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