Upper Deck marks Hockey Card Day with free cards

Upper Deck is joining into the Hockey Day in Canada festivities on Feb. 9.

Using its network of certified Diamond Dealers, the card company will give out free hockey cards across Canada as part of NatIonal Hockey Card Day. The cards will be distributed in exclusive "National Hockey Card Day" trading card packs at the Diamond Dealer locations.

To further celebrate Canada's hockey passion, the players included in National Hockey Card Day packs will be featured as members of Team Canada.

"The only thing better than Upper Deck hockey cards is FREE Upper Deck hockey cards," said Chris Carlin, Upper Deck's sports marketing & social media manager. "On Saturday, Feb. 9, hockey fans throughout Canada are invited to get involved in the great hobby of collecting hockey trading cards on National Hockey Card Day. All fans have to do is drop in on a participating shop that day to receive a FREE National Hockey Card Day pack that feature some of the greatest Canadian players to ever skate!"

The main draw for collectors is the National Hockey Card Day set itself. The 16-card set, with the special "National Hockey Card Day" logo on the front, features a trio of categories that pay tribute to top Team Canada hockey players. Carter Ashton, Tyson Barrie, Casey Cizikas, Jaden Schwartz and Mark Stone are featured in the "Canada's Rookies" set. In the "Pride of Canada," it is Martin Brodeur, Sidney Crosby, Jordan Eberle, Jarome Iginla and John Tavares. Finally, the "Hockey Heroes" set features Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Eric Lindros, Bobby Orr and Joe Sakic.

Packs will yield five randomly assorted cards, while a special limited 16th card featuring Gretzky and Lemieux from the 1987 Canada Cup is offered as a gift with purchase from shop owners while supplies last.