1971-72 O-Pee-Chee Ernie Wakely #81 St. Louis Blues (EX-MT 6)

Elevate your vintage sports collection with this beautifully preserved 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee Ernie Wakely #81 card, featuring the star netminder of the St. Louis Blues during their legendary early playoff runs. The 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee release is celebrated throughout the hobby for its marvelous eye appeal, characterized by bright team graphics, classic circular frames, and highly detailed player backstories. Ernie Wakely was a cornerstone of the St. Louis Blues' defense during an era where the team regularly challenged deep into the western playoffs, making his vintage items highly prized by collectors of hockey history. This copy boasts fantastic color and wonderful surface preservation, making it an excellent centerpiece for a team set.

Ernie Wakely put together a spectacular career in professional hockey, establishing himself as one of the most reliable and technically sound goaltenders of the 1970s. After waiting patiently in the Montreal Canadiens system, Wakely broke out with the Blues, setting records for the lowest goals-against average in the playoffs and earning a reputation as an absolute clutch performer. He later went on to have a legendary career in the WHA, becoming the all-time leader in games played and victories for a goalie in that league's historic run. This card honors his peak NHL years, documenting his rise to stardom in St. Louis.

An expert Condition Report reveals that this raw card stands at an estimated grade of EX-MT 6. The front surface is incredibly bright and clear, highlighting the white and blue St. Louis uniform, with centering shifted moderately toward the top-left edge. The corners are structurally strong and sharp, showing only minor touches under close magnification. The edges are straight and clean, showing minimal chipping and preserving the white borders beautifully. Turning the card over, the 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee Ernie Wakely #81 features the coveted O-Pee-Chee bilingual back with a fun cartoon and text in English and French. The back card stock is clean, bright, and free of any unwanted markings. Make sure to double-check the physical label and look at all available images to confirm the grade before completing your purchase.

Grade Estimate:
EX-MT 6