Product Description
#1 National Bestseller

Don Cherry has been named a National Hockey League Coach of the Year with a winning percentage of over .600 and also received Coach of the Year honours in the American Hockey League.His comments on Hockey Night in Canada’s "Coach's Corner" routinely make headlines as they entertain, educate, and often upset some fans throughout North America. He may be controversial, but no one can deny the popularity he enjoys; popularity that was reflected in his top 10 ranking in the competition to determine "The Greatest Canadian."

Now from Grapes himself comes the book that hockey fans of all ages have been waiting for. Written with veteran sports journalist Al Strachan, here are Don Cherry's favourite stories from his career in hockey. And you can imagine the stories he has to tell.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

A fun and quick read
Not much to say about this one, it's basically Don Cherry telling hockey stories.His personality comes through very well, he's frank and honest as always, and it's entertaining.A quick and lighthearted read, probably more of a rental or used purchase though.

great book
great hockey book don cherry is one colorfull man.if you just like hockey alittlebit .you still would like to read this book

Really entertaining!
I wasn't a Don Cherry fan until I read this book.It was written as if he was sitting across the table telling me stories about moments in his life.I liked the way that it bounces around, instead of starting at the beginning and heading towards the end.It's a great book for anyone interested in the last 35 years of hockey.

Light entertainment
The book is filled with little stories of hockey. I didn't really know all the names, teams and places that came up in the stories. I also found the book a bit boring at times because I didn't get all the jokes or stories. Part of it is because a) I'm aged 26 and haven't been around at the time of most of the stories in the book and b) I don't play professional hockey and that way miss the insider view on things.

Best parts were the ones telling something about everyday hockeylife, team members and some intangible stuff that goes on in the rink.

So for me this book was a two star effort. Someone else will get more out of it with a background better suited for reading this kind of hockey stories.

Three-and-a-half stars out of four on normal rating scale...Pls. Read on...
The latest from Don Cherry with my fellow
Sirius Radio Toronto broadcaster, Hockey's
Al Strachan. Don details some of his lengthy
Hockey career as a player, then Coach and for
many years now, Antgonist/Anaylst. Great new
pics are included as well. The tree-humpers
and others leftist may cringe at the thought
of him, but I love him. And I'm only of the
Political Middle and not Right-wing (the phrase
sounds like a Hockey position anyway)!

Don's books and DVDs are always a highlight
when they come out because of the putrid
albatross of 'political-stupidity' that hangs
from neck these days. Screw 'The Bloc'! Don
did well in telling Harper how to straighten 'O
Canada' out! God love ya, Don. Slapshot On! ... Read more

Product Description
Takes an irreverent look at the sports world’s best balance of power and speed

Discover interesting players and amusing moments in hockey history

Written by the author of nine titles in the Most Wanted series, including books on baseball, football, wrestling, golf, tennis, basketball, the Olympics, and Hollywood, as well as Golf!: Great Moments & Dubious Achievements in Golf History

The history of hockey is filled with the bizarre, the unexpected, and the hard to believe. Hockey’s Most Wanted chronicles seven hundred of the most outrageous players, coaches, and owners in hockey history. In humorous detail, Floyd Conner describes hockey’s top ten strange plays, inept players, bizarre nicknames, craziest fans, colorful characters, unlikely heroes, odious owners, worst coaches, beleaguered officials, most brutal fights, and more. Learn why Dave Reece was nicknamed "The Human Sieve" and find out which goalie once gave up fifteen goals in a game. Meet the player who was whistled for a record 67 penalty minutes in a single game and another who played in the National Hockey League for five years before scoring his first goal. Imagine scoring the winning goal in the seventh and deciding game of the Stanley Cup—for the opposing team—or how it felt to be the defenseman traded for a net. You can find all this and more in Hockey’s Most Wanted, a book that every hockey fan will enjoy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

highly entertaining
67 different Top 10 lists are included ranging from best players (by position); draft bargains and busts; biggest, smallest, oldest, and youngest players; and even the craziest fans. I bought this for my husband, who is a hockey broadcaster and trivia buff. He knew some of the stuff, but still laughs at the stuff he didn't know or forgot he knew. I like the explanations of players nicknames and stories about crazy owners. It's fun to pick up and read a list or two. It is indexed if you are looking for a certain player. Lots of fun for the fan! ... Read more

Product Description

An essential training manual for hockey goalkeepers.

The Hockey Goalie's Complete Guide offers practical advice and information for goalkeepers and their coaches and trainers. Anyone interested in hockey goalkeeping will enjoy reading about NHL trainer FranÇois Allaire and his four-year development plan that includes:

• Basic techniques
• Skating techniques
• On-ice and off-ice training methods
• How to evaluate goalkeepers on and off the ice
• The trainer's role.

Step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations show how to execute each recommended technique, movement and exercise, and detailed color photographs complement the expert counsel. Each chapter has an at-a-glance summary and a chart that outlines all the techniques and exercises featured.

This authoritative and practical guide also includes forms that allow players, coaches and trainers to record and refer to a goalkeeper's progress and performance during games. These tracking forms are important for annual evaluations and for planning revisions to ongoing training programs.

Product Description
NHL stars and legends reveal key moments of their careers.

The greatest hockey players of all time share their most vivid memories of the game they love. These stories and anecdotes are essentially joyful, occasionally heart-breaking, and always heartfelt.

Their reminiscences include:- Dramatic overtime goals- Record-breaking games- Team camaraderie- Devastating trades- Career-ending injuries.

Thrilling color photographs enhance the personal stories of players from such hockey legends as:- Rocket Richard- Gordie Howe- Jean Beliveau- Bobby Orr- Wayne Gretzky.

The book also includes the hottest players of today such as:- Steve Yzerman- Mario Lemieux- Jeremy Roenick.

Told in the players' own words, these stories are infused with the same skill, spirit, character and determination that carried each of these men to the heights of the National Hockey League and made hockey one of the most popular sports in the world.

As hockey attracts more fans of all ages, so will For the Love of Hockey.Amazon.com Review
"My mom gave a couple of dollars to a woman who was in desperate need of milk for her family. In return, the woman gave my mom a gunnysack full of things, including a pair of skates. My sister Edna grabbed one and I got the other. We went outside and push-glided around an ice pond. When Edna got cold and took her skate off, I put it on my other foot." So begins the story of one of the greatest--and toughest--men to ever play the game of ice hockey, Gordie Howe. Or try Bobby Hull: "We won the Stanley Cup in 1961 when I was 22 years old... but I never did drink out of the Stanley Cup. As the festivities began, I started drinking beer out of the owner's son Mike Wirtz's dirty old felt hat. I got sick as a dog and had to go to bed instead of celebrating that night."

For the Love of Hockey collects the personal stories of 91 of the game's greatest players, stars such as Rocket Richard, Bobby Orr, Guy Lafleur, Wayne Gretzky, and Mario Lemieux. With big, full-color action shots and the words of the players themselves, this is a heartfelt tribute to the most talented practitioners of a fast and furious sport. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

GREAT BOOK FOR THE HOCKEY LOVER
BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR MY SON-IN-LAW ND GRANDSON. THEY BOTH LOVE IT. GREAT PRICES TOO.

Happier if not for blank page
I've only just started this book and am sure I'll enjoy it, but I am unhappy about the fact that the second page of John Davidson's foreword is a completely blank white page!This was received as a gift so am not sure if Amazon will do anything to rectify the situation.

Follow-up to compliment Amazon.com - I emailed Amazon about this situation and within hours they set up free 2-day shipment of a replacement and provided a link to print a USPS mailing label at no cost to me.However, though this is not Amazon's fault, the replacement book had the same problem!!If possible I plan to contact the publisher, but I feel it will be to little avail.

Excellent transaction
I was very pleased, item was as described and it made my husband very happy when I gave it to him!
Thank you

Perfect for your guy's "reading room"
This is a great book for us hockey fans.The stories are short and interesting.Notable players from the history of hockey as well as current players are featured.Let's face it, we want to know everything about our favorite players, some of these stories are surprising.

In their own words
This book is necessary for all true hockey fans.The book tells the stories of some of the great stars of the game from today and yesterday.The best part of the book is that it is written in their own words. ... Read more

Product Description
Enter the game with confidence, knowing you've mastered the essentials with Field Hockey: Steps to Success. The text combines a comprehensive, progressive approach with in-depth instruction, illustrations, and 86 drills.

Master coach and field hockey legend Elizabeth Anders details the step-by-step program that will teach you how to develop these skills:

• Score more goals by developing better shooting techniques.

• Improve ball control and dribbling.

• Establish solid passing and receiving skills.

• Develop better footwork and balance for improved stick handling.

• Employ attacking and defensive tactics.

• Become a better goalkeeper through correct positioning and increased awareness in the net.

Customer Reviews (3)

Improving Your Field Hockey Game
I purchased this book for my Granddaughter (Age16) who is exceptionally good at the sport. While still in the 10th grade, she was elevated directly to her High School's Varsity. When she entered the 11th grade, she became Co-Captain, although not a Senior. She has told me that the book was a great help, and that even with her current knowledge, she has picked up pointers that have helped her improve her game.

Excellent guide for coaches and players
I played field hockey about 9 years ago and recently my arm has been slightly twisted to coach middle school hockey.I had forgotten all the basics of the game and this book is a quick to the point guide.I like the pictures it provides and the drills.My goalie coach who had never even seen a game before has been able to use the book and apply it to coaching my goalies.I definitly recommend this book whether you are a coach who is looking for a break down of skills or a player looking to improve your game.

it gave me an edge on my playing
it gave me the winning touch!!!!! I want to reccomend this book for every field hockey player in the world! ... Read more

Product Description
After 14 NHL seasons, a Stanley Cup victory, and five years as a youth hockey coach, Bruce Driver is the ideal author to bring the highly successful Baffled Parent's formula to one of North America's largest youth sports. In Coaching Youth Hockey, Driver and "hockey mom" Clare Wharton help overwhelmed parent/coaches create a real, functioning hockey team and a valuable, positive experience for all kids.

Following the popular, user-friendly, tried-and- true series format, the authors guide you from the first parent-player meeting, through the first organized practice, right to the final buzzer of the last game.

Clearly and comprehensively, Coaching Youth Hockey presents everything a first-time coach needs, including:

*NHL drills appropriate for youth hockey, shared for the first time in print
*Numerous easy-to-follow play and drill diagrams
*Proven team-management techniques
*Tips on teaching hockey fundamentals ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Aresh Look At Developing New Hockey Players
If you've wondered what's happened to Stanley Cup winner Bruce Driver since he wrapped up his illustrious 15-year career playing hockey with the New Jersey Devils, you'll find the answer in the new book, "The Baffled Parent's Guide to Coaching Youth Hockey".Admirably, Driver has been teaching young, would-be hockey stars the secrets of the game.
Don't be put off by the long title - in this volume, Driver, and co-author Clare Wharton have scored a major goal with this highly readable and entertaining offering.If you've stumbled across it, you've found treasure.Driver has wisely teamed up with Wharton, a skilled writer with an extensive background in Hockey.She has taken the shoulder pads, the knee pads, the helmet and skates of the material and, with humor, molded them into a star of the ice.
With sections on everything needed for first-time and veteran coaches alike, NHL drills appropriate for youth hockey, proven team-management techniques, tips on teaching and understanding hockey fundamentals and so much more, Driver lets us in on all of his secrets.
Hockey moms (and they are legion) who have had to spend endless afternoons - and early mornings, if time on the ice is limited - driving their little Drivers to the ice rink for practice, and dads, stuck at work but footing the bills for all that expensive equipment, will be happy to learn, through this enlightening tome, what happens to junior once he gets there.
"The Baffled Parent's Guide to Coaching Youth Hockey" is a winner!Anyone with even a passing interest in hockey, or sports in general, will find Bruce Driver and Clare Wharton's book a delightful experience.


Art Scott
Mystery writer
And Historian

Great book that touches on every aspect
Overall, this is a great book that touches on all aspects of hockey. I am a high school hockey coach and this book has some really nice drills and information in it. We are using a couple already in practice that work great. One thing that I was hoping for (4 stars instead of 5)was a little more intense drills or more detailed info for the higher levels of hockey.Also, it only has 3 goalie drills which was a little disturbing. As a goalie coach as well as an assistant, I find that upsetting since the position is so important, but yet it's the most overlooked. However if you are a parent or coach looking for a book that touches on every aspect of hockey as well as drills this is definitely the one. I do find the parts on dealing with parents and setting up practice plans also helpful. It was well written and has a lot of great info from an NHL player and Stanley Cup winner. It is one of the best books that puts it all together for you to learn the sport of hockey. I would suggest picking up the book: Complete hockey instruction by Dave Chambers with this book and as far as goaltending is concerned, go to www.hockeygoaltender.com. That has some of the best info concerning that position. With these 3 items you would have a pretty good arsenal on coaching and understanding the sport.

Unsurpassed Clarity, Detail & Readability!
I was floored by thoroughness of expertise and professionalism in this book, which goes hand-in-hand with the sheer passion for the game and wisdom in teaching children that comes through on every page.No detail of technique, sportsmanship or strategy is left out here, and the book is as useful a guide for would-be coaches inexperienced in the ways of the game as it is for veteran coaches looking broaden their knowledge base.

Bruce Driver's talent both as a former Stanley Cup winner and a long time coach combined with Clare Wharton's flawless and engaging writing style makes this book an absolute must for hockey lovers new and old.

REFEREE RECOMMENDATION
As a USA Hockey certified Referee I recommend this book to anyone involved in youth hockey at any level.This is how hockey should be taught.

This book has it all
A complete resource for coaches, yes, but also something every hockey fan and parent should read too.Presented in a concise and logical manner, with no detail left out.Extensive photos and drill diagrams for all situations.I found it to be very well written. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Creative Story
I bought this book for my 4th grader because he loves hockey and is not a big reader.He loved the story.It is designed for K - 2, but it is a cute story with lots of creativity.My 4th grader reads it and then talks about how not feasible it would be to do that.

Great book!
Sad to say, I'd never heard of Jolly Roger Bradfield before... until I found an original book at an Antique Book Fair. It was a bit too pricey for me so I checked out Amazon... YES! They're all here! Very cute stories and GREAT artwork. I will be getting them all!

A gold standard
A reprint of a classic. The story line and illustrations are as artistic as they are timeless. They keep the attention of my 5 year twins as well as they kept mine 40 years ago. This book inspires imagination.

As good as I remember
I'm glad that they are republishing Jolly Roger Bradfield's books.I had this book when I was a child.I remember loving it then, and getting it now to share with my children is even better.The artwork is fun and creative.The storyline is imaginative and when I read it to my children, I can see their minds working.I definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a good children's book!

Perfect!
This is a book that my Grandpa used to read to me as a child every time I went to visit him.It brings back great memories and I couldn't wait to share it with my kids.I also bought one for him as a Christmas present, as I have found that his copy has gone missing.LOVE THIS BOOK! - Also, came very fast in perfect condition! ... Read more

Product Description
The fun and easy way to coach youth hockey – no experience required!

Hockey is growing in leaps and bounds around the world, but the demand for qualified coaches far outstrips availability. Moms and dads are being recruited to step in and assume the role of coach even with nothing more than feigned interest for credentials. Coaching Hockey For Dummies is ideally suited to meet these growing needs: its message is clear, the information thorough and user friendly, and it brings along a great attitude.

For anyone new to coaching, Coaching Hockey For Dummies will provide an invaluable reference. Unlike other coaching books, which only cover what happens on the ice, Coaching Hockey For Dummies covers every aspect of hockey coaching, from what equipment a coach needs, to holding player-parent meetings, to the perfect drills to develop individual and team skills. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great book
As a coach who learned to play hockey as an adult, I'm always looking for more information.Many coaching books say the same things, and most leave out the kind of information that you probably would already know if you grew up playing the sport in organized leagues.By contrast, this book does an excellent job at pointing out things that may not be obvious to a new coach. It's extremely well-organized and well-written, with a mixture of theory and practical tips.

One of the best hockey coaching books out there, and definitely not just for dummies...
... Read more

Product Description
Now, boost your hockey talents with this up-to-the minute guide for the player, coach and fan. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Exactly what this adult hockey student needed!
Ok, so I'm over 40 and have just been learning how to "hockey skate" and now I find myself in my first hockey "skills & drills" class at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, practice ice/facility of the Washington Capitals. This class is so popular, that it sells out well in advance and many of the 35+ students are repeats (as I will be for the next session).

I was lost - I'm not enough of a life-long hockey fan or past player who already understood the fundamentals and so many of the guys and gals already knew what they were doing.I felt like if I asked simple questions I'd be disrupting the flow of the class (shouldn't be that way, I know, but it's how I felt).So I bought a couple of books to bridge the gap in my ignorance.

I am SO PLEASED with this book - it was exactly what I was looking for! Chapter by chapter, it breaks hockey play down into the essential elements I needed to understand - offense, defense, positions, strategy, scenario-based plays, etc.It also went over several drills which means that when they were introduced in class, I had already been exposed to them in writing.

In the locker room after the second class, another newbie expressed the same concerns I was having.I shared my book with him and when he returned it the next week, it was like a veil had been lifted for him, too.I'm going to recommend that the instructors provide a copy of this book to every newbie, every session!

If you like to read an auto repair manual that breaks down the way an engine works or a computer/tech book that explains in plain English how to use your computer or build a web page, then you'll love this book, too.

A Great Book to Learn From
This book is truly a very good book for learning how to play the wonderful game of hockey both at the beginner level and advanced level.At the beginner level it shows and tell you how to skate, stop turn, foward and backward crossovers. It also has rules of the game which are especially helpful for the beginner level. It has drills that one should perform to get better.For the intermediate through advanced level it has even more drillsand techniques that even the beginners should get to know.It shows how to shoot the puck defensive, offensive and even goalie tactics.It has a conditioning with nutrition chapter, pregame stretches and even the mental game.And finally at the end it even tells you how to build a rink and how to organize and coach a team.Even if you think you know everything about hockey I can almost guarantee you there is something in this 220 page hockey-training masterpiece.I've been playing for only two years and I have learned a ton from this book and you will most definitely too.

A comprehensive guide for new players
I've bought about 7 or 8 books on various aspects of hockey over the pastfew weeks, and each has taught me something, but I really needed one thatcould tell me *how the game is played* -- where I'm supposed to be and whatI'm supposed to be doing in different situations. This book did just thatby explaining the basics of offense and defense with both text andeasy-to-follow diagrams. I have a good overall sense of the game now, aswell as specific admonishments to keep in mind (like not to chase a puckcarrier behind the goal, and not to follow crisscrossing forwards whenbackchecking). I plan to read this book again in a month (after I've playeda few games on an organized team), and I fully expect to absorb even more.

Excellent for beginners learning the basics of ice hockey.
My team, the San Francisco Earthquakes, has several beginner players. Most of them had been to beginner hockey classes, but they still didn't know many of the basics. I set out to find a book that would provide these basiclessons and answer many of the new players' questions. I looked at severalbooks, but this one had the best fit. It is written for beginners, but willalso serve experienced players who need to review the basics.What to do,where to be, how to shoot, when to pass? These questions and many more areall answered clearly and simply. This is a book for beginners. Intermediateand advanced players may be looking for more insight than this bookprovides. My teammates now know what to do most of the time. If they'd onlyskate a little harder... ... Read more

Product Description
Great goaltending wins hockey games. As the sport evolves, becoming a faster, higher-scoring endeavor, goaltending becomes more critical and far more challenging. The best goaltenders combine awareness, technique, and physical conditioning to anticipate the opponent's every move.

Hockey Goaltending brings together the world's top goaltending coaches to create the premier resource for goalies and coaches at every level of play. Their expertise and insight provide comprehensive instruction on every facet of this challenging position:

• Off-ice training programs to improve reaction time, strength, flexibility, quickness, and agility
• Techniques to shut down breakaways, passouts, and wraparounds as well as power plays and odd-man rushes
• Detailed instruction on rebound control, recovery skills, and playing the puck
• Mental strategies to put you in the zone and keep you there
• On- and off-ice drills to refine your skills and elevate your play

Customer Reviews (2)

The Hockey Goaltender's Bible
This book really covers it all. From physical conditioning to being mentally strong Hockey Goaltending is stuffed with information.What I like most about this book is that it is so easy to pick up and read.You could flip to any random page, read it and feel like you learned something.I often just flip through it reading random sections the day of a game.It has full on and off season conditioning programs with all the different exercises used for it in the book.The DVD demonstrates many of the different exercises for the training program as well as most of the techniques from the book.Like I said before Hockey Goaltending covers it all and it's great for beginners and vet's of the position alike.

Netminder
This purchase was excellent. The book and DVD is an excellent reference tool to help beginners as well as advanced goaltenders become more technically sound, I highly recommend this product. ... 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 (4)

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
Now in paperback, updated with a new final chapter!

Lavishly illustrated, beautifully designed, impeccably researched, and wonderfully written, Hockey: A People’s History is the altogether irresistible companion book to the CBC-Television series of the same name, airing in Fall 06. A must-have for every fan!

Hockey is not just Canada’s national game, it is part of every Canadian’s psyche, whether we like it or not. Watching it, playing it, coaching it, and talking about it are up there with eating on the list of the top ten things Canadians do most. In the first half of the last century it mirrored our increasing confidence as a nation and in the last years of the 1900s, which saw an aggressive but unsettling expansion of the game south of the border, it reflected our growing wariness of American influence on Canada.

Hockey: A People’s History, like the ten-part CBC series it accompanies, tells the story of this breathtakingly fast game from its hotly contested origins, and the surge in its popularity after 1875, when it was first taken inside, through the rise and fall and rise again of women’s hockey, the sagas of long-lost leagues, such as the Pacific Coast Hockey League and, more recently, the World Hockey Association, to the present day and the first-ever lockout of players by the one remaining league. In that time, while play has changed only slightly (every generation of Canadians has complained about the growing violence of the game) hockey itself has been transformed from a rough and ready winter sport to a business worth many billions of dollars, played by millionaires.

But Hockey: A People’s History is not a business story, rather, it is the story of the men and woman who helped make the game what it is today.

It also tells the story of all the great moments in hockey: not just the unforgettable 1972 victory against Russia, but victories no less glorious at the time, such as the Leafs’ previously unheard-of third consecutive Stanley Cup in 1949. Through its lavishly illustrated pages skate the players, the coaches, the owners, many of them still legendary, too many of them almost forgotten. They are the reason why Canadians have stayed true to the game. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Fantastic Hockey History !
This is a great history of hockey book that was a fantastic bargain for a like-new coffee table book.

Great reference book
This is an absolute must have book for any devoted hockey fan. Not only does the book cover early history, it covers little known facts that are often overshadowed by popular belief. It is a very comprehensive guide and makes a great companion to the video series or as a one-timer history lesson on hockey.

A GreatHistory
Having been a Hockey buff for just over 50 years, I found this volume to be the most comprehensive and complete treatment of the subject that I have read over the years, having read several.It reveals some information not generally known to those not in the "industry".I found this book to be a fascinating, don't want to put it down read. My congratulations to Michael Mckinley.

A beautiful book that brings the history of the game alive...
If you're a hockey fan with an appreciation for the history of the game, *this* is the book you need to read...Hockey: A People's History by Michael McKinley.This both entertained and educated me, and brought the history of hockey alive in a way I've never seen it before.

Contents: Prologue; The Temple and the Chalice; Gold After Silver; Blood and Champagne; The Dustbowl Dream; A Cool Medium; Us and Them; The Soul of a Nation; Hope and Betrayal; The Winter of Our Discontent; Reclaiming the Game; Acknowledgements; Index

This is a coffee-table companion book to a CBC series of the same name.Not living in Canada, I can't say I've seen the series.But if it's anything like the book, it must be outstanding.McKinley goes back to the beginning of the game we know as hockey, back to 1875 when the first game was played in Montreal.Many other variations of the game existed before then, but generally speaking, this is when the game started in its modern form.Lavishly illustrated, he works his way up through time, from the birth of the Stanley Cup to the lockout season of 2004-2005.In between, you learn about the great names of the sport who often are just names attached to trophies unless you know the history...Hobie Baker, Frank Calder, Conn Smythe, and many others.The stories of teams put together to challenge for the Stanley Cup, back in the day when it was up for grabs to just about anyone.There's even coverage of the Portland Rosebuds, who challenged the Montreal Canadiens in 1916.Junior and women's hockey also figure prominently in the story, so whatever your particular interest niche is for the game, you'll find it in here.

I remember a few years back when my kids attended a hockey camp in Penticton, British Columbia.The final day included a game played in the city arena that was home to the Penticton Vees.It's an old-time barn, with plenty of memorabilia from years gone by.But until I read this book, I didn't realize just how big a deal that team was.That team went over to Germany in 1955 and beat the Russian team for the World Championships, and was the toast of Canada in the midst of the Cold War tension of the time.Walking through the arena, you could almost feel the ghosts of history, the thousands of games that had been played there.It's hard to explain, but hockey in Canada is more than just a sport, it's a national identity and obsession.

I don't know that I've spent as much time lingering and savoring a book than I did this one.It's a pleasure to read, and will add immensely to your understanding and respect of the game.
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Product Description
Etienne introduces his city cousin to real hockey, street hockey that is. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A must read for anyone who has ever played ball hockey
I read this book with both of my childern and they and I love it. This book brings back is both an accurate and loving portrayal of what it was/is like to play ball hockey. The "twist" at the end only makes it that much better.

A must read for anyone who has ever played ball hockey on a snow covered road
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Product Description

Eddie Shore was the Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb of hockey, a brilliant player with an unmatched temper. Emerging from the Canadian prairie to become a member of the Boston Bruins in 1926, the man from Saskatchewan invaded every circuit in the NHL like a runaway locomotive on a downgrade. Hostile fans turned out in droves with a wish to see him killed, but in Boston he could do no wrong.

During his twenty-year professional career, the controversial Shore personified "that old time hockey" like no other, playing the game with complete disregard for his own safety. Shore was one of the most penalized men in the NHL, and also a perennial member of its All Star Team. A dedicated athlete, Shore won the Hart Trophy for the league’s most valuable player four times — a record for a defenseman not since matched — and led Boston to two Stanley Cups in 1929 and 1939. In 1933, Shore was the instigator of hockey’s most infamous event, the tragic "Ace Bailey Incident," and during his subsequent sixteen-game suspension the fans chanted, "We want Shore!" After retiring from the NHL in 1940, Shore’s passion for the game remained undiminished, and as owner and tyrant of the AHL Springfield Indians, he won championship after championship.

This is an action-packed and full-throated celebration of the "mighty Eddie Shore" — and also of the sport of hockey as it was gloriously played in a bygone age.

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 Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Hockey is the most comprehensive and up-to-date hockey-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of over 80 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide. This book features year-round hockey-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other hockey book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book will have players increasing speed, strength, power, agility, and stamina while reducing chances of injury. This book guarantees more velocity and accuracy on slap shots, more power on checks, and more endurance making it possible to give it your all until the final whistle.

Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilize its programs. From recreational to professional, thousands of athletes all over the world are already benefiting from this book and its techniques, and now you can too!

As an added bonus, this book also contains links to free record keeping charts which normally sell separately for $20. ... Read more

Product Description

“Coach Pecknold has created ano-gimmicks system for teachingskills and strategy that gets playersto the next level.”
--George Gwozdecky, head coach of theUniversity of Denver men’s ice hockey team, and2005 National Coach of the Year

Hard Core Hockey is an all-in-one guide to playinghigh-caliber hockey from a veritable who’s who ofthe world’s top coaches. Including advanced skatingand stick-handling techniques, collegiate-level systems,and effective drills, it features contributions from TedDonato, head coach of Harvard University; Frank Serratore,head coach at the United States Air ForceAcademy; and more.

Customer Reviews (2)

Very useful
this is a very useful book for players that want the skills to bring their game to the next level. Also a good guide for coaches or people trying to improve their kid's hockey ability.

Great book on what it takes to be an elite player
There are a lot of how to coach hockey books, drill books, etc. out there, but this is the first book I found that teaches the finer points of the game.It explains the difference between what good players do and what elite players do, and what skills a player needs to be an elite player.It also has a chapter on elite goaltending skills.It is a must for any coach who wants to understand the game better and teach their players to play at a highly competitive level.It is also good for highschool players who want to know what it takes to play at the college level. ... Read more

Product Description
The most comprehensive guide to the art and science of goaltending

The past decade has seen a tremendous surge of interest in hockey. More colleges and universities have added programs. Hockey leagues are sprouting up in such unlikely places as Florida beach communities, New Mexico desert towns, and the Texas flatlands.

Coauthored by Jim Corsi, goaltending coach for the Buffalo Sabres, The Hockey Goalie's Handbook is the most comprehensive guide to mastering the most demanding hockey position: goalie. Drawing upon his extensive coaching experience at all levels--from peewees to pros--Corsi explores all facets of goaltending. From the psychology of being a goalie to choosing and purchasing the right equipment for an individual's style and needs, to drills for improving timing, coordination, reach, and speed, Corsi covers all the bases with invaluable advice and guidance as well as tips and techniques for aspiring goalies, parents, and hockey coaches. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

great book for hockey moms
My son is 8 and just started playing goalie.I had NO experience with goalie equipment, skills or drills and being his assistant coach I was at a bit of a loss.
This book was recommended by a great senior goalie (50 year old female!!) and she was RIGHT ON.It covers everything one needs to know about goalies from head to toe.It has great drills and kid pics so the little guys can look at the picture and understand.
Of course being from Buffalo, we are huge Sabres fans so all of the pictures of past Sabre's goalies are GREAT!
I would recommend this book for young, old, new, expert and anyone who is interested in the position of netminder!

A high school coach's opinion
This book along with Hockey Goaltending by Brian Daccord will provide enough information and differences of opinion for anyone from beginner to the high school level.The drills are very good and the "Ten Things" lists provide lots of insight.I can't recommend one book over the other because they complement each other so well.

Great for beginners, wish there was more
This book is an amazing general overview of becoming a goaltender. the beginning of the books is more-or-less common sense for goaltenders that are already playing, but the middle of the books and the drills at the end serve as a great refresher course. If your a beginner, this book is great. If you want a refresher course in goaltending, you should also buy this. I believe that the only thing lacking in this book is a more in depth section on equipement. Not everyone understands what they are supposed to be looking for.

Best of the Bunch!
I used to play hockey when I was much younger and now that I am getting back into it, I wanted to get as many books and videos as possible to remember the old skills and to find out how much has changed since I used to play. Of all the books that I bought and read, this one was the best in my opinion. I felt that it went deeper into the "How's and Why's" of techniques than Hockey Goaltending by Brian Daccord, which is my second favourite book. The way that Jim Corsi presented the concept of the Goaltender's "toolbox" was excellent for getting the information to stick in my head.

Bravo, and thank you!

Endorsements
Several testimonials provided to the authors and publisher that are sure to be of interest.

Jim Corsi and John Hannon have written the most comprehensive goalie book I have ever seen.Jim has a great grasp of goaltender coaching and how the goaltending position has radically changed over the last decade.I, too, would encourage young goalies to study the game and learn as much as they can.

- Dominik Hasek, Buffalo Sabres & Detroit Red Wings

The approach to goaltending that Jim and John describe in this book has helped me understand the position better.As a head coach, I need to know that our goalies are well taken care of.Jim is both well liked and well respected by all of our goalies (from prospects to all-stars).Given the rich content of this book and the authors' attention to the smallest details, it is no wonder Jim is held in such high regard.

- Lindy Ruff, Buffalo Sabres

In order for me to make the big jumps from major junior to the AHL and then the AHL to the NHL, it became increasingly obvious that I had to expand upon my save skill repertoire.Jim Corsi, applying the concepts he and John Hannon cover in this book, helped me improve and successfully make this transition.If you, too, seek to become a serious student of the goalie position, then read this book cover to cover.It will change your whole philosophy about goaltending and make you more and more effective.

- Martin Biron, Buffalo Sabres ... Read more

Product Description
What do Wayne Gretzky and thermodynamics have in common? A lot morethan you might think. The game the National Hockey League calls " the coolest game on earth" isalso a fast-paced, dynamic display of physics in action.

In The Physics of Hockey, physicist and amateur hockey player Alain Haché examinessome of the physical principles behind the world's most popular winter team sport. What makesice so slippery you can skate on it?How can you skate backwards most rapidly?How canphysics improve your slapshot? Why do some collisions cause injuries but not others? How doesa Zamboni work? And how do you prepare a pure, smooth ice surface in Dallas when it's90 degrees outside and there are twenty thousand people inside?

This is physics by a hockey fan for the hockey fan.Haché investigates the properties of the icesurface, the science of skating and of skates, the odds of winning and losing streaks, and theprinciples behind shooting, hitting, and goaltending. Touching on topics such as solid-statephysics, statistical physics elasticity, probability, thermodynamics, and mechanics, Haché usesscience to enhance our appreciation and understanding of the game. The book is illustrated withphotos and graphs and punctuated with anecdotes to show how famous players, past and present,are really physicists on skates.

A thought-provoking, fun, and gentle introduction to some basic issues in physics, ThePhysics of Hockey is a truly unique book worthy of the shelf of every hockey fan and physicsenthusiast. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

INSIDE HOCKEY Book Review
Alain Haché's The Physics of Hockey an extremely interesting book. As fans, we watch NHL players do some pretty incredible things, but don't really understand how they do them. Mr Haché uses his tremendous knowledge of physics to explain "how hockey happens".

The book explains just about every imaginable aspect of ice hockey. It explains how the ice rink is created and maintained. It tells us why players skate the way they do, why goalies move the way they do, why the players manipulate their sticks in certain ways, why the bodily protection is needed and how it works and how the game generally proceeds.

Haché's style is quite readable, though the idea of applying physics to hockey seems on the surface to be dry. He clearly loves the game and that comes through in his writing. He is both a scientist and a player, and he skillfully combines both of these talents in one very well-written volume.

For a scientist the book is much more meaningful; however, the book has plenty to offer for non-technical hockey fans. The book mixes very technical analyses and diagrams demonstrating physical principles with very down-to-earth prose that general hockey fans should gain a lot from and really enjoy.

The book's one flaw is the way in which the content was organized. The book starts off with a lot of scientific content before moving into the down-to-earth, non-technical prose. In fact, the first topic treated, the physics of the ice itself, is so esoteric, that even I, an engineer, was almost discouraged from moving past it. I was glad I made it through.

If there's a second edition, I suggest that Haché revise the structure of the book. He should write a version that deals with the physics in a way that demonstrates principles without detailed equations and diagrams. Then he should complete each chapter or section with his more technical treatment of each topic, which the non-technical person can bypass without really losing anything in the translation.

The physics is mainly what is called "mechanics". It involves the forces on skates that propel the players and the effects of friction with the ice. It also explains the movement of a puck, both sliding on ice and soaring through the air, and the impact of players on each other or on the boards in body contact. Haché also discusses ice quality and how it affects the play, and how the design of hockey skates achieves maximum usefulness. We also learn how figure skates and speed skates differ from hockey skates.

The difficulty of getting a puck past a goalie is explained in diagrams showing the effective open area of the net, why a goalie moves as he does in order to minimize this area, and why his equipment is designed as it is. Lots of interesting statistics are presented, such as typical puck speeds, both in standard shooting and slap shots, skating speeds and acceleration rates, and sizes of hockey players as it affects their play. The explanation of how a Zamboni works and what ice maintenance is about in general is also extremely interesting.

The Physics of Hockey is an excellent book. Alain Haché's explanations are current (using many current NHL stars) and very interesting (most hockey fans really have no idea how everything happens on the ice from a scientific standpoint). This is a very engaging book for a technical person, but I think Haché missed an opportunity to achieve a broader appeal with a somewhat different organization of the material.

Brillaintly Written, Fun Applied Science
If you like ice hockey and got a B or better in high school physics (and you remember how it happened), this book is a must-have.

Alain Haché is an amateur-league goalie, and a professional physicist. His book analyses all aspects of the game, from the coefficient of friction of ice at different temperatures to the effects of air and gravity on a flying puck after a slapshot.

The book includes references to hockey biographies, medical and physiological papers, and player technique books like "Speed on Skates".

Some reviewers might fault the book for not explaining hockey with only physics; the author uses statistics (to explain witing and losing streaks), and geometry (to explain why goalies come out of the net) in his analysis.

Haché's explanations are well written, and as far as I can tell, technically correct. The author is a student of the game and his reference for it is obvious. For the math hobbyist or amateur physicist who is also interested in hockey, this is a fantastic book. ... Read more

Product Description
How a movie about minor league hockey became a box office hit-and an international cult classic

Even thirty-odd years after Slap Shot's release, diehard hockey fans can still recite scenes of dialogue by heart, making lines like "putting on the foil" just common argot for the devoted. Yet many may be surprised to learn that the true story behind the making of the film is as captivating as the film itself. In The Making of Slap Shot, veteran sports writer Jonathon Jackson lets fans not only relive just how the film was made, but brings to light surprising facts (i.e., Al Pacino was the first choice for the role of Reggie Dunlop; almost every scene-even the absurd and unbelievable ones-depicts a real life event). With access to those involved in the making of the film, he brings to life some of the magic behind the creation of memorable scenes and characters, especially the Charleston Chiefs, one of the most popular fictional sports teams in history.

• Based on interviews with over 50 cast members, production staff, and anyone of note involved in the film's creation

Destined to be a collectible and keepsake (along with the jerseys, bobbleheads, and other paraphernalia associated with the film), The Making of Slapshot is a must for fans eager to learn even more about their favorite film. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

excellent hockey fan gift
My son is a die hard hockey fan so I bought him this book. Instead of sitting at his computer playing video games as usual, I found him sitting in his room reading for hours! When he was finished reading it, he asked me to buy the movie for him... I plan to buy several more copies for family members and friends as Christmas gifts who absolutely love hockey!!! A definate must read!!!

Hockey Lovers, and film buffs too
I had the pleasure of reading this book on a long flight and I simply couldn't put it down.As a die-hard hockey fan, and someone who has seen the movie probably fifty times, I was absolutely fascinated by the background behind the making of the movie.It was particularly poignant given Paul Newman's recent passing.

There's no question that it is a "must-read" for hockey fans, but I dare say that fans of film-making, and of Paul Newman in particular, are in for a real treat.

If You're a Fan of Slapshot, You'll like this book. . .
This book gives some great insight into minor league hockey during the 1970s and tells the real story behind the stories in Slap Shot including info about the real players who were the basis for the characters in the movie, as well as the actors who portrayed them.

Jonathon Jackson also gives a compelling portrait of Johnstown, PA where the film was shot, and ends with a "where are they now" section about the actors, players, and filmmakers who brought us this classic movie. ... Read more