
In a twist befitting a sports-themed folk tale, the recent sale of a 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee Hockey card case at a Texas auction house is writing a dramatic second chapter. Jack Arshawsky, a real estate agent hailing from Vaughan, Ontario, emerged as the proud new owner of this prized collection with a bid of a hefty $3.7 million. Taking home more than just a purchase, Arshawsky has embarked on a quest to pass this treasure to a collector with a heart for hockey history deeper than his own.
This February event run by Heritage Auctions brought forward this rare item. A still-pristine set of hockey cards, untouched and perfectly preserved since the days of disco, shuffled its way into today’s era. Arshawsky, after securing the win with a majority payment of $3 million, found himself in a contemplative state following the auction. The feeling of triumph soon mingled with a sense of responsibility, further stirred by the poignant disappointment of the underbidder—a collector for whom the case was a missed dream.
This prompted a unique resolution from Arshawsky: to find this collector trove a more fitting custodian. But this has proven to be no easy feat. His search has reached the ears of prominent figures, from the billionaire owner of the Edmonton Oilers, Daryl Katz, to pop culture icon Drake, and even hockey legend Wayne Gretzky himself. Despite these high-profile inquiries, a suitable successor to the case has not yet been found.
The quest not only adds a layer of urgency but underscores the unique allure of the O-Pee-Chee Hockey card case. Housed within this cardboard chest are 16 boxes, each packed with 48 packs of hockey cards—a collector’s jackpot speculated to hold at least 25 rookie cards of Wayne Gretzky, the Great One himself. This isn’t just any memorabilia, but a snapshot of sports history, captured in mint condition and sealed away for over four decades.
The ongoing saga has not been put off even by logistical delays. Heritage Auctions, accustomed to managing multimillion-dollar memorabilia sales, often sees post-auction arrangements extend the timeline of possession. Yet, this case is notably patient, waiting in Heritage’s secured Texas vault, a fitting stronghold for such a valuable artifact.
To assist in this unique venture, Arshawsky has retained the services of Hy Bergel, a legal mind from Toronto, who adds an official tenor to the search. It’s not about profit for Arshawsky, but passion. He hopes to find a buyer who pertains an enthusiastic appreciation for the historical value and emotional resonance of the collection.
Amidst this extensive search for a new steward, Arshawsky has entertained a rather heartwarming fallback plan—gifting the entire case to a childhood friend, should no suitable buyer emerge. It’s a testament to his genuine desire for the cards to be cherished and appreciated, rather than simply owned.
As this modern-day treasure hunt continues, the 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee Hockey card case remains more than just a high-value collectible. It stands as a beacon for nostalgia, sportsmanship, and the purity of passion over profit. The card case, silently resting in its vault, waits to find its ultimate home, perhaps even inspiring future collectors to mirror the devotion displayed in this ongoing tale. Awaiting the next chapter, the hockey world watches, hopeful and eager for the breakthrough that will finally place these treasures in their destined hands.