.g., Connor Bedard, Leo Carlsson #110) or 299 (e.g., Will Cuylle #104, Matthew Poitras #124).
Jersey Variations: Numbered to 499, with game-worn swatches, unsigned.
Auto Patch: Numbered to 99 or 49 (e.g., Adam Fantilli #113).
Jumbo Auto Patch: Numbered to 5 or 15 (e.g., Luke Hughes #102).
Auto Shield Patch: 1/1, with a rookie’s NHL shield (e.g., Connor Bedard).

Ultimate Introductions

Base Insert: 1:3 packs, featuring rookies (e.g., Zach Benson #125).
Showcase Subset: 1:32 packs, rarer variant.
Parallels:
- Gold: Numbered to 49.
- Purple: Numbered to 25 or 1.
- Black: Numbered to 5 or 10.
Autograph Parallels: Include Gold (/50 or /25), Purple (/1), and Black (/10 or /5).

The Ultimate Rookies Auto Shield Patch cards are top-tier, combining rookie autographs with one-of-one relics. Ultimate Introductions are accessible but gain value with autograph parallels.

Key Inserts

The set blends new and returning inserts, each with unique designs and memorabilia.

New Inserts

Ultimate Planks:
- Features game-used stick relics from stars (e.g., Connor McDavid) and legends (e.g., Wayne Gretzky).
- Variants:
  - Legendary Shield: Numbered to 49 or 25.
  - Autographs: Numbered to 10.
  - Legends Autographs: Numbered to 10.
  - Original Six Today Autographs: Numbered to 5.
- Unsigned versions limited to 49 or fewer.
- A standout for its innovative stick relics and historical ties.
Crease Collection:
- Highlights goaltenders (e.g., Igor Shesterkin #21) with game-worn jersey swatches.
- Includes hard-signed autographs and premium pad relics (/5).
- Parallels: Patch, Gold Spectrum Patch (/5).
- Appeals to goalie collectors with its focus on elite netminders.

Returning Inserts

Ultimate Emblems Auto Relics:
- Veterans: 1:7 packs (e.g., Sidney Crosby).
- Rookies: 1:5 packs (e.g., Connor Bedard).
- Parallels: Gold (/99 or /49), Platinum (/10 or /5).
- Features autographs and metal emblems.
Signature Masterpieces:
- 1:16 packs, hard-signed (e.g., Auston Matthews).
- Classic Upper Deck design, highly collectible.
Debut Threads:
- Numbered to 99 or 49, rookie-focused with autographed patches (e.g., Leo Carlsson).
- A staple for rookie collectors.
Pro Threads:
- Numbered to 49 or less, veteran autographed patches (e.g., Alex Ovechkin).
- Premium memorabilia focus.
Ultimate Access Patch Autographs:
- Combines action photography, autographs, and large swatches (e.g., Nathan MacKinnon).
- Visually striking for stars and rookies.
Ultimate Displays:
- Numbered to 135 or less, hobby room aesthetic (e.g., Cale Makar).
- Parallels: Patch (/49 or /35), Tag (/6 or /3).
Ulti-Mates:
- 1:8 packs, multi-swatch cards (e.g., Jack Hughes).
- Parallels: Patch (/49), Gold Spectrum Dual Tag (1/1).
Ultimate Quad Materials:
- Numbered to 149 or less, four swatches (e.g., David Pastrnak).
- Parallels: Patch, Gold Spectrum Tags (1/1).
La Collection Ultime:
- 1:42 packs, rare memorabilia insert (e.g., Connor McDavid).
- High-end chase card.
Ultimate Patches:
- Numbered to 10, die-cut patch relics (e.g., Leon Draisaitl).
- Dynamic and coveted.
Ultimate Shields:
- 1/1, NHL shield logos (e.g., Connor Bedard).
- Ultimate memorabilia chase.

The Ultimate Planks and Crease Collection add fresh appeal, while Ultimate Shields and Ultimate Patches remain iconic for their rarity.

Autograph Cards

All autographs are hard-signed, enhancing authenticity. Key autograph inserts include:

Ultimate Signatures: 1:6 packs, veterans (e.g., Sidney Crosby, Gold /10).
Ultimate Rookie Signatures: 1:8 packs, rookies (e.g., Connor Bedard, Gold /10).
Rookie Accents: Numbered to 65 or 35, rookie-focused (e.g., Adam Fantilli).
Signature Premium Materials: Autographs with patches (e.g., Zach Benson, /35).
Rookie Signature Premium Materials: Rookie variant (e.g., Luke Hughes, /65).
2003-04 Ultimate Collection Signatures Rookies Gold Patch:
- Numbered to 49 or less, with Gold Spectrum Shield (1/1) parallels.
- Nostalgic design tribute.

The Rookie Signatures and Signature Premium Materials are highlights, with low-numbered parallels driving value.

Memorabilia Cards

Memorabilia cards feature game-worn relics, including:

Ultimate Rookies Jersey Variations: Numbered to 499 (e.g., Pavel Mintyukov #150).
Ultimate Quad Materials: Numbered to 149, four swatches (e.g., Nikita Kucherov).
Ultimate Patches: Numbered to 10, die-cut patches (e.g., Cale Makar).
Ulti-Mates Patch: Multi-player relics (/49, e.g., Jack Hughes).
Ultimate Access: Large swatches with autographs (e.g., Matthew Tkachuk).
Ultimate Shield Patch: 1/1, NHL shield (e.g., Connor Bedard).

The Ultimate Shield Patch and Ultimate Patches are top-tier, with their exclusivity and premium relics.

2022 Update Cards

The set includes 2022 Update cards, integrating players from the previous season:

Base Parallels: Gold (/35), Purple (/5), Black (/1) autographs (e.g., Sidney Crosby, Paul Coffey).
Ultimate Rookies Auto Patches: Numbered to 99 or 15 (e.g., Pyotr Kochetkov #155).
Ultimate Emblems Auto: Gold (/49 or /25), Platinum (/10 or /5) with metal emblems (e.g., Matty Beniers).
Ultimate Displays Auto: Jersey (/135 or less), Patch (/35 or /10), Tag (/6 or /3) (e.g., Matthew Tkachuk).
1999-00 Ultimate Victory Retro Autographs: Gold (/10) parallels (e.g., Henrik Lundqvist).
Pro Threads: Numbered to 49 or 10, autographed patches (e.g., John Tavares).

These updates add depth, incorporating stars and rookies from 2022-23, enhancing the set’s appeal.

Box Break and Value Analysis

Box Break

4 Cards: 1 autograph, 1 memorabilia card, 1 numbered base/rookie card, 1 additional hit.
Odds: Autographs and memorabilia guaranteed, with rare pulls like Shield Patches (1/1) possible.

Boxes cost $300-$350, reflecting the premium nature of the product.

Value Proposition

Pros:
- Guaranteed high-end hits with autographs and memorabilia.
- Low-numbered cards and 1/1 parallels drive value.
- Strong rookie class (e.g., Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli).
- Innovative inserts like Ultimate Planks and Crease Collection.
- Hard-signed autographs ensure authenticity.
Cons:
- High cost may deter casual collectors.
- Four-card count increases risk if pulls are less desirable.
- Rare hits like Shield Patches are not guaranteed.

The set’s exclusivity and potential for massive hits (e.g., Connor Bedard Auto Shield Patch) make it compelling, but its price targets dedicated collectors. Compared to The Cup, it’s slightly less prestigious but offers similar high-end value at a potentially lower cost.

Collector and Market Reception

Collectors praise the set for its rookie cards, autographs, and memorabilia, with Connor Bedard’s presence driving demand. Social media platforms like Reddit highlight excitement for Ultimate Planks and Crease Collection, though some note the high cost as a barrier. The set’s hard-signed autographs and game-worn relics resonate with hobbyists seeking authenticity. Market prices for hobby boxes range from $300 to $350, with top cards (e.g., Shield Patches) fetching thousands. Long-term value hinges on the rookie class’s performance and legends’ enduring appeal.

Comparison to Previous Years

The 2023-24 set introduces Ultimate Planks and Crease Collection, surpassing the 2022-23 set’s Ultimate Tendys and Stick with Me in variety. The four-card box format and hit guarantees remain consistent. The 2003-04 Signatures homage adds nostalgia, setting this year apart. The inclusion of 2022 Update cards enhances depth compared to prior releases.

Recommendations for Collectors

Who Should Buy: Serious collectors chasing rookies, autographs, or 1/1 memorabilia.
Who Should Pass: Casual collectors prioritizing quantity, due to high cost and low card count.
Tips:
- Review checklists on Beckett or Breakninja for specific players/inserts.
- Watch YouTube box breaks (e.g., Zeeree) to assess hit potential.
- Join group breaks to split costs while chasing high-end cards.
- Target rookies like Connor Bedard or rare parallels for long-term value.

Conclusion

The 2023-24 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey set is a premium offering that delivers exclusivity and high-end hits. Its 200-card base set, robust rookie class, and innovative inserts like Ultimate Planks and Crease Collection create a dynamic checklist. With guaranteed autographs, memorabilia, and low-numbered parallels, it caters to collectors valuing quality. While the $300-$350 price point and four-card boxes may deter some, the potential for game-changing pulls—like a Connor Bedard Auto Shield Patch—makes it a thrilling chase. For dedicated hockey card collectors, this set is a worthy investment with strong long-term potential.

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