71-72 OPC Alex Delvecchio Insert - The Alex Delvecchio Story

When they say that "they don't make them like they used to", it can often come across like a cliché. However, I don't think I am far off by saying that is very true when it comes to the 71-72 OPC/Topps inserts. Packs from this year came with an insert featuring a story of an NHL superstar and/or a poster of an NHL player, I am not sure if packs had one or the other, or it they came with both.

There were 24 booklets in all and I bought one this summer of Alex Delvecchio for my PC. When I bought it, I really didn't know what to expect because I had never seen one opened up. I actually thought they looked a little stupid, but boy was I wrong!

Here is the cover featuring a sketch of the player and the title. Don't judge this book by its cover is what I learned.  

It turns out the book is designed like a comic and there are some pretty cool facts and lots of effort that went into designing these little booklets!

Poor Alex only played one game during the 50-51 season and I guess he didn't even remember it...

 Our comic ends with his accomplishments from the previous season where he hit 400 career goals.

Here is a checklist of all the different booklets you can get. Both Topps and OPC released them and I believe the only difference is they say Topps or OPC on the back. Both are valued about the same according to the bible Beckett I have. There was also apparently French versions as well which are supposedly more rare but also aren't priced any differently according to my guide.

Without a doubt, this PC pickup was a really fun surprise and more than worth the 3 dollars with shipping I paid. I currently have it in a toploader and now that I have it all scanned on my blog, I suspect that is where it will stay to help it stay in great condition. I am not sure if I will chase all 24 in the set, but if I do find some for the right price I will certainly consider buying them now! Ken Dryden's I suspect would be a very interesting read.