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