Collect call: 2011-12 Panini Hockey stickers

Posted Dec 14, 2011 by Bob D'Angelo

Updated Dec 14, 2011 at 12:49 AM

Panini built its reputation on stickers, so it’s only natural that the company would excel on a hockey set that is reasonably priced and fun to collect.

The 2011-12 Panini Stickers hobby box offers a staggering 50 packets, with seven stickers included in each. With 384 stickers, this should be easy for set builders — but it’s not quite that easy.

Duplication brings it down just a peg.

Still, the set includes “base” stickers, plus 60 holographic foil stickers. There are also 36 fabric stickers, which depict team, conference and NHL logos, plus stickers that showcase the Stanley Cup and the NHLPA.

There is a 72-page booklet that can be purchased separately, in which you can attach the stickers.

In the box I sampled, there were 199 base stickers, with 23 foils and 19 fabric. Sixteen of those fabrics are basically two stickers and have two numbers on the back — a large logo and a mini one split the sticker in half. Give Panini points for getting the new Winnipeg Jets logo on this year’s team and player stickers.

The design depicts two photos of each player—a close shot, and an action shot. The colors are bright, and the 2 1/4-by-3 1/8-inch size accommodates the shots perfectly.

The doubles were the lone disappointment. In the box I sampled, there were 80 duplicate base stickers, three foils and four fabrics. Had the collation been better, it would have been easier to complete the set.

But overall, a fun product. It’s perfect for young hockey fans, as it gives them the thrill of collecting while learning about the players.