Today, I'm looking at Boy on Ice: The life and death of Derek Boogaard, by John Branch.

First and foremost, this book was written after Boogaard's death. However, Derek's family was willing to help write this story.

It's a story of Derek's rise to fame as an enforcer, his time at the top, and how he fell just as fast, if not faster, from his perch. It's a scary tale of what can happen when someone has access to painkillers and other drugs, and an especially scary tale of what does happen when the system is not able to keep up with a player's desire to obtain more of what he believes he needs.

Derek's rise to fame with Minnesota is well chronicled. Same with his use and eventual abuse of painkillers. It boggled my mind time and again as to just how he was able to get so many prescriptions without someone stopping to say "Hey, wait a minute."

It's the tale of a 28-year old who wanted so desperately to be accepted on the ice as a member of the NHL, and yet, when given a role to play, no matter how good at it, Derek had trouble playing this role.

It's a sad tale of the NHL and the drug abuse system that Derek was able to work his way through the cracks and continue his actions.



Link to Powell's City of Books:

http://www.powells.com/book/boy-on-ice-the-life-death-of-derek-boogaard-9780393351910/1-0


Link to Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Boy-Ice-Death-Derek-Boogaard/dp/0393351912/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450658219&sr=8-1&keywords=Boy+on+Ice+The+Life+%26+Death+of+Derek+Boogaard


Link to Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/boy-on-ice-john-branch/1118484490?ean=9780393351910

I'm back with a new review! Today, we're looking at A Matter of Inches, by Clint Malarchuk, with Dan Robson.

No doubt, everyone is familiar with Clint Malarchuk, the NHL goalie, because of one incident. He's the goalie that suffered a near fatal skate cut across his throat on Wednesday, March 22nd, 1989. It took 300 stitches to close the wound. But he was playing hockey again just 10 days later.

There's a lot more to Clint than just the one incident. He's had to deal with severe OCD his entire life. While playing WHL hockey in Portland, it helped drive him to be the best possible player. This worked in his favor as he was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques.

The book details the ups and downs of his career. It's a no-holds barred, down and dirty look at the dark side of someone's mind. It's going to take you places that you may not like, it may awaken things you haven't dealt with in your own life. Speaking for myself, I know that I was brought nearly to tears because of things he talks about. It hits close to home. We're talking someone that has literally been to the very edge, and come all the way back. It's inspirational, devastating; it leaves you wanting to keep reading to see how it all works out in the end.

I highly recommend this book. It's going to change your view of goalies, hockey, and life in general. For more information about Clint Malarchuk, go check out his webpage at www.malarchuk.com


Link to Powell's City of Books, located in Portland, OR:

http://www.powells.com/book/a-matter-of-inches-9781629370491/17-0

Link to Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Matter-Inches-Survived-Crease-Beyond/dp/1629370495/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449969731&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Matter+of+Inches

Link to Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/matter-of-inches-clint-malarchuk/1120425829?ean=9781629370491

...and here we are, in the middle of November. Hockey is well into the season, wherever you may be. I am hoping to be able to put up some more reviews in the near future, but nothing is set in stone as of yet.

Hopefully, more reviews will be coming soon... hang in there, readers!

It's been awhile. My wife and I have found a business opportunity that has us driving dogs around the lower 48 US states.

Now, while we're still driving, I'm able to review the books with the aid of a new Kindle.

So, new books are arriving soon, and I will post them from wherever I happen to be.


Stay tuned!

I'm back with a new review! Today I'm looking at Frozen in time: A Minnesota North Stars History, by Adam Raider.

The North Stars entered the NHL as part of the Great Expansion in 1967, becoming one of six teams to join the league. While the team never won a Stanley Cup during its tenure in Minneapolis, they had two improbably runs at the title in 1982 and 1991.

This book was a fun look at the team and their history. First, the lean years as they tried to establish themselves against stronger competition. Rivalries were forged, especially against the Chicago Blackhawks. These would produce some of the best games in North Stars history, both wins and losses.

The merger with the Cleveland Barons is discussed, as are various other highlights in small sidebars throughout the book.

There is a chapter titled Fan Favorites, highlighting some of the best loved, most memorable players to suit up for the North Stars, followed by a chapter of the "best of the rest." For the stats gurus, there is a section with all the players who ever suited up, and their point totals, as well as the entire draft history of the team.

Finally, there is a postscript to the North Stars, a section about the rebirth of the NHL in Minnesota. They talk about the Wild, and their slow but steady rise in the NHL, and how Minnesota deserved to be in the NHL a second time.

All in all, it's a wonderful book. Very well laid out, easy to keep up with, definitely worth reading.

Special thanks to University of Nebraska Press for making this book available for reviewing!

Link to Amazon:   http://www.amazon.com/frozen-time-minnesota-north-history/dp/0803249985/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=utf8&qid=1415140356&sr=1-1&keywords=frozen+in+time+north+stars


Link to Powell's City of Books:   http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9780803249981-0


Link to Barnes & Noble:   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/frozen-in-time-adam-raider/1119277681?ean=9780803249981


Link to University of Nebraska press:  http://nebraskapress.unl.edu/product/frozen-in-time,675997.aspx

A lot has happened since my last post. Family has come first, and as a result my hockey book reviews have fallen by the wayside. I have published my first novel, although it's not hockey related. Cascade Caper is available on Amazon.com

I am hoping to be able to resume hockey book reviews soon...

Patience is the key word at this point.

 After a very long delay, we're back at it! Today I'm reviewing The wait is over: The New York Rangers and the 1994 Stanley Cup, by John Kreiser.

The 1994 Rangers were a team built for one mission: winning the Stanley Cup. Every transaction, every player movement from the minors to the pros and back was made with a definite goal in mind. However, the biggest trade was made a couple of years earlier. That was the trade that brought Mark Messier to the Rangers. He proved more than capable of leading this club through the season and into the playoffs.

The book is laid out somewhat simplistically. It takes the reader very clearly through the season, past the multiple deals at the trade deadline and to the end of the season. Then there is a chapter for each round of the playoffs, and highlights are given. Box scores are also provided for statistics. The chapter about the Finals is a little longer, and highlights each game as it unfolded.

Finally, there are two chapters definitely worth reading. They are about Mark Messier and Brian Leetch, and their respective contributions to the winning season. The last chapter is the aftermath, including the lockout, and the eventual raising of the championship banners.

All in all, for the Rangers fans out there, this is an excellent look back at the 20-year anniversary of the championship. Definitely a must-read for Rangers fans everywhere!

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781613216859-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Wait-Over-York-Rangers-Stanley/dp/1613216858/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1400103982&sr=1-2&keywords=the+wait+is+over

Link to Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-wait-is-over-john-kreiser/1116430934?ean=9781613216859

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

 It is with much sadness I report that my father-in-law passed away on January 10^th, 2014. He will be deeply missed by my family. My wife has also had two surgeries in the last three months, so life has been a challenge lately, and there has not been any time for hockey book reviewing.

Now, however, things have settled down. I am slated to receive a book in the very near future, and this will mark my return to the hockey book review “world.” Keep an eye out for my next review...

As a side note, although not hockey related, I have published an adventure novel. The title is Cascade Caper. It's available on Amazon. Check it out.

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