Editorial Review

From its earliest days on frozen ponds, hockey has been a sport of speed and elegance, but also one demanding courage and physical will. The Hockey Book goes deep into the heart of the game, celebrating with astounding photographs and insightful words the great players and the inspiring teams, as well as an ethos-robust and selfless-that defines the sport as much in its dynamic present as it did in hockey's hardscrabble (and helmetless) past.

... Read more

Reviews

This is a Must Book for Hockey Fans, October 6, 2010
Sports Illustrated has put together the definitive book about the sport of ice hockey, drawing on its article archives and its photo library. This is a marvelous book, with huge, gorgeous color photographs. If you are a hockey fan, this tome is a valuable edition to your library. It also makes a great gift.

The book is best when it draws on its vintage files of the hockey greats. The best of the book, in this fan's opinion, are the stories and photos that covered the golden age of the NHL, immediately after World War II, when the NHL consisted of only six teams.

The minuscule number of teams (Montreal Canadians, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks and the New York Rangers) meant that only the cream of the crop in hockey made the big leagues. All the big boys are here: Maurice (the Rocket) Richard, Jean Beliveau, Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita and the Esposito brothers; also the acrobatic goalies of that era, including Jacques Plante, Terry Sawchuk and Glen Hall.

Those were the days when the goalies didn't wear facemasks. The book includes a spectacular photo of Jacques Plant that appeared on the SI cover of Feb. 17, 1958 (unlike the cover photo in the magazine, the photo in the book is uncropped). The photo shows Plante peering out of his goal with his chin almost on the ice as he prepares for an assault by the New York Rangers. The tense-ness of the moment not only shows on Plante's face, but also on the faces of the fans in the stands behind the Montreal goal.

The book also includes the hilarious story written by George Plimpton when he played 15 minutes of an exhibition game in the Boston Bruins goal. Plimpton later published a book on that experience, but the original magazine article reprinted here will leave anyone squirming with laughter as the Big Bad Bruins set up the hapless writer - who played in the goal by while skating on his ankles.

One of the highlights is the famous photograph of Bobby Orr, stretched out horizontally three feet off the ice after scoring the wining goal in the 1970 championship game that gave the Bruins their first NHL Stanley Cup in 29 years (disclosure: the writer covered that game for UPI and interviewed Orr in the locker room after the game. Earlier this year, I ran into Orr and he signed a copy of the photo with the inscription, "Thanks for covering this game"). The account of how the photographer shot that amazing photo is also included.

Of course, the story of the 1980 Olympic Gold Medal won by the Americans is here, but for once the SI editors missed a chance to tell the complete story of American Olympic hockey: in the 50's, 60's 70's and 80's Olympic hockey was played by amateurs, no pros, and it was hockey at his finest. Dave Christian was on the 1980 team - and he was the son of Billy Christian and the nephew of Roger Christian who were two of the stars of the 1960 team that also won the gold medal in a fairy tale manner. And, of course, Herb Brooks the coach of the 1980 team was the last player cut from the 1960 team (further disclosure: the writer played on the 1965 U.S. National Team that included both Billy and Roger Christian, as well as Brooks).

There is also the touching story of Travis Roy, the young hockey star from Maine, who was permanently paralyzed in the opening seconds of his first game for Boston University in 1995.

If there is a weakness to the book it is the lack of documentation on the earliest days of hockey in Canada. Howie Morenz and the great goaltender Georges Vezina are mentioned, of course, but the focus of the SI book is on modern day hockey. This hockey fan wished there were more of those grainy photographs of the earliest players wearing their skimpy uniforms. There is too much lore from that era that is missing in this otherwise excellent book.

The book also seems a bit disjointed. When we do get photos from the earliest days, they are interspersed with photos of modern-day hockey. It can be confusing.

But overall, this is a fabulous book that documents the wonderful sport of ice hockey - the national sport of Canada, and a sport that has spread throughout the United States and Europe and more recently in Asia. If you love hockey, you're going to love this book.

Joyous trip down memory lane for this hockey fan, October 5, 2010
What a wonderful addition to SI's library. Great stuff, as usual, in this series. Most of the pictures have never been widely circulated before. A terrific gift for any serious hockey fan!

Highly recommended for any hockey fan.

Buy immediately!, November 17, 2010
I bought this book on the recommendation of a close friend, saying that it was an incredible read for any hockey fan - and he was spot on. I bought the huge, coffee table book and read the entire thing in less than 24 hours. With pictures from all eras of hockey (from the 1800s to the 2010 Stanley Cup Final) and old Sports Illustrated articles on subjects like Bobby Orr, Wayne Gretzky's last game, Gordie Howe, the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, you will literally feel yourself going through history as you make your way through the journey that is "The Hockey Book."

It's a great conversation piece, October 31, 2010
because people who know me or thought they did, do a double take of this book that's found a home on my coffee table.
"Hockey..?!"they say.
Yeah, hockey.
It opens up a new dialogue for my guest. Just flip through the pages and the history, record breakers,photos and personalities, giving the game another dimension for those who are often the ones at home,wondering what it's like to be in the stands, hearing the puck glide across the ice,feeling the cold atmosphere surround them or see the body slams in mid-air, leaving one speechless and in awe.
The photos, of course,are lovely with the stories universal, dialogue simple, keeping my interest,often reminding me why I want to read it. The chronological set-up provides a good reference without confusing or distracting me from my attention, with bits of trivia sprinkled throughout, placing a face on the game. S.I. knows how to have a sense of humor in good taste. Makes a great gift for those who love and appreciate the game.

P.S. Congradulations, Jordin Tootoo! You made S.I!

hockeynut, November 15, 2010
This book is a wonderful history of the sport with material on the game, the players, and beautiful, incredable photos. A must have for all who love the game.

Fantastic!, November 4, 2010
A great coffee table book for anyone who loves hockey and appreciates its rich history. Wonderful photographs and very well written articles that trace the game from its beginnings to the present day.

si hockey, October 25, 2010
I think this book is terrific. It is full of fabulous stories and pictures. This series is super.

Sports Illustrated The Hockey Book, October 22, 2010
This was a gift for my 13 years old cousin that plays hockey, he is very happy with this book, and it makes a great gift for those that like sports. ... Read more

Editorial Review

On June 9, 2010 the Chicago Blackhawks made history, capping an extraordinary season with the storied franchise's fourth Stanley Cup championship. Led by dynamic stars including captain Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa, the resurgent Blackhawks made the 2009-10 season one for the ages, capturing the imagination, passion and excitement of the entire Windy City. Following Kane's overtime heroics to capture the title, more than 2 million fans lined the streets of Chicago to welcome home hockey's most coveted prize, celebrating the Blackhawks' realization of their "One Goal."

In One Goal Achieved: The Inside Story of the 2010 Stanley Cup Champions, the Blackhawks relive every stunning moment of this unforgettable year, from the NHL Premiere in Helsinki, Finland, to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, all the way through the dramatic game 6 overtime win in Philadelphia and beyond! One Goal Achieved takes you to the ice level for an entire legendary campaign, featuring never-before-seen photographs and stories.

With full color spreads showcasing the players front office personnel who returned championship hockey to Chicago, photos from crucial games, off-ice team-bonding activities and much more, One Goal Achieved is a must-have for any die-hard Blackhawks fan. ... Read more

Editorial Review

In a notorious career with the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, Bob Probert racked up points, penalty minutes, and bar bills, establishing himself as one of the most feared enforcers in the history of the NHL. On the ice, he was a fan favorite. He backed up his teammates 100 percent, taking on the toughest guys of his era. Off the ice, Probert played hard as well. Over his pro career he went through rehab 10 times, was suspended twice, was jailed for carrying cocaine across the border, and survived a near fatal motorcycle crash. When he died unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of 45 on July 5, 2010, he was hard at work on his memoir. Probert wanted to tell his story in his own words to set the record straight.



Tough Guy is a gripping journey through the life of Bob Probert, with jaw-dropping stories of his on-ice battles and his reckless encounters with drugs, alcohol, police, customs officials, courts, and the NHL, told in his own voice and with his rich sense of humor. ... Read more

Reviews

Thank you to the Probert's
There can be no doubting that Bob Probert was the toughest, greatest and most feared fighter to ever lace on a pair of skates. It's true, ask anyone who has ever played the game or any knowledgeable hockey historian. It all came down to his influence and aura. Who did every hockey player who ever dropped the gloves try to emulate? 9 times out of 10 they will say, Bob Probert. No other fighter had more of a charisma and intimidation factor to this level before or since than ol' 24. The dynamic of the game changed once he hit the ice because Probert could do so much more than just be the reigning NHL heavyweight Champion, he could play the game. The most interesting thing about Probert was that he didn't have to do a ton of steroids to become a good enforcer (see Tony Twist) and didn't practice and train to the level of most players. His best way to train was to booze, party and bar room brawl all night long and then go out on the ice the next day and let his natural ability lead him to greatness. Can you imagine how good he could have been if he had his life together??? He went to rehab for drug and alcohol abuse, survived car and motorcycle crashes and was fined and suspended countless of times and still the NHL would always take him back!! Why??? Because he was that good!! Now that's amazing if you really look at how he lived his life!! Surely, all this abuse broke his body down and lead to his eventual downfall (especially when he went to Chicago in the 1995-96 season after being suspended for a year) because although feared and still a great fighter, he was never the same as he was in Detroit. Reading this book will explain to you just what was going on in the world of Bob Probert and at times it may be funny but it is also a testimony of self-destruction in a violent sport. Unfortunately, everything all caught up with him as he passed away at only 45 years old in 2010 due to heart failure in a most tragic fashion. What was also sad was that Bob (although suffering from a broken body) was in the best place he could be in with his family, whom he loved so much. A sad ending to an incredible life and icon of the Hockey world. God Speed Bob, may you rest in peace. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

A Hockey Memoir with a lot of Heart, November 16, 2010
I bought this book after reading an excerpt in The Hockey News Magazine. I really didn't know what to expect. Fraser paints a picture of the NHL that is grueling, touching, and funny. He follows his time from his ascension into the ranks as an NHL Referee and follows some extremely memorable moments up until his last game. Fraser discusses some confrontations and experiences with players that are often colorful. What was most endearing about this book were the touching and emotional moments that Fraser experienced. He shows how meaningful hockey has been to him and many of the players he has worked with over the years. As he talks about his last games in different hockey venues, i found myself touched with the admiration and respect that some of the NHL's legendary players had for Fraser. This book is wonderful. I am a college student and amid my various due dates and other responsibilities i found myself reading this book whenever i had a chance. I very highly recommend this book.

David, December 1, 2010
I have been waiting eagerly for this book since I knew of its publication, and after an easy couple of days read, I found that the wait was worthwhile. I believe any hockey fan will enjoy the insights and wonderful stories about hockey's famous and not so famous, as well as what it is really like to officiate the fast paced, hard hitting game of professional ice hockey. If you love the game, this insightful and intertaining memoir is a must. if you're not a fan, it is still a must read that will provide a window into the life of one of the most enduring and revered referees in the history of the NHL. This book will bring not only a smile to your face, but also may bring a tear to your eye. When I finished reading the compelling recollections of Kerry Fraser, I found myself wanting more. Thanks Kerry for putting the same heart and soul you gave to professional hockey, all those years, into this book.

A Must Read Book For All Hockey Fans, November 29, 2010
Kerry Fraser provides readers with an inside look at hockey. Readers are given a rare look at the human side of being an NHL Official. In this book, Kerry opened his heart for all to see. Readers will experience the emotions and pressures that he experienced. This is one book that you will not be able to put down. If you always wanted to know what it feels like to be an NHL Referee, this is the book. If you always wanted to know what is said on the ice, this is the book. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys hockey. This may be Kerry Fraser's "The Final Call", but I hope it is not his final book.

HE SCORES!, November 27, 2010
I ordered this book for my husband after he (like a previous Hockey News subscriber) became intrigued from reading excerpts in the latest issue. It arrived today and my husband can't put it down! For any woman married to a hockey fan, this is the perfect gift for Christmas ... and for those of us who have learned to love the game after being married to a hockey fan, we will patiently wait our turn for the chance to read it after he's done!

The best hair in Hockey, November 25, 2010
Loved reading it... Great stories... cool to learn about what is really said on the ice...Highly entertaining and i would recommend it strongly for any hockey fan...

A must read for hockey fans., December 14, 2010
This is one of the best hockey books I've read in a while. It gave some insight about what actually goes on on the ice between players and officials. Kerry Fraser talks about his most memorable NHL arenas and his most moments in each of them. He references some games that I remember watching on TV, as well as ones that I attended. I recommend this to any hockey fan. ... Read more

Editorial Review

In a city known as home to some of the sporting world s biggest stars, few have ever shined as brightly as the Chicago Blackhawks Bobby Hull. Born in Point Anne, Ontario, the Golden Jet burst onto the NHL scene as an 18-year-old rookie in 1957 and never looked back. One of the most charismatic and electrifying athletes of his or any era, Hull thrilled fans with his unique combination of speed, skill, and grace. During his 15 years in the Windy City, Hull amassed a team-record 604 career goals, collected three Art Ross trophies as the league s leading scorer, and earned hockey s ultimate prize in 1961: Lord Stanley s Cup and a championship ring.
But Hull s on-the-ice exploits only tell part of his amazing story. One of the greatest ambassadors of the sport then and to this day, the man generally regarded as the finest left wing in history has been a tireless promoter of the game and has fostered a deep and personal connection with his fans like few other players. Only a handful of former athletes can merit a standing ovation from a crowd of 22,000 fans merely by showing their faces; Bobby Hull is one of those men.
In The Golden Jet, Hull traces his life and career from his days as a youngster learning to skate on the Bay of Quinte to his current role as a Blackhawks ambassador. Featuring hundreds of rare, full-color photos from his personal archive and accompanying text from legendary Chicago sports columnist and Blackhawks team historian Bob Verdi, The Golden Jet gives Hull s millions of fans a never-before-seen glimpse into the life of this hockey icon. Bringing the pictures to life is an exclusive commemorative DVD, which includes highlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes clips from the Blackhawks video library.
A must-have keepsake for Blackhawks fans of all ages, The Golden Jet is a rare opportunity to celebrate the life of the greatest hockey player in Chicago s history. There is only one Bobby Hull. ... Read more

Reviews

The DVD alone makes this a must buy, October 29, 2010
Most fans only know Bobby Hull as the friendly, white-haired man they see at Blackhawks games. This book is a reminder that he was also one of the greatest athletes of all time. It is also an amazing trip through hockey history.

The Golden Jet features hundreds of Hull's personal photos, all accompanied with personal remembrances and anecdotes. Beginning with his childhood in Canada, through all his playing days, and into his current role with the Blackhawks, this is a beautiful coffee table book whether you're old enough to remember Hull's career or not.

The DVD that is included is top-notch - it includes footage from his career, new interviews with Hull, Stan Mikita, and others, video of the night they retired Hull's number, and a bunch of other extras. I would've paid $15 just for the DVD!

The Golden Jet in Pictures..............., November 20, 2010
An Incredible journey thru the career of Bobby Hull..The photos shows Hockey's "Golden Era" and the added Dvd,makes the price of the book well worth it..the milestones that Bobby reached in his career,many of which Still stand after some 40 years..a Great coffe-table book and a Excellent Xmas gift for the Hockey fan regardless of their team affiliation...........

bobby hull golden jet, November 14, 2010
as a big blackhawk fan and watching bobby hull growing up this is a great book along with great pictures and dvd fastest shipping ever thank you

Thorough yet Incomplete, December 26, 2010
This photo biography with commentary underlines the special relationship Bobby Hull had/has with the City of Chicago, as that city's most revered sports icon. The fact that his reconcilliation with the Black Hawks organization contributed to that franchises renaissance is remarkable, considering that he left the team in 1972 under less than amicable circumstances. Chicago sports fans who were not even born when he left are aware his legendary excellence as hockey's best Left Wing Forward of all time.
One has to wonder though; who really commissioned this book? Hull or the Black Hawks?
Hull emphasizes the greatness of the Black Hawk organization throughout the book, fair enough. But the fact that he makes no mention at all of the great hockey he played in Winnipeg with his Hot Line teammates, Ulf Nilsson and Anders Hedberg is troubling.
Hull is justifiably proud of his numerous 50+ goal seasons in Chicago and the 1961 Stanley Cup, but what about the numerous 50+ goal seasons as a Jet, including that one remarkable 77 goal season? What about the two AVCO Cup Championshps? What about scoring 3 goals and collecting 2 assists in the Jets 5-3 upset of the Soviet National Team? What about being the premier player in the 1974 WHA/Soviet Summit Series?
Bobby Hull as a Black Hawk is just part of his legacy. This book should have included his contribution to the game as a Winnipeg Jet.
Once again, it seems, the NHL is doing it's best to erase the memory of that league. In much the same way Stalin removed comrades from photographs after he had them "taken care of",the NHL is ensuring any historial reference of the Winnipeg Jets in the WHA and NHL is being removed.
... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Wide variety of stories, April 12, 2006
This mini-anthology has a wide range of hockey stories from one written by the American, Pulitzer-winning author William Faulkner (this story was junk, though well written if you like Faulkner) to life on the road as a minor league player hoping to be called up (poignantly and rawly written like the life itself), to a homily to Toe Blake, to a portrait of The Great One (Gretzky) by Peter Gzowski, to how to make your own backyard rink.

The quality of writing is generally very good and virtually every story offers an interesting perspective on the game. Stories are short so you can read one on the subway or before you go to bed at night. All in all, a decent hard cover to have on your bookshelf.

Any true hockey fan will relish this special book, March 21, 2007
Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (2/07)

Being an avid hockey fan I wasn't too expectant upon reading "short stories" about the great moments in hockey and being surprised by what they had to say. Imagine my delight when I found not only interesting and completely out of the ordinary tales of some of the most memorable moments in hockey, right before my eyes, but stories told that I knew with inside looks that make them seem completely different than any other I've read.

"The Greatest Hockey Stories Ever Told" is a wonderful compilation of stories regarding the greatest game on ice, hockey. With everything from "The Miracle Team" from a perspective you probably have never heard before to "A Portrait of The Great One," Wayne Gretzky, you will find each story with its own form and style, told like no other. With so many authors contributing to the book, there is an infinite amount of perspectives that you probably have never seen before on the game. Hockey greats like Toe Blake, Wayne Gretzky, and the infamous Montreal Canadiens and their years of reign are all topics of conversation in this great book of hockey stories and memories.

The style and content are so unique to any other hockey book I've ever read that I am somewhat speechless as to how to compare it to anything else. Loaded with stories, insider's views, coaches' memories, team moments and so much more, any true hockey fan will relish this special book and all its content. The ability to read a story and put it down to come back to later makes it a great book to simply keep around to get your "hockey fix," especially out of season! So after the Cup Craze is over, pull up a seat and enjoy an inside look at the real life stories of hockey and all of its glorious moments. Even the most well-versed and trivia filled amongst us will find an inside look at this great life on and off the ice in "The Greatest Hockey Stories Ever Told."

A very eclectic and enjoyable collection, August 29, 2007
I've read a lot of hockey books and found most of them to be light on substance from either a literary or technical standpoint. This collection, however, captures so many of the nuances and back stories that make the game of hockey so incredibly unique. E.M. Swifts piece titled "A Reminder Of What We Can Be" is my favorite hockey story ever. I was a 15 year old hockey player at the time the United States beat the Soviet Union and I remember following that team in the papers all winter. When the big game was tape delayed, I was so disappointed because I had a game that night and we didn't have a VCR back then. One of the fathers had a B&W television going in the penalty box and although we new the outcome, both teams decided to stop play and huddle around that television to watch the 3rd period. We hugged and high fived as if we had beaten the mighty Russians ourselves. That moment in time was a rare convergence of what is great about life and hockey. E.M. Swift clearly understands the meaning.
"Facing The Shooter" by Wilkinson is a fantastic account of what its really like to play the most stressful position in sports, hockey goaltender.
This book may be a bit difficult for younger readers to get through and grasp, but older fans will appreciate the depth and quality of the writing.

A Worthwhile Collection, February 2, 2009
Quibbles first: I don't know if anyone can fairly claim to have collected "The Greatest Hockey Stories Ever Told." There are far too many to fit in one volume, and no matter how varied your selection, you're going to miss several stories that some diehard hockey fan somewhere will gripe about. (Which is why I'm going to end my complaint there.)

That said, please don't make the mistake I did and assume that this book will fall short of your expectations. Urstadt's collection is worth every penny. From 1980's "Miracle on Ice" to junior hockey in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Urstadt has managed to capture the many sides of the game, offering blow-by-blow accounts of hockey games from around the world--including Romania and Corpus Christi, Texas. (Believe it or not, they're actually quite similar.)

There are highlights, including Red Fisher's memories of Hector "Toe" Blake; "The Style of the Man" by Hugh Hood, which uses near-scientific poetry to describe the graceful ferocity of Jean Beliveau; and Jeff Robinson's painfully accurate take on the hockey fan. Yet, almost every selection will have you flipping to the back of the book, looking with hope to see if it was merely an excerpt. (I myself have added several books to my wish list thanks to this volume.)

The one disappointment, oddly enough, is a short article by William Faulkner ("An Innocent at Rinkside") originally printed in Sports Illustrated. It's clear that Faulkner didn't understand and didn't like hockey, and in the end, he uses his presence at Madison Square Gardens to question the common practice of beginning sports events with the national anthem. Blech.

So, even if I can't help but complain about the title, I have to admit: this book serves up some darn good tales. You'd be sorry not to pick it up.

Great find., November 23, 2008
The title is true to it's word - a great collection of extremely interesting hockey stories. Very happy I made the purchase. ... Read more

Editorial Review

How a movie about minor league hockey became a box office hit-and an international cult classic

Even thirty-odd years after Slap Shot's release, diehard hockey fans can still recite scenes of dialogue by heart, making lines like "putting on the foil" just common argot for the devoted. Yet many may be surprised to learn that the true story behind the making of the film is as captivating as the film itself. In The Making of Slap Shot, veteran sports writer Jonathon Jackson lets fans not only relive just how the film was made, but brings to light surprising facts (i.e., Al Pacino was the first choice for the role of Reggie Dunlop; almost every scene-even the absurd and unbelievable ones-depicts a real life event). With access to those involved in the making of the film, he brings to life some of the magic behind the creation of memorable scenes and characters, especially the Charleston Chiefs, one of the most popular fictional sports teams in history.

• Based on interviews with over 50 cast members, production staff, and anyone of note involved in the film's creation

Destined to be a collectible and keepsake (along with the jerseys, bobbleheads, and other paraphernalia associated with the film), The Making of Slapshot is a must for fans eager to learn even more about their favorite film. ... Read more

Reviews

If You're a Fan of Slapshot, You'll like this book. . ., October 6, 2010
This book gives some great insight into minor league hockey during the 1970s and tells the real story behind the stories in Slap Shot including info about the real players who were the basis for the characters in the movie, as well as the actors who portrayed them.

Jonathon Jackson also gives a compelling portrait of Johnstown, PA where the film was shot, and ends with a "where are they now" section about the actors, players, and filmmakers who brought us this classic movie.

Fascinating and scrupulously accurate history of the making of a cult classic, November 3, 2010
As the Hollywood producer who found, developed, and sold the script and ultimately produced the movie SLAP SHOT, I have to congratulate Jackson for having done an incredible job depicting in fascinating detail everything relevant to the making of what has turned out to be a classic cult movie. This book is scrupulously well researched, and (unlike many books about Hollywood) scrupulously fair and accurate as well--and wonderfully written. Everyone associated with the film is in Jackson's debt, and I could not recommend the book more highly to any fan of the movie and or the game!

Hockey Lovers, and film buffs too, October 14, 2010
I had the pleasure of reading this book on a long flight and I simply couldn't put it down. As a die-hard hockey fan, and someone who has seen the movie probably fifty times, I was absolutely fascinated by the background behind the making of the movie. It was particularly poignant given Paul Newman's recent passing.

There's no question that it is a "must-read" for hockey fans, but I dare say that fans of film-making, and of Paul Newman in particular, are in for a real treat.

Fantastic Book!, December 5, 2010
Wow. What a fantastic book. Not only does the author go into great detail about the making of the movie, he also gets very involved in the back-stories of the Johnstown Jets and all the real characters and situations of the movie.

I picked this up expecting a basic book that didn't get into too much detail, but what I ended up reading was a fantastic retrospective on not only the making of the movie, but fantastic backgrounds on all the stories that led to the movie.

I really appreciated the detail given on the city of Johnstown as well as the background stories of minor league hockey during the time. It was even cooler seeing my mom and dad quoted a few times!

This is a great book to pick up not only for fans of Slap Shot, but also hockey fans who never seen the movie (do those people even exist?)

I had a hard time putting this book down - I'm glad I bought it!

Hockey Hit, December 23, 2010
We were entertained by the movies and now by the book...the background stories are hilarious and make us realize even more what a small world the hockey world is. Also a good read for hockey fans who liked Bruce Boudreau's "Gabby".

Lots of interesting minutia for true fans of this film. But WHERE ARE THE PICTURES?, November 10, 2010
I enjoyed the book but it has a glaring gap - there is not one single picture.

As a result, unless you know every single character in the film (and can picture them in your minds eye) it is quite annoying.

... Read more

Editorial Review

Steeped in a tradition that spans three centuries, the Stanley Cup is the most storied trophy in all of professional sports. To raise it means you've won it, and to win it means you've survived an epic journey fraught with untold difficulties. Ross Bernstein, the best-selling author of more than 40 sports books, including The Code and Slap Shot Original, interviewed more than 100 current and former NHL players and coaches who have had privilege of raising Lord Stanley's holy grail above their heads after winning hockey's ultimate prize. ... Read more

Reviews

About the book, from its author: Ross Bernstein, November 3, 2010
To raise the Stanley Cup means that you have reached the pinnacle of professional hockey success; it means you are a champion -- the best of the best. Each player's epic journey to get to that sacred place has a unique and meaningful story behind it, however, and those stories are at the very core of "Raising Stanley." For more than two years Ross Bernstein researched, met and interviewed more than 100 players and coaches who all share one common denominator -- they had the distinct privilege of hoisting Lord Stanley's holy grail. You see, to raise it means you have won it. Hockey players are extremely respectful as well as superstitious when it comes to the Cup. In fact, no player will ever even touch it unless he has won it. So, when he actually gets to raise it above his head for the first time, it is undoubtedly one of the proudest and most profound moments of his life. Some stories will make you laugh out loud; like the one about Shjon Podein, who was so excited about winning the Cup in 2001 with the Colorado Avalanche that he refused to take off his equipment for the next 24 hours. That's right. Wanting the moment to last forever, he kept his entire uniform on -- skates and all -- and partied like a rock star all night long throughout the streets of Denver. Some will make you cringe; like the one about Mike Modano, who, despite suffering from incredible pain, insisted upon getting his busted hand shot up with novocaine between each period of every playoff game because he didn't want to let his teammates down during Dallas' 1999 Stanley Cup run. Some will bring tears to your eyes; like the one about Phil Esposito, who talked about how tough it was for him to slip his 1970 Boston Bruins championship ring off his dad's finger at his funeral just before they had to close his casket. And some will inspire you; like the one about Brendan Shanahan, who took the Cup to his father's grave site the morning after leading his Detroit Red Wings to the title in 1997 so he could personally thank him for all the sacrifices he had made for him over the years -- from 5AM practices to getting a second job -- just so he could live out his childhood dream. You will read not only about what it meant for the players to raise the Cup, but also about the deeper significance of how that achievement has effected or changed their lives. The raw emotion and personal stories of determination, courage and perseverance are woven into life lessons and practical business takeaways that can be taken back to the office and put to use immediately. The playoff beards, the dramatic game-sevens, the closed-door captain's practices, the coaching wisdom, the bench-clearing brawls, the crazy superstitions, the "playoff make-up" (the cuts, stitches and bruises on their faces), and of course their "Day with the Cup" -- it all comes to life in the ensuing pages. Inspirational, poignant and hilarious stories on the quest to claim hockey's ultimate prize, that's what this is all about. (A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book proudly benefits the Herb Brooks Foundation, of which Ross Bernstein serves as the President of the Board of Directors.)

"For me, winning the Stanley Cup was the most important thing I accomplished in my career. It was a long journey getting there too, 14 years to be exact before we finally won it. I went through a lot of tough seasons in Detroit before we were able to eventually get it right. So, to look back now at what it means, I would have to say that it has clearly defined my career. The Cup is so special because it's so hard to win. That two months of playoff hockey after already going through six months of the regular season really wears on you. So, when you are the last team standing at the end, that means you've survived and that you're the champion. I'm just extremely proud to have played my entire career in Detroit and that I was able to be a part of bringing three Stanley Cups to that great city."
-- Steve Yzerman, Stanley Cup Winner with Detroit 1997, 1998, 2002

"I have been fortunate to have won six Stanley Cups as a player but winning that first one in 1980 was the most memorable. It can only happen once and for me that was my first championship. I remember the exact moment like it was yesterday. I was on the bench between shifts and I saw Lorne Henning pass to John Tonelli who in turn passed to Bobby Nystrom, who shot it past Philadelphia goalie Pete Peeters for the overtime game-winner. It was the greatest moment of my hockey career, without a doubt. When that red light went off I was officially a Stanley Cup champion."
"You know, I will never forget being an eight year kid up in Saskatchewan and watching Jean Beliveau raise the Cup over his head on "Hockey Night in Canada." I knew right then and there that I wanted to do that one day. So, to finally touch it was beyond words to me. To finally be able to grab onto it and hoist it over your head and kiss it, wow, what a special moment. It was so heavy, yet light as a feather. You just feel validated, like you have earned it. I remember winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1976 and when I went to get my trophy some reporters asked me to stand by the Stanley Cup to have my picture taken with it. I said hell no, I wasn't going near that thing. I knew that you didn't dare touch it unless you've earned the right to do so. Well, four years later I earned it.
"Later, when we got back to the locker room, I remember rubbing my fingers across all the engraved names on it and imagining where mine would go. Then, to drink champagne out of that beautiful silver cup, it had never tasted so sweet. What a moment. I just wanted to remember everything about it. I didn't want it to end. I would look up and study the faces in the crowd, focusing on them. My senses were so heightened, what I was seeing and hearing and smelling. I remember every moment from that day, minute by minute, it's just engrained in my head. It's so vivid. Hard to believe that was 30 years ago. Wow.
"Then, to go back to back the following year, and then make it three in a row the next, followed by the fourth straight to solidify us as a dynasty -- what an amazing run that was. We were the kings of hockey back in the early `80s, no question about it. Once you won one, and got that taste of victory, then it just made you hungry for more. That was what drove us, that feeling of being the best, to be champions."
-- Bryan Trottier, Stanley Cup Winner with Islanders 1980-83; Pittsburgh 1991-92; Colorado 2001 (Assistant Coach)

"The Stanley Cup is the ultimate punch line to the story, and the story is what makes the punch line work. The story is of that particular season and of all the hard work, preparation and sacrifice that went into that season. The Stanley Cup is the culmination of your goals that you set out in quest of many months before. So, in the quest for anything that is hard, you have to be willing to hope it -- which is so hard because chances are it won't turn out -- and that can be extremely painful. You also have to have your teammates hope for it just as hard. You have to go through moments where it doesn't seem remotely possible and nothing seems to be working, and then fight your way back. So no matter how good your team is, you have all of those things going on over the course of a season. And if that weren't enough, you are also carrying everybody else's hopes as well, including the fans. In our case it was the fans in not only Montreal, but also the entire province of Quebec. You hope big and you hope hard and you make yourself completely vulnerable in the process. You can't emotionally prepare yourself for the possibility of it not turning out the way you hope. I mean if it doesn't go your way you've got nothing there to protect you from that disappointment. So you work and you work and then it finally happens, and everything comes together and you are the champions."
"I love the moment of the celebration right after winning. Then, about a half hour later, when you are in the locker room, you go into a sort of deep mellow where you know it's done. It's over. You set out on a path and you had no way of knowing that you could get there, but you got there and you won. That is the moment that was the most gratifying for me. That was real satisfaction, to look around at your teammates and to realize that you were the champions that season. You sit and you reflect, and it feels very good. Very good. It's a quiet internal smile and it's wonderful. It's freedom. Then, you get to enjoy it that next week with the parades and the parties. Best of all though, you get to enjoy it that entire Summer. You see that scoreboard in your mind with the final score on it and you remember how good that felt. Then, when someone comes up to you and has something to say about a certain goal you blew back in December or a game you lost in February, it's as if you can just point to that scoreboard and all is forgotten. You just carry that around with you until September, when you have to work towards earning another scoreboard. It's that incredible freedom that you rarely feel about anything in life. It's amazing."
-- Ken Dryden, Stanley Cup Winner with Montreal: 1971, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978 & 1979 ... Read more

Editorial Review

You thought you'd read them all, did you? Well, you haven't.

Simultaneously loved and loathed, Don Cherry is one of the most talkative and talked-about personalities in hockey today. His more than twenty-five years as a player and coach have informed his popular Hockey Night in Canada commentary segment, "Coach's Corner." And now he's got more stories to share.

In Don Cherry's Hockey Stories, Part 2, Grapes tells us about the 2010 Stanley Cup, relays the lessons he's learned both on and off the ice, and takes us inside hockey's mythical players' "code." You'll encounter familiar names from the game and find out who this idol looks up to. You'll travel back in time to Cherry's days playing in the minor leagues. You'll share his experiences of being named Coach of the Year in the NHL and in the AHL. And you'll hear from his kids about what it was like growing up with a dad like Don..

Don Cherry tells it like it is, for better or for worse. You won't be disappointed.

P.S. Don wants you to know it's a book the whole family can enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews

Don Cherrys Hockey stories part 2, December 7, 2010
read the first book and loved it, had to get part 2 because it will probably be as good if not better. Love Don Cherry and his humor. Diana ... Read more

Editorial Review

Blood, guts, and glory-veteran players reveal the NFL you never see on TV

Behind every glittering NFL game on television is a world of happy pain for a hundred men. NFL Unplugged lets you see that world through the eyes of the pros who live and sweat in it. Here are the places the cameras don't go: the locker room where coaches' speeches can deflate or motivate, the huddle where fart jokes vie with playcalling, the training camp where locusts and heat conspire to break the strongest bodies and shake the most determined minds. Now you can experience it all up close and unplugged.

• Draws on firsthand accounts of more than thirty players and coaches from teams across the NFL, including Mark Schlereth, Bill Romanowski, Kevin Long, Kyle Turley, John Gruden, Hugh Douglas, Jon Runyan, and Michael Strahan
• An unvarnished look at everything from training camp and broken dreams, conditioning and injuries, and camaraderie and hazing to the quest to gain a competitive edge and the exhilarating triumphs of the game
• Written by one of the top figures in sports radio, Anthony Gargano of Philadelphia's 610-WIP

From the injuries that never heal and the money that never lasts to the memories and the glory that never fade, NFL Unplugged shows the unbridled brutality and sheer brilliance of the game. ... Read more

Reviews

Entertaining and enjoyable, August 6, 2010

Fun, but kind of disappointing., November 12, 2010
NFL Unplugged was a fun read, however by the end I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed. I'm a football fan from way back, so I have grown up loving the game and have been known to indulge in quite a bit of football hyperbole myself. I was just surprised that there was so much in this book. The writing often comes across as disjointed and a lot of stuff seems to be repeated. I wish the author would have used a wider base of players and teams instead of focusing so much on the Philadelphia Eagles. I did appreciate his emphasis on the "grunts" or no name players. I felt his section on training camp was the best part of the book. I never fully understood the whole practice squad system and since my own beloved hometown team is now taking half of its roster from the practice squad, it was nice to learn how that worked.

Other than the training camp section, I didn't really learn anything new, so if you are looking for gossip filled insights,or scandalous exposes this is not the book for you. It is at times a nice testament to the hard work some of these players put in and a timely reminder (with the strike threat looming) that these guys work on more than just Sundays. This was a good tasty snack for any football fan, just not the steak dinner I was expecting.

The Celebration of Violence and Brutality in the National Football League., November 7, 2010

An insider's look at the NFL., October 1, 2010

Gritty, guts, glory, September 7, 2010

Good Look Behind The Curtain, August 27, 2010

Interesting inside view, August 24, 2010

Brutal and honest, a great behind the scenes look!, August 21, 2010

The inside story isn't always pretty, August 20, 2010

A Firm Grasp of the Obvious, October 28, 2010
OK. I get it. Football is a tough, cutthroat sport. People get injured. Careers are short. If any of this is a surprise to you, buy the book. If you want to have those truths reiterated for 200-something pages, buy the book. Boring and not at all enlightening. ... Read more

Reviews

Must for Flyers Fans, November 24, 2010
I heard about this book from a friend on Facebook. It did not disappoint. I knew already most of the Flyers history as I have been a season ticket holder since 1980, but the book was a wonderful stroll down memory lane. It is easy reading as each topic is 1-2 pages long. It includes many photos and quotes from former players. ... Read more

Editorial Review

#1 National Bestseller

Don Cherry has been named a National Hockey League Coach of the Year with a winning percentage of over .600 and also received Coach of the Year honours in the American Hockey League.His comments on Hockey Night in Canada’s "Coach's Corner" routinely make headlines as they entertain, educate, and often upset some fans throughout North America. He may be controversial, but no one can deny the popularity he enjoys; popularity that was reflected in his top 10 ranking in the competition to determine "The Greatest Canadian."

Now from Grapes himself comes the book that hockey fans of all ages have been waiting for. Written with veteran sports journalist Al Strachan, here are Don Cherry's favourite stories from his career in hockey. And you can imagine the stories he has to tell.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Reviews

Like reading Coach's Corner, January 5, 2009
What I loved best about this book is that Don Cherry's "voice" shines through on every page. Reading the book felt just like listening to Don on Coach's Corner - outspoken, opinionated, and passionate. Cherry writes what it was like playing in the minors, shares stories of players past and current, as well as personal anecdotes of Hockey Night in Canada and the most famous hockey dog, his Blue. He isn't afraid to call out individuals by name for their behavior and admits some of his own mistakes as well. Love him or hate him, there's two things that can't be argued after reading this book - 1) Don is a proud Canadian who understands and appreciates his heritage and 2) Don Cherry loves the game of hockey. His love of the game comes through on every page.

A classic Canadian at his best, January 4, 2009
Love him or hate him, Don Cherry has been one of the most notable people in the NHL who isn't afraid to say it like it is. I remember him when he coached the Bruins and now on Hockey Night in Canada, he's just as opinionated. I don't mind someone who gives his/her opinion as long as they have the experience to back it up. Don Cherry is that man. He not only has the brains, but better yet, he is one of the strongest hearted people in the NHL today. Great book by a great man.

A fun and quick read, September 23, 2010
Not much to say about this one, it's basically Don Cherry telling hockey stories. His personality comes through very well, he's frank and honest as always, and it's entertaining. A quick and lighthearted read, probably more of a rental or used purchase though. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Year of the Blackhawks, August 25, 2010
It's a great book to remember each and every player on the roster in the year the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. As indicated, each player gets a page of information and statistics as well as a full page color photo. In addition, the season, particularly the playoffs, are described in great detail with appropriate photos.

Color photos of amazing Blackhawk moves on the ice accompany documentation of their many achievements, December 17, 2010
Year of the Blackhawks: Celebrating Chicago's 2009-10 Stanley Cup Championship Season is a 'must' for any collection interested in the Blackhawks team and their evolution. The coverage went to print immediately following their Game 6 win over the Philadelphia Flyers in 2010 and is jointly published by Fenn Publishing and the National Hockey League. Color photos of amazing Blackhawk moves on the ice accompany documentation of their many achievements.

Great gift for a Hawks lover, August 9, 2010
I bought this for my husband's birthday right after they won the Stanley Cup. Since my husband is a devoted Blackhawks fan and hockey player, it was the ideal gift and he just loved it. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Story of the Greatest Sports Moment of the Twentieth Century

Once upon a time, they taught us to believe. They were the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, a blue-collar bunch led by an unconventional coach, and they engineered what Sports Illustrated called the greatest sports moment of the twentieth century. Their “Miracle on Ice” has become a national fairy tale, but the real Cinderella story is even more remarkable.

Wayne Coffey casts a fresh eye on this seminal sports event, giving readers an ice-level view of the amateurs who took on a Russian hockey juggernaut at the height of the Cold War. He details the unusual chemistry of the Americans—formulated by their fiercely determined coach, Herb Brooks—and seamlessly weaves portraits of the boys with the fluid action of the game itself. Coffey also traces the paths of the players and coaches since their stunning victory, examining how the Olympic events affected their lives.

Told with warmth and an uncanny eye for detail, The Boys of Winter is an intimate, perceptive portrayal of one Friday night in Lake Placid and the enduring power of the extraordinary.


Also available as an eBook ... Read more

Reviews

For fans and non-fans alike, January 18, 2005
More than just an underdog-achieves-greatness story, this book is a revealing look at the elements that went into that incredible victory in Lake Placid. Little is glossed over, and both Herb Brooks and several players are examined in detail. Brooks is not portrayed as a saint, but his genius in creating a team and a system to win gold shines through.

The Russians are not treated as a bunch of villains, but instead are shown to be just as human as the American boys. The political climate of the time obviously made the victory that much sweeter, and Coffey does an excellent job of setting the victory against that backdrop.

As a hockey fan, it's difficult to think of a greater moment than watching the players and crowd go crazy as those final seconds ticked away - for many of us, it still gives us chills 25 years later. This book does a wonderful job of honoring one of the great moments in American sports history.

A flood of happy memories and a great book, March 11, 2005
I was 18, almost 19, years old that night in February 1980. I was a freshman in college, only a handful of years younger than the talented young men who donned the sweaters of the USA to play in the Lake Placid Olympics. It would be hard to imagine a time when morale was lower, and people felt more negatively about being an American--it was the Carter administration, interest rates were 21%, the Iranian hostage crisis was in full disaster mode, and the Soviets had just invaded Afghanistan. I grew up 65 miles from Three Mile Island, and the accident there had occurred two days after my 18th birthday in March 1979, and nobody knew whether the accident there would have long-term negative effects. Relations with the Soviets were at their nadir, the Cold War was at its height, and I remembered that things in this country were at about their lowest point possible.

And then a miracle occurred.

Herb Brooks and his team of unknown college kids beat the greatest hockey team in the world, perhaps in history. I will never forget--as long as I live--hearing Al Michaels cry out, "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!" as time ran out, and seeing the bedlam when the U.S. boys realized what they had accomplished. At that moment, it was okay to be an American again. I think that the resurgence of the Reagan years actually began that night in Lake Placid. It certainly marked the height of amateur hockey in the Olympics--the whole concept of "Dream Teams" was not even yet on the drawing board.

Wayne Coffey has written the definitive book on the Miracle game. It covers the action on the ice in minute detail while also telling us just who these unknown college kids--and their sphinx-like coach--were. Coffey tells us what has happened to these 20 men since their miracle, and discusses the travails and accomplishments, ranging from Mark Wells, who has faced nothing but adversity and illness, to men like Mark Pavelich, a great player who remains as enigmatic today as he was then.

For those who remember that night, or those who want to know more about it, there are two things I can recommend--the 2003 movie Miracle, where Kurt Russell BECAME Herbie Brooks--and this book. It's a quick, easy read by a master of sportswriting craft, and I can't imagine anything ever topping this book. The tragedy, of course, is that Herb Brooks died in a car accident in the summer of 2003, and never got to see either Russell's wonderful portrayal of him, or the reunion of his boys at Salt Lake City--now older, fatter, and grayer--when they lit the Olympic flame and re-captured the joy of their miracle moment.

Buy it. Read it. Cherish the memories. And remember the greatest moment in the history of sports when a bunch of unknown college kids beat the best team on earth.

OK, but could have been much better, June 21, 2005
Curiously, though the event has rated an HBO documentary, a made-for-TV movie, and a full-blown theatrical retelling, the complete story of the "Miracle on Ice" has never been put between covers in a real, live book (as opposed to a tome of the "instant paperback" variety). Unfortunately, it still hasn't. Coffey does a good enough job of telling the only story that people seem to care about anymore - the February 22, 1980, shocker that the U.S. hockey team pulled off against the unbeatable Soviets - but he reproduces each and every hockey movement of the game to such an excruciating degree that it's all the harder to forgive him for paying scant attention to the rest of the games that the Americans played to cop the gold. The interstitital mini-biographies of the various players and Coach Herb Brooks (whose 2003 funeral following a fatal car crash serves as the book's curtain-raiser) break the game narrative up to the point that the book is a bit confusing to read. It's an OK effort, but "Do You Believe in Miracles?" (the HBO documentary) and "Miracle" (the Disney feature flick) remain the best reminiscences of this epochal moment in sports history.

Now I believe in Miracles, January 31, 2005
Given that I was born in June of 1980 - some 4 months after the greatest sports moment of the last 25 years - I have had to rely 100 percent on documentaries, articles and movies to truly understand how important this event really was. My father, who has everything from DVDs to framed artwork commemorating the game, still talks about the event today as if it just happened.

But, even the movie Miracle, which came out last year and is No. 1 on my all-time sports movie list, didn't do for me what this book does.

What history has told us again and again over the last 25 years is how special this victory was because of the fact that it was a bunch of college players who were virtually unheard of taking down a Soviet powerhouse made up of solid veterans. However, what nobody has attempted to do was tell us the story of who these 20 young men really were. Until now.

Wayne Coffey takes us through - not only the game minute-by-minute, period-by-period, but also he tells the story of the players. Who they were. Where they came from. Where they are now. He does a marvelous job of breaking down the book and weaving in and out between past and present. With such in depth analysis, you would think it would be hard to follow, but Coffey's gift for story telling makes it easy to get through. There are some books that once you finish you feel kind of dissapointed - not because you didn't enjoy the book, but because you enjoyed it so much you are going to miss it. This is true of this one.

After you're done, you feel as if you know the team personally, as if you were the 21st member in Lake Placid, along side Pavelich, O'Callahan, Harrington, Suter, Craig, Eruzione, McClanahan, Johnson and even the legendary late coach himself, Herb Brooks.

This one is a real page-turner from start to finish. The book brings those like my father right back to a time in history that will never again be revisited and for people my age, it brings us to a time that we wish we could have experienced first hand. Obviously, we will never be able to go back. But this is the next best thing.

Great Story From One of Nation's Best Sportswriters, July 17, 2006
Wayne Coffey is a wonderful sportswriter for the NY Daily News, so seeing his name on this book gave me every reason to believe I would like it. I was right.

A huge amount has been written and done about this team. There was a full-length movie, an outstanding HBO documentary and a made-for-TV movie (Karl Malden as Herb Brooks).

This book fills a lot of the gaps and gives a lot of insight into the individuals. I especially appreciated that Coffey interviewed many of the Russians, his sections on Tarasov and Tikhinov are fascinating.

Unlike Mr. Barat, I was able to follow the narrative of the book, it did not bounce around too much for me.

And while I would have preferred more coverage on the other games the team played, before and during the Olympics, that is a mild quibble.

The biggest gotcha in the book is when it talks about the game that the US played against the USSR two weeks before the Olympics. That game was won by the USSR 10-3 and it wasn't that close. Other sources said that both teams were trying 100%. Coffey believes that Brooks held back the US team a lot, not wanting to show his hand to them.

I rarely give 5 stars to a book, this one deserves them.

Not Enough Stars, December 13, 2005
On the fateful night of 22 February 1980, I was 12 yrs old and witnessed the best event on tv or otherwise that I had *ever* seen or have seen since. The game against the Russians and ensuing victory forever changed my life. I have been both a hockey fan since and I most assuredly *do* believe in miracles. I was too young to appreciate the world events that kept the mood in the country downtrodden but I will always remember that game if only for the tremendously motivating story that it is. It's not possible to capture an intangible like hope, however Coffey's book certainly accomplishes precisely that. If you never read another sports based book, this one will be all that you'll ever need. Now if I can just find a VHS copy of the 13th Winter Olypic Games that features the game in question so I can burn the game to DVD to have forever more.

A Great Chronicle of a Great Event, June 7, 2005
Mr. Coffey invested two years of his life into this book, and the result is a lovingly crafted account of this now legendary hockey team and their enigmatic coach.

A great book for sports fans of any persuasion, Mr. Coffey's play-by-play retelling of the instantly famous game is expertly woven with the stories of the players themselves. What continues to fascinate and inspire is how the the exceptional, daresay miraculous, seemingly exploded from such ordinariness and anonymity. (I suppose there is hope for me yet!)

To those considering the very worthwhile purchase of this book, and to those who may already have enjoyed it, I would also recommend "Home Ice" by Jack Falla. Mr. Falla's book dovetails nicely with the recurrent themes of love, family, and integrity found in "The Boys of Winter." And for those fortunate enough to live in colder climates, there is even a bonus chapter complete with instructions for building your own backdoor rink.

Finally, a comment for anyone who may have wondered just how much poetic license may have been taken in the production of Disney's film "Miracle." Based on a comparison to Mr. Coffey's extensively researched account, the answer is very little. How encouraging that such an extraordinary and uplifitng event was perfectly scripted the moment it unfolded before our eyes, without need of exaggeration or mythologizing. Enjoy the movie, guilt-free!

Exellent Book, October 18, 2005
The really helped me understand what happened with players during the 1980 Miracle on Ice. The movie didn't really show what happened and this book filled that gap.I loved how it told all about the Soviet Game between USSR (russia)and the USA. the book helped soo much in understanding the Miracle on Ice.

GREAT BOOK

This is why we love hockey!, January 21, 2005
I remember the day well back in 1980. My Pee Wee hockey team traveled to Toronto from Detroit that Friday for a tournament that weekend. When we arrived, all the parents that made the trip and us kids all watched the game in the hotel bar. After all the excitement from seeing USA beating Russian, the parents went crazy and some cried and hugged each other. Me and my hockey teammates were just kids and really didn't understand the significance of the game, but definitely wanted USA to win. From the time I was a Mite to my last year in Juniors, hockey was my life as it was for a lot of kids that grew up playing hockey.

That following summer in 1980, I attended West Suburban Hockey Camp in Michigan which was owned and operated by the now infamous Bob Goodenow. Mark Wells, who played on the 1980 Olympic Hockey Team, was one of the instructors at the camp. It was awesome having the chance to be coached and taught hockey skills by Mark Wells. He was a very good instructor and some the fake and deke techniques he taught me helped me out as much as anything I ever learned from any hockey coach or instructor. Myself and other players at the camp were in awe of Mark Wells because he was just so powerful, fast and talented on the ice and a super nice guy as well.

When I read the part about Mark Wells in the book, I became a little emotional. I was sorry to hear about the struggles he has had over the years. After the movie "Miracle" came out, it got me thinking of what happened to Mark and to find out that he has had some difficulties in life were a surprise to me. I am happy to hear that Mark is doing well, moving forward and enjoying life now.

Hockey is unlike any other sport. The amount of time and money that the parents of young amateur hockey players put into their kids is huge, far beyond other major sports. All the traveling including many weekends of overnight travel, late night games and practices, buying new skates and equipment every year because kids are constantly growing out of them, the cost of ice time and giving much if not all of their own time just to let their kids to play hockey...and these parents wouldn't have it any other way.

You don't have to be an ex hockey player or even a real hockey fan to enjoy this book. Wayne Coffee does a great job telling the reader just what the players on the 1980 USA team gave up and then gained as hockey players and as people in achieving the unimaginable for their country.

Left Wanting More, January 3, 2008
The book is 288 pages with extremely wide margins. To tell this story properly the book should be in the 400-500 page range. I wanted to know more about the American players, the ones who brought home the gold as well as those who, like Her Brooks in 1960, were among the last cuts. What were their feelings after "The Miracle" knowing that they had been that close to being a part of it. I wanted to know more about Brooks himself. His relationship with his wife and kids, did he ever get tired of talking about the 1980 games? I wanted to know more about the Russian players. Is the loss still talked about in Russia? How long did it take the players and hockey in the Soviet Union to get over the upset?

All of these subjects were touched upon, but that's the point--they were only touched upon and nothing was delved into completely so as to peel away layers of a more interesting story.

The 1980 U.S. hockey team is one of my favorite subjects. I found the team back then, and still find their achievement today, a tremendous source of inspiration. I just didn't learn very much new about them in this book. ... Read more

Reviews

A good read to get caught up to speed on the Bs, November 18, 2010
I enjoyed this book. If you want to learn about the Boston Bruins quickly this book will do it.

I like that basically all the major events in the Bruins history are discussed. The book goes from the beginning of th organization to the end organized in mini chapters of a few pages on each topic, just enough to give you the information needed. I learned new facts about the Kraut line, the early seasons of the 20's, 30's 40's and 50's. I got a good grasp of just what events kept setting the B's back from winning the cup, etc.

The reason I couldn't give it 5 stars is the following,

You will end up reading some of the same material twice, such as when there is a chapter about the evolution of Bruins jersies which includes the winter classic design in detail and then the chapter on the actual Winter Classic game that has the same exact info.

Players come up in different chapters and the same information is listed over and over again.

The book title is 100 things you should know and DO, however in reality there are only about 8 chapters listing things you should do and quite frankly they are a bit cheesey. Watch Rescue Me? How about watch a B's Canadiens game or a playoff game in the Garden. Another is Collect Bruins Memorabilia, which is basically an Ad for Sports World in Saugus.

One Chapter mentions Babineau and his strech of being the Bs photographer since the 70's but fails to mention his book Black and Gold: Four Decades of the Boston Bruins in Photographs, which has a ton of the great photos the author mentions in the book.

If the author just stuck to things you should KNOW it would be a better book than stretching it out with nonsense about things you should DO. Maybe half of the things you should do I would actually recommend and I think I could come up better ones too.

Again, I did enjoy this book, I am a big Bruins fans so I am a bit more critical than others. This would be a great gift for any Bruins fan.





... Read more

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

Widely acknowledged as the best hockey book ever written and lauded by Sports Illustrated as one of the Top 10 Sports Books of All Time, The Game is a reflective and thought-provoking look at a life in hockey. Intelligent and insightful, former Montreal Canadiens goalie and former President of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ken Dryden captures the essence of the sport and what it means to all hockey fans. He gives us vivid and affectionate portraits of the characters — Guy Lafleur, Larry Robinson, Guy Lapointe, Serge Savard, and coach Scotty Bowman among them — that made the Canadiens of the 1970s one of the greatest hockey teams in history. But beyond that, Dryden reflects on life on the road, in the spotlight, and on the ice, offering up a rare inside look at the game of hockey and an incredible personal memoir. This commemorative edition marks the 20th anniversary of The Game's original publication. It includes black and white photography from the Hockey Hall of Fame and a new chapter from the author. Take a journey to the heart and soul of the game with this timeless hockey classic. ... Read more

Reviews

An extraordinary look at the game, August 13, 2000
Calling this "the best book ever written about hockey" somehow does not do this work justice. Ken Dryden was one of the best goalies of his time, on one of the greatest teams of all time, and yet this portrayal of a year in the life of that team is much more than "team wins hockey games, gets Stanley Cup." In fact, unless you know what happened in 1979 you may miss that fact. What Dryden aims to do with this book is far more ambitious than to simply describe his last year in the NHL. He wants to discuss the meaning of hockey in the context of his own life as well as that of his country. If this seems a little ambitious, well it is. But Dryden is certainly up to the task.

Written in what amounts to a modified stream-of-consciousness, there are many digressions as Dryden wanders away from descriptions of game days to talk about his early career, the origins of the game, and what it means to Canadians. It's not hard to follow this, but you do have to pay attention. The thing that struck me most was that, while Dryden the author is articulate, thoughtful, and clearly smarter than the average bear, he describes "Ken Dryden the goalie" as a bit of a goof, the last to get locker room jokes, the guy who falls for pranks, who makes himself the target of other, quicker minds. Dryden clearly feels no need to make himself look good to the reading public and when he dissects his playing ability you get the impression that he's being totally honest: he's a Hall of Fame goalie who wishes he could have been just a little better.

(On the other hand, while I agree that popular culture creates images of athletes that they often cannot live up to, I balk at Dryden's insistence that "people think I am smarter than I am, because of this image." When you dissect the NHL's policy on fighting by referencing three psychological theories of human behaviour as well as Monty Python's "Holy Grail" -- well, don't expect me to think you're really Big Bobby Clobber, all right?)

Among the most attractive parts of this book are his descriptions of his teammates. I was a very young hockey fan in the 1970's and we were Habs fans -- absolutely. The names in this book are magical ones to me, and my reaction to reading about them is proof enough of Dryden's remark that "things are never as good as in the old days -- and they never were." In other words, the players you admired as a child are ALWAYS the best. Ken Dryden in the 1970's was never as good as the players he admired in the 1950's, and don't try selling him any silly statistics to prove otherwise. (It's when Dryden writes as a fan that he's especially charming.)

Anyway, the pen-portraits he gives of his teammates alone make the book worth reading. Who knew Guy Lapointe was an incorrigible locker-room prankster? Still, written as it was at the twilight of Dryden's own career, "The Game" has a certain melancholy air in places. Guy Lafleur is clearly not going to be at the top of the league forever -- and then what? Rejean Houle is depicted as someone who has come to terms with himself and will be fine, but I have to admit that even twenty years later I was a little disturbed by the portrait of Larry Robinson. Dryden describes the beloved defenseman as self-doubting and possibly afraid that if he was too good at being the tough guy he would one day wake up and find himself slotted into being a goon instead of a player. He also indicates that in his efforts to remake himself into a more complete player, Robinson may have ended up selling himself short. It's not every day that you imagine Larry Robinson as a tragic figure but after reading this bit I really had to remind myself that at this point he probably does not need my sympathy! (On the other hand, considering that early in his head coaching career Robinson's major problem seems to have been being a little over-sensitive and almost pathologically conscientious, it's interesting to see that he was the same way as a player.)

The team as a group entity is remarkably likable: there is a certain innocence in their silly pranks and teasing. The Habs of the 70's were said to be a remarkably united team and Dryden offers no argument there: in the midst of the rise of the Parti Quebecois Dryden's claim that there was no "French-English problem" on the team rings true when he depicts even the anglophone players as cursing almost entirely in French (and it's oddly endearing.) Guys like "Shutty" and "Flower" and "Pointu" and "Bird" were Canadiens first, everything else after. Even the legendarily unpleasant Scotty Bowman is made a sympathetic character, which I am told is a feat in itself.

Once again, this is not simply a remarkable book about hockey. It's a remarkable book by a remarkable guy who happened to be a remarkable player on a team that was... well, you know the rest.

thoughtful words spoken by a childhood hero, April 17, 2005
Ken Dryden: lawyer, father, Cornell and McGill graduate, former President of the Toronto Maples Leafs, Canadian MP and Minister of Social Development, former member of the Montreal Canadiens, winner of six Stanley Cups, member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, and author. I had the pleasure of watching his last run through the playoffs, winning the Cup one last time, as my introduction to hockey...he became my childhood idol, and was the reason I went into goaltending myself.

I just finished reading his book, The Game, which was a gift from my fiancee.

I don't think I've read many books as good as this. The writing style is conversational, and it relates a snapshot view of Dryden's latter half of his last season, once he had decided to retire from hockey. There are many excellent portraits of team-mates, friends, coaches, family, and even opponents, and even himself; no punches are pulled, but nothing is mean-spirited, and you can tell he had a fondness for his team-mates, even though he felt somewhat separated from them due to his position as goalie. About himself, he relates his introduction to hockey, his self-doubts, his game-time superstitions, and his happy memories.

Interspersed with this are thoughts on the business of hockey: the grind of going from city to city to play night after night, how trades affect the team's spirit, injuries and illness and retirement, how a player's ego and the skill level of his team-mates affect his play, the NHLPA, and the effects of TV and expansion and the WHA on the NHL and the game. He also talks about the historical development of the game, how rules developed (including the development of the red line, and the forward pass) and how the game play and rules have produced a not-inevitable environment for fighting, the Soviets and how they showed us that there's more than one style of game that works, and how Gretzky changed the style of game play.

It's a very discerning, and piercing look at the game. Yet, it's told with love, and in a style that took me right back into the 1970s, a time in my own life which I barely remember.

I have a memory of Ken Dryden coming out to drop an opening puck at one of the Canada Cup games, in Hamilton Ontario...he received a 10 minute standing ovation from the fans in the arena. He is well-loved throughout Canada, in memory of his skill, and for his intelligent love of the sport of hockey. This book betrays that love, and have to heartily recommend it to fans of the sport.

Now, I just have to convince my fiancee to take the time to read it, or at least try...

A very special book..., October 20, 2005
The combination of a person who is both highly educated and a 6 time Stanley Cup Winner can only produce an extraordinary book that goes beyond other sports biographies. Here we deal with a person who is consciously making an end to a very successful career and upon doing so reflects on his personal past, but also the experience of being part of a team and playing hockey in a legendary hockey town, that is unique in its own political and linguistic division. He then proceeds to review the history of the game, explaining the difference between European style hockey and Canadian and ultimately in the new edition comparing his perspective at the time to the current state of the international and expanded NHL. Particularly with regard to the recent lockout this new epilogue is extremely interesting. This is a really unique book, but what makes it most attractive is that any hockey player will recognize the description of locker room and team behavior, no matter what level you play at. Canadiens fans will love the stories about his legendary team mates and goalies will recognize his views on being a goalie. This is a very special book...

The greatest hockey book ever written, June 14, 2000
Ken Dryden has written was many would say as the greatest hockey book ever written. Written during the latter stages of his career he reflects and gives insights on some of the greatest hockey legends that we have ever seen - Scotty Bowman, Guy Lefleur, Steve Shutt, Bobby Orr and others. Any hockey fan would appreciate what he writes, something he does better than almost anyone else!

A unique view of an exceptional hockey team, August 28, 2005
The game by Ken Dryden provides a unique view of the Montreal Canadiens during their 1970's reign as the premiere ice hockey team of the NHL and arguably of the world. Dryden's perspective of the team as a whole,the individual players and himself are a fascinating analysis of what made the team "gel" in both good and bad times. In particular, Dryden's critical self-appraisal of his career as it came to a conclusion is a revealing testimonial to his strength of character and his love for the game. A highly cerebral and entertaining reading experience.

More than just hockey, May 29, 2004
I read this book expecting to read the standard sports book, what I found was a book that was not only about hockey but about life. Even those who are not hardcore hockey fans can appreciate many of the messages and opinions on life.
From the beginning to the end I was caught in the words, it made me think and feel. Reading The Game somehow enriched my life, and I recommend it to all. Ken Dryden was not your average hockey player, he was an intelligent man who will always be known as the man who wrote the greatest book about the game of hockey.

A must for any tru hockey fan, February 12, 2002
Ken Dryden, one of the NHL's best goalies, writes about his last year with the 1970's Canadiens, one of the greatest teams in NHL history. He provides more than a day by day account of playing but talks about other aspects of the game. From traveling to playing in his hometown to life as a celebrity and a Canadian, Dryden shows why he should be the Commissioenr of the NHL. If you have ever spent a summer in a rink, driven to a 6AM practice or know the words to "Oh, Canada." then "The Game " is for you.

unafraid to tell the truth, June 9, 2001
Ken Dryden has dared to tell us a warts and all account of a career in the NHL. As a hall of fame Goalie he was well postioned to observe the play of his team mates on the ice. Granted special status as the team's goalie he was then well place to observe the team off the ice too. He has written an honest account of the impact of long seasons of play both on himself and his team mates. Most revealing are his observations on specific players including Guy LaFleur, Bobby Orr and Larry Robinson. I wonder if his friendships with these men survived these opinions? Thoroughly recommended for all sports fans even non hockey fans.

Very good hockey book, December 26, 2005
For a fan of Hockey, Dryden's book provides a fascinating inside look at the life of a prefessional NHL team even though the 70's were a much different era in Hockey and sports in general. Detailing not just game highlights and statistics but really concentrating on the day to day travel and practice grind, the book really get's inside the dynamics of a great team.

Dryden interweaves the narrative of the Montreal Canadiens with his personal story of family and growing up playing Hockey in Ontario that reveals just how ingrained hockey is in the lives of Canadians.

Sports have changed due to big money. Last years NHL strike being just the latest symptom. Dryden's book captures a love of the game and competition that is truly refreshing in this day and age.

I really wanted to like it, May 17, 2009
One word "Dry". I tried to like this book. I really tried to like this book. I am sorry, I just can't. Everyone always say that this is the best hockey books ever written. Some say one of the best sports books ever written. I just don't see it. To that I must say that there just must not be any competition for it. I give it a 3 of 5 because I don't hate it. I guess I don't understand it. I recommend you get it and see for yourself it's a classic and worth your time. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Total Penguins is the definitive resource on the Pittsburgh Penguins, one of the NHL s most popular and successful franchises. Featuring author Rick Buker s exhaustive research and hundreds of exclusive photographs courtesy of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Total Penguins traces the franchise s history from its birth as an expansion team in 1967 to its flirtation with bankruptcy in the 1970s to the arrival of Mario Lemieux in the 1980s and Sidney Crosby in the 2000s, two acquisitions that have led to a golden age of Pittsburgh hockey.
A must-have addition to any Pens fan s library, Total Penguins puts the entirety of the team s history at one s fingertips. This comprehensive encyclopedia includes:
Season-by-season summaries
Statistics for every player in team history
Details of every trade, draft pick, and free-agent signing ever made by the Pens
Biographies of every coach, general manager, owner, and Hall of Fame player
Profiles on 66 of the most important players in Penguins history
Background on every arena the franchise has ever called home
Team records, statistics, award winners, and trivia
And much, much more
For any hockey fan who considers the Consol Energy Center his or her home away from home, Total Penguins is the ultimate guide to this Stanley Cup winning franchise.

An avid hockey fan and freelance writer, Rick Buker hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1979 Rick earned a degree in business administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Upon his graduation, he accepted a position with Consolidated Natural Gas Company. Rick began his writing career in 1995 when he joined the company s communications staff. ... Read more

Reviews

Total Penguins Indeed!, October 22, 2010
The title of this book could not be more appropriate. "Total Penguins" is the most comprehensive book on the Pittsburgh Penguins that I have ever seen. It is well written, entertaining, and bursting with facts and statistics. A must-have for any Penguins fanatic! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Takes an irreverent look at the sports world’s best balance of power and speed

Discover interesting players and amusing moments in hockey history

Written by the author of nine titles in the Most Wanted series, including books on baseball, football, wrestling, golf, tennis, basketball, the Olympics, and Hollywood, as well as Golf!: Great Moments & Dubious Achievements in Golf History

The history of hockey is filled with the bizarre, the unexpected, and the hard to believe. Hockey’s Most Wanted chronicles seven hundred of the most outrageous players, coaches, and owners in hockey history. In humorous detail, Floyd Conner describes hockey’s top ten strange plays, inept players, bizarre nicknames, craziest fans, colorful characters, unlikely heroes, odious owners, worst coaches, beleaguered officials, most brutal fights, and more. Learn why Dave Reece was nicknamed "The Human Sieve" and find out which goalie once gave up fifteen goals in a game. Meet the player who was whistled for a record 67 penalty minutes in a single game and another who played in the National Hockey League for five years before scoring his first goal. Imagine scoring the winning goal in the seventh and deciding game of the Stanley Cup—for the opposing team—or how it felt to be the defenseman traded for a net. You can find all this and more in Hockey’s Most Wanted, a book that every hockey fan will enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews

highly entertaining, March 15, 2008
67 different Top 10 lists are included ranging from best players (by position); draft bargains and busts; biggest, smallest, oldest, and youngest players; and even the craziest fans. I bought this for my husband, who is a hockey broadcaster and trivia buff. He knew some of the stuff, but still laughs at the stuff he didn't know or forgot he knew. I like the explanations of players nicknames and stories about crazy owners. It's fun to pick up and read a list or two. It is indexed if you are looking for a certain player. Lots of fun for the fan! ... Read more