The Old Norris Division, in Sticker Form

Back in the late 1980s, the NHL's conferences and divisions were named differently than they are today. You had the Clarence Campbell Conference (i.e., today's Western Conference), which was separated into the Smythe and Norris Divisions. Then you had the Prince of Wales Conference (i.e., today's Eastern Conference), which was separated into the Patrick and Adams Divisions. All those names refer to men who made early contributions to the league. It was just one way that young hockey fans like me could learn about the history of the game. It also made for some great-looking 1980s all-star uniforms.

 

 

 

Another interesting thing about the NHL back then is that there were only 21 teams in the league, believe it or not. This means teams played each other a lot more during the season than nowadays—especially if they were in the same division. And this created some big rivalries. 

 

In the Adams Division, you had Boston vs. Montreal. You also had Montreal vs. Quebec, which was serious.

 

In the Patrick Division, you had Islanders vs. Rangers, and Flyers vs. Penguins.

In the Smythe Division, you had the battle of Alberta (Calgary vs. Edmonton).

And in the Norris Division? Well, all five teams—the Blackhawks, Red Wings, North Stars, Blues, and Maple Leafs—just beat up on each other. It was such a tough division that longtime football sportscaster Chris Berman still sometimes refers to NFL matchups that share the same geographical region as the NHL teams, like Vikings vs. Bears, as an "NFC Norris Division battle".

Why am I detailing all this information about a time in the NHL that's quite a ways in the rear-view mirror?

 

Well, recently Mark from the Chronicles of Fuji posted some flea market finds. And amongst his haul was this:

 

 

 

A sheet of 1980s puffy stickers from the old Norris Division!

 

Hockey fan that I am, I left a comment on that post to express how cool the stickers were, and guess what arrived in my mailbox not long after?

 

Yep. The very same sheet of stickers. Mark, you're a legend.

 

It turns out the company made stickers for all NHL divisions, as well as individual player stickers. There was even an album with designated spots to adhere each sticker! I'm tempted to open the wrapper of mine and stick some of those classic logos on an old hockey card binder, but I'm going to resist the urge. Maybe if I pick up some duplicates. (You can find some listed on ebay.)

 

And you know what else I've got to do? Be more like Mr. Fuji and send out some RAKs to fellow collectors. If you're reading this and we haven't sent some cards to each other in a while, feel free to leave a comment or send an email. I'd really like to get some good hobby mojo going.

Thanks again for the sweet RAK, Mark. And I've got something to send to you in return, so stay tuned.