Product Description
OPEN ICE

In this new collection of exquisitely crafted essays, veteran sports writer Jack Falla writes about hockey as he has seen and experienced it over the past fifty years. Reflections on the game, its personalities and arenas, and twenty-five years of commitment to creating his backyard rink are woven into family memories and other fond remembrances.

A heartwarming and amusing collection, Open Ice is sure to touch every hockey fan and all those who have grown up loving the game.

Praise for Jack Falla's Previous Collection of Essays, Home Ice

"literary hot chocolate that will warm your heart."
—The New York Times

"While Home Ice may be a book about hockey and the charm of backyard rinks, it is more than that, too. It is a book about relationships—between fathers and sons, husbands and wives—and how the game can bridge the gaps that commonly occur between generations in a family... It's a treasure and one that readers will be happy they searched out. Possibly the best hockey book since Ken Dryden's The Game."
—The Globe & Mail

"A gentle and powerful book."
—Dave Bidini, Author of Tropic of Hockey and The Best Game You Can Name ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Thank You, Jack!
I enjoyed this book immensely.

Falla shares his love and appreciation for the game with a generous spirit.There are essays about some of hockey's immortal players, franchises and arenas, and reminiscences about what the game has meant to his own life - as a fan, sportswriter, amateur player and father.

It all intertwines. There's no separating the personal and professional with Falla.

He's like a tour guide who, after an entertaining history lesson, invites you home afterward for dinner with his family.

excellent read
I received this for Christmas and before I had a chance to read it my dad had it read. The book was a great read.

LOVE IT
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK.MR FALLA HAS PUT INTO WORDS HOW I FEEL ABOUT HOCKEY.HE REALLY CONNECTED WITH ME.I BOUGHT THE BOOK WHEN IT WAS FIRST RELEASED, AND READ IT IN A RECORD PACE.I WAS VERY DISSAPOINTED TO LEARN THAT HE HAD PASSED, AND WISHED I COULD'VE MET HIM TO TELL HIM HOW MUCH THIS BOOK MEANS TO ME.THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO HAS ANY INTEREST IN HOCKEY.YOU GET A GREAT DEAL OF APPRECIATION FOR THE RICH HISTORY OF HOCKEY....AND THE PASSIONED FAN.THANK YOU TO MR. FALLA, AND HIS FAMILY FOR SHARING SUCH GREAT MEMORIES.

A Pleasure
I will preface this by saying I have only read a chapter of this book.I am one of the people that helped him buy his new skates.He was a pleasure to talk with.Though I am not a hockey fan, I did enjoy listening to his stories. He was in the store for probably about an hour, maybe a little more just talking and trying on skates, but it was an hour that I still talk about to this day.I was saddened to hear of his passing and my sympathies go to his family.

A Literary Gift From the Late Jack Falla
Quite simply, one of the great collections of stories yet written about any sport.As a quite avid reader, I usually find myself ripping through my current effort in hopes of getting to the next book straight away.But this afternoon was different.After reading one or two of the chapters, I would place the book on my coffee table and consider what I had just read.When I could not bear it any longer, I picked up where I left off.

Made more poignant due to the recent passing of Mr. Falla, "Open Ice" is breathtaking writing all the way through.I have my favorite stories, such as the funeral for Canadians legend Maurice Richard (you will learn the correct pronunciation of his name herein, as I did), but this is one book that will live forever in sports fans memories, as well as in the hearts of lovers of great writing.Thanks to you, Mr. Falla... ... Read more

Product Description
The ninth annual edition of the College Hockey Guide provides valuable information on both scholarship and non-scholarship playing opportunities available to prospective student-athletes.

The Guide includes coach contacts, rosters, player demographic information and statistics, schedules, admission, cost, scholarship and financial aid information for all NCAA programs.

New for 1999 - A survey of NCAA coaches which provides information on the leagues and events on their scouting schedules and what they look for in prospective college players. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This book is as good as it gets.
"The College Hockey Guide is a "must have" for high school coaches and players interested in going to college and playing hockey.It is filled with up-to-date and useful information regarding all of thecollege hockey programs in our country.The book offers information on thewho, what, where, when and why of recruiting and being noticed.This bookis as good as it gets." ... Read more

Product Description
Provides general information about the game of hockey and about the specific rules of the game, and discusses officials' signals, players' positions, and sportsmanship. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not much substance
This book was very disappointing.Much of its 32 pages is made up of illustrations that are just "filler."For example, page 15 is a full page drawing of players apparently changing lines.Another full page is taken up by a drawing of a defenseman watching two offensive players approach.In my experience, the two most important rules for young players to master are the offsides rule and icing.This book devotes one sentence to offsides and two sentences to icing. It does, however, devote a whole page to "the puck" and another whole page to "the stick."Some information in the book is debatable or even wrong.For example, on page 18 the young player is advised that "icing is only called icing when both teams have an equal number of players on the ice."My son, who has 7 years of youth hockey experience, said that this book might be "OK for a little kid who knows absolutely nothing," but that a "kid that young probably would not be able to read the book."My daughter, who has 4 years of youth hockey experience, said, "Not so great."

A great book to teach Children the rules and sport of Hockey
This book is excellent.I have used it while coaching hockey and my son and I have spent many hours reading it over and over again.It is basic,and simple for young children to understand.The presentation of the bookis great, it has color illustrations for each of the rules.Its simplicitymakes it great for children, or even adults to learn from ... Read more

Product Description
Portland, Oregon, has an old and rich hockey tradition. The City of Roses was home to six professional hockey teams that took the ice in fi ve different leagues, including two major league clubs. It all started with the Rosebuds (1914-1918), who earned the distinction of being the fi rst United

States-based team to compete for the Stanley Cup. The

tradition continued with a second version of the Rosebuds (1925-1926), the original Buckaroos (1928-1931), a second version of the Buckaroos (1933-1941), the Eagles/Penguins (1944-1951), and the Western Hockey League (WHL) Buckaroos (1960-1974). The WHL Buckaroos won three Patrick Cup titles and iced several minor league hockey legends, including Gordon Fashoway, Guyle Fielder, Don Head, Andy Hebenton, Norm Johnson, Art Jones, Connie Madigan, and Bill Saunders. Several Hockey Hall of Famers--Tommy Dunderdale, George Hay, Dick Irvin, and Moose Johnson--also spent time on Portland teams. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Interesting reading, mostly photos, not exactly what I had hoped for.
While I learned a lot about the history of the team, I could have done with less photos, more information and likely less cost for the overall product offered. ... Read more

Product Description
As kids, we all had passions -- something we loved doing, experienced with our friends, dreamed about every spare moment. For Jay Atkinson, who grew up in a small Massachusetts town, it was hockey. When Bobby Orr scored the winning goal in the 1970 Stanley Cup Finals against the St. Louis Blues, Atkinson became a fan for life. In 1975, he played on the first Methuen Rangers varsity hockey team. Once and always a rink rat, Atkinson still plays hockey whenever and wherever he can.

Twenty-five years after he played for the Rangers, Atkinson returns to his high school team as a volunteer assistant. Ice Time tells the team's story as he follows the temperamental star, the fiery but troubled winger, the lovesick goalie, the rookie whose father is battling cancer, and the "old school" coach as the Rangers make a desperate charge into the state tournament. In emotionally vivid detail, Ice Time travels into the rinks, schools, and living rooms of small-town America, where friendships are forged, the rewards of loyalty and perseverance are earned, and boys and girls are transformed into young men and women. Along the way, we also meet his five-year-old son, Liam, who is just now learning the game his father loves.

Whether describing kids playing a moonlit game on a frozen swamp or the crucible of team tryouts and predawn bus rides that he endured himself, Atkinson carves out the drama of adolescence with precision and affection. He takes us onto the ice and into the heart of a town and a team as he explores the profound connection between fathers and sons, and what it means to go home again.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Pleased
The book arrived early, but not in as good of a condition as hoped for.The book is great and a fast read.

Great book
The book arrived within the time advertised, with the book somewhat more worn than I had hoped, but was still in good condition, and a very enjoyable read.

My brother is one of the Captains
I guess I would be a bit bias, but this amazingly discriptive narrative really pulls you in to the book. My older Brother Thom DeZenzo was one the the captains of the Methuen Hockey team in 2000 and I recall the author very vividly. It was at my house that the team dyed their hair bleach blonde. The author truly captured all aspects of a team I knew personally.

terrific memoir
This is a terrific memoir connecting three threads: the author's youth playing hockey, his work as a volunteer coach for his old high school hockey team, and his efforts to introduce his young son to hockey. The focus rarely leaves these three threads, making this one of the most well-structured memoirs I've read in years. In addition, the prose is lyrical and poetic, often in sharp contrast to the rough-and-tumble sport and the gritty neighborhood settings. (The reviewer who gave this book one star totally misses the point that a memoir *must* include the author as a major character. This is memoir, not journalism.) Highly recommended for everyone, not just hockey enthusiast, because of the great writing, sharp descriptions, connections between past/present/future, and wise reflections.

A Game Misconduct
When I first learned about this book, I was more than excited that someone had finally written book about high school hockey. I had already read the great accounts of high school sports in Friday Night Lights, and In These Girls, Hope Is A Muscle. Thirty pages into the book, I was more than impressed with the author's beautiful descriptions of Methuen, hockey, and his growing up in this area of New England.

Suddenly, things began to change, as I was now embedded in the author's autobiography of his past hockey and athletic exploits! He makes a very clear statement in the beginning that he doesn't want to be back in his high school years, but simply remember them. Oh, he does remember everthing and anything, and certainly lets the reader know of his dauntless exploits. Who really cares how many goals he scored on a frozen pond playing against a bunch of kids, or popping in nine goals in a pickup game with a senior group pretty much out of shape, or being one of the three stars in the annual JV intersquad scrimmage! Give me a break.

Atkinson managed to work his way into his old high school with the pretense of collecting background for his book. What he did was to live vicariously through this new Ranger team and maybe better his own team record of 5-15-1. He committed the inexcusable error of a writer; allowing your own life to intermingle and become part of what you were trying to write about.

As for the team, too bad Atkinson created an almost Neanderthal mentality and impression of these boys. The naive reader might think this is what hockey is all about, but what a terrible injustice to a group of athletes. As for the coaches, between the locker room expletives, bench outbursts during games, and the pre-game talks about "mating sperm whales" with your female goalie standing in the doorway, I feel this is a reasonable estimate of inappropiate juvenile behavior and thinking with some of the Methuen coaching staff.

At the end, as I struggled to finish his "memoirs," I had to laugh at his mention that he didn't feel quite the same and welcomed going back to Methuen High School after his year. They were probably happy he was finally gone. Typical of "volunteer" coaches or staff, their impression of what they are doing and accomplishing is usually far from reality. The author may have felt he was imparting "words of wisdom," and valuable pieces of experience to members of the team, but Mr. Bobb you really missed the target here. A sixteen, seventeen year-old boy barely hears the words of his parents, much less his teachers, and certainly nothing from a 42 year-old "want-to-be."

If you know anything about high school sports, and/or hockey, save yourself from this self-indulging book. Oh, by the way, why can I be so critical? I have just finished my 34th season coaching high school hockey, ninety-percent of it as a head varsity coach. Along with this, twenty-five years as a head varsity coach in two female sports, and thirty-six years as a high school classroom teacher have all allowed me to see just about everything. In my career, the players and teams of the past are in the books. Next season, all the pages start to be written again. ... Read more

Product Description
This hardcover collectible was an instant success last year, and this updated edition promises to be even more so. The Philadelphia Flyers are an exemplary sports franchise, having risen from an expansion club to Stanley Cup Champions in just seven years. Full Spectrum takes the reader inside some of hockey's most dramatic events, both on the ice and off. four-color insert. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Excellent
The most comprehensive and informative history of a sports franchise that I have ever read. Greenberg takes the hockey fan on a 30 year ride detailing the Philadelphia Flyers hockey club from their infancy in the mid `60s through their last year in the Spectrum in 1997. Great insight to the cup years `74-75 and the Broad Street Bullies of that era. A must have for anyone who is a hockey fan.

Review of Full Spectrum
I have read hundreds of hockey books in my life, and no book comes close to Full Spectrum. It is the ultimate book for any Philadelphia Flyers fan anywhere, at any time. Even if your not a Flyers fan or even a hockey fan, you will enjoy this book. From the beginning of the NHL's most succsful expansion team to the 2 Stanley Cups in the mid-70s to the 35 game unbeaten streak in 1980 to the sad death of star goalie Pelle Lindbergh to the firing of Bob Clarke in 1990 to the long story of the Eric Lindros trade to the trade for John LeClair and Eric Desjardins in 1995. The book also includes a brief story of the 1996-97 season, the first one at the Core States (now First Union)Center. This book is the best Flyers book around and is my favorite.

My Review of Full Spectrum
I totally enjoyed this book, it's ideal for a newbie Flyers Fan as well as a seasoned veteran who was with them through thick and thin; like the 1974 and 1975 Stanley Cup years, the six year playoff drought, the Pelle Lindberg accident, et al.I would recommend this book to anyone.

Full Spectrum
A must have book for any FLYERS fan !No matter where you live

A STANLEY CUP CHAMPION IN PRINT
Full Spectrum is THE bible for any fan of the Philadelphia Flyers detailing many behind-the-scenes occurrences.This book serves as the ultimate reference book and if you are a Flyers fan you will pick mostdefinetly use it multiple times.This book shouldn't be limited to justFlyers fans however as it is a must-read for any hockey fan. ... Read more

Product Description
The best guide to hockey ever published!Coaching Hockey is an invaluable resource for all coaches and students of hockey who want to broaded their knowledge of one of the fastest-growing and most intense sports played today. Motivation techniques, strategies, tips for skill development--everything you need to help your team maximize its success on the ice is here in one complete volume. ... Read more

Product Description
Hockey in the Capital District chronicles professional hockey in the capital region of New York State: Albany, Schenectady, and Troy. A total of six professional teams have taken the ice in four different leagues, beginning in the 1952-1953 season with the Troy Uncle Sam's Trojans. The tradition continued with the Schenectady Chiefs (1981-1982), the Troy Slapshots (1986-1987), the Albany Choppers (1990-1991), the Troy-based Capital District Islanders (1990-1993), and the Albany River Rats (1993-present). The River Rats brought the area its fi rst championship by capturing the AHL's Calder Cup. Through historic images, this volume presents the rich hockey heritage of the Capital District. ... Read more

Product Description
Serious hockey players and coaches make a 12-month commitment to the sport. How they prepare physically during the off-season directly affects their performance during the season. 52-Week Hockey Training provides a four-phase annual conditioning plan that is proven to get players in shape to excel technically and withstand the physical rigors on the ice.

The book presents a wide selection of workouts containing specific exercises and drills designed to improve flexibility, muscle strength and endurance, aerobic endurance, speed, and power and quickness. Detailed descriptions explain and accompanying photographs and illustrations show the proper form and technique for each drill and exercise. Goals and plans for developing each of these performance features are outlined for each phase of training: preseason, in-season, postseason, and off-season.

52-Week Hockey Training has everything you need to get in shape—and stay in shape—for top-level hockey. It’s a proven full-year training approach that gets players in peak form for the competitive season. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Well Structured, a Good Guide to Success
52-Week Hockey Training is a very complete book that, if followed properly, will help immensely in improving your overall fitness as well as getting you into great "hockey" shape. The book overall is very satisfactory and achieves its purpose, but I think that some improvements can be made. Some of the photos do not give a good picture of the exersice and all of the pictures are in black and white. A foreword by an NHL star was lacking and would have been a nice compliment. One thing I thought very useful however, was the breakdown of the four main training periods from off-season to postseason.

This book is a great training guide that covers everything from flexibility to power and quickness. There are countless exercises, drills, procedures and schedules that will make attaining your goals much easier. A very complete book that is a bit rough around the edges. ... Read more

Product Description
Presents the elements of hockey, such as its history, objectives, playing positions, and equipment. ... Read more

Product Description
Nagano was just the beginning, as women's ice hockey was followed by millions of people worldwide.In this new book, women of all ages can relive the Olympic dream with two members of the history-making team and learn how to play hockey for fun and fitness.Tricia and Katie weave their own personal stories throughout the text.Special sections, "Tricia's Tips" and "Katie's Korner," offer insights on fitness, skating skills, equipment, rules, conditioning drills--anything anyone needs to learn to play the game as a serious sport or just for fun. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A great book for young girls
It should have been clear to me from the other reviews, but I was somewhat disappointed at the beginning-level orientation of this book, and the overall sparseness of material.It is well-written, has a few wonderful Olympic anecdotes and some terrific Nagano pictures, but is clearly written for a young reader who is a complete novice in hockey.It's too young for my 12-year-old daughter (and me), in that there is just not enough content to make it hold our interest, even though we are die-hard women's hockey fans in this household.A keeper if one must have everything written about women's hockey, and a good book if it's for a new player or younger girl interested in ice hockey.I do wonder how many readers there are who BOTH need such a basic introduction to hockey AND will appreciate the Olympic info.Maybe this book was trying to do too much.

Nicely written book.
Tricia and Katie have written this based more towards the beginner type player. There are many great tips on both playing and equipment. Each player (Tricia and Katie) shares her thoughts throughout the book onvarious subjects such as the way they play and approach the game and thetype of equipment preferred. Perhaps the best feature in the book, in myopinion, is the references to their fellow Olympic teammates and the insertpictures. That alone made the book worthwhile to me. :-) Overall, the bookis well worth the asking price. You can't go wrong with something writtenby TWO gold medalists! :-)

I'd recommend this book to all beginners and general fans of Team USA.

a great book for hockey lovers!(epecially females)
I really enjoyed reading this book. Since I already knew a lot of the basic hockey information from playing, my favorite parts were when Katie and Tricia told about their first hand experiances growing up as femalehockey players, and winning Olymipic gold! Although I didn't need the infoon the basics of hockey, they were writen in a very easy to understand way.If you want to learn how to play, definatly read that part of the book. Ifound this to be a very inspiring book. The pictures were great, and theyshowed how amazing it is to be a part of a team, something they focused onin their book. I hope anyone who sees this book buys it right away andreads it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Lindros Soars
I needed to do a report on a famous person that I looked up to.My favorite hockey player of all time is Eric Lindros.So I went to mylibrary to see if they had any information on him.To my surprise they hadjust got this book in.When I started to read I was very interested inseeing all the stuff that Eric had to go through to get to where he istoday.The book showed me why I liked him so much. It wasn't just hisspeed, hardwork, and determination that I liked anymore it was also to seehim on a personal level not just in the game of hockey. ... Read more

Product Description
Once known as the "Harry Truman of hockey" (San Jose Mercury News) for his bluntness and humor, coach Darryl Sutter gave up the sport from 1995 to 1997 to care for his son Christopher, who was born with Down's Syndrome. Brimming with anecdotes from on and off the ice, this book gives a close-up view of both sides of Sutter - the tough guy and the activist who started a foundation to raise money for nonprofit organizations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A must read for all hockey fans
While not as full of exciting hockey action as Six Shooters, this is a very well-presented story of the man behind the coach - what are the driving forces behind the way he thinks and acts?I wasn't aware that he has a son with Down's Syndrome, and it was very interesting the way Darryl relates the experience of watching his son struggle to conquer skills we-all take for granted to not tolerating players who aren't using their God-given talents to the best of their ability.The emphasis on strong work-ethic is very refreshing in this era of convenience where somehow we have come away from giving all we have to everything we attempt and instead settle for taking the easy way out.There are powerful lessons in this story that non-hockey players can apply to their personal lives and use to steer their attitudes and intentions regarding whatever they are doing in a more positive and productive manner.The quotes and Darryl-isms were probably my favorite part of the book!

Quick-Wit and a great sense of humor!
Coach Sutter has turned our hockey club around. We can be proud of our team and we can look forward to each and every game because no matter what our record is and no matter how we fared the game before, we know coachSutter is going to get the Sharks up for the next contest. I never reallyknew what kind of a person he was until I read this book. His quick-wit hasa unique blend of honesty, puncuality and humor in it that is hard to findelsewhere in pro sports. It's a great read for hockey fans and sports fansalike. I only have one suggestion: E.C.McEnery needs to continue his bookwriting ways with a new book on Sharks Fans and how we're the best in theleague. And don't you forget it!

A rare look at a fascinating individual
This book is a "must read" for hockey fans, as well as fans of a fascinating human interest story.E.C. McEnery does an outstanding job of profiling San Jose Sharks head coach Darryl Sutter, not only as a playerand a coach, but more importantly as a husband and a father.Darryl's lifeas a player and coach are remarkable and McEnery did a great job ofrecapping his professional history.But what makes this book truly uniqueis how he was able to show a side of Darryl that most people are notfamiliar with - Darryl as a family man.Darryl's quotes over the yearshave been witty and meaningful.However, the most important thing thatyou'll pick-up from this book is that what you're gonna get from Darryl isthe truth. ... Read more

Product Description
ROCK YOUR FANTASY LEAGUE

Attention, hockey fantasy managers! Do you know which players offer the best value? Which player is a Cherry Pick? And who’s a Cherry Bomb? Are some players only Foxy by Proxy?

Higgins Hockey Fantasy Index is a gold mine for stats freaks—the key to unlocking hidden value and avoiding pitfalls in any hockey fantasy league. With his unique HFI system, Rob Higgins gives you the tools to make brilliant picks on draft day—and run the rest of your fantasy season like a rock ’n’ roll superstar. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Didn't meet my expectations
I'm not a fantasy player, so I bought this book just to have a reference to check out players when they got traded or were playing my team.The book has some interesting insights, giving opinions about players who were injury prone, don't give full effort, or are up-and-comers.But I found it to be disorganized and incomplete.
1) The book goes through the prior season, month by month, talking about who had hot and cold months.Some players were highlighted, but its hit or miss.Not every player is included.
2) A good share of the book is player stats for all 30 teams in a font too small to comfortably read.
3) The book uses jargon invented by the author - an HFI ("Higgins Fantasy Index"), up and comers (radar love), players bound to disappoint (cherry bombs), and so the lists have cutesy symbols that you often have to look up.He has his HFI, but never explains how it is calculated-just that it gives more weight to expected goals over assists, has an allowance for hits, penalty minutes, but nothing explained - just a number rating.And not for everyone, just for maybe a couple of hundred players.Michael Grabner was picked up by my team, I wanted to see what was predicted for him, he's not there.

The book would have had a bit more value if it gave a primer on fantasy hockey, the types of leagues, where to find them, tools to keep track, i.e. a beginners guide.

I keep yearly guides around for reference but this one is too bulky to hold onto after I'm done with it.Which will be before the beginning of next year.

Insightful and a quick fun read!
Must have for any hockey fan or fantasy player. Offers a great perspective on the business side of hockey and the evaluation of players. More than just stats, enjoyable read!

Best Hockey Resource
Each year before the season starts, I diligently prepare for my draft(s).We only play for bragging rights, but we are a competitive bunch.This is the best book that I have found in the last 3 years to cut down the prep time.It's well written and to the point.It's not just a yearly review or projection, it's a sound strategy... advice that you can apply throughout the year to win your pool.

Nice read
Rob Higgins HFI book, is probably the best fantasy sport book read.It puts you in the mind of Rob on how he approaches fantasy hockey.This is a book you will page back through the season.It kind of reminds me of the movie the Transporter, Rob gives you rules to follow throughout the season.So I do recommend this book to have.With that said here are the cons and things he needs to add to next years book.

The HFI isn't a value for all fantasy hockey leagues.Example his HFI of Joe Thornton is quite low last season compared to our value system that had him at number 8 best forward at the end of the year.Second is just like fantasy football predraft materials, Rob should add a expert mock draft.People like to see how to apply your rating scale to a draft.Third point is he takes a back seat to giving you an idea on goalies.It is the most important position in Fantasy Hockey.Would like a better breakdown of your top 15 goalies and why.When is it a good time to take a goalie in a draft.Final point is go out on a limb.Tell us who are Core players in your mind, and who are some sleepers.

From the time you receive the book it's alot of search for answers going into the draft.So for a draft book its nice, but falls short.As a good read and a book you can use for this season and many more its awesome.I recommend the book, but don't count on it as the only predraft material going into your draft.

Not meant for Kindle
I want to be clear that my review for this book is for the Kindle version only.I was worried that a book with tables and lists of players and stats wouldn't work well on the Kindle.Unfortunately, the sample you get doesn't show any tables or lists - just text from the first chapter(s).

Well, I was right to be worried.

On the Kindle you can't zoom enough to make the lists of players and stats readable.They remain microscopic in size.I could make out player names, but not any of the stats or projections.I give it 2 stars instead of 1 because the preceding chapters are excellent.

Customer Service allowed me to return the "book" with absolutely no hassle.

I think Rob Higgins is great writer and a great hockey guy so I will be buying the DTB version. Don't bother on the Kindle.Perhaps if you have a Kindle DX or are using the Kindle App for the iPad... ... Read more

Product Description
The Scholastic Ice Hockey Playbook: Strategies of a high school coach offers a unique approach at dissecting the game in a way coaches, players and fans will appreciate the fundamentals of hard work while understanding the vast array of systems and formations used in today’s game.Co-authors Harvey Cohen, an award-winning coach, and Mike G. Morreale, a distinguished scholastic sports writer in New Jersey, guide readers through the B.E.S.T. approach for creating team comradery in Chapter 1 to the finer details of specialty teams in Chapter 5.

The Scholastic Ice Hockey Playbook: Strategies of a high school coach also reminds us that ice hockey players are also people and must be treated as such. Players must learn to respect their peers to improve their game and their overall character.The book is a guide for all skill levels and gives the reader a better understanding of the sport, its concepts and that interpersonal relationship between coach and player. The relationship between coach and player should, according to co-authors Cohen and Morreale, not be taken for granted. Players must listen to their coaches and coaches must find time for their players to establish a mutual respect. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description

A revealing look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of minor hockey culture

Known as TSN's "Hockey Insider," Canada's Bob McKenzie is synonymous with the sport and one of its most respected analysts. In Hockey Dad, McKenzie describes firsthand the joys and heartbreak of raising two sons, with entirely diverging athletic futures. He details their separate paths, describing Michael, a 22-year-old playing NCAA hockey on scholarship, and Shawn, now 19, whose competitive minor hockey life was cut short at age 14 because of multiple concussions. Their deeply personal stories, and the trials and tribulations of a father creating futures for them, offer readers a compelling look into the world and culture of minor hockey.

• Includes funny anecdotes, debates on numerous hockey issues, and personal reflections on the game and its culture

With an unwavering look at his own strengths and weaknesses, as well as the entire system of minor hockey in Canada, Hockey Dad is an honest, irreverent and sometimes moving look at a sporting culture that is not so much a recreation as it is a way of life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

True true confessions.....
The culture of being hockey parent is truly a mystery to anyone who has not been indoctrinated into the fold.Yes, some relate it to being a soccer parent, little league parent but there is nothing like waking up your little player in the wee hours of the morning, shoving something warm and nutritious into their mouths every time they yawn, driving to a rink in the dark, hauling out the gear and lugging it to a locker room located in the deep recesses of a rink; only to find you forgot your little player in the car..., dressing him/her while trying not to gag from the funky odor permeating the room. After all is said and done, you sit, feeling like a Popsicle, for an hour or more in a rink that doubles as the local freezer storage for the town.Afterward, you reverse the process of what you did an hour ago. Yep, nothing like being a hockey parent.Bob McKenzie hit the proverbial nail right on the head or should I say, one timed the frozen biscuit into the basket.Spending the whole weekend, camped out on a lawn chair at your local rink just for an opportunity to sign your little one up for an in house league? The stories he mentions in the book has all the hockey parents of the world nodding and laughing their heads off simultaneously.For those who have yet to wander down that path, are curious what makes a hockey parent tick or just want to get a good laugh, I highly recommend this book.It's a fast and easy read.I just picked up additional copies for our coaches.

Great Read
A thoroughly entertaining and informative book that reads almost like a diary. I recommend it to all the hockey parents out there as well as their children when they're old enough to understand and appreciate all the trouble their parent's went through. Although it isn't preachy, there are stories with subtle morals that can be used by anyone.

Hockey Dad; True Confessions of a (Crazy) Hockey Parent
Bob does a great job of sharing his view on being a parent, coach, and member of the world of youth hockey and sports in general. He reminds us in many suttle and not so suttle ways at the end of the day, its just a game. That being the case, our goal as parents and coaches is to simple embrace our kids and encourage them as they use sports to develop their character. Must read for anyone involved in youth sports. Must read even if you're nothing more than a simple parent.

A MUST READ FOR ANY HOCKEY FAN WHO IS ALSO A DAD!
This is a must read for any hockey fan who is also a dad. Bob M. is my hockey GOD! I have watched him for many years and have always put my 100% complete faith in his knowledge of the game. His information is timely and is a big help in my keeping up with the current situations that arise during the hockey season.

If you are a dad and especially a hockey dad you will feel what Bob feels when it comoes to his sons and their hockey lives. He is a proud dad and his sons are so lucky to have an "in" when it comes to the inner workings of hockey at ALL levels.

There are dozens of new hockey books being published these days and the FIRST one that should be on your reading list is HOCKEY DAD! ... Read more

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A biography of goaltender Dominik Hasek, the Buffalo Sabres' "Dominator" and the National Hockey League's Most Valuable Player in 1997. ... Read more

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An encyclopedic who's who in hockey today, this comprehensive reference is the #1 source for information on every NHL player and head coach from the 2003-2004 season. Includes detailed and up-to-date year-by-year statistics; biographical facts; career milestones; highlights; and more. ... Read more