Lost Rookies: 1981-82 OPC Glen Cochrane

  Glen Cochrane played 411 games over 10 NHL seasons but never got a NHL card during his playing days.  His rookie card was part of the 2002-03 Fleer Throwbacks Set.
  Cochrane was drafted 50th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1978 Entry Draft.  He made his debut on November 24, 1978 against the Minnesota North Stars.  After registering a -2 in that game, Cochrane was sent back to the Maine Mariners of the AHL.  Cochrane led the Mariners in PIM and had seven points in 10 play-off games as the Mariners won the 1979 Calder Cup as AHL Champions.
  Cochrane returned to the NHL in the 1980-81 season, quickly amassing 219 PIM in 31 games, including back-to-back games with 42 PIM against the Los Angeles Kings and then 33 versus the Vancouver Canucks.  In the latter game, Cochrane earned a suspension for being the first man off the bench.  He scored his first career goal, and had a three point night, against the Winnipeg Jets, in a 10-1 victory.  Cochrane had a Gordie Howe Hat Trick Against the Calgary Flames in the play-offs.
  Cochrane led the Flyer in PIM for three consecutive seasons starting in 81/82 with totals of 327, 237 and 225 PIM.  The arrival of Mark Howe in 1982 helped Cochrane produce his two best NHL seasons.  He set career highs in points, 24, and was a +42, in the 82-83 season.  A season-ending knee injury late in the 83-84 season limited Cochrane to only 18 games in 84-85.  He was traded to the Vancouver Canucks for a 3rd round draft pick during the following offseason.

1986-87 OPC Glen Cochrane

  Cochrane who was never known for his mobility, became even slower due to a bad knee.  A local boy, born in Cranbrook B.C., Cochrane had a disappointing tenure with the Canucks.  For the Canucks he had 3pts, and 177 PIM in 63 games over two seasons.  Cochrane missed time due to his knee injury and also suffered back spasms, which required surgery.
  The Canucks left Cochrane unprotected for the 1987 Waiver draft and was subsequently picked up by the Chicago Black Hawks.  Cochrane played his last full season in the NHL with the Hawks in 87-88.  He had 9 points, and 207 PIM, while playing in 73 games.
  Cochrane was on the move again via waivers in 1988.  A month into the season, the Hawks placed Cochrane on waivers and the Edmonton Oilers picked him up.  Cochrane had 52 PIM in 12 games as Oiler.  As the calendar year came to a close, the Oilers sent Cochrane down to the minors.  Instead of reporting, Cochrane decided to retire.  Cochrane retired with 1556 PIM in 411 career games.

1989-90 OPC Glen Cochrane

  As mentioned Cochrane never had a NHL card during his playing days.  He had a few team issued cards and also was part of the 1986 Kraft set, which was an awesome set by the way.  Good pictures of Glen are surprisingly hard to find.  I was reluctant to do a Canucks card for him due to the picture quality but my searches didn't turn up any custom cards with Glen as a Canuck.  I did see a few as a Hawk.  I was surprised to find a few high quality pictures of Cochrane as an Oiler.  Although now onto the main event, the Lost Rookie of Glen Cochrane.

1980-81 OPC #399 Glen Cochrane (RC)

1980-81 OPC #399 Glen Cochrane (RC)