For trading card and memorabilia collectors, especially hockey, the Sport Card Expo has long been a place to find something missing from a collection. It might be an elusive vintage Parkhurst card, a signed jersey or a rookie card that finally fits the budget. The chance to meet a favourite player adds another reason to go.
Known throughout the hobby as the Toronto Expo, or “The Hockey National,” the twice-yearly show brings collectors, dealers and card companies together at the International Centre in Mississauga. Its history stretches back to a time when hockey cards were attracting a rush of new buyers.
Al Sinclair’s Beginning
Entrepreneur Al Sinclair launched the Expo in the fall of 1991, during one of hockey collecting’s busiest periods. Manufacturers were competing for collectors’ attention, new products were arriving, and interest in future star Eric Lindros was helping drive demand for hockey collectors. Sports Collectors Daily’s retrospective describes an opening show filled with the excitement of that boom.
Starting during a hot market was one thing. Keeping collectors coming back as the business changed was another.
Under Sinclair, the Expo developed into a regular spring and fall gathering. Its selection expanded beyond hockey cards to include memorabilia and other sports. By its 50th show in November 2015, guests included Guy Lafleur and Andre Dawson. Sinclair also pointed to the young collectors browsing inexpensive cards, recognizing that the show’s future depended on giving families reasons to return.
Steve Menzie took over ownership in 2016. His experience promoting comic conventions brought a different background to an established event. In an interview that year, he spoke about preserving the Expo’s strengths while reaching more people through social media.
The Expo has also grown beyond its Toronto roots, with shows under the same banner in Montreal, Edmonton and Calgary. These events bring the familiar mix of dealer tables, autograph guests and hobby services to collectors in Quebec and Western Canada. Montreal’s show takes place in Laval, while the Edmonton event is held in nearby Sherwood Park.
Moments Collectors Remember
Some memorable Expo moments have happened around an open box.
At the fall 2014 show, Upper Deck documented collectors pulling Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux buyback autographs, a Michael Jordan autograph card and a Nathan MacKinnon rookie autograph patch card from The Cup. Its wrapper redemption program, which rewarded qualifying box openings with exclusive cards, gave collectors another reason to gather around the company’s booth.
The return of the in-person Fall Expo in 2021 was a different kind of milestone. After the pandemic interruption, collectors could meet across a dealer’s table again. The return also coincided with the show’s 30th anniversary, connecting its original generation of attendees with people who had discovered collecting during the shutdowns.
Another wave of rookie interest arrived with Connor Bedard. Ahead of the spring 2024 Expo, Menzie told Sports Collectors Daily that Bedard’s newly available cards were expected to generate business for dealers and grading companies. Three decades after Lindros, a young hockey star was again helping shape the conversation on the floor.
Its Place in the Hobby
The Expo’s reputation extends well beyond Canada. Sports Collectors Digest’s fall 2024 coverage reported growing participation from American collectors, exhibitors and content creators. Upper Deck, eBay, PSA, COMC, Heritage and Goldin were among the companies represented.
That mix helps explain its standing. Collectors can shop, speak with hobby businesses and arrange services during the same visit. Hockey remains central to its identity, while its audience and selection have broadened.
Fall 2026 Show Preview
The Fall 2026 Sport Card Expo, presented by eBay, runs November 5 to 8 at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Road in Mississauga. Public hours are Thursday, 4–8 PM; Friday, 11 AM to 8 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM; and Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
Saturday’s scheduled autograph guests include Carey Price, Marie-Philip Poulin, Grant Fuhr, Pekka Rinne and Dave Winfield. Wrestling fans can meet Sting. Sunday’s lineup includes Dominik Hasek, Joe Nieuwendyk, Lanny McDonald, Frank and Pete Mahovlich, and Pat LaFontaine. Easton Cowan and Nick Paul are listed for Friday. Autographs require separate tickets, and appearances are subject to change.
For visitors planning their route, the Expo app offers a dealer directory, searchable floor plan and signing schedule. Leave some time between appointments, though. A dealer’s box can take longer to work through than expected.
Fabio Del Rio
Founder, Publisher
Collector since: 1983
Currently: Professor and Developer of ‘Business of Sports Collectibles’ college-accredited course and Micro-Credential (Northern College, OntarioLearn). Publisher and Developer of tabletop card games, puzzle games and puzzles. Pitching Coach of Brock University Men’s Baseball team.
Formerly: VP of Product Development and VP of Production at In The Game (former NHL/NHLPA card licensee). Editor and Trends Editor at Trajan Media (Charlton Standard Catalogue of Hockey Cards, Canadian Baseball Cards, Canadian Sports Collector magazine, Non-Sport Report, and more).
Fun Fact: Ate a worm for a jersey, basketball and baseball. Ask for more details when you meet him at a show.
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