SMALL GOALIE, BIG COLLECTION

AN UNDERSIZED KEEPER FINDS HIS HOBBY SPIRIT ANIMAL IN PINT-SIZED PUCKSTOPPER JHONAS ENROTH.

MEET AARON:

“My name is Aaron Goldstein and I’m from Caledon, Ontario. I’m 26 years old and have been collecting hockey cards since 2005. My focus has been on goaltenders, as I’ve played the position myself for over 10 years now.”

GETTING STARTED: “I got into the hobby buying packs at a local convenience store. At the time, this was the only place near me where I could quench my thirst for cards. As I was ripping packs, I would mainly try to hone in on the goalie cards. The designs, coupled with the cool goalie masks, gear and team uniforms, just meshed together so nicely and I loved that. They were like tiny pieces of art in my mind.

“Over the years I’ve collected a few goaltenders here and there, but I felt like my collection was missing a more specific aspect to it, so I made it my goal to one day start a super collection which would focus on one player only. Enter Jhonas Enroth.”

WHY ENROTH?: “I started collecting his cards because, as a smaller goaltender myself, I’ve always appreciated his ability to play at the highest level of hockey. His technical ability on the ice is something I’ve enjoyed watching and learning from for many years now, and continue to do so today. I remember watching his first NHL win back in 2010 against my hometown Toronto Maple Leafs and being amazed at how he handled himself in the net. Ever since then, I wanted to try and collect as many cards as I could of the Swedish netminder.”

THE COLLECTION:

“The scope of my collection is fairly large, but I mainly focus on the cards. Aside from the obvious major manufacturer releases, I also collect various show-stamped and ITG Vault-stamped cards, team-issued releases, obscure oddball and error cards, etc. I currently own about 450 unique Enroth singles, and more than 90 percent of his packinserted cards. I also have a handful of autographed photos, game programs, and even a few pro stock sticks made for Enroth as well. The most impressive non-card item I own is a photo-matched CCM Extreme Flex ll autographed stick used by Enroth during the 2015-16 season with the Los Angeles Kings. The stick was used in many games and practices, most notably in Enroth’s seventh and final NHL shutout: A 2-0 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Feb. 27th, 2016.”

GLOBAL INTRIGUE: “His professional travels have made for some fun experiences over the years, but there have been challenges along the way. Currently, Enroth plays in the KHL for Dinamo Minsk, which has helped my collection out a lot with new cards these past few seasons, but these singles are always harder to locate. It’s been a fun challenge so far and I appreciate every KHL card in my collection.”

FAVORITE CARDS: “It’s sounds so cliche, but all of his cards are my favorites. Whether it’s a crazy patch auto or a simple base card, each one holds a spot of significance in my collection. If I really had to choose though, I would start with his

2009-10 The Cup Black Rookie 1/1. These are arguably the key card to have for any player collector, so I was thrilled to cross that off the list late last year. Another favorite is the 2010-11 Between The Pipes Game-Used Emblem Gold 1/1 that features a skull and cross bones patch from one of Enroth’s Portland Pirates jerseys. That is probably one of the most unique patches I’ve ever seen. I acquired both of these pieces from a former Enroth card collector last year, and I’m proud they permanently reside in my collection.

“One piece I was very lucky to add is a 2017-18 Dinamo Minsk New Year’s Exclusive team-issued card. These cards were only given out to Dinamo employees and season ticket holders. I was lucky enough to get in contact with someone from Minsk, Belarus who worked closely with the team in order to add that card to my collection.”

TEAM EFFORT: “One of my favorite things about this hobby is the collectors I’ve interacted with along the way. I’ve been in contact with people from across the globe who have played a role in shaping what my collection is today by helping me obtain Enroth cards. So to everyone who has helped me along the way, thank you!”

WHITE WHALE: “One of the most elusive cards on my Enroth want list is the 2009-10 Upper Deck Ultra Ice Medallion Rookie /25. I’ve only heard of one copy surfacing and it went for much more than I could afford at the time. Another Enroth card which I would love to acquire is the 2014-15 Upper Deck MVP Gold Script #/100. This card has a fairly high print run, but the Gold Script parallels were a retail exclusive hit that year, making it much harder to acquire for obscure player collectors like myself. Another white whale I’d love to have is the 2010-11 ITG Between The Pipes Masked Men Gold /10. Snagging any of these cards for my collection would be very exciting!”

CONNECT WITH AARON: “I can been reached on many hobby forums under the username creasecollector. My Instagram and Twitter handles are @creasecollector as well. I also have a website showcasing my entire

Jhonas Enroth card collection, which you can view at www.creasecollector.weebly.com.”