Rogie Vachon (True) Rookie Cards

Rogie Vachon entered the NHL in 1966 as a backup goaltender but he developed into a full-time goaltender with Bruce Lee like reflexes and hands. Vachon has one true rookie card.

Rogie Vachon Quick NHL Success

In his 16 year career as a goalie, he never allowed a single goal on a penalty shot. This impressive statistical fact alone shows us what made him one of the greatest goaltenders of his day.

He played for four different teams. 6 years with the Montreal Canadians, 7 years with the Los Angeles Kings, 2 years with the Detroit Red Wings, and 2 years with the Boston Bruins.

In the two seasons between 1967-1969 Rogie shared goaltending duties with teammate Gump Worsley, the Montreal Canadians won Stanley Cup Championships both those years and Rogie was a big part of that.

In only his second year in the league, Rogie Vachon in 1967, was awarded The Vezina Trophy. It’s an annual award that is given to the goaltender who is the best in his position. It’s determined by the vote of all the NHL general managers.

Rogie Vachan Trade Led to Canada Cup

Rogie Vachan lost his starting goalie position in the 1971 season to the rookie. Infuriated Rogie demanded to be traded.

However, in the next 7 years with the Kings, Rogie went on to set all kinds of goaltending records which still stand to this day.

One of his many impressive moments was his play in the 1976 Canada Cup. He played every game in the tournament and set a record of 6 wins and 1 loss, along with 2 shutouts and a 1.39 goals-against average.

Thanks to Rogie the Canadians won the tournament and he was named Team MVP.

Career Stats & Accomplishments

According to Hockey-Reference.com Rogie Vachon career summary is: Games 795 | Wins 355 | Losses 291 | Ties 127 | Shutouts 51.

Accomplishments:

• 2x All-Star
• 2x Stanley Cup Champion
• 1x Canadian Cup Champion
• 1967 Vezina Trophy Award
• 2016 Hall of Fame Induction

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1967 Topps, #75 (RC)

I am by no means a hockey historian but interestingly enough in the 1967-68 season, the NHL expanded the number of teams from 6 to 12.

Unfortunately, Topps, the only hockey card manufacturer, did not expand their 1967 offering to collectors.

Instead, Topps continued with the original six teams, and although they missed the goal in team selection, they did not miss the goal in card design.

This lone Rogie Vachon rookie card offers colorful artwork of a makeshift arena and it gives it instant vintage nostalgia in my opinion.

Really one of the most unique card designs I’ve ever seen.

The back of the card, however, can be a poster child of what not to do with a card back – absolutely brutal.

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1968 O-Pee-Chee, #164 (PRT)

So oddly enough O-Pee-Chee did not include Rogie in their 1967 release but Topps did. And in 1968 Topps did not include Rogie in their 1968 release but O-Pee-Chee did.

In short there is no ’68 Topps, and no ’67 O-Pee-Chee, which is a shame because it would’ve been another true rookie card option.

However, we do have this Post-Rookie Theme option. It is a legitimate second year card of Hall of Famer Rogie Vachon. Very nice card design front and back with bright colors, a fantastic looking card even though they recycled the photo.

If you appreciate hockey goalies be sure to check out, arguably the greatest hockey goalie of all-time, Martin Brodeur.

Happy Collecting Collectors,

Learn. Collect. Enjoy.