Since I've gone and spent my birthday money at Powell's Books in Portland, OR... I now have a hockey book or two that I can start reading to review.
I can promise that it will be happening soon. I've got a couple of interesting titles that should be coming soon, probably within a week or so.
So stay tuned to see what I've got cooking. In the mean time, Happy Holidays, and Merry Christmas.
Cheers!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
First, let me apologize to my readers for not getting my review up sooner. Fighting bronchitis is never fun, and having to rest takes time away from reading.
That being said, let's take a look at Empire of Ice, by Craig Bowlsby. Now, first of all, this book is set around the turn of the century, in the heady days of the early 1900s. Hockey has a completely different look to it; goalies don't drop to their knees to make saves, players play the entire game, and there's a seventh man on the ice, a position known as a Rover.
The book is laid out pretty straightforward. Each chapter covers a season. The ups and downs, franchises that start, fail and move, everything. Player movement, around this league, as well as players brought in from "back east, in what is the precursor of the NHL."
Each season is detailed with important moments and games. There are plenty of stats to look at as well. There is also a detailed playoff look for each season, with those stats listed. Finally, the chapter concludes with the Stanley Cup playoff, a West meets East affair, with the best team from the Pacific Coast league, meeting up with the winner from the east league, the NHA, and eventually the NHL.
American teams make their mark on the league, with the Portland (Oregon) Rosebuds being the first United States-based team to challenge for the Stanley Cup, and the Seattle Metropolitans the first U.S. team to win the Cup.
All in all, I'd definitely call this a wonderful read. The history alone makes it fun and interesting, while the way that the game adapts over time is also fun to see. You can literally see the game changing as the chapters go by.
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Pacific-Hockey-Association-1911-1926/dp/0969170564/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355197501&sr=1-6&keywords=empire+of+ice
I am indebted to Mr. Bowlsby, the author, for sending me a copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Thanks!
That being said, let's take a look at Empire of Ice, by Craig Bowlsby. Now, first of all, this book is set around the turn of the century, in the heady days of the early 1900s. Hockey has a completely different look to it; goalies don't drop to their knees to make saves, players play the entire game, and there's a seventh man on the ice, a position known as a Rover.
The book is laid out pretty straightforward. Each chapter covers a season. The ups and downs, franchises that start, fail and move, everything. Player movement, around this league, as well as players brought in from "back east, in what is the precursor of the NHL."
Each season is detailed with important moments and games. There are plenty of stats to look at as well. There is also a detailed playoff look for each season, with those stats listed. Finally, the chapter concludes with the Stanley Cup playoff, a West meets East affair, with the best team from the Pacific Coast league, meeting up with the winner from the east league, the NHA, and eventually the NHL.
American teams make their mark on the league, with the Portland (Oregon) Rosebuds being the first United States-based team to challenge for the Stanley Cup, and the Seattle Metropolitans the first U.S. team to win the Cup.
All in all, I'd definitely call this a wonderful read. The history alone makes it fun and interesting, while the way that the game adapts over time is also fun to see. You can literally see the game changing as the chapters go by.
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Pacific-Hockey-Association-1911-1926/dp/0969170564/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355197501&sr=1-6&keywords=empire+of+ice
I am indebted to Mr. Bowlsby, the author, for sending me a copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Thanks!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Two important things to keep in mind for all of my readers.
First, and very important... I want to give a special shoutout to Gregg Drinnan at the Kamloops Daily News. He personally arranged for me to receive a copy of Sudden Death to review. I am indebted to him for this generous action, and want to thank him publicly. Thanks!
Second, Thanksgiving is almost upon us here in the United States. I, like many in the country, have more than one holiday to attend because of family and/or friends. I will also, like many, be travelling out of town to go to at least one of these dinners.
This means that I won't even start a new hockey book until after the holidays. I just wanted to keep my readers up to date...
Happy Thanksgiving, and I'll see you all on the other side, so to speak.
First, and very important... I want to give a special shoutout to Gregg Drinnan at the Kamloops Daily News. He personally arranged for me to receive a copy of Sudden Death to review. I am indebted to him for this generous action, and want to thank him publicly. Thanks!
Second, Thanksgiving is almost upon us here in the United States. I, like many in the country, have more than one holiday to attend because of family and/or friends. I will also, like many, be travelling out of town to go to at least one of these dinners.
This means that I won't even start a new hockey book until after the holidays. I just wanted to keep my readers up to date...
Happy Thanksgiving, and I'll see you all on the other side, so to speak.
Today, I'm reviewing Sudden Death: The Incredible Saga of the 1986 Swift Current
Broncos by Leesa Culp, Bob Wilkie and Gregg Drinnan.
Junior teams across Canada regularly drive thousands of miles by bus every season to get to games, and the Broncos were no different on December 30th, 1986. What happened that day changed the team, the city of Swift Current, and all of junior hockey. The bus would end up going off the side of the road partway on the journey to Regina, after hitting a patch of ice and skidding one way then the other, and when it finally came to rest on the right side, two players were underneath, and two more had been thrown out of windows.
Leesa Culp was getting a ride home for the holidays, and happened to be one of the first people to the wrecked bus. In fact, she held the hand of one of the players while the life drained from his face and body. Bob Wilkie was a defenceman for the Broncos, and was on the bus during the accident. Gregg Drinnan is sports editor of The Daily News.
With that in mind, the book unfolds with the tragedy, going into some detail with former players thoughts on what had happened to them all. The time at the hospital as everyone was treated, and finally realized the scope of the tragedy before the. The book slowly moves on to the memorial and the decision by the Broncos coach, Graham James, and the organization to continue the season. Ultimately, the Broncos would go on and win the 1989 Memorial Cup, an amazing turnaround from just two and a half years prior.
There is also a 3-chapter section on Graham James, the coach and general manager of that team. Much has been written by other people about what he did to people like Theoren Fleury and Sheldon Kennedy, and I won't go into that here. However, Sheldon was a member of the Broncos at that time, and what happened to him would eventually be told in greater detail in Sheldon's book, Why I Didn't Say Anything.
Since this was published in 2012, there is updated information on James as well. In addition, there is a brief "Where are they now?" for each of the players that survived the bus crash.
All in all, this book is a wonderfuly written piece about a tragedy that brought a team closer together. I would highly recommend it as a memorial to the players that were lost, as well as to the team that persevered.
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1459705440/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0C3PWFY49KCX9HNSAGHP&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846
Barnes & Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sudden-death-leesa-culp/1110840125?ean=9781459705449
Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781459705449-0
Junior teams across Canada regularly drive thousands of miles by bus every season to get to games, and the Broncos were no different on December 30th, 1986. What happened that day changed the team, the city of Swift Current, and all of junior hockey. The bus would end up going off the side of the road partway on the journey to Regina, after hitting a patch of ice and skidding one way then the other, and when it finally came to rest on the right side, two players were underneath, and two more had been thrown out of windows.
Leesa Culp was getting a ride home for the holidays, and happened to be one of the first people to the wrecked bus. In fact, she held the hand of one of the players while the life drained from his face and body. Bob Wilkie was a defenceman for the Broncos, and was on the bus during the accident. Gregg Drinnan is sports editor of The Daily News.
With that in mind, the book unfolds with the tragedy, going into some detail with former players thoughts on what had happened to them all. The time at the hospital as everyone was treated, and finally realized the scope of the tragedy before the. The book slowly moves on to the memorial and the decision by the Broncos coach, Graham James, and the organization to continue the season. Ultimately, the Broncos would go on and win the 1989 Memorial Cup, an amazing turnaround from just two and a half years prior.
There is also a 3-chapter section on Graham James, the coach and general manager of that team. Much has been written by other people about what he did to people like Theoren Fleury and Sheldon Kennedy, and I won't go into that here. However, Sheldon was a member of the Broncos at that time, and what happened to him would eventually be told in greater detail in Sheldon's book, Why I Didn't Say Anything.
Since this was published in 2012, there is updated information on James as well. In addition, there is a brief "Where are they now?" for each of the players that survived the bus crash.
All in all, this book is a wonderfuly written piece about a tragedy that brought a team closer together. I would highly recommend it as a memorial to the players that were lost, as well as to the team that persevered.
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1459705440/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0C3PWFY49KCX9HNSAGHP&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846
Barnes & Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sudden-death-leesa-culp/1110840125?ean=9781459705449
Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781459705449-0
Friday, November 16, 2012
I've finally finished what I'd consider to be a challenging read: The Game, by Ken Dryden. I have the 20th anniversary edition.
Dryden's credentials are without question: 6 Stanley Cups in 8 years with Montreal, including a run of 4 in a row in the late 1970s.
This book covers various facets of his career, in seemingly random order. In fact, a person could make the argument that he bounces around the league, his career, and all of hockey in a random fashion. However, everything he writes, from the big paragraphs to the simplest sentence, is with purpose and meaning.
Dryden takes the reader through his career, looking at it from the last of his playing days. He talks about his college days, the year he took off to go through his law schooling in Toronto, family.
But you can see things from a perspective that few outside the hockey world will ever see. He talks about the ups and downs of his teammates, legendary coach Scotty Bowman, and countless Hall of Famers that he has seen and had the chance to witness in his days.
Later in the book, he actually shows us one of his games, from pre-game routine, all the way through each period, the intermissions, and finally the end of the game. He even looks at the history of the game, the changes that have been made in the last century, as well as comparing and contrasting the Russian style of game versus the Canadian. He talks briefly about the WHA and it's effect on the NHL, and how salaries began to spiral up and up.
This is considered one of the greatest hockey books of all time, and I would have to agree. I don't think I can compare it to any other book, because it is in depth in so many areas. I would definitely rate this book a 10.
This is NOT the type of book you're going to just blow through in a couple hours. Be prepared to sit back and relax and allow the book to draw you in. I promise you, it will be worth it.
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Game-Ken-Dryden/dp/0470835842/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353098059&sr=1-4&keywords=the+game
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/game-ken-dryden/1100295218?ean=9780470835845
Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780470835845-0
Dryden's credentials are without question: 6 Stanley Cups in 8 years with Montreal, including a run of 4 in a row in the late 1970s.
This book covers various facets of his career, in seemingly random order. In fact, a person could make the argument that he bounces around the league, his career, and all of hockey in a random fashion. However, everything he writes, from the big paragraphs to the simplest sentence, is with purpose and meaning.
Dryden takes the reader through his career, looking at it from the last of his playing days. He talks about his college days, the year he took off to go through his law schooling in Toronto, family.
But you can see things from a perspective that few outside the hockey world will ever see. He talks about the ups and downs of his teammates, legendary coach Scotty Bowman, and countless Hall of Famers that he has seen and had the chance to witness in his days.
Later in the book, he actually shows us one of his games, from pre-game routine, all the way through each period, the intermissions, and finally the end of the game. He even looks at the history of the game, the changes that have been made in the last century, as well as comparing and contrasting the Russian style of game versus the Canadian. He talks briefly about the WHA and it's effect on the NHL, and how salaries began to spiral up and up.
This is considered one of the greatest hockey books of all time, and I would have to agree. I don't think I can compare it to any other book, because it is in depth in so many areas. I would definitely rate this book a 10.
This is NOT the type of book you're going to just blow through in a couple hours. Be prepared to sit back and relax and allow the book to draw you in. I promise you, it will be worth it.
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Game-Ken-Dryden/dp/0470835842/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353098059&sr=1-4&keywords=the+game
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/game-ken-dryden/1100295218?ean=9780470835845
Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780470835845-0
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Today, I'm reviewing Tales from the Toronto Maple Leafs, by David Shoalts.
I had a good time reading this one, and I'm not even a big fan of the Leafs. I think that's why it's appealing; Toronto is one of the "Original Six" franchises, and their history goes back into the 1930s, and even somewhat before that.
It's laid out with a paragraph or two about a player, situation, or game, then slowly moves on to other related topics, and slowly but fluidly moves through the war years, and into the 1950s and more recent.
A lot is said about behind the scenes behaviors of players, coaches, and especially management. The Staffords, the Smythes, all the famous and infamous are mentioned.
Through the ups and downs, the highs and lows, the reader has the chance to take a brief look at the storied history of an Original Six franchise and see that not all is as rosy as a person might believe. Notorious characters, bad draft picks, even worse trading can all be spotted.
All in all, I'd recommend this to a hockey fan because of the decades that it spans. If you are one of the long-suffering Maple Leaf fans, then this will no doubt help you remember that, yes, even your team was successful one day, and could very well be again some day.
To purchase this book through Amazon.com : http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-Shoalts/dp/1582618879/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352165103&sr=8-1&keywords=tales+from+the+toronto+maple+leafs
To purchase this book through Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tales-from-the-toronto-maple-leafs-david-shoalts/1008492371?ean=9781582618876
I had a good time reading this one, and I'm not even a big fan of the Leafs. I think that's why it's appealing; Toronto is one of the "Original Six" franchises, and their history goes back into the 1930s, and even somewhat before that.
It's laid out with a paragraph or two about a player, situation, or game, then slowly moves on to other related topics, and slowly but fluidly moves through the war years, and into the 1950s and more recent.
A lot is said about behind the scenes behaviors of players, coaches, and especially management. The Staffords, the Smythes, all the famous and infamous are mentioned.
Through the ups and downs, the highs and lows, the reader has the chance to take a brief look at the storied history of an Original Six franchise and see that not all is as rosy as a person might believe. Notorious characters, bad draft picks, even worse trading can all be spotted.
All in all, I'd recommend this to a hockey fan because of the decades that it spans. If you are one of the long-suffering Maple Leaf fans, then this will no doubt help you remember that, yes, even your team was successful one day, and could very well be again some day.
To purchase this book through Amazon.com : http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Toronto-Maple-Leafs-Shoalts/dp/1582618879/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352165103&sr=8-1&keywords=tales+from+the+toronto+maple+leafs
To purchase this book through Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tales-from-the-toronto-maple-leafs-david-shoalts/1008492371?ean=9781582618876
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Today, I'm reviewing Six Shooters: Hockey's Sutter Brothers, by Dean Spiros.
Seeing two brothers in the NHL is pretty cool. Mark and Marty Howe did that. If you've got three brothers that made it to the NHL, that's pretty amazing. The Barclays and the Plagers can boast three brothers in pro hockey at the same time. But six? All six lasting for several years in the NHL? That's the amazing story told in Six Shooters.
Brent, Brian, Darryl, Duane, Rich and Ron all grew up in Viking, Alberta. They all played major junior hockey for the Lethbridge Broncos in the WHL. They all had varying degrees of success in the NHL. Some won Stanley Cups, some didn't. Some played longer than others.
But when it's all said and done, when everything is looked at in the grand picture, there will not be anyone in the NHL who coached a Sutter, or played along side a Sutter, who would ever say that any of the six Sutter brothers were anyone less than the hardest working player on that team.
The book is presented pretty much in two sections. First, the entire chronology of the six boys heading on their ways to the NHL. Each of them provides insight as to their own journey, as well as talking about their brothers. Along the way, their parents and the Rosses, with whom all of the Sutters stayed while playing hockey in Lethbridge, provide even more background into the life of a Sutter.
Second, each of the brothers writes a chapter about his NHL career, his playing days, and for the older men, some of what has happened since leaving the playing ranks. Keeping in mind that the book came out in about 1990, the twins, Rich and Ron, are still playing.
It's an amazing book about an amazing family. You don't have to know a lot about hockey, you just have to value hard work, because that's what being a Sutter is all about.
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Six-Shooters-Hockeys-Sutter-Brothers/dp/0138126038/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351629679&sr=1-8&keywords=six+shooters
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/six-shooter-spiros/1000360767?ean=9780138126032
Powell's City of Books does not have any copies in stock at this time.
Seeing two brothers in the NHL is pretty cool. Mark and Marty Howe did that. If you've got three brothers that made it to the NHL, that's pretty amazing. The Barclays and the Plagers can boast three brothers in pro hockey at the same time. But six? All six lasting for several years in the NHL? That's the amazing story told in Six Shooters.
Brent, Brian, Darryl, Duane, Rich and Ron all grew up in Viking, Alberta. They all played major junior hockey for the Lethbridge Broncos in the WHL. They all had varying degrees of success in the NHL. Some won Stanley Cups, some didn't. Some played longer than others.
But when it's all said and done, when everything is looked at in the grand picture, there will not be anyone in the NHL who coached a Sutter, or played along side a Sutter, who would ever say that any of the six Sutter brothers were anyone less than the hardest working player on that team.
The book is presented pretty much in two sections. First, the entire chronology of the six boys heading on their ways to the NHL. Each of them provides insight as to their own journey, as well as talking about their brothers. Along the way, their parents and the Rosses, with whom all of the Sutters stayed while playing hockey in Lethbridge, provide even more background into the life of a Sutter.
Second, each of the brothers writes a chapter about his NHL career, his playing days, and for the older men, some of what has happened since leaving the playing ranks. Keeping in mind that the book came out in about 1990, the twins, Rich and Ron, are still playing.
It's an amazing book about an amazing family. You don't have to know a lot about hockey, you just have to value hard work, because that's what being a Sutter is all about.
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Six-Shooters-Hockeys-Sutter-Brothers/dp/0138126038/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351629679&sr=1-8&keywords=six+shooters
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/six-shooter-spiros/1000360767?ean=9780138126032
Powell's City of Books does not have any copies in stock at this time.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Today, I'm reviewing Manon: Alone in front of the net, by Manon Rheaume with Chantal Gilbert.
Manon Rheaume came to prominence with her appearance in the very first training camp with the Tampa Bay Lightning, in the fall of 1992. I personally remember hearing that a young woman was trying out for the team, and ultimately became the first female player to play in an NHL pre-season game. She would go on to play in the International Hockey League with the Atlanta Knights, playing in a couple games.
To many people, she appeared out of nowhere in Lightning camp. But this book chronicles the challenges she faces at every single level of hockey in Quebec, trying to break into what was viewed as strictly a male-dominated environment.
As the book progresses, in an easy-to-follow narrative, you begin to get a sense of the frustration one minute of being told that no, you can't play in this league, and sheer joy the next minute of showing that she can outplay some of the goalies in that very same league.
Along the way, there are paragraphs from key people that helped Manon out on the way through various levels of play; her parents, coaches, upper-level management. They offer their point of view on her play and potential.
I recommend it for several reasons. First, it's a tale of someone who made it in spite of the world shutting her down without a chance. Second, It's a fascinating look at a rookie who's trying to make it with a new team, in a new city.
Amazon Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Manon-Alone-Front-Net-Rheaume/dp/000638031X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351111543&sr=8-1&keywords=Manon%3A+alone+in+front+of+the+net
Barnes & Noble Link
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/manon-manon-rheaume/1112522674?ean=9780006380290
Manon Rheaume came to prominence with her appearance in the very first training camp with the Tampa Bay Lightning, in the fall of 1992. I personally remember hearing that a young woman was trying out for the team, and ultimately became the first female player to play in an NHL pre-season game. She would go on to play in the International Hockey League with the Atlanta Knights, playing in a couple games.
To many people, she appeared out of nowhere in Lightning camp. But this book chronicles the challenges she faces at every single level of hockey in Quebec, trying to break into what was viewed as strictly a male-dominated environment.
As the book progresses, in an easy-to-follow narrative, you begin to get a sense of the frustration one minute of being told that no, you can't play in this league, and sheer joy the next minute of showing that she can outplay some of the goalies in that very same league.
Along the way, there are paragraphs from key people that helped Manon out on the way through various levels of play; her parents, coaches, upper-level management. They offer their point of view on her play and potential.
I recommend it for several reasons. First, it's a tale of someone who made it in spite of the world shutting her down without a chance. Second, It's a fascinating look at a rookie who's trying to make it with a new team, in a new city.
Amazon Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Manon-Alone-Front-Net-Rheaume/dp/000638031X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351111543&sr=8-1&keywords=Manon%3A+alone+in+front+of+the+net
Barnes & Noble Link
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/manon-manon-rheaume/1112522674?ean=9780006380290
Friday, October 19, 2012
Today, I've got a special treat. We're taking a look at:
The Best of Down Goes Brown: Greatest Hits and Brand New Classics-to-Be from Hockey's Most Hilarious Blog by Sean McIndoe.
If you've never read his page Down Goes Brown,then you are truly missing out on one of hockey's most entertaining web pages. That web page can be found at:
http://www.downgoesbrown.com/
Now a look at the book. It's laid out in an easy-to-follow format. There is some repeat material, meaning that some of it has been put up on the main web page over time. However, there is plenty of all-new material as well.
It's the type of book that doesn't have to be "read" in the traditional sense, from front to back. Instead, you can either go from the table of contents, or just flip through, using the chapter titles at the top of the pages to find something that looks interesting. "Top-secret" flow-charts, phone calls, interviews, and more from the highest levels of pro hockey management abound. Of course, part-way through, the reader begins to get a sense that it's all in good fun, which keeps you reading to see how they end.
There are plenty of inside jokes regarding the Toronto Maple Leafs and other notable teams and people, but it doesn't require a deep knowledge of hockey to enjoy the book. I think that's the best part; it can be laughed at whether you know all the jokes or not.
I would agree that this book complements Sean's web page nicely. Don't forget to check out his webpage, which he updates probably three or four times a week during the NHL season.
To purchase this book from Powell's City of Books in Portland, OR
http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781118358306-0
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Best-Down-Goes-Brown-Classics-/dp/1118358309/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1350671766&sr=1-1&keywords=down+goes+brown
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-best-of-down-goes-brown-sean-mcindoe/1111014571?ean=9781118358306
I'd like to add a personal note: Sean was kind enough to arrange for the publisher to send me a copy of this book in exchange for my reviews. I cannot thank him enough for his efforts, and I'd like to offer a public thank you to him.
The Best of Down Goes Brown: Greatest Hits and Brand New Classics-to-Be from Hockey's Most Hilarious Blog by Sean McIndoe.
If you've never read his page Down Goes Brown,then you are truly missing out on one of hockey's most entertaining web pages. That web page can be found at:
http://www.downgoesbrown.com/
Now a look at the book. It's laid out in an easy-to-follow format. There is some repeat material, meaning that some of it has been put up on the main web page over time. However, there is plenty of all-new material as well.
It's the type of book that doesn't have to be "read" in the traditional sense, from front to back. Instead, you can either go from the table of contents, or just flip through, using the chapter titles at the top of the pages to find something that looks interesting. "Top-secret" flow-charts, phone calls, interviews, and more from the highest levels of pro hockey management abound. Of course, part-way through, the reader begins to get a sense that it's all in good fun, which keeps you reading to see how they end.
There are plenty of inside jokes regarding the Toronto Maple Leafs and other notable teams and people, but it doesn't require a deep knowledge of hockey to enjoy the book. I think that's the best part; it can be laughed at whether you know all the jokes or not.
I would agree that this book complements Sean's web page nicely. Don't forget to check out his webpage, which he updates probably three or four times a week during the NHL season.
To purchase this book from Powell's City of Books in Portland, OR
http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781118358306-0
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Best-Down-Goes-Brown-Classics-/dp/1118358309/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1350671766&sr=1-1&keywords=down+goes+brown
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-best-of-down-goes-brown-sean-mcindoe/1111014571?ean=9781118358306
I'd like to add a personal note: Sean was kind enough to arrange for the publisher to send me a copy of this book in exchange for my reviews. I cannot thank him enough for his efforts, and I'd like to offer a public thank you to him.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
A quick note about web sites for these books that I've reviewed so far: I am trying to include sites where a person can order the book.
Unfortunately, this blog is a learning process for me, and I tend to think local first. That means that I've been putting Powell's City of Books web links for everything. I was reminded today that I should include such sites as Barnes and Noble, as well as Amazon.
If you don't find the appropriate link to your favorite, I do apologize, I am working on including all of these in future reviews.
Thanks for your patience.
Unfortunately, this blog is a learning process for me, and I tend to think local first. That means that I've been putting Powell's City of Books web links for everything. I was reminded today that I should include such sites as Barnes and Noble, as well as Amazon.
If you don't find the appropriate link to your favorite, I do apologize, I am working on including all of these in future reviews.
Thanks for your patience.
Today, I'm reviewing Hockey in Portland (Images of Sports)
This is a book about the history of hockey in the city of Portland, OR. (my home town)
As a hockey fan, I am interested in both current hockey, as well as the history of the game. This book starts all the way back with the Portland Rosebuds in the early 1900s. The Rosebuds were the first team based in the United States to compete for the Stanley Cup.
The book goes on into the 1940s and 50s with the Portland Eagles and Penguins with pictures of players and the arenas that they played in. Unfortunately, those arenas are long gone in the city.
Finally, the main focus seems to be on the Portland Buckaroos, of the WHL in the 1960s and early 70s. There are pictures of probably 30 or 40 players, action photos, and photos from other memorable games. Each player photo comes with a short bio, outlining playing style, career numbers, and general hockey career.
For any hockey fan who watched the Buckaroos play, this is a wonderful book to bring the club back to life. For a hockey fan who has had the opportunity to meet the Buckaroos at Winterhawks games, like myself, this book has brought their careers back to life and gives people an insight into a different era. It also stands as proof that hockey in Portland was once the "in thing." The Coliseum regularly sold out for Buckaroos games, making it one of the hottest tickets in town for it's day.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in hockey in the Portland area. It stands as a living testament to a century of hockey in the city.
Here is a link to purchase this book via Powells City of Books:
http://www.powells.com/s?kw=hockey+in+portland&class=
Amazon.com link: http://www.amazon.com/Hockey-Portland-OR-Images-Sports/dp/0738548049/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350508714&sr=8-1&keywords=Hockey+in+Portland+%28Images+of+Sports%29
Barnes and Noble Link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hockey-in-portland-oregon-jim-mancuso/1100106852?ean=9780738548043
Arcadia Publishing Link: http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9780738548043/Hockey-in-Portland
This is a book about the history of hockey in the city of Portland, OR. (my home town)
As a hockey fan, I am interested in both current hockey, as well as the history of the game. This book starts all the way back with the Portland Rosebuds in the early 1900s. The Rosebuds were the first team based in the United States to compete for the Stanley Cup.
The book goes on into the 1940s and 50s with the Portland Eagles and Penguins with pictures of players and the arenas that they played in. Unfortunately, those arenas are long gone in the city.
Finally, the main focus seems to be on the Portland Buckaroos, of the WHL in the 1960s and early 70s. There are pictures of probably 30 or 40 players, action photos, and photos from other memorable games. Each player photo comes with a short bio, outlining playing style, career numbers, and general hockey career.
For any hockey fan who watched the Buckaroos play, this is a wonderful book to bring the club back to life. For a hockey fan who has had the opportunity to meet the Buckaroos at Winterhawks games, like myself, this book has brought their careers back to life and gives people an insight into a different era. It also stands as proof that hockey in Portland was once the "in thing." The Coliseum regularly sold out for Buckaroos games, making it one of the hottest tickets in town for it's day.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in hockey in the Portland area. It stands as a living testament to a century of hockey in the city.
Here is a link to purchase this book via Powells City of Books:
http://www.powells.com/s?kw=hockey+in+portland&class=
Amazon.com link: http://www.amazon.com/Hockey-Portland-OR-Images-Sports/dp/0738548049/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350508714&sr=8-1&keywords=Hockey+in+Portland+%28Images+of+Sports%29
Barnes and Noble Link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hockey-in-portland-oregon-jim-mancuso/1100106852?ean=9780738548043
Arcadia Publishing Link: http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9780738548043/Hockey-in-Portland
Today, I'm reviewing Blood Feud: Detroit Red Wings V. Colorado Avalanche: The Inside Story of Pro Sports' Nastiest and Best Rivalry of Its Era by Adrian Dater.
Starting in the mid-90s, for a period of about 10 years, The Red Wings and the Avalanche were the hottest ticket in the entire NHL, and possibly the entire hockey world. In that time, each team would win the Stanley Cup multiple times.
Ironically, the Red Wings may have created the feud simply by running up the score one night against Montreal. That goalie was Patrick Roy, and he would be traded three days later, to Colorado. That gave the Avalanche instant credibility, and All-star goaltending for a team that was already loaded with talent.
But there's more to this book than just the play-by-play, of sorts, of the entire decade of feuding. The author gives detailed biographies on key players, such as Lemeiux, giving insight into the character and history of the players who played a key role for their respective teams. Details of the early career of Lemeiux and Roy, and how they came to be acquired, almost stolen away, by Colorado, and their immediate impact on the Avalanche.
A close look at each season is given, with a behind-the-scenes look at the darker side of hockey, where players and coaches are yelling profanities at each other. Players who hold grudges for weeks, months, and even years before a chance to even the score... Darren McCarty finally avenges a team-mate, Claude Lemeiux turtles... we see it all.
The author takes you inside the entire feud, setting it up slowly, allowing the reader to see the pieces being assembled by each team, the punch and counter-punch movements by Detroit and Colorado. When the action finally explodes, the author manages to keep track of multiple fights in games, and keep the reader interested.
The best part, in my opinion, is that you don't need to know a lot about hockey to truly enjoy this book. As a huge hockey fan, I found the list of names involved to be a wonder. So many of those players could easily end up in the Hall of Fame, if they're not already there.
If you're not a hockey fan, the entire story is laid out in easy-to-understand words. The book does not rely heavily on hockey "lingo" and thus is easier to follow.
To purchase this book through Powell's City of Books in Portland, Oregon
http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781589793194-0
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Feud-Colorado-Avalanche-Nastiest/dp/1589793196/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350508504&sr=8-1&keywords=Blood+Feud%3A+Detroit+Red+Wings+V.+Colorado+Avalanche%3A+The+Inside+Story+of+Pro+Sports%27+Nastiest+and+Best+Rivalry+of+Its+Era
Starting in the mid-90s, for a period of about 10 years, The Red Wings and the Avalanche were the hottest ticket in the entire NHL, and possibly the entire hockey world. In that time, each team would win the Stanley Cup multiple times.
Ironically, the Red Wings may have created the feud simply by running up the score one night against Montreal. That goalie was Patrick Roy, and he would be traded three days later, to Colorado. That gave the Avalanche instant credibility, and All-star goaltending for a team that was already loaded with talent.
But there's more to this book than just the play-by-play, of sorts, of the entire decade of feuding. The author gives detailed biographies on key players, such as Lemeiux, giving insight into the character and history of the players who played a key role for their respective teams. Details of the early career of Lemeiux and Roy, and how they came to be acquired, almost stolen away, by Colorado, and their immediate impact on the Avalanche.
A close look at each season is given, with a behind-the-scenes look at the darker side of hockey, where players and coaches are yelling profanities at each other. Players who hold grudges for weeks, months, and even years before a chance to even the score... Darren McCarty finally avenges a team-mate, Claude Lemeiux turtles... we see it all.
The author takes you inside the entire feud, setting it up slowly, allowing the reader to see the pieces being assembled by each team, the punch and counter-punch movements by Detroit and Colorado. When the action finally explodes, the author manages to keep track of multiple fights in games, and keep the reader interested.
The best part, in my opinion, is that you don't need to know a lot about hockey to truly enjoy this book. As a huge hockey fan, I found the list of names involved to be a wonder. So many of those players could easily end up in the Hall of Fame, if they're not already there.
If you're not a hockey fan, the entire story is laid out in easy-to-understand words. The book does not rely heavily on hockey "lingo" and thus is easier to follow.
To purchase this book through Powell's City of Books in Portland, Oregon
http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781589793194-0
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Feud-Colorado-Avalanche-Nastiest/dp/1589793196/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350508504&sr=8-1&keywords=Blood+Feud%3A+Detroit+Red+Wings+V.+Colorado+Avalanche%3A+The+Inside+Story+of+Pro+Sports%27+Nastiest+and+Best+Rivalry+of+Its+Era
Sunday, October 14, 2012
This is the first in what I hope will become a rather large collection of hockey book reviews.
Here's one to start everyone out with:
Book review for today: Gretzky's Tears: Hockey, America, and the Day Everything Changed by Stephen Brunt.
I was a big fan of Gretzky back in his prime in Edmonton. I loved the way he could do almost anything, practically at will on the ice. It was amazing to watch as a budding hockey fan. I figured he'd play forever in Edmonton, and retire with the Oilers.
To my shock and disbelief, he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings on August 9th, 1988. I believed everything that was printed at that point, not having the internet or NHL-market papers to read. Who would have the nerve to trade The Great One? What in the world happened that made him want to leave?
This book answers all those questions and more. You get a feeling for how Gretzky was slowly being pushed to the side and edged out, so that Peter Pocklington, the Oilers owner, could get some new, younger blood back and make another pile of money.
The inside information is exquisite, and easy to follow even if you don't know anything about the game. From the beginning of Gretzky's career in Edmonton, to the days of the trade and following his arrival in Los Angeles, everything is not as it seems. The reader begins to see that not all was well in Edmonton, and Pocklington was to blame for much of that.
To purchase this book through the website of Powells City of Books, located in Portland, OR:
http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9781600783043-0
Here's one to start everyone out with:
Book review for today: Gretzky's Tears: Hockey, America, and the Day Everything Changed by Stephen Brunt.
I was a big fan of Gretzky back in his prime in Edmonton. I loved the way he could do almost anything, practically at will on the ice. It was amazing to watch as a budding hockey fan. I figured he'd play forever in Edmonton, and retire with the Oilers.
To my shock and disbelief, he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings on August 9th, 1988. I believed everything that was printed at that point, not having the internet or NHL-market papers to read. Who would have the nerve to trade The Great One? What in the world happened that made him want to leave?
This book answers all those questions and more. You get a feeling for how Gretzky was slowly being pushed to the side and edged out, so that Peter Pocklington, the Oilers owner, could get some new, younger blood back and make another pile of money.
The inside information is exquisite, and easy to follow even if you don't know anything about the game. From the beginning of Gretzky's career in Edmonton, to the days of the trade and following his arrival in Los Angeles, everything is not as it seems. The reader begins to see that not all was well in Edmonton, and Pocklington was to blame for much of that.
To purchase this book through the website of Powells City of Books, located in Portland, OR:
http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9781600783043-0
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