Avalanche Captain Joe Sakic to be Immortalized In Action Figure Form:

Upper Deck to Launch Limited-Edition Sakic Figure June 19
Character Based on 'Stylized Realism' Found in Underground Art

CARLSBAD, Calif., June 14, 2007 -- As the Colorado Avalanches Center, Joe Sakic is responsible for getting his teammates involved, hitting the open man with laser like passes, and making opposing goalies knees trembling as he prepares to launch his slap shot top shelf. And, if his career wasn't amazing enough, the 18 year veteran, Sakic, is now prepared to launch his new Upper Deck Authenticated All Star Vinyl action figure.

Upper Deck will launch two Sakic themed superhero-inspired vinyl action figures -- in road and home versions on Tuesday, June 19 at 9:19 am PT -- each will be extremely limited. Only 1,500 home and 500 away versions have been produced and will be offered online at http://www.allstarvinyl.com (MSRP $49.99).

"Joe Sakic has been the face of the Avalanche forever and has played in many big games making his presence felt. True hockey fans and collectors have always enjoyed his game and what he brings to the ice each night and we felt he was the perfect choice to create an All-Star vinyl action figure of to commemorate his career," said Upper Deck sports figure product manager Dave Sanders. "Keeping with the spirit of the underground vinyl action figure movement, we are releasing his figure in very limited production numbers."

Sakic, the 15th player chosen in the 1987 draft (chosen by the Quebec Nordiques), has scored 20 plus goals for the 17th consecutive year joining Gordie Howe as the only two players to score 95 points at the age 37 or older. The gifted veteran has scored 610 goals and has amassed 1,589 career points. The 12 time All-Star ranks 15th on the all-time scoring list as of the completion of the 2006-07 NHL campaign. The long tenured Captain has even found time to play in three Olympics for the Canadian National team, scoring ten goals.

More on Upper Deck's All-Star Vinyl Action Figurines

At 11 inches and produced in the underground style of urban vinyl, Upper Deck's All-Star Vinyl action figures are a combination of art and realism not typically found in sports licensed products. "In this medium, our designers are able to have fun by adding or playing up on player attributes and subtleties that give life to these athletes, highlight their distinct features, playing style -- design characteristics that make them highly unique in comparison to more traditional based sports figures."

To offer more details on the All-Star Vinyls, Upper Deck has set up dedicated web site with a blog written by Sanders -- http://allstarvinyl.com. It will also give consumers a first look at upcoming sports action figure launches throughout the year, giving insight into the athletes to be featured, as well as the artist and sculptor behind the piece.

History of Urban Vinyl Collectibles

The trend of urban vinyl collectibles originated in Hong Kong and Japan, recently becoming popular in the United States. A sign of its popularity: at the Toy Fair last February, the industry officially recognized this trend with its own exhibit hall titled "Urban Bazaar: Indie Art Toys."

Urban vinyl figures, or designer toys, are thought of as not just toys, but as pieces of art. Usually made of soft roto-cast PVC, referred to by collectors as "vinyl," many of the industry's product launches are held at gallery openings or release parties where the toys are displayed side-by-side with paintings and other types of art.

About the Upper Deck Company

Founded in 1988, The Upper Deck Co. is a premier global sports and entertainment-publishing company that delivers a portfolio of relevant, innovative and multi-dimensional product experiences to collectors, sports and entertainment enthusiasts. For more information on Upper Deck and its products, please visit http://www.upperdeck.com or http://www.upperdeckstore.com.