The 1960s were one of the most transformative decades in NHL history. The league's landmark 1967 expansion from six to twelve teams. Topps and O-Pee-Chee produced sets celebrated for their clean, colourful designs. The era also experimented with innovative layouts, most notably the entirely horizontal 1963–64 Topps set. By the end of the decade, the 1968–69 Topps/O-Pee-Chee release featured several iconic horizontal goalie rookie cards that included multiple in-game action images and photo overlays, reflecting television's growing influence on sports.