Motown Madness is ITG’s latest specialty box

Posted Jan 8, 2013 by Bob D'Angelo

Updated Mar 27, 2013 at 09:45 PM

The Detroit Red Wings epitomize tough, blue collar hockey and have a history of success to back it up: 11 Stanley Cups, and Hall of Famers like Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay and current Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman.

In The Game is hoping to capitalize on the Red Wings’ appeal with a specialty set that will be available next month. Motown Madness follows on the heels of last year’s Broad Street Bullies, which paid tribute to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Collectors can expect the same kind of attention for the Red Wings set. A box will contain 12 cards, with four autographs, two memorabilia cards, a Patch of Honor insert and five base cards.

There will be several different types of relic cards. Raised to the Rafters will honor those Red Wings who had their numbers retired. Starting Lineup will feature six starters from a particular squad (with game-used swatches on the card).

Enshrined will pay tribute to those Detroit players who were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Red Wings opponents will receive their due in Games to Remember and Battle for the Cup, which will feature swatches not only from Red Wings stars, but also from the players they faced in key games and in the NHL playoffs.

Equipment, Tough Materials and Goaltenders also will be possible pulls for collectors.

One thing is for certain: Expect to see a lot of red swatches. In The Game rightfully loaded up the relic cards with Detroit’s distinctive red uniform color.

If you’re an autograph chaser, the possibility of securing a Howe signature on a card is definitely an enticement.

And if you’re a Red Wings fan, this set is definitely something to investigate.