Podcast · Leisure & Travel

Nonsense on Ice

by Doug Plagens · English · Leisure & Travel

Join Doug Plagens for a weekly dose of hockey collectibles conversation. You can expect to hear about hockey news and how it relates to the hobby, as well as the latest hockey card releases, young players to know, and much more!

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 1 min
Latest: 9 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 10 min

Big News from Alex Ovechkin

Doug opens the show looking at the latest Card Ladder index numbers for the hockey market. Plus, some breaking news out of Upper Deck's Series 1 with Gavin McKenna. Alex Ovechkin announced his retirement this week. Producer Brendan is a big Caps fan, and gives his reaction as well. Paul Zickler of Upper Deck joins to discuss Series 1, Gavin McKenna, and much more! 0:00 - Intro and Hockey Card Ladder Index 4:50 - Series 1 Reactions and the Ultra-Rare Gavin McKenna 12:00 - Ovi Retirement 19:30 - CGC 3 Stars of the Week 24:35 - Intro for Paul Zickler 26:25 - Were the prospects at The National…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

2 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 30 min
Series 1 Young Guns Preview + Sooz from CGC
Doug is back with Nonsense on Ice, and we have the official breakdown of the Young Guns checklist from Series 1 Upper Deck Hockey. Plus, Sooz from CGC joins to discuss her journey in the hobby, her path to CGC, and her massive Jeter collection. Wrap up with Upper Deck ICE rip. 0:00 - Intro + Gem Rate Data 7:00 - What the Knies-Marchenko trade meant for the hobby 12:00 - Series 1 Young Guns Breakdown 20:00 - Introducing Susan Lulgjuraj and how this is the most exciting time to be in the hobby she can ever remember 23:00 - Sooz began her Derek Jeter collection at 16 and now has over 3000+…
25 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Is Celebrini The Best Buy in Sports Cards?
Doug is back and breaks down the latest NHL news and looks at the hockey market as it currently stands as preseason games are starting. Plus, we look into the SCN Challenge as Brendan and Doug tumbled down the ranks after the latest update. Is Macklin Celebrini the best buy amongst young players in sports cards? Doug and Brendan think so! 0:00 - Intro 6:40 - Connor Helleybuck is still a Jet, somehow. 12:00 - SCN Challenge Update 27:30 - Where does Macklin Celebrini rank amongst young stars in sports? 41:10 - Doug makes NHL Playoff predictions 52:00 - Artifacts Rip Follow Sports Cards…
18 Sep 2026 · 56 min
A Holdout Could Have Massive Hobby Implications
Doug is back for another episode of Nonsense on Ice, but a lot of the nonsense this week is happening off the ice. There was tons of news this week, with big extensions and an even bigger holdout that could have massive hobby implications. Plus, the latest on the SCN Challenge and ripping UD Premier! 0:00 - Intro & Card Ladder Index 8:00 - Upper Deck Ice & UD Release Calendar 18:00 - NHL News - why we saw a flurry of 8-year deals on Tuesday. 21:30 - Why Ryan Leonard and the Caps are a good buy for breaks for 2026-27. 25:35 - Connor Helleybuck situation could have massive hobby ripple effects…
12 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
Crossing Over a $1M Card?
The Macklin Celebrini Gold Outburst 1/1 was crossed over from a PSA Authentic to... TAG? Yes, apparently TAG got the biggest hockey card of the year to cross over from PSA. Should you grade a 1/1? Does the company you grade with matter (hint: yes)? Plus, what is the ceiling for Macklin Celebrini? We also preview The SCN Challenge. 0:00 - Intro and card ladder index notes 11:15 - The Macklin Celebrini $1M gets cross-graded to TAG, got a TAG 8. 23:15 - Seeing a card in a wild, you want it slabbed by one of the big four grading companies. 24:30 - NHL News and Notes 31:20 - Matthew Schaeffer set…
4 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
The Best Young Players to Collect
Doug is joined this week by NHL Network and long-time NHLer Jason Demers. Jason is a big collector, but not just in hockey. He breaks down the best young players to target and looks at some of the big names he has big cards of. Plus, he talks about how he got into the hobby with Phil Kessel and what his collection looks like now. 0:00 - Introducing NHL Network’s Jason Demers 2:30 - How did Jason get into TV after his career in the NHL? 8:00 - Getting into the content space after being a player 11:40 - The ceiling for Macklin Celebrini is the best player in the league; he’s already top 5 in…
28 Aug 2026 · 53 min
Golden Age of Defensemen
Doug is back this week, and the hockey market remains strong despite being out of season. Looking at the hobby market in general, with new products for the 2026-27 season. Will Quinn Hughes see a hobby bump? Plus, it is the golden age of defensemen in the hobby. 0:00 - Intro and quick look at the hobby market 5:30 - Card Ladder NHL Market 11:00 - Will Quinn Hughes see a bump after his extension? 20:00 - The era of collectible defensemen 27:05 - “Golden Age of Defensemen” and can’t let that deter you from collecting 37:00 - Macklin Celebrini market post-1/1 sale 45:50 - Clear Cut Hockey Rip…
21 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
Record-Shattering Hockey Sale
Doug is back for another week of Nonsense on Ice, discussing the biggest hockey card ever for anyone other than Wayne Gretzky. Where does the Celebrini market go from here? Plus, looking at how the Shaq market is exploding and how finding 90s inserts and undervalued players is possible across all markets. Wrapping up with an Upper Deck Team Canada rip! 0:00 - Intro 7:15 - A huge Macklin Celebrini sale 17:00 - Upper Deck Release Calendar 27:10 - Shaq 90s insert market is on fire; how can you identify inserts across all sports to collect 45:30 - Looking at young, talented teams in the NHL for…
14 Aug 2026 · 48 min
A Record-Breaking Celebrini Card & CCG President Max Spiegel
Doug is back with Max Spiegel of CCG (the parent company of CGC) to discuss the growth of CGC, the success they had at The National, a new record CGC sale, and his own path of collecting. Plus, the hockey community will set the new highest-selling non-Gretzky card this weeknd thanks to Macklin Celebrini. 0:00 - Intro with Max Spiegel, President of CCG (and CGC). 1:35 - CGC is scaling without sacrificing quality. 11:35 - What is Max collecting now? 16:20 - A new record for a card sale in a CGC slab 22:30 - A new era of collecting 29:05 - Macklin Celebrini 1/1 Gold Outburst will be the…
7 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
Post-National Reactions & Jason Masherah of Upper Deck
Doug is back from The National with some new pickups, some fun stories, and more. Plus, we get into the Upper Deck 2026-27 Release Calendar, one of the most surprising contracts in the NHL, and ripping some Ultimate Collection. We wrap up with Doug and Mike Gio's interview with Jason Masherah, the President of Upper Deck, from The National. 0:00 - Intro and Upper Deck Release Calendar 8:20 - One of the most surprising contracts in the NHL 12:25 - Recapping The National 30:20 - The National reinvigorating The Hobby 33:30 - Ultimate Collection Rip 35:50 - Jason Masherah Interview from The…
1 Aug 2026 · 39 min
Gordy Bonker on the Vintage Hockey Market
Doug is joined by Gordy Bonker to discuss all things vintage hockey and the power of Wayne Gretzky. How much has Gordy dealt in the high-end Gretzky market? Plus, looking at the vintage market as a whole. Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
24 Jul 2026 · 42 min
Best Tips for The National
With The National less than a week away Doug dives in deep on his best tips for the show, looking ahead to what he's most excited about, and also some plans for the week! 0:00 - Intro and Looking ahead to The National 6:15 - Upper Deck Release Calendar 12:00 - The National Preview and Advice 27:00 - Brendan's question for The National. 34:00 - Ripping SP Authentic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
18 Jul 2026 · 43 min
Upper Deck Wins 2026 Sports Card of the Year
Doug opens the show discussing Macklin Celebrini's Upper Deck The Cup 1/1 Rookie Patch Auto winning the 2026 ESPY for Sports Card of the Year. Plus, we look at the NHL card market and Conor Bedard's market after his injury to see how the public is responding. Doug opens packs of 2025-26 SP Game Used CHL for the break of the week. Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe Learn more about your…
13 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 14 min
Collecting While Touring with Nick Ghanbarian of Bayside
Nick Ghanbarian from Bayside joins Doug to discuss being a hockey collector in California, what it is like collecting on the road while out on tour with Bayside, and more. Plus, a crazy story about hitting up estate sales for cards. That and much more on a special edition of Nonsense on Ice with the bassist from one of Doug's favorite bands and a major collector! Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense…
3 Jul 2026 · 58 min
Names to Target in the NHL Offseason
Alex Ovechkin is back for Year 22 in the NHL with the Washington Capitals. Plus, a quick review of the 2026 NHL Draft and the Hobby 3 Stars of the Week. Doug breaks down the offseason names to know in the NHL and which players could have a big 2026-27 that are a bargain now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
26 Jun 2026 · 59 min
Offseason Nonsense; CGC's Big Push
On this week's episode of Nonsense on Ice, Doug looks at the crazy trades happening around the NHL, rips a little Extended Series, and sits down with Andy Broome from CGC. 0:00 - Intro the show and intro Andy Broome, VP of CGC 4:30 - Early SP Authentic Sales and a few big Future Watch autographs already sold 8:20 - Intro to Andy Broome, VP of CGC, and CGC’s action plan for growth and hiring more people 14:45 - CGC going global with offices in China, the Middle East, and Europe, and how this is a signal of strength in the hobby. 16:00 - How does someone become a card grader? 23:05 - How is…
19 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
How Upper Deck Preps for the NHL Draft!
On this episode of Nonsense on Ice, Doug looks back at the career of Jonathan Toews. We also have a big sponsorship announcement! Plus, Amanda Whitaker-Smith from Upper Deck joins ahead of the NHL Draft! 0:00 - Intro - Setting up Upper Deck x NHL Draft! 2:30 - CGC Partnership Announcement 7:45 - Jonathan Toews announces his retirement, something to dive into deeper next week. 10:00 - Matthew Schaeffer Debut Game Jersey Auto only around $4100 with 7 hours to go. 22:00 - Value Vintage Pick - Rod Brind’Amour 27:30 - Amanda Whitaker-Smith from Upper Deck joins Doug 29:50 - Upper Deck’s role with…
12 Jun 2026 · 55 min
Calder Cup Final Top Prospects to Watch
On this episode of Nonsense on Ice, Doug discusses the latest around the Stanley Cup Finals and looks ahead to the Calder Cup Finals and the top prospects on each team. 0:00 - Intro & Card Ladder Index 3:00 - Stanley Cup update and potential playoff award winners 12:00 - Upper Deck Release Calendar 18:00 - Hobby 3 Stars 25:00 - Calder Cup Prospect Preview 31:50 - Doug is using CGC for his PC cards these days 37:30 - Favorite Vintage Hockey Set 47:00 - The extended series rip Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
5 Jun 2026 · 57 min
Value of Hockey Cards in Different Grading Companies & Stanley Cup Bump
In this episode, Doug opens up looking at the Stanley Cup and how the hockey market is responding to a 1-1 series. Plus, Doug and Brendan discuss their grading process for cards at different pricing levels. 0:00 - Intro with a Stanley Cup update 4:00 - Card Ladder Index Update 13:30 - NHL Awards and what it might mean for award-winners' markets 26:50 - Looking at options outside of PSA for value tier grading, and what Doug is choosing to grade, and where 32:00 - Doug and Brendan discuss their grading process. 39:30 - Aaron from AAMint Cut 40:45 - Value Break Spot for Extended Series 45:25 -…
1 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
Upper Deck's Paul Zickler Breaks Down New Debut Patches!
In this episode, Paul Zickler from Upper Deck joins Doug to discuss the new Debut Patches coming to Extended Series later in June. 0:00 - Show Open 4:30 - Stanley Cup Matchup still not set 8:01 - Paul Zickler of Upper Deck joins the show 10:18 - Rookie Debut Jersey Cards and the importance of commemorating a player's first game 13:15 - How did the checklist come together for the Rookie Debut Jersey Patches, and why were they put in Extended Series 16:45 - The importance of having these cards live in packs and how the patches were picked for the 1/1 31:00 - Looking ahead to the Young Guns…
26 May 2026 · 56 min
Chases from Upcoming Extended Series Announced!
Upper Deck's Extended Series is shaping up to be a huge release for the hockey market. Debut Patches will make their product debut this year in hockey products. That and more in this week's episode of Nonsense on Ice: 0:00 - Intro and what’s on tap today 5:45 - What makes the Upper Deck Extended Series Debut Patches so special? 8:35 - The Debut Patch checklist and top chases 9:45 - Young Guns Checklist and top chases 13:00 - The Gretzky PSA 9/Auto 10 O-Pee-Chee sells for $540,000. 30:15 - Hobby 3 Stars of the Week 40:20 - Doug Rips Hobby Box of 2025-26 SPX Learn more about your ad choices.…
19 May 2026 · 53 min
Top Rookie Cards to Chase for NHL Award Winners
In this episode of Nonsense on Ice presented by Upper Deck, we dive into the NHL Awards and look at the top rookie cards to chase of the 2025-26 NHL Award Winners. We also dive deep into the hockey market over the last week, look at the latest NHL releases, and check out Doug's Hobby Three Stars for the week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12 May 2026 · 1 hr 19 min
The NHL Card Market, Young Guns Risers & Hockey Hobby Trends with Mick Kern
New episode of Nonsense on Ice presented by Upper Deck is here with special guest Mick Kern! We break down the NHL playoffs, hockey cards, and one of the biggest pulls we’ve ever had on the show. We also dive into this week’s Hobby Three Stars, while talking playoff performances, rising Young Guns values, and the current state of the hockey hobby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
5 May 2026 · 59 min
How the NHL Playoffs Are Impacting the Card Market
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing and the hockey world is buzzing! In this episode of Nonsense on Ice presented by Upper Deck, we break down how rising NHL viewership and playoff performances are impacting the hockey card market right now. From surging Card Ladder trends to breakout playoff stars and undervalued young guns, we take a deep dive into what is driving the hobby and where things could be headed next. We also cover upcoming Upper Deck releases, share insights from recent card shows, and rip into the brand new Metal Universe product. If you collect, invest, or just love…
28 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
The Hockey Card Market Is HEATING UP During Playoffs
In this episode of Nonsense on Ice, we break down everything happening right now across the NHL and the hobby, from playoff storylines to rising card values and under-the-radar buying opportunities. We dive into the biggest NHL playoff storylines, highlight breakout performances, and examine how it is affecting card values in real time. We also cover five players who missed the playoffs but could be smart buys right now, along with rookie cards from the 2025 to 2026 class that deserve your attention. Plus, we get into practical hobby advice, including card show prep, what actually sells, and…
21 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 19 min
Inside Upper Deck’s New Product Release + Live Olympic Signing
In this action-packed episode of Nonsense on Ice, we break down everything happening in the hockey world and the hobby right now. From the Stanley Cup Playoffs to rising card values and brand new releases. We speak with Upper Deck’s Product Development Manager, Tony Sirianni to talk about an exciting new release, 2025–26 Upper Deck Flair Hockey! We break down what really goes into creating a modern trading card set, from design and nostalgia to rare inserts, rookie chases, and why some of these card sets take over a year to make. Then, we switch gears and talk with the CEO of…
14 Apr 2026 · 58 min
Why Hockey Cards Are Surging Right Now
On the latest Nonsense on Ice presented by Upper Deck, Doug Plagens breaks down why hockey cards are gaining momentum right now as the NHL season heads toward the playoffs. He dives into the latest CardLadder hockey index numbers, PSA grading trends, rising stars, veteran market movement, and the NHL storylines shaping the hobby, including Cole Caufield’s 50-goal season, Nick Suzuki’s breakout year, the Islanders’ coaching change, Alex Ovechkin’s market one year after breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record, and more. He also covers upcoming Upper Deck releases, this week’s Hobby 3 Stars, prospects…
7 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
Playoff Race Heat, Rising Stars and Hobby Movers | Nonsense on Ice
The NHL regular season is winding down, the playoff race is tightening, and Doug Plagens breaks down the biggest storylines on the ice and in the hobby. This week’s episode covers Montreal’s late-season surge, Cole Caufield’s goal-scoring tear, Macklin Celebrini’s historic season, and what recent injuries to stars like Cale Makar, Leon Draisaitl and Cutter Gauthier could mean moving forward. Doug also looks at hobby movement around names like Jeremy Swayman, Jakub Dobes, Owen Tippett, Nathan MacKinnon and Jack Eichel, plus shares value vintage picks and rips packs of the new Fleer Ultra…
31 Mar 2026 · 55 min
NHL Playoff Race Heats Up + Biggest Upper Deck Series 2 Sales
Doug Plagens is back with the latest edition of Nonsense on Ice presented by Upper Deck, breaking down the biggest NHL and hockey card storylines as the regular season heads toward the finish. Doug dives into the wild card races in both conferences, notable NHL debuts to know, and Sergei Bobrovsky’s latest milestone. Then he shifts to the hobby side with upcoming Upper Deck releases, some of the biggest early Upper Deck Series 2 sales, and a bigger conversation around sealed wax, when it makes sense to hold it and when it may be smarter to turn it into singles. He also shares this week’s…
24 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
9 NHL Hobby Targets Flying Under the Radar
Doug Plagens breaks down some of the biggest NHL and hockey card storylines as the regular season heads into the home stretch.First, Doug reacts to Leon Draisaitl’s injury and looks at which Oilers could benefit from added opportunity, including Matt Savoie and Evan Bouchard. He also checks in on several major NHL names making headlines right now, including Alex Ovechkin, Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, Nikita Kucherov, and Matthew Schaefer.Then the show shifts to one of the most interesting hobby conversations of the episode: young players on likely non-playoff teams who could be smart…

About Nonsense on Ice

Nonsense on Ice is a English leisure & travel podcast from Doug Plagens. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Doug Plagens
Language: English
Category: Leisure & Travel
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 1 min
Latest episode: 9 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1852272754

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