In The Game Introduces A Truly Magnificent Insert Program!

The insert sets will be entitled "Magnificent Inserts" and will be available in packs across several different Be A Player and Parkhurst products throughout the year. Hobbyists will get their first look at Magnificent Inserts in the company's first release, 2002-03 First Edition available this August.

Each designated brand will include 10 different Magnificent Insert cards and the theme of those 10 cards will remain unchanged with each new release. However, the design of the 10-card set will be unique to each brand. Beginning with the Memorabilia Series to be released in November, Mario will also autograph a number of these inserts. His signature on trading cards is exclusive to In the Game and will not be available in any other manufacturer's products.  

"I consider this an unbeatable lineup of Mario Lemieux insert cards," explains Dr. Brian H. Price, President of In the Game. "This is a player many consider one of the greatest, if not the greatest to ever play in the NHL. Add the fact that many of these cards will also be autographed and that Mario's signature is exclusive to our brands and you can see why I'm so excited."

The 10-card sets will include: Game-Used Jersey (modern); Game-Used Jersey (vintage); All-Star Game-Used Jersey; International Competition Game-Used Jersey; Double Game-Used Jersey; Game-Used In the Numbers; Game-Used Emblems; Triple Thread; Quad Game-Used Jersey; and Complete Package. The stated production runs for the cards (both signed and unsigned) have not yet been disclosed.

"I strongly believe in the quality, collectibility, and integrity of all our memorabilia and autographed cards," says Price. "Our insert programs are already the most impressive in the hobby and now we're adding a premium that is second to none. I think everyone, especially Mario Lemieux collectors, would agree that one of these Magnificent Inserts could easily become the crown jewel of their hockey collection."

Another component of the agreement between In the Game and Lemieux will see "Le Magnifique" prominently featured on packaging for Be A Player and Parkhurst brands throughout 2002-03.

In 13 NHL seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Lemieux has led the NHL in scoring six times. He won the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year in 1984-85. A six-time 50-goal scorer, he has also led the NHL in scoring six different seasons. He has been named to the NHL First All-Star Team five times, the Second All-Star Team four times, and is a two-time Stanley Cup champion (1990-91 and 1991-92). Lemieux added to his extensive resumé by winning a gold medal with Team Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics. The Montreal native was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997 and is also currently the Chairman and CEO of the Penguin franchise.