1978-79 O-Pee-Chee 121 Barry Beck Hockey Card (Front)
1978-79 O-Pee-Chee 121 Barry Beck Hockey Card (Back)
1978-79 O-Pee-Chee NHL Checklist
Audio Version at Spotify
Card Notes
When Barry joined the Rockies he became one of the biggest players ever to enter the NHL. An effective offensive player with a hard shot, he also moves puck well. Barry clears players from in front of goal, gives solid checks.
En Français
Lorsque Barry se joignit aux Rockies, il devint l’un des plus gros joueurs dans l’histoire de la Ligue Nationale. Barry est un joueur offensif efficace dont le lancer est redouté. Il manie bien la rondelle, chasse les adversaires en avant du filet et donne de bons coups d’épaule.
Details
Barry Beck came to the Colorado Rockies as the second overall pick at the 1977 NHL Amateur Draft, behind just Dale McCourt. Coincidentally, Beck was the second overall pick at the 1977 WHA Amateur Draft, as well, taken by the Calgary Cowboys. Going first overall was Scott Campbell, selected by the Houston Aeros out of the London Knights organization.
Beck didn’t disappoint in his rookie season. His 60 points was good for a seventh place tie, with Reed Larson of the Red Wings, among NHL defensemen. He was second to just Mike Bossy in voting for the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year. However, it was not a close race with Bossy receiving more than twice as many votes as Barry. Also in the running were Don Edwards, along with McCourt and Larson.
Despite being such a top prospect, the Rockies traded Beck to the New York Rangers just ten games into his third season with the club. Colorado got a lot in return, though. Going from the Big Apple to Denver were Lucien DeBlois, Pat Hickey, Mike McEwen, Dean Turner and Bobby Sheehan.
Between 1977-78 and 1989-90, Beck played 615 regular season and 51 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Rockies, Rangers and Los Angeles Kings. His career was drastically shortened due to ongoing shoulder injury issues.