I haven't posted anything for about two weeks now. This is because of some unpleasant family circumstances. My wife's father is dying, and all of us are spending as much time with him as possible.

I haven't done much reading at all lately, let alone any hockey books.

With Christmas thrown in as well, I highly doubt I will be posting any reviews until after the new year.

Thanks for your support... Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays.

 Today, I'm reviewing My Last Fight: The true story of a hockey rock star, by Darren McCarty, with Kevin Allen.

McCarty made his way to the professional ranks the old-fashioned way; he earned it. He fought tooth and nail, threw body checks, and basically clawed his way to the Red Wings. He would become a huge fan favorite as part of the “Grind Line,” a fourth line checking unit who's job was mostly to shut down and prevent the other team's top players from scoring.

He speaks candidly about the issues that he faced and dealt with during his career; drugs, alcohol, trying to deal with the fame that came as a popular player at bars and clubs. His never-back-down attitude was likely seen by many as a facade, and yet, as an NHL tough guy, that was his role on the ice that spilled over into life off the ice.

McCarty's book is a no-holds-barred trip through his 4 Stanley Cup titles, the ups and downs of his career, and a very honest look at his post-hockey life. Some of the language may not be for the faint of heart, and yet, it seems to suit whatever story he may be telling at any given moment. It's easily a wonderful tale of a player that had quite a bit, was at the peak of the sport, and came crashing back to earth, and is content with where he has settled at present. Perhaps that's the best way to finish... being content with life after everything else has come and gone...

Special thanks to Triumph Books for making this title available for reviewing purposes!

Link to Triumph Books: http://www.triumphbooks.com/products/my_last_fight_/1572436631.php

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781600788857-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/My-Last-Fight-Story-Hockey/dp/1600788858/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386113271&sr=1-1&keywords=My+Last+Fight%3A+The+True+Story+of+a+Hockey+Rock+Star

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-last-fight-darren-mccarty/1115150419?ean=9781623686796

One more review for today... I'm reviewing Fighting Back: The Chris Nilan Story, by Chris “Knuckles” Nilan.

Chris Nilan played nearly 700 games in the NHL, racking up more than three thousand penalty minutes. It is safe to say that he probably took on every single heavyweight player in the league in his career, plus anyone else who was willing “to go” as well.

But there was more to him than just the penalty minutes. From his upbringing in some mean streets in Boston, to playing NCAA college in Boston, he managed to not only prove himself, but make a name for himself. Drafted 231^st of 234 in the 1978 NHL Entry Draft by Montreal, he faced the longest of odds just to even make it to training camp or the minors in the AHL, but Nilan managed to not only make it, but he would become a mainstay of the Montreal roster for several years. He would win a Stanley Cup ring in 1986 as well.

But it was after his career ended that the most difficult of challenges began to mount. Alcohol and drugs began to take their toll on Chris, making family life difficult.

This is the story of a man who rose to the highest highs in the NHL, won a championship, fell all the way down, somehow cheated death, and fought tooth and nail all the way back. In an ironic twist, Nilan is now counseling teens against bullying. He even has his own brand of hats and shirts to promote his message: Never Back Down, Never Stay Down. I’d say that it's an apt message. You can check that out on his page at www.knucklesbrand.com or his own page at www.knucklesnilan.com

In closing, I was eagerly waiting for a chance to read this book. I was not disappointed. I am fairly certain that, by the time you reach the end, you will not be either.

Special thanks to Triumph Books for making this book available for reviewing purposes!

Link to Triumph Books: http://www.triumphbooks.com/products/fighting_back_/1572436676.php

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781600789670-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Back-Chris-Nilan-Story/dp/1600789676/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1385786336&sr=1-1&keywords=Fighting+Back%3A+The+Chris+Nilan+Story

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fighting-back-chris-nilan/1115221716?ean=9781600789670

 I'm catching up on reviews today, so here's a second to keep you interested while you munch on those Thanksgiving leftovers.

This book is titled The Boston Garden, by Richard A. Johnson and Brian Codagnone.

It's one of Images of Sports collection by Arcadia Publishing. These books have wonderful pictures spanning decades of history.

Boston Garden opened on November 17, 1928, for a boxing match. Three days later, the Boston Bruins began playing hockey in the arena. For nearly 70 years, it would play host to numerous sporting events and concerts.

The Boston Bruins won hockey Stanley Cups, the Celtics won more than a dozen basketball titles, and large numbers of college tournaments were held as well. There is even a full page picture depicting the December 12, 1933 Ace Bailey/Eddie Shore Bruins game incident. Everything is pictured and explained in probably the best manner I've ever seen.

On November 10^th 1971, Elvis Presley made his only appearance in Boston Garden, while on September 12, 1964, the Beatles played their sole concert in the Garden.

No doubt, there are plenty of pictures of history being made, and this book is a wonderful pictorial testament to the history of the Boston Garden and it's strong impact on the city. Sadly, the arena closed in 1995, yielding to the Fleet Center. The Garden had to be dismantled slowly, rather than be imploded, due to extreme proximity to other structures. Long may the memories live!!

Special thanks to Arcadia Publishing for making this title available for reviewing purposes

Link to Arcadia Publishing: http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9780738511528/The-Boston-Garden

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9780738511528-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Boston-Garden-MA-Images-Sports/dp/0738511528/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1385767292&sr=1-2&keywords=The+Boston+Garden

Link to Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/boston-garden-richard-a-johnson/1100604764?ean=9780738511528

 Today, I'm reviewing Unmasked, by Bernie Parent, with Stan Hochman.

Bernie Parent played goalie for Philadelphia in the late 1960s and the mid to late 1970s, winning two Stanley Cup titles, in 1974 and 1975. He also won the Conn Smythe trophy both years as the playoff MVP.

The book has a nice, almost low-key style to it. Unlike some books where a player will focus heavily on his childhood, due to key issues growing up or stressing a particular method of upbringing, Bernie's book moves quickly into hockey career in the junior ranks, and then up to the minor pros.

Along the way, he talks about his teammates in Philly, being traded to Toronto, leaving the NHL for the rival, rebel WHA, and then returning to Philadelphia and leading the Flyers to the promised land, not once but twice.

I found one moment to be particularly poignant; the moment where, during a game against the Rangers, the end of a hockey stick was somehow, accidentally, pushed through the eyehole of Bernie's goalie mask. See, back then, the goalies wore masks that resembled the “Jason Voorhees/Friday the 13th” mask.

Players tried multiple times, but no one was able to recreate just how it happened. All Bernie knew was that he was blind in one eye. His career was over, just like that. There is, however, ultimately a positive to this particular story. Sixteen years after that freak accident, the one that took his eyesight, Bernie met a doctor that would change his life. This doctor, through a long surgical procedure, restored Bernie's vision to 20/15.

As the book closes, Bernie reflects on the state of today's hockey game, for better or worse. He also looks back on playing in the Winter Classic Alumni Game, with the Flyers Alums.

All in all, it's a wonderful book, by a Hall of Fame goalie. You don't have to be a Flyers fan to really get behind Bernie and his jovial outlook on life. I'm sure anyone who saw me reading probably wondered why I kept smiling. Read the book and you will find out as well.

Special thanks to Triumph Books for making this title available for reviewing purposes

Link to Triumph Books: http://www.triumphbooks.com/products/unmasked_/1572436509.php

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/61-9781600787614-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Unmasked-Bernie-Parent-Street-Bullies/dp/1600787614/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1385765763&sr=1-1&keywords=Unmasked%3A+Bernie+Parent+and+the+Broad+Street+Bullies

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unmasked-bernie-parent/1111318001?ean=9781600787614

 Today, I'm looking at Keith Magnuson: The inspiring Life and Times of a Beloved Blackhawk, by Doug Feldmann.

Keith Magnuson was a defensive standout for Chicago between 1969 and 1980. He probably experienced just about everything in his tenure with the team, except one thing; a Stanley Cup championship. He did see the rise of Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita, he watched as the WHA came and raided the NHL rosters, tearing apart a Blackhawks team that could have challenged for the Stanley Cup, and he saw the departure of Bobby Hull to the WHA.

Not to mention the constant string of injuries that, for many players, would have pulled someone out of the line-up much more often. But, somehow, Magnuson stayed in, and thrived. He simply would not allow any excuses to keep him out of the lineup on a nightly basis. He was very well liked and appreciated by his teammates and coaches, not to mention the opposition, who respected him every single game they would face him.

Although told by someone else, in this book you really get a feeling for what “Maggie” was like. From the stories by his teammates, he was the type of player who would give almost anything and practically everything to someone if it meant they would benefit from it.

On December 14, 2003, Magnuson was riding in a car driven by former NHL defenseman standout Rob Ramage. Ramage lost control of the car, and crashed. While Ramage would survive his injuries, Magnuson would be pronounced dead at the scene. The ensuing memorial would be attended by so many that over 200 people had to sit in another room with the services being shown on televisions.

Maggie's number three would eventually hang in the rafters of the United Center, a fitting tribute to a defenseman that “did it right, every night.” What better legacy need be said?

Special thanks to Triumph Books for making this book available for reviewing purposes.

Link to Triumph Books: http://www.triumphbooks.com/products/keith_magnuson_/1572436622.php

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/61-9781600788314-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Keith-Magnuson-Inspiring-Beloved-Blackhawk/dp/1600788319/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1385012386&sr=1-1&keywords=Keith+Magnuson%3A+The+Inspiring+Life+and+Times+of+a+Beloved+Blackhawk

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/keith-magnuson-doug-feldmann/1114986815?ean=9781600788314

 In this review, I'm looking at Gordie Howe's Son, by Mark Howe, with Jay Greenberg.

Literally off the presses to my eagerly waiting hands, this is a book that I've been anticipating for a couple months. It was worth the wait, too.

As you might expect, Mark Howe is Gordie's son. Growing up as the son of the greatest player of his era, possibly of all time, Mark didn't seem to let it get to his head. He was very determined to get to the NHL on his own merits. When his age created a potential problem, he and his recently retired dad found a way around that. With Mark's younger brother Marty, the three Howe's went to the WHA, the World Hockey Association, and played a couple years for the Houston Aeros. The team won two championships in Houston, but after that Gordie would retire, leaving the boys with the Howe legacy to carry on.

Mark would eventually make his way to the New England Whalers, who would be absorbed into the NHL as the Hartford Whalers. He would make his way to Philadelphia, and spend most of his career with the Flyers. While he started his career as a forward, he blossomed into an excellent defenseman. He would finish as a member of the Red Wings, but would retire before the Wings finished their resurgence in the 1990s.

He turned out to be an excellent scout, finding a number of players that would make it to the NHL.

Mark Howe chronicles the ups and downs of his injuries over his 22-year career, the sad passing of his mom, as well as his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. During his induction speech, he surprised everyone, especially his father, by pulling on a number 9 Red Wings jersey. For one night he wore his dad's number.

All in all, this was well worth the wait, and anticipation. Yes, Mark Howe is Gordie Howe's son, but Mark had quite the career all on his own, and should rightfully be judged on his own merits.

Special thanks to Triumph Books for making this book available for reviewing purposes.

Link to Triumph Books: http://www.triumphbooks.com/products/gordie_howe_s_son/1572436625.php?page_id=485

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/71-9781600788475-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Gordie%20Howe's%20Son%3A%20A%20Hall%20of%20Fame%20Life%20in%20the%20Shadow%20of%20Mr.%20Hockey

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gordie-howes-son-mark-howe/1114986767?ean=9781600788475

 Today, I'm reviewing Dave Hanson's book, Slap Shot Original. It's subtitled The Man, The Foil, The Legend.

Yes, it's THAT Dave Hanson, who, with Jeff and Steve Carlson, reached the pinnacle of hockey fame as The Hanson Brothers in Slap Shot.

But, as this book goes to show, there's so much more to Dave Hanson's career than just a couple of movies. He speaks candidly about growing up in Minnesota, playing football and hockey. He would play three seasons early in his career with the Johnstown Jets, of the North American Hockey League. It's hard to believe that, after watching Slap Shot, much of that movie was actually based on the real life NAHL, and real people. He points out the real and the fictitious. There's an entire chapter about the filming of the movie, in which he goes into great behind-the-scenes detail about life on the set, meeting people like Paul Newman, and just horsing around to pass the time.

He talks about the WHA, and how the rival league was changing things on the professional hockey scene. He played a total of 33 NHL games, and when he finally finished, he had a brief 3 game session as a head coach in the Atlantic Coast Hockey League.

All in all, it's quite a story from a person who's got a lot to tell about the rough and tumble life of professional hockey in the 1970s.

Dave Hanson has a lot to tell, and this is the perfect way to tell it all; a humorous, light-hearted style that keeps the reader moving along.

Special thanks to Triumph Books for making this title available for reviewing purposes!

Link to Triumph Books: http://www.triumphbooks.com/products/slap_shot_original_/1572436640.php?page_id=145

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781600788758-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Slap-Shot-Original-Foil-Legend/dp/1600781152/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384731183&sr=1-1&keywords=Slap+Shot+Original%3A+The+Man%2C+the+Foil%2C+and+the+Legend

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/slap-shot-original-dave-hanson/1112111334?ean=9781600788758

 After a short delay, I'm back to reviewing! This time, I've got something slightly different.

Today, I'm looking at Detroit's Olympia Stadium, and Remembering Detroit's Olympia Stadium, both by Robert Wimmer.

Together, these two books cover the history of one of the “Original Six” arenas, the home of the Red Wings. While hockey was very much a part of this arena for several decades, starting on October 22, 1927, so many other events have taken place in the building.

The first book, Detroit's Olympia Stadium spends more time looking at the Detroit Red Wings and hockey history in general in the Olympia. The great players over the decades, rare behind-the-scenes pictures of places like the press box, or the inner offices. Still, there are plenty of other acts pictured, such as professional wrestling, and concerts. There are several pictures of The Beatles playing the Olympia.

The second book, Remembering Detroit's Olympia takes a somewhat broader look at the arena, and those that performed inside. There are a lot more pictures of concerts, such as KISS, a rare picture of Elvis, the Globetrotters, and so many more.

This second book, by the same author as the first, shows many faces who kept the building going; those who sold concessions, cleaned the ice, took tickets, the ushers, the people that we tend to take for granted at many events. They are well represented in this work.

Finally, there are pictures of the sad days of the demolition. Ironically, the Olympia was so well constructed, demolition was not possible, and it had to be torn down from the inside out.

For the long time Red Wings fan who remembers the Olympia, to the newer fans who never set foot inside, these two books will superbly serve as a reminder of one of hockey's golden buildings, and an arena that should never be forgotten.

Special thanks to Arcadia Publishing for making both of these books available for reviewing purposes!

Link to Arcadia Publishing: http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9780738507873/Detroits-Olympia-Stadium

2^nd Link: http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9780738519463/Remembering-Detroits-Olympia-Stadium

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/61-9780738507873-0

2^nd Link: http://www.powells.com/biblio/61-9780738519463-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Detroits-Olympia-Stadium-Images-America/dp/0738507873/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384402329&sr=1-2&keywords=Detroit%27s+Olympia+Stadium

2^nd Link: http://www.amazon.com/Remembering-Detroits-Olympia-Stadium-America/dp/0738519464/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384402329&sr=1-3&keywords=Detroit%27s+Olympia+Stadium

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/detroits-olympia-stadium-michigan-robert-wimmer/1100570319?ean=9780738507873

2^nd Link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/remembering-detroits-olympia-stadium-michigan-robert-j-wimmer/1100570413?ean=9780738519463

I'm expecting more hockey books to be arriving in the near future, so I haven't done a lot of reading.

However, there's one book that I hope to have reviewed and posted in the next few days.

Patience, dear reader... and thanks.

Today, I'm reviewing Orr: My Story, by Bobby Orr.

This was being hailed as one of the most eagerly anticipated hockey books of 2013, and I can honestly say that it does not disappoint. After all this time, Bobby Orr has finally written his story, his way.

He speaks candidly about growing up from “not much” to becoming quite possibly the best NHL player of all time. Much praise is told about his teammates in Boston as they won two Stanley Cup titles together. On the other hand, he talks about watching the team be dismantled soon after the championships, and how the team fell in the standings.

I think one of the most poignant chapters is about his former friend and agent, Alan Eagleson. I won't say much here, other than to say the way that Bobby was treated is deplorable, and everything that Eagleson went through in punishment is, in my opinion, well-deserved.

All in all, this is a wonderful book. Perhaps it can be said that it's a little too positive in some places, and perhaps a bit preachy in others, but no doubt Bobby Orr has a story to tell, and he has a wonderful book here to tell it. Enjoy!!

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/2-9780399161759-2

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Orr-My-Story-Bobby/dp/0399161759/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383714143&sr=1-1&keywords=Orr%3A+My+Story

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/orr-bobby-orr/1113913076?ean=9780399161759

Today, I'm looking at Power Plays: An inside look at the Big Business of the National Hockey League, by Gil Stein, former President and CEO of the NHL.

Mr. Stein has a singular position to talk about the “inner workings” of the NHL; he was the first vice-president and general counsel of the league. At the end of his term as president, he was appointed special advisor to the league commissioner.

He gives an inside look at the NHL. There is an insider's look at the (then) current NHL Board of Governor, keeping in mind that this is as of the early 1990s. A special look at the somewhat random way that the expansion fee of 50 million dollars was determined. There's also a look at how Disney and Blockbuster were brought into the league, putting teams in Anaheim and Miami.

Stein also gives a look at the financial side of the league. This includes why some franchises moved, and other didn't. A close look at the attempt to move the California Seals to Indianapolis, plus the attempted move by Ralston Purina to move the St. Louis Blues to Saskatoon.

A chapter about the “real story” behind the WHA merger, plus one about the “beer wars” of 1984, plus the full story of the infamous “have another donut” adventure.

There's so much more in this book as well, and, as mentioned, Gil Stein is in a unique position to tell all of these stories. Admittedly, some of it is presented heavily in legalese, and may be a bit tough to follow. I had a bit of trouble in some places, and went back a 2^nd time.

All in all, it brings an interesting perspective to what's been going on behind the scenes over the years. A good read for sure.

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Power-Play-Inside-Business-National/dp/1559724226/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383099386&sr=1-1&keywords=power+plays%3A+an+inside+look

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/power-plays-gil-stein/1002442610?ean=9781559724227

I'm posting my review for Crossing the Line: The outrageous story of a Hockey Original, by Derek Sanderson, with Kevin Shea.

Where to begin? I had heard stories and rumors about Derek Sanderson, from becoming the highest paid athlete in the 1970s, to losing literally everything and living in a cardboard box, and making his way back up. But where do you start to be able to tell the true parts from the blown-up stories?

This is the place, directly from the horse's mouth, so to speak. He speaks candidly about the path through juniors, to the OHA, and eventually being signed by the Boston Bruins. He a teammate of Bobby Orr, and was on the club that won the 1970 Stanley Cup.

Through it all, though, money was an issue. The issue was that Derek seemed to do whatever he wished, and didn't seem to worry about whether there would be more in the future. One tale stands out: he goes into a Rolls-Royce dealership dressed very casually, kicks a few tires, and seriously wants to buy one. The salesman barely looks at him. So, Derek yells for a manager, states that he will be back at 5pm with cash to buy the car, and doesn't want “that man” to get the commission.

Sanderson was also an instrumental part in the early days of the WHA, the World Hockey Association, or as many still refer to it, the rebel league. The Philadelphia Blazers were willing to throw a huge amount of money, 2.5 million dollars, to sign him. Unfortunately, that didn't last long, and they bought him out after just 8 games. 

Derek speaks candidly about his drug and alcohol problems as well; how they started, grew into demons, and interfered with his playing career. He would end up broke and living under a bridge in a box in Central Park in New York.

He would eventually work his way back up, and found a job working with, of all things, a financial advisor. He even started a sports branch, so that he could keep athletes from ending up like he did. Glen Wesley, and Bobby Orr were his first two clients. That helped bring in more clients quickly; after all, if it was good enough for Bobby Orr, then others could definitely trust his judgment.

All in all, I’d definitely recommend this book. It's a tale of someone who had it all, lost it all, and managed to get back to where he could begin to have most of it all over again.

Special thanks to Kevin Shea for sending me a copy of this book for reviewing purposes.

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/72-9781600786808-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Crossing-Line-Derek-Sanderson/dp/1600786804/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374361205&sr=1-1&keywords=Crossing+the+Line%3A+The+Outrageous+Story+of+a+Hockey+Original

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crossing-the-line-derek-sanderson/1110072111?ean=9781600789243

 Today, we're looking at Gordie, A Hockey Legend, by Roy Macskimming.

Keep in mind while reading this book that this is an unauthorized biography of Gordie Howe, done by a fan who clearly has done his research. The book is full of stories from both on and off the ice. From the near-fatal brain injury and subsequent surgery, to his final days of playing with the Red Wings and retirement from the NHL, Howe's entire career is well-covered.

But there's more than just the on-ice career being showcased. You get an insider's look at the first steps of what could have been a player's union. Some of Howe's teammates attempted this, and were severely punished. Howe took a different path, and was treated better.

Upon his retirement, you get the feeling that Howe was left without purpose as a vice-president with the Red Wings. When opportunity came knocking in the rebel league, the WHA, he answered the call with the Houston Aeros. Not only did he succeed in a comeback, playing with his two sons, he would put up two 100-point seasons, and lead the way to two WHA championships, before the team ran into trouble. Howe and his sons went to the New England Whalers, and finished out the rest of the WHA's time there.

Full of wonderful pictures spanning his career, this is truly a well-written tale of Gordie Howe's days on and off the ice. It's a good book, especially for someone who's telling the story of Howe, instead of Howe himself. It's obvious that Mr. Macskimming has done his research and put in a ton of effort to put forth a quality work. Well done!

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781550547191-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Gordie-Hockey-Legend-Roy-MacSkimming/dp/1550547194/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382544962&sr=1-1&keywords=Gordie%3A+A+Hockey+Legend

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gordie-roy-macskimming/1110888891?ean=9781771000611

 Today, I'm looking at Welcome to Maple Leaf Gardens, by Graig Abel & Lance Hornby.

As one of the most storied franchises in the entire NHL, with a rich history and tradition, it's easy to say that this could be “just another Leafs book.” Many people would even just let it go by the wayside.

They're all making a huge mistake.

There are photos galore of the stars and lesser-known players to suit up for the Leafs. Plenty of variety for sure. Action shots, posed pictures, you name it. Graig Abel was the photographer for the Maple Leafs for over three decades, and in this book, you truly get a sense of time as it passed through the years.

Not only are there full color photos galore, off-beat tales from people like Doug Gilmour, Darryl Sittler, and the enigmatic owner, Harold Ballard.

There are also photos from numerous concerts that took place in the arena, as well as other events. Lacrosse, tennis, ice skating shows... Maple Leaf Gardens truly was the place to be.

This book stands as a tribute to the only remaining Original Six building, the only one still to stand. In November 2012, hockey returned to the Maple Leaf Gardens as college hockey began, but, as the author himself states, “It's not the same.” For any hockey fan, for a fan of the Maple Leafs, for someone who wants to delve deeply into the arena history, this is the book for you. Enjoy!

Special thanks to Sara Dunn at ECW Press for making this book available for reviewing purposes.

ECW Press: http://www.ecwpress.com/books/maple-leaf-gardens

Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781770411630-0

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Maple-Leaf-Gardens-Photographs/dp/1770411631/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1381960935&sr=1-1&keywords=Welcome+to+Maple+Leaf+Gardens

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/welcome-to-maple-leaf-gardens-graig-abel/1114985385?ean=9781770411630

Today, October 14th, is the one year anniversary of my book reviews.

I never thought that this was going to take off the way it has, let alone grown leaps and bounds beyond my wildest dreams.

I've received somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 books from publishing companies and individual authors, and I'd like to give a special thanks to each and every one of you. I hope that we can continue to work together in the future...

Thank you to every one of my loyal readers as well, both here and the followers on Facebook.

Let's see what the next year holds...

Mark

 Today, I'm looking at The Third Best Hull, by Dennis Hull with Robert Thompson. (subtitled I should have been fourth, but they wouldn't let my sister Maxine play.)

This guy cracks me up! (there, I've said it.)

Bobby Hull, sure, we've all heard of the Golden Jet. Brett Hull, Bobby's son... we've all heard of the Golden Brett, and feared his slapshot. But what about Dennis Hull? What did I know about him? Before reading this book, I didn't know anything other than the family relationship; brother to Bobby, uncle to Brett.

Who knew that an auto-biography could be so much fun to read? The stories, the practical jokes, the general mayhem that Dennis Hull seemed to thrive on almost seems to be too much and too unbelievable, and yet, it's all true. As Bobby Hull's brother, sure, he was often compared to his better known sibling. But as his career moved along, Dennis became a star in his own right, developing quite a rivalry with Henri Richard, the “pocket-rocket.”

He speaks candidly about playing in the 1972 Super Series against the Russians. There are all sorts of stories and comments about his better-known brother Bobby. There are even a few tales about his nephew, former St. Louis Blues superstar Brett. In addition, Dennis talks about the controversial trade that sent Phil Esposito to Boston, and promptly made the Bruins a Stanley Cup contender.

He's even got a career as a public speaker, and apparently is in high demand. The stories, the laughs... he keeps the crowds in stitches year after year.

I'll admit, I didn't know much about Dennis Hull, other than the family relationship, before reading this book. Now, I think hockey could use another couple dozen characters like this. It's like opening the door to another world. Sure, there's the playing side of people that you hear about, but the off-ice personalities are sometimes the most fun to read about... that's what I liked best about this book.

Special thanks to Sara Dunn at ECW Press for making this book available for reviewing purposes.

ECW Press: http://www.ecwpress.com/books/hull

Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/61-9781770411586-0

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Third-Best-Hull-Dennis/dp/1770411585/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1381695585&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Third+Best+Hull

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-third-best-hull-dennis-hull/1003018364?ean=9781770411586

 Today, I'm looking at Don't Call Me Goon: Hockey's Greatest Enforcers, Gunslingers, and Bad Boys, by Greg Oliver & Richard Kamchen.

Hockey has had fighters and “goons” since the game started. Names like Bad Joe Hall and Eddie Shack lit up the ice in the past, and every team has had their lists of fighters. In many cases, the fighters are the most popular players on the team, more so than the top scorers and playmakers.

This book starts with highlights of the early days of pugilism. It seamlessly moves into the Original Six days, and post-expansion, including a section about the Broad Street Bullies in Philadelphia. Oh yes, they were brutal days in the late 60s and the 70s.

Moving into the 80s, every team had their stock of fighters, and some could argue that the 1980s brought out some of the best fighters and goons ever seen. While we will never be able to completely and accurately compare Joe Hall with someone like Marty McSorley or Bob Probert, we can, for certain, debate the fights between the latter.

With further expansion in the 90s, plus retirement, new fighters found more roster spots opened up, and they too are featured. Brian McGrattan and Arron Asham are just two of the “new age” fighters. However, today's fighters have to be able to play the game to some level, or they find themselves relegated to the minors in many cases.

Time will tell if “the goon” is truly out of the league for good. Many desire just that, while others would never want to see that day.

Special thanks to Sara Dunn at ECW Press for making this book available for reviewing purposes.

ECW Press: http://www.ecwpress.com/books/goon

Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781770410381-0

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Call-Goon-Enforcers-Gunslingers/dp/1770410384/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381527102&sr=8-1&keywords=Don%27t+Call+Me+Goon

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dont-call-me-goon-greg-oliver/1114985383?ean=9781770410381

 Today, I'm looking at Don't Call Me Goon: Hockey's Greatest Enforcers, Gunslingers, and Bad Boys, by Greg Oliver & Richard Kamchen.

Hockey has had fighters and “goons” since the game started. Names like Bad Joe Hall and Eddie Shack lit up the ice in the past, and every team has had their lists of fighters. In many cases, the fighters are the most popular players on the team, more so than the top scorers and playmakers.

This book starts with highlights of the early days of pugilism. It seamlessly moves into the Original Six days, and post-expansion, including a section about the Broad Street Bullies in Philadelphia. Oh yes, they were brutal days in the late 60s and the 70s.

Moving into the 80s, every team had their stock of fighters, and some could argue that the 1980s brought out some of the best fighters and goons ever seen. While we will never be able to completely and accurately compare Joe Hall with someone like Marty McSorley or Bob Probert, we can, for certain, debate the fights between the latter.

With further expansion in the 90s, plus retirement, new fighters found more roster spots opened up, and they too are featured. Brian McGrattan and Arron Asham are just two of the “new age” fighters. However, today's fighters have to be able to play the game to some level, or they find themselves relegated to the minors in many cases.

Time will tell if “the goon” is truly out of the league for good. Many desire just that, while others would never want to see that day.

Special thanks to Sara Dunn at ECW Press for making this book available for reviewing purposes.

ECW Press: http://www.ecwpress.com/books/goon

Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781770410381-0

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Call-Goon-Enforcers-Gunslingers/dp/1770410384/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381527102&sr=8-1&keywords=Don%27t+Call+Me+Goon

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dont-call-me-goon-greg-oliver/1114985383?ean=9781770410381

 Today, I'm looking at Heart of the Blackhawks; the Pierre Pilote Story, by L. Waxy Gregoire and David M. Dupuis, with Pierre Pilote.

From 1955 to 1968, defenseman Pierre Pilote roamed the blue-line for Chicago, plus one more year in Toronto with the Maple Leafs. He proved to be a solid, no-nonsense type of player that was capable of both flattening someone when needed, or rushing the puck up the ice as required. In fact, Pilote, in effect, bridged the gap between the great defensemen Doug Harvey and Bobby Orr.

Pierre would win three Norris trophies, for best defenseman, along with multiple First or Second team all-star.

It's interesting, while reading, to see the player's that come and go in their respective careers while Pierre is playing. For example, two key players to the success of Chicago in the 1960s are profiled; Stan Mikita, and Bobby Hull. Mention is also made of Glenn Hall's 502 consecutive game streak.

I found this to be a somewhat challenging read, possibly because I wasn't familiar with Pierre Pilote. He would eventually have his number retired by Chicago as well, raising his #3 to the rafters with the likes of Mikita and Hull.

All in all, I enjoyed this look into the late 50s and 1960s Chicago hockey, as well as the career of Pierre Pilote. Well worth reading...

Special thanks to Sara Dunn at ECW Press for making this book available for reviewing purposes.

Link to ECW Press: http://www.ecwpress.com/books/heart-blackhawks

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781770411364-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Heart%20of%20the%20Blackhawks%3A%20The%20Pierre%20Pilote%20Story

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-of-the-blackhawks-l-waxy-gregoire/1114986878?ean=9781770411364

I'd like to thank ECW Press for sending me some books to review.

I am well into a biography of Pierre Pilote, a Blackhawks defenseman in the 1950s. It shouldn't be long before I'm finished reading, and the review is posted.

Here's the newest review! I'm looking at The Rebel League: The Short and Unruly Life of the World Hockey Association, by Ed Willes.

Where can you begin when you start talking about the WHA? In seven short years, they created more interesting characters and players than the NHL probably has, they allowed players who were originally too young for the NHL to break out and become stars, and they put hockey into non-traditional markets.

It was conceived by two businessmen who didn't know anything about hockey. That, of course, never stopped anyone, so next thing you knew, the league was getting off the ground. Tossing money all over the place, they enticed players from the NHL to play for them, and a number of mid-level players joined. But it wasn't until Bobby Hull joined the Winnipeg Jets that everyone sat up and took notice. A year later, Gordie Howe came out of retirement and joined the Houston Aeros. Along with his two sons, the Howes would lead Houston to a pair of WHA championships.

Something else the league did that was groundbreaking was to introduce European players to North America on a larger scale. In fact, by the time the WHA had closed its doors, Europeans, at least from areas like Scandinavia, were becoming much more commonplace, although the Russians and East Europeans were still years off, for the most part.

This book tells the tales of the weird, strange, and hilarious. It introduces the characters that were larger than life, and sets the record straight about many of them. You'll meet the players that would become the inspiration for one of the best-known hockey movies, Slap Shot.

Oh, it also gives an insight to the very early days of a certain youngster that would eventually become one of the greatest players of all time. He got his professional start in Indianapolis, but was traded to Edmonton. Yes, that's the humble beginnings of Wayne Gretzky.

It's quite the ride. At some points it's a fast, hang to your seat type of ride. Other times, it sets up a nice tale with a funny or weird ending. You never quite know what you're going to get as you read, and I think that sums up the WHA.

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9780771089497-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rebel-League-Unruly-Hockey-Association/dp/077108949X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379564615&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Rebel+League%3A+The+Short+and+Unruly+Life+of+the+World+Hockey+Association

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rebel-league-ed-willes/1100381959?ean=9780771089473

Today, we're looking at Detroit Red Wings: Greatest Moments and Players, by Stan Fischler.

This book starts with a selection of 53 of the best players to ever suit up for the Wings. Luminaries such as Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman, Nicklas Lidstrom and so many more are featured in the first section, biographies about these players.

Section 2 is a chronology of 60 moments in Detroit history. First games, special milestones, things of that nature.

Part 3 is a series of slightly longer pieces that include the best, worst and unusual about the team; statistics, and a small feature on why Gordie Howe, not Gretzky is the best player of all time.

There's a section on notable persons from the front office over the years. The Ilitch family, Scotty Bowman, Jack Adams, the list continues with well-known names in the hockey world.

Finally, there's a look at the 2002 and 2008 Stanley Cup chases.

It's a well-laid out book, with plenty of pictures. The facts and information are presented in an easy-to-follow format, and you don't have to know a lot about hockey to keep track of it all. The stories are presented first-hand, as if you're looking over the writer's shoulder watching and listening to it all happen.

Stan Fischler has a reputation as a hockey reporting legend. He's been covering the game for over 50 years, having started with the New York Rangers in 1954. His writing is impeccable, as is his style.

Highly recommended for any Red Wings fan, and any fan of the game.

Special thanks to Lauren Burnstein at Skyhorse Publishing for making this book available for reviewing purposes. Thanks!!

Link to Skyhorse Publishing: http://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/book/?GCOI=60239100917990

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/61-9781613210642-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Detroit-Red-Wings-Greatest-Moments/dp/1613210647/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379218297&sr=1-1&keywords=Detroit+Red+Wings%3A+Greatest+Moments+and+Players

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/detroit-red-wings-greatest-moments-and-players-stan-fischler/1103726936?ean=9781613210642 

Here's another book review!! Today, we're looking at Tales from the New Jersey Devils Locker Room, by Glenn “Chico” Resch, with Mike Kerwick.

New Jersey was actually the 3^rd stop for this franchise, Kansas City and Colorado (Denver) being the first two. However, Jersey was easily the most successful, with three Stanley Cups and multiple playoff success stories.

Open these pages, and find out about Martin Brodeur, from his humble beginnings to his Hall of Fame career. See deep into Ken Daneyko's career, played entirely with the Devils, and ending with an emotional curtain call in Game 7 of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals. Find out more about players like Scott Niedermayer, Scott Stevens, and Brendan Shanahan.

Glenn Resch is one of two goalies to lead a team to victory in a Stanley Cup playoff series after being down 3-0. He played four of his fourteen seasons in the NHL with New Jersey, and is well-qualified to tell the tales of the Devils. He tells tales of Lou Lamoriello, the General Manager of the team, and his antics; the trades as well as his occasional coaching stints.

From the bizarre to the hilarious, the profound, and everything in between, this book covers the Devils in full.

On a personal note, I found it to be an easy, enjoyable read. I've already recommended it to a couple of Devils fans that I know. Every Devils fan out there should take the time to leaf through these pages, just to get to know their team better.

Special thanks to Lauren Burnstein at Sports Publishing, a division of Skyhorse Publishing for making this book available for reviewing purposes!

Link to Skyhorse Publishing: http://www.sportspubbooks.com/book/?gcoi=58261100552910

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/61-9781613210031-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Jersey-Devils-Locker-Room/dp/1613210035/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378776413&sr=1-1&keywords=Tales+from+the+New+Jersey+Devils+Locker+Room%3A+A+Collection+of+the+Greatest+Devils+Stories+Ever+Told

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tales-from-the-new-jersey-devils-locker-room-mike-kerwick/1100183134?ean=9781613210031

Today, we are looking at Simply the Best: Insights and Strategies from Great Hockey Coaches, by Mike Johnston and Ryan Walter.

It started as a project on a plane ride home after a hockey game. After discussing that night's game at length, the conversation turned to other coaches. To the best of their knowledge, no one had ever interviewed Roger Neilson, who was dying of cancer. Scotty Bowman, one of the winningest coaches in the game at that time, had apparently, to their knowledge, never been interviewed for a book either.

 

Thus was born a book project which has become this book.

This book is made up of 12 sections, interviews really. Johnston and Walter sent out interview requests and questions to a much larger group, and this is the result. 12 of the best coaches in the NHL, United States and Canadian collegiate coaches. All of the men interviewed speak candidly about their techniques for coaching and their preparation on and off the ice, during the season and the off-season.

Each of these coaches has plenty to say. What they provide are insights not only into hockey, but these can also be applied to regular life as well.

I've had the opportunity to hear Mike Johnston speak on more than one occasion, as well as meet him in person many times. I can say, without hesitation, that I can hear his speaking style in what I read within these pages. I am proud to have a signed copy of this on my shelf, and have read it many times, looking for insight into my own life. I have found bits and pieces on more than one occasion. I hope you do too.

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781894974370-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Best-Insights-Strategies-Coaches/dp/1894974379/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378085582&sr=1-1&keywords=Simply+the+Best%3A+Insights+and+Strategies+from+Great+Hockey+Coaches

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/simply-the-best-mike-johnston/1112400849?ean=9781894974370

I've found another hockey book site that I want to share with everyone.

Trevor Alexander has an amazing blog going on, and it's worth checking out. Between hockey books reviews, and hockey news in general, it's definitely a site to go back to often.

http://hockey-blog-in-canada.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

p.s. I will have a review of my own up in a day or so...

I've been busy reading up a storm lately with a new hockey book. However, it's taking a bit longer to read than I was anticipating.

Patience, readers... it's well worth it. I'm reading a good one. Details to come soon... probably just after the Labor Day weekend.

Today, I'm looking at Minor in Name Only: The History of the Adirondack Red Wings, by Mike Kane.

In 1978, after a 20-year hiatus, professional hockey was returning to the Capital District of New York, specifically the town of Glens Falls. With a population of only about seventeen thousand people, many wondered how long the team would actually be able to last before either folding or leaving.

As it turned out, the Adirondack Red Wings, not only stayed but thrived. As the top minor league team for Detroit, the so-called revolving door had players moving back and forth between the minors and the pro ranks. Some of the names read like a who's who in more recent Detroit Red Wings history.

Five of the nine men who coached for Adirondack, up through 1994, ended up making it to the NHL. Barry Melrose, for instance, would not only lead the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers through that league's playoffs, but challenged for the Memorial Cup. Melrose would eventually make it to the pro ranks, coaching the Los Angeles Kings to their first Stanley Cup final in 1993.

The stories are fun, and sometimes heartbreaking; incredible highs and terrible lows. Along the way you get a glimpse at a lot of players. Some of them were on the way up to the pro ranks. For example, Bob Probert, one of the most feared fighters of his day.

Some of them were on their way down, or on injury rehab assignments. Dave “Tiger” Williams, the all-time career leader in penalty minutes played for Adirondack in the early years. There is an alphabetical list in the back of the book with everyone who has played for the team, and the years they were with the team.

In all, it's quite the tale of how a minor league team got started in a small town, and how that small town embraced the team. From heartbreak Game 7 losses, to amazing comebacks, to Calder Cup championships, Adirondack has led their fans through it all. An inspirational story as much as an entertaining tale.

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/66-9781571670045-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Minor-Name-Only-History-Adirondack/dp/1571670041/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376948154&sr=1-1&keywords=Minor+in+Name+Only%3A+the+History+of+the+Adirondack+Red+Wings

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/minor-in-name-only-mike-kane/1103479316?ean=9781571670045

Today, we're looking at Bulldogs on Ice: Yale University's Men's Ice Hockey, by Daniel K. Fleschner.

Yale University is located in New Haven, Connecticut.

Their first ever hockey game was played on January 31^st, 1896. It was a 3-2 loss. The next day, they played to a 2-2 tie against Johns Hopkins. From those humble beginnings came a hockey program that has developed a number of players and has quite a history.

David Ingalls, ('20) was the first Navy Ace in World War 1, and the arena at Yale bears his name. He would later go on to become Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Aviation, and would retire as a Rear Admiral. How's that for a hockey player?

John Bent was one of 5 Yale players on the American team that won silver at the 1932 Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid, NY.

Ding Palmer also was on that 1932 team. He scored an amazing 52 goals in the 1927-28 season, and in his 3 varsity years the team went an unbelievable 46 wins 6 loss-2 ties. He is also in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

John Snyder has the career best goals against average, at 2.58

When Yale went to play Cornell on January 7^th, 1967, no one in the entire hockey world expected anything less than a Cornell blowout victory. Cornell would play their backup goalie, and by the end of regulation play, Yale had him figured out and the two teams were going to overtime tied 3-3. When Yale finally won the game, it would be the only defeat of the season for the eventual national champion Cornell team. For Yale, it was one of their biggest, most treasured wins of all time.

Bob Ufer played in 1971, went to Harvard Law and would eventually become the legal counsel for the International Hockey League.

More recently, into the 80s, Randy Wood went undrafted, but still managed to play 12 seasons in the NHL, more than anyone in Yale history. Bob Kudelski is the Yale all-time leading scorer with 158 points. He played 9 seasons in the NHL with Los Angeles, Ottawa and Florida. He is the only Yale graduate to play in the NHL All-Star Game.

All in all, Yale hockey history goes back well over 100 years, and there is much to be proud of. Never count out the Elis, as they have shown time after time they are a tenacious bunch.

Special thanks to Arcadia Publishing for making this book available for reviewing purposes.

Link to Arcadia Publishing: http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9780738513287/Bulldogs-on-Ice-Yale-University-Mens-Ice-Hockey

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/61-9780738513287-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bulldogs-Ice-University-Hockey-Images/dp/0738513288/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376768492&sr=1-1&keywords=Bulldogs+on+Ice%2C+CT%3A+Yale+University+Men%27s+Hockey

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bulldogs-on-ice-daniel-k-fleschner/1112766974?ean=9780738513287

In the last 5 weeks or so, I have received two books from Skyhorse Publishing. I thought I would pass along a little more info about them.

For more than twenty years, Sports Publishing did an outstanding job recognizing and fulfilling the demand for sports titles of both regional and national interest. As an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, our goal is to continue the tradition of publishing books that appeal to the passionate, often underserved, fanbases of both pro and college teams across the nation by offering fresh, innovative books in a variety of attractive series. We have breathed new life into many of the best-loved books on the Sports Publishing backlist, and we have invigorated the imprint with new books on individual teams, prominent sports personalities, and newly-crowned champions.

Welcome to the improved Sports Publishing.


This can all be seen under the Sports Publishing tab at the top right of their home page, which is located at www.Skyhorsepublishing.com

Special thanks to Lauren Burnstein for the books I've received and reviewed.

Today, I'm looking at Rayzor's Edge: Rob Ray's Tough Life on the Ice, by Rob Ray, with Budd Bailey.

Rob Ray was considered one of the toughest NHL players in the 1990s. Twice in his career he led the NHL in penalty minutes. But playing with the Buffalo Sabres had its ups and downs. From a run at the Stanley Cup to the team hitting bankruptcy, he saw it all.

Razor, as his teammates called him, speaks candidly about literally fighting his way into a regular spot on the Sabres roster, his teammates, and what life is like off the ice. He doesn't hold anything back, and writes it in an easy-to-follow style.

One notable subject he talks about is the jersey-tiedown rule that the NHL put into effect during his career. Ray would usually leave his jersey untied, and when he got into a fight, then his opponent would grab hold of the jersey,and it would come loose, and the opponent would have nothing left to grab and balance, giving an edge to Ray. The league a rule in that stated a player MUST tie his jersey down. The rule quickly became known as the “Rob Ray Rule.”

I say this a lot, but this is a book that you don't have to know a lot about hockey in order to understand what's going on. He talks about watching players traded to and from Buffalo.

I think what I really liked most were the laid-back stories about this and that, the parties, the trips to the hospitals to cheer up kids, things like that.

After his playing days were over, Ray went into broadcasting, and, at least as of the time of the book, he was still living in Buffalo. As he put it, and I'll quote here... “Where else would I go? This is home.”

Excellent book in my opinion... worth the read.

Special thanks to Lauren Burnstein at Skyhorse Publishing for sending me this book for reviewing purposes!

Link to Skyhorse Publishing: http://www.sportspubbooks.com/book/?GCOI=58261100216460&

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/61-9781613210253-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rayzors-Edge-Rays-Tough-Life/dp/1596702834/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376092995&sr=1-1&keywords=Rayzor%27s+Edge%3A+Rob+Ray%27s+Tough+Life+on+the+Ice

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rayzors-edge-budd-bailey/1100163494?ean=9781613210253