IN THE CARDS

– SAL BARRY

FORMER NHL TOUGH GUY Willi Plett has a few historical “firsts” to his name. He was the first NHLer born in Paraguay. He was the first and only enforcer to win the NHL’s rookie-of-the-year award. And perhaps not surprisingly, Plett was the first player pictured in the penalty box on a hockey card – his rookie card, no less. According to hockeyfights.com, Plett fought 150 times during the regular season and another 31 times in the playoffs over his 13-year NHL career. During his rookie campaign in 1976-77, Plett scored 33 goals and 56 points in 64 games en route to winning the Calder Trophy. He also dropped the gloves 13 times and amassed 123 penalty minutes – which is probably why Topps decided to show Plett in the sin…

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The Hockey News (Digital) - 1 Issue, Rookie Issue 2025

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