Upper Deck Welcomes PWHL Star Taylor Heise: A Game-Changer for Women’s Sports

Upper Deck has partnered with Taylor Heise, a star from the Minnesota Frost, to create exclusive collectible cards. This deal arrives with the launch of the new PWHL: First Edition trading card set.

Trading cards featuring rookies are always in high demand. The PWHL: First Edition set, released recently, showcases every player from the six-team league as a rookie. “We have 70 unique players included,” says Paul Zickler, Upper Deck’s director of sports brands. “The first 50 make up the base set, plus 20 Young Guns cards.”

Collectors can find Young Guns cards for established players like Marie-Philip Poulin, the captain of the Montreal Victoire, and Natalie Spooner, the MVP of Season 1 from the Toronto Sceptres. But the highlight is Taylor Heise, the league’s first overall draft pick and playoff MVP, who is getting her own special cards.

Upper Deck has also signed Heise to an exclusive collectibles agreement, allowing them to produce her merchandise. She joins another star, Sarah Fillier, who was signed in December.

Heise shared her excitement: “I never imagined women in professional sports could have this kind of spotlight. It’s amazing to see trading cards featuring us, and we’re building a community of fans and collectors.”

Heise and Fillier have become key figures in women’s hockey, representing the intense rivalry between the U.S. and Canada. Fillier is from Georgetown, Ontario, while Heise hails from Lake City, Minnesota. Both have quickly made their mark in the league.

During the PWHL’s inaugural playoffs, Heise scored an impressive five goals in ten games. As of January 28, she has 14 points, tied for the top in the league, with Fillier closely following with 13 points in her first 12 games.

“They’re both fantastic people, and their performance on the ice has been outstanding,” Zickler added. “We feel fortunate to have them representing our brand.”

The PWHL: First Edition set features unique rosters and images from the league’s first year, with cards displaying original team jerseys and names before final logos were introduced.

Historically, women hockey players have appeared on trading cards through their national teams. Upper Deck previously worked with the PHF but noted that this new deal offers a more extensive platform. “Some contacts from the PHF have transitioned to the PWHL, but this inaugural set is on a much larger scale,” Zickler explained.

Upper Deck has focused on hockey for over 30 years and continues to prioritize both men’s and women’s leagues. Zickler shared his commitment to promoting women’s sports: “Our goal is to elevate women in sports, not just in hockey but across various disciplines. Expect to see more cards from sports like gymnastics, field hockey, and volleyball soon.”

As for the future of hockey trading cards, Zickler believes the sport is on an upswing. “Hockey has never been faster or more popular. The skill level is impressive, and we’re excited to support the PWHL in expanding the fan base and encouraging more collectors.”