The hockey cards have hit the ice yet again, sparkled up and ready to make collectors go gaga. For 27 years, Upper Deck Black Diamond has been the glittering crown jewel in the hockey cards universe, and the 2025-26 edition is no exception—a real showstopper shimmering with the dazzle of freshly-cut ice and, naturally, diamonds aplenty.
Unboxing one of these Black Diamond hobby boxes is like peeling open a treasure chest. A tantalizing tease awaits with just six cards in total, but what they lack in numbers, they more than make up for in pure, unadulterated collectibility. Each box promises at least one auto or diamond relic, a trio of inserts, memorabilia, or tech cards, a single showpiece from the Exquisite Collection, and to cap it all, a base or parallel card. It’s a blend no collector could resist—an enticing mix of rarity and history, right at your fingertips.
At the heart of this splendor is the base set, a compact but mighty force consisting of just 95 cards—the leanest since 2020-21. This trimmed-down approach infuses each card with an aura of exclusivity, shining the spotlight squarely on veterans, legends, and rookies alike. Numbered to /349, these cards are a badge of honor in any collection. For those with a taste for opulence, there are the Green parallels (/10) and the Gold parallels (1/1)—more coveted than ever, though less literal in their golden promise.
But for the true crème de la crème of the collection, the Diamond Relic parallels are where it’s at. Whether it’s the one-diamond or four-diamond splendor, these cards are set to become the cornerstone of any Black Diamond aficionado’s collection. Clear Diamond variants numbered to /5 and the elusive 1-of-1 Black Diamonds elevate these parallels to a level akin to Holy Grails—destined to ignite fervor among the most passionate card enthusiasts.
Now, rookie cards have an unbeatable allure of their own, as every collector knows, and Black Diamond takes this appeal to new heights. The Diamond Relic Rookies (/99) cards are not just cards, they’re market currency, glistening with up to four dazzling diamonds apiece. The icing on the cake are the chase-worthy Emerald (/10) and the ultimate Pure Black (1/1) versions, challenging collectors to up their game.
Fueling collectors’ desires further are the Band of Colors—a technicolor gem rainbow available in both rookie (/26) and veteran (/25) iterations. Catch a glimpse of the 1/1 Pure Black parallels and you’re looking at pure card gold. The irresistible combination of signatures and diamonds bears fruit in the Gemography line, with Emerald and aforementioned Black versions offering a spellbinding chase.
Those on the hunt for ink won’t leave disappointed, their efforts rewarded with a plethora of autograph options: Rookie Gems Signatures, Sparkling Scripts (1:8 packs), the engaging Sparkling Rookie Scripts (1:12), and the ever-impressive Signature Clarity (1:40).
And then there are the relics! Diamond Mine pours out relics (1:4 packs), complete with Dual and Triple versions. A hint of history is woven into the Diamond Debut Relics (1:4), while nostalgia carries the day with Hockey History Patches (1:12), Rookie Team Logo Jumbo Patches (1:3), and Team Logo Jumbo Patches (1:15). The auto relics—wowza! Jewels of the Draft and Auto Rookie Jumbo Patches—are dazzling show-stealers, while the novel Captains Patch set (/99) might just catch an autograph if fortune favors.
Inserts this year aren’t just popping; they’re bursting at the seams. Rookie Gems (/399), with additional Red (/100) and Green (/10) parallels, are a card lover’s feast, while the Diamond Facet and Diamond Gallery make appearances about one in every ten packs. And who could forget the alluring Diamonation, Diamond Might, and Rookie Diamond Cutters—each boasting their own allure, particularly numbered to /99?
Amidst these gleaming riches, the Exquisite Collection stands tall, seamlessly integrated into Black Diamond’s robust offering. Exquisite Veterans and Rookies (/399) feature Gold (/99) and Gold Spectrum (/25), Rookie Day Draft (/349), the all-new Stanley Cup Heroes (/299) paralleled down to /5, and the memorable Moments (/99). Not to mention the stash of Extra Exquisite Jerseys (/349), Rookie Patches (/99), Dual Swatches (/75), and massive Jumbo Materials (/10).
Each precise pack, enveloping its six-card haul, promises the thrill of discovery, igniting the chase with potential treasure. With the official release date still hovering tantalizingly on the horizon, the current can’t-miss alternative? Scour for a 2024-25 Black Diamond Hockey box—where there’s yet more magic and diamonds to be found. So, collectors, ready your binders and brace your pockets; the hunt is officially on.