The 1960s represent one of the most transformative decades in NHL history, culminating with the league's landmark 1967 expansion from six to twelve teams. Throughout the decade, 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, while multiple in-game action images and photo overlays reflected television's growing influence on sports presentation. Key goalie rookie cards from the decade include Gerry Cheevers, Bernie Parent, and Tony Esposito.