Hockey Book Reviews.com

The Greatest Hockey Stories Ever Told, edited by Bryant Urstadt, is a compelling anthology that brings together a rich collection of hockey’s most unforgettable moments, celebrated players, and legendary teams. Perfect for both long-time fans and newcomers to the sport, this book offers an array of stories from various writers who capture the excitement, drama, and heart of hockey. Urstadt’s selection includes essays, personal recollections, and historical accounts from some of the best hockey writers, each piece chosen to showcase a different aspect of the game. The anthology doesn’t simply focus on iconic players and big games; it dives into the spirit of the sport by sharing stories that highlight hockey’s grit, passion, and the community it builds. The range of voices and perspectives brings an inclusive and well-rounded feel to the book, covering topics from grassroots hockey and minor leagues to the heights of the NHL, making it accessible and engaging for fans of all kinds. O...

  The current offering at Classic Auctions features the holy grail for hockey book collectors From the listing: “The Trail of the Stanley Cup" is a definite prerequisite to any important hockey library. Author Charles L. Coleman's complete history of hockey and Lord Stanley's trophy from 1893 to 1967 is contained within these three books. Only 1,000 copies of the special leather- bound editions of the first and second volumes were produced and presented to important hockey figures, while the third was limited to 1,500 copies We have a three volume matched set of the leather-bound editions, with each originally presented to hockey writer and historian Bill. Fitsell. Each numbered "819", stamps with Fitsell's address in Kingston are also found on the first page of Volumes I and II. All three volumes show light handling wear, with each accompanied by their original attractive black slip cases with gilded images of the. Stanley Cup (there is some wear to the sli...

Freedom to Win by Ethan Scheiner is an engrossing and meticulously researched book that captures a unique intersection of sports, politics, and the fight for freedom. Focusing on the legendary Czechoslovakian hockey team of the Cold War era, Scheiner dives into a story that goes far beyond the rink, exploring how sports became a powerful symbol of resistance, pride, and defiance in the face of political oppression. As a long time fan of international hockey history, I can say that this book is northing short of exceptional   The book centers on the Czechoslovakian national hockey team’s rivalry with the Soviet Union, which dominated Eastern Europe both politically and athletically during this period. Scheiner brilliantly depicts how this rivalry was more than just a competition for a trophy—it was a contest of ideologies. Czechoslovakia, under the grip of Soviet rule, saw hockey as a rare outlet for national pride and an opportunity to subtly defy their oppressors. For the p...

 All Roads Lead Home, an autobiography by hockey legend Bryan Trottier, was first released in 2022. The paperback has been released for the fall 2024 hockey season . I'm finally getting to this title now. I don't know why I waited so long. It is such an easy, fun read that I just breezed through right through it.  do not find myself saying such things about most hockey books. So that in itself says something about Trot's story. Bryan Trottier’s autobiography, All Roads Lead Home, is a must-read for hockey fans and anyone drawn to the inspirational journey of a truly humble superstar. Trottier, known as one of hockey’s greatest players and a core member of the New York Islanders dynasty, delivers a warm, reflective, and heartfelt account of his life both on and off the ice. Trottier’s story isn’t just about championships—though his career is filled with them, from his iconic Islanders Stanley Cups to later titles with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He digs deep into his roots, s...

"Never Boring" by Ed Willes captures the essence of the Vancouver Canucks’ tumultuous journey through the highs and lows of their 50-year history, living up to its title with a blend of drama, nostalgia, and humor. Willes, a veteran hockey writer with an eye for vivid storytelling, delivers a comprehensive overview of the team’s history that fans and newcomers alike will find engaging and insightful. In this book, Willes delves into the personalities, turning points, and memorable games that have defined the Canucks' path since their founding in 1970. He traces the team's often rocky trajectory through eras of success and heartbreak, bringing to life key moments such as the Stanley Cup Final appearances in 1982, 1994, and 2011, each representing both the team’s potential and its heartbreak. From the early days with players like Stan Smyl to modern legends like Henrik and Daniel Sedin, Willes weaves a narrative that’s as much about the character of the players as it ...

There are few figures in hockey I truly despise. Mark Messier. Any Canucks fan will understand why. Todd Bertuzzi. He lost me long before the Steve Moore incident. And then there is the curious case of Mike Keenan. Long before he was brought in to coach Vancouver (by de facto general manager Messier), I never liked the way he handled relationships with many people. Brett Hull most famously, but many others. Yet I always admired his in-game coaching tactics. Some were genius. Others were curious. But there was never any doubt he new how to run a bench. He should be in the Hockey Hall of Fame as one of hockey's all time great coaches. Then he got to Vancouver, and I hated - HATED - the way he and Messier tore apart everything Pat Quinn and the Griffiths family created. Ultimately it was probably new ownerships directive, but whatever. Keenan was in charge. It was a curious time where I saw the two sides of Coach Keenan - at his best and at his worst. Best, well, t...