The dawn of the Edmonton Oilers was starting in 1981 when O-PEE-CHEE issued its massive 396 card set. The set contains an amazing number of rookie cards - including many keys to the Oilers Stanley Cup run - Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey, Glenn Anderson, Kevin Lowe and Andy Moog. Throw in several Gretzky cards and a 2nd year Messier and you have a must-own classic for the 80s hockey fan. Beside the Oilers, the set also includes many other key rookies including Stasny, Savard, Hunter and Ciccarelli. 

1984-85 Topps Hockey

 After a two year hiatus, Topps returned to the hockey market with a 165 card set whose design resembled the 1983 baseball issue of the previous summer. The set contains 66 single printed cards which are significantly tougher than the rest of the set. Given the lapse in time, the set features more than its share of rookie cards including Steve Yzerman, Andreychuk, Barrasso, Verbeek and LaFontaine.

1985-86 Topps Hockey

 The 1985 hockey issue by Topps is very similar to the 1984 release in that there are 165 standard-sized cards with 66 of them single printed. The set is notable for containing the rookie card of hockey legend Mario Lemieux, the star who almost single handedly led the Penguins to a pair of Stanley Cups in the 80s.  

1986 OPC Hockey

 O-PEE-CHEE issued this 264 card set in 1986 featuring a sharp design, strong card stock and a nice glossy finish - a big departure from the late 70s and early 80s when their production quality was extremely sub-par and rough cuts were typical. The set features the rookie card of future HOFer Patrick Roy, along with the 2nd year card of Lemieux. Other notable rookies include Wendel Clark and John Van Biesbrouck.