Tomáš Vokoun: 1997-98 Donruss Rated Rookie (RC)

I got a delivery a week or so ago that included this card. I wanted it bad, because it became my first Vokoun RC card. And what a card it is!

First of all, it is an insert card. Second, it's my only Montreal Vokoun card. Lot of people don't even know that Tomáš played for the Canadiens.

Actually, he played in just one game for Montreal. And his debut was not really that great - he played only one period, recorded 10 saves and allowed 4 goals, which set his stats at Saves percentage 0.714 and dreadful 12.00 goals against average. But nevertheless, it was a start.

The card itself is decent. It doesn't show on the scan, but those letter behind Tomáš are actually foil as well as the Rated Rookies logo. Take a look at Vokoun's mughshot - he has hair! :) I can't remember when was the last time I saw him with hair. His bald head became synonymous for him - that and the glove on his right hand.

His number is different - I don't remember him wearing 37 in NHL or in nationals, but one thing remained unchanged from the beginning - his loyalty to Sher-Wood sticks. I believe he is wielding Nike-Bauer nowadays, but he had been using Sher-Woods for a long long time.

Tomáš Vokoun: My very first jersey card!

This is my very first jersey card and what's more, it features Tomáš Vokoun. I can't tell you how excited I was when I first took this card into my hands and touched the jersey parts. It didn't cost me much, but it's very valuable for me nonetheless.

Although Vokoun is pictured in a Panthers jersey,  the jersey is actually of Nashville Predators, where Tomáš spent a big part of his career. The photo is not really great, but I guess that's not what jersey cards are about.

I hope to add some more game used memorabilia in my collection, once I get enough funds, I'm buying a Belfour for sure! 

Tomáš Vokoun: Upper Deck 2001 - 2002

 

Let's have a look at Tomáš Vokoun card for a change. Tomáš is one of our national heroes, he is believed to be the best Czech goaltender since Dominik Hašek and that's why he is the second player I'm collecting.

So far, this is my oldest card of, UD 2001-02 base set, but a Montreal rookie card is on the way. The card itself is decent - nothing that would make you go ooh or aah, but it's definitely a nice card, because of some nifty details, like the silver lining (not really visible on the scan) on the lower part of the card. I also like Vokoun's pads, the combination of yellow and blue is very pleasant to my eyes, and his mask with shiny cage. All of my newer cards feature his mask with white cage, so that's why I like it.

The back of the card has a pretty, simple yet effective design. It has everything a good card should have by my standards - a photo, good design, complete stats and also some blurb about Tomáš. The card describes him as a good, perspective goalie and IMO he really lived up to the expectations.