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