Reviews (6)

A Gut Wrenching Account of
This is one of the most important sports books ever written. Through his exhaustive work, Russ Conway exposes the greed, corruption and financial swindling that plagued the NHL throughout Alan Eagelson's reign of terror and the financial and emotional price that so many players faced. Most importantly, Conway's work served as the catalyst for Mr. Eagleson's downfall and proving many player's assertions of corruption. Put simply, this is an important piece of journalism that every fan of sports should read, whether you are a hockey fan or not.

Wonderful investigative piece
Russ Conway has written a wonderful investigative piece about a man who is truly a disgraceful figure in the history of Canadian hockey. Russ brings forth, with his own agressive style, the wicked ways of a man who calling a crook is an understatement. First, he never backed down to get his answers and his writing is first-rate. Anyone who follows hockey should read about a man who almost destroyed it.

A must-read book
All hockey fans owe Russ Conway a debt of gratitude for helping rid hockey of the parasite Alan Eagleson. He documents Eagleson's criminal and disgusting behaviour in great detail, helping fans to better understand what hockey players faced in the past, the necessary background information for many of the issues facing pro hockey today. I haven't read such a gripping book since "Net Worth". Eagleson will be back in the courts again before long, no doubt willing to lie about the charges being brought forward by a number of retired hockey players. Read this book and you'll see that the players have justice on their team.

Exhaustive investigation of corruption in the NHL.
In "Game Misconduct" reporter/author Russ Conway has exposed the scourge of the National Hockey League personified by Alan Eagelson. Initiated by his relationship with the Boston Bruins of the early '70s, including Bobby Orr, Conway became aware of inequities in pension payments to such NHL greats as Brad Park, Gordie Howe and Orr. But perhaps more frightening and vile were the actions taken by Eagelson in disability claims by former players. Innumerable examples of players filing for permanent disability due to injury are chronicled in this book. The tragedy is the way Eagelson manipulated the NHL Players Association, the NHL and the players to gain profit off the backs of the injured. Eagelson "charged" the diability insurance for representing the players. A significant percentage of insurance claims lined Eagelson's pockets before the injured/retired player saw a dime. In addition, such players as Brad Park, whose child suffers from a chronic illness, were stonewalled on insurance and pension claims to support their family.

Conway methodically documents the path Eagelson traveled in his rise from virtual unknown to head of the NHLPA and major sports agent. How one man can succeed in an environment of obvious conflicts of interest is testimony to the ruthlessness of major sports team ownership and the naivete of the young professional athlete. Conway brings the reader to 1996 and the Eagelson indictments in US Feredal Courts in Boston but unfortunately is unable to report on the successful extradition of Eagelson to the US from Canadan proving money has its benefits.

This is a well researched book on the corruption of major sports in Norht America. Conway deserves praise for exposing the cold and calculating Eagelson who profited from the agony and injury of players he represented as agent and NHLPA head. Anyone interested in major sports off the field will be amazed by this book

Absolutely jaw dropping, from page to page.
Most sports fans realize that pro sports is a big business. Game Misconduct by Russ Conway, shows once again that it is more of a business, than anyone realizes. Jaw dropping page after jaw dropping page, Conway describes the biggest con game in sports history. From stealing pension funds to insurance scams, Conway shows what kind of deceit a person can get away with when they are unchecked. This book is a must read for any sports fan, whether they like hockey or not. It will leave you speechless ... Read more

Book Description

Goon: The True Story of an Unlikely Journey into Minor League Hockey chronicles the uniquely wild adventure of Doug Smith, who was determined to realize his dream of playing professional hockey, despite the fact he didn?t start skating until the age of 19. Armed with a burning desire and his only marketable athletic abilities ? those honed as an amateur boxer ? Doug defeated impossible odds to win a championship ring and play in the world?s second-best hockey league. Goon gives a raw and revealing insider?s look at the riotous world of minor league hockey and the most peculiar role in all of sport ? the Goon, whose job is to protect teammates from opposing ruffians. Come along as Doug Smith, an outsider in the hockey world, literally fights his way to the highest level of minor league hockey. You may never view the game in the same light again. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Fantastic Book
Doug and Adam took me deep into places a hockey fight fan could never have gone before, it's a transport devise in paper. If you like the world of hockey fights and fighters, this is a must read but I'd bet every hockey fan would enjoy this book as well. As they say, no one every goes for popcorn during a hockey fight, no one who reads this book can put it down. Many thanks to Doug and Adam for getting this book out to us fans of Goons.

Doug the Thug!
I'm an avid hockey fan and I have a library of tapes that have fights from Behn Wilson and Dave Shultz to Bob Probert and Tony Twist. This is an excellent book and its prompted me to seek out tapes of guys like Frank Bialowas and of course Doug himself. I remember talking to Doug at the Mall in Hanover with some of my friends about the best goons in the business and the dynamics of how the role was to be played. Doug explains it vividly, humbly and honestly while at the same time making it seem like the ultimate adventure in this book. This is a must-read for all hockey fight fans or just hockey fans in general. Great book fellas and thanks for living out one of my fantasies Doug.

It's pretty cool that Ron Delorme posted here by the way!

Goon is Good!
I just finshed the book and wished Doug had played for more teams over the years so the story could continue. Doug comes across as a very likeable guy who happens to get his thrills by dropping the gloves with anyone who wants to go. Great insight into the workings of minor league hockey. The book's not expensive, it's easy to read, and very entertaining. Thanks for your memories, Doug!

I'm with you Tom!
Tom from PA., you took the words right out of my toothless mouth (ya, I wish!) - no, not about the toothless part, I wish I did what Thug did so I could write about it too!

Book for US fight fans!
This book tells the story a few of us would like to be able to tell. The great story of Doug Smith's journey though professional hockey as a fighter. This is honestly a great book that shares the stories of what a tough guy goes though. Simply put, get this book and read it. I have over and over again! ... Read more

Book Description

Total Gretzky provides fans with a wonderful and lasting tribute to the greatest hockey player of all time. This gorgeous, full-colour book based on The Hockey News’ commemorative magazine The Great One, but adding much, much more, gives readers the total picture. It features over 130 glorious, stunning photographs, almost exclusively in colour. It includes a moving tribute by celebrated hockey author Roy MacGregor, a foreword by Gretzky fan and friend Peter Gzowski, and fascinating and revealing articles by former NHL players and acclaimed Hockey News editors and writers.

And Total Gretzky features something truly unique: the most exhaustive look at Gretzky’s career, in numbers, ever compiled. In addition to career totals and records held, Total Gretzky lists every game, year by year, in which Gretzky ever played in the NHL, in the WHA, in junior, on Team Canada, and in all-star games, with a running total of goals, assists and points accumulated for each stage of his remarkable career. Milestone games and records are highlighted, and Gretzky’s amazing achievements are set against those of other hockey immortals.

Total Gretzky is a dazzling and complete testament to Wayne Gretzky, a book that no hockey fan should be without.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

An unforgettable champion
A champion is a lot of things for a fan, or just for anyone who claims to know him... He is mostly a great sign of ability,virtue, coherence, but what happens when a champion isn't simply the best athlete in his sport, but also an excellent prove of how to live a life? ... Read more

Book Description

This Boston Bruins master, who played just nine seasons in the NHL, revolutionized the game with his two-way mobility, freewheeling puck movement, and end-to-end (or side-to-side) rushes. He twice led the NHL in scoring — an unprecedented feat for his position. He was voted the NHL's MVP three years in a row, and best defenseman eight years in a row. Dozens of vintage photographs and complete stats complete this tribute to an amazing superstar from hockey's golden era. ... Read more

Book Description

He's one of the most exciting players in professional hockey, with outstanding speed and skill. In his first season with the NHL, Pavel Bure won the Calder Memorial Trophy as top rookie. Eight years after his debut, the "Russian Rocket" had racked up two 60-goal season and two 100-plus point years, despite absences caused by injuries and contract disputes. Now, an award-winning journalist delves into the mysteries of Bure's life, including what brought him to the West; allegations of involvement with the Russian Mafia; his troubled relationship with his father; the feuds with the media and with the Canucks' management; and his ambivalent attitude towards his intensely adoring fans. It's the story of a remarkable and riveting career--and man.
... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Russian Rocket
I think that this book is probably the best book out there right now. It tells the reader everything about the Russian Rocket, including his relationship with his father. And if you're a hockey fan like me, you really have to read this wonderful book.So don't delay,order today!

Mysterious but enlightening.
If you're looking as to why Pavel Bure appears to be such a "selfish little (...)" (as quoted by a certain Canadian famous hockey personality), then you should read this. The readers are treated to potential reasons as to why Bure acts like he does. He's got his reasons like anyone else does, one of them being he grew up in the former Soviet Union and their media laws towards sports are very different from that of North Americas. Another one being that he is an introvert that simply doesn't like to be bothered.

I love this book, I can just pick it up and start reading from anywhere because its so well-written. Some of the pictures are neat, like the one of him from the Soviet Union days.

There is also some other notes on other current NHL stars like Alexander Mogilny, Sergei Fedorov, and also delves into the Bure brothers relationship with their father Vladimir-who is now estranged from the family for mysterious reasons not given.

There is even some Russian Mafia rumors in this so if you're into that whole extortion stuff then you might like that too.

Either way, its a very good read.

The Riddle of the Amazing Rocket
This book is the true meaning of perfection and excellence. He may not be Wayne Gretzky, but Bure could beat him in a speed competition easily. Through the tough times of growing up in Russia, to the glorious days of the Olympics, Pavel Bure is truly a hero and an overall nice guy too. Everyone should read this book, because I sure enjoyed it a lot, and if you know the game of hockey, you will appreciate it even more.

THE RIDDLE OF THE RUSSIAN ROCKET
If you want to find out who the Russian Rocket is you'll have to read this book. I would recommend this autobiography for anyone to read if they have an interest in the NHL. This book gives you details on what actually took place for the Russians to be able to come and play hockey in the NHL.

I thought it was okay
It wasn't as good as I thought it'd be or that the PBFC made it out to be. I loved some of the stories, they were just so good and there's a few little facts that I didn't know but whether they're true or not is yet to be decided. I loved the pics! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Best Boston Hockey Moment-Best Hockey Player...ever!!!
"The Goal" is a great book that brings back the memories and magic that culminated in one of hockey's greatest moments. Some would argue that this is the greatest moment ever in the sport. Orr's miracle season created a new era in hockey. Bobby Orr ran the defense and the offense for the Boston Bruins. Harry Sinden recalls some wonderful inside details in this polaroid style flashback. What makes this book special are all the quotes by other players who were in awe of Orr. Bobby not only made for one of the greatest pictures in sports, he also electrified and transformed a city. Orr dominated both ends of the ice, and he could body check, fight and get very emotional. Gretzky was a great stat accumulator and an excellent passer and puck handler. I would say that Bobby Orr could pass, skate and check equal to or better than Wayne Gretzky. Orr's slapshot was harder. His body took a pounding, whereas nobody laid a finger on the great one. Bobby would often block shots (sans helmet) and then break up ice to either set goals up or score them himself. Gretzky was rarely found playing any kind of defense. Winner, Orr. This book will further solidify the legend, and make the memories, stories and smiles all as fresh as when it all happened. Next year will mark the 25th anniversary of the greatest goal in hockey. It's safe to say it won't happen like that ever again.

Very cool
A must have for any Bobby Orr or Boston Bruins fan. The greatest goal by the greatest hockey player ever.
Anyone saying "what's his name" is a better hockey player is too young to have seen Orr play. Statistics aren't everything - they are secondary to actual on the ice ability. Yeah, the G man was great. But Orr was in a league of his own. I guarantee you if there were two teams, one made up of six Bobby's and one made up of six Gretsky's, Gretsky would never touch the puck.
Never again will you see a player that good. Never. ... Read more

Book Description

Fully updated with 20 new players.

Hockey Now! has the lowdown on the highest-flying stars of the National Hockey League such as Todd Bertuzzi, Jose Theodore, Saku Koivu, Olli Jokinen, and Michael Peca. Leonetti has updated profiles of hockey's favorite stars including Patrick Roy, Brett Hull, Teemu Selanne, Alexei Yashin, and Jaromir Jagr.

With more than 70 player profiles, Hockey Now! is a must-read reference about: - The Masked Marvels The very best modern goaltenders - The Rear Guard Stay-at-home defensive specialists - The Blue Line Attack Leaders of the rush past the blue line - The Power Forwards Big, powerful, fast, and talented - The Playmakers The quarterbacks of hockey - The Snipers Fast and elusive scorers with deadly accurate shots - The Hitmen Dominators of the enforcer team - The Young Guns The up-and-coming superstars

Fast-paced, up-to-date and strikingly illustrated, Hockey Now! is an exciting look at the personalities playing the world's fastest game. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Great Book for Hockey Fans !
This is a fine book for al fans of the National Hockey League. It's jam-packed with full-color photographs, profiles and stats of the brightest stars in the NHL including Jaromir Jagr, Eric Lindros, Dominik Hasek and Brett Hull. A must for all hockey fans. Up-to-date information too ! ... Read more

Book Description

"Maybe it was fitting that the best young player in the game scored the goal in overtime. Everyone always talks about passing the torch. He caught it."--Wayne Gretzky, after his final game, about Jaromir Jagr

He's Gretzky's heir apparent, a formidable skater with powerful stick-handling skills. 28-year-old right-winger Jaromir Jagr--with an Olympic gold medal, two Stanley Cups, and three NHL scoring championships to his credit--has already shown the hockey world that he's the best. Young hockey fans will love hearing how Jagr came to dominate the sport: the trick he used to developed his strong stride (with no fancy equipment!); the earliest games he played; how he gained international fame, and the secrets of his success. Breathtaking photos capture this superstar in action.
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Reviews (2)

best book i have read
this book made my love hockey even more and know more about the howe family and there lives and i live in mich and gordie in on of the most see people in ths town and state

Excellent
I am not an avid reader, but this book kept me glued to every page. Gordie and Colleen Howe share many interesting stories of not only their life with hockey but also of their family. I recommend this book for everyone, especially hockey fans. ... Read more

Book Description

It's been said Peter Forsberg has the meanness of Messier, the dirtiness of Linseman, the smarts of Gretzky, and the strength of Trottier--and this lively biography, filled with fantastic photos of the superstar in action, proves just how true this statement is. He has won the Calder Memorial Trophy as best rookie of the year and, in 1995-96, had a terrific 116-point season that propelled his team to the Stanley Cup victory. But, perhaps his greatest moment of glory came when he made Swedish hockey history by scoring against Canada in a sudden-death shootout to clinch the Olympic gold medal in Lilliehammer. In honor of that achievement, Sweden issued a postage stamp bearing his image!
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Reviews (14)

On Goal
Atkinson does a nice job describing a time, place and experience.
His description of the shifting climes of Methuen since his HS
days are particularly insightful. Just when you are enjoying the
book, though, Atkinson tends to interject some borderline
self-promotional prattle about his own hockey stats or die-hard toughness. The stats are irrelevant, and the toughness, if relevant, should be self-evident.

Overall on a scale of 1-10, a hat trick shy of perfect.

Worthy of Conn Smythe Trophy
I don't really know what the Conn Smythe Trophy is- only hear them mention it during hockey highlights on TV. I never played hockey and I'm not a huge fan of the sport. But I am big fan of this book.

What 40-ish guy hasn't thought that he could go out and still compete with high school athletes? One could say Ice Time is a nostalgic look at the past (Atkinson's HS memories), or a hopeful look into the future (his son's), but I say it is about being present. That is appreciating who and where you are at the moment. Slowing life down an focusing on the present. There's lots of references to memories and how things come back to us, how much happens that seems significant at the time, but we never get the satisfaction of remembering it because it gets wiped from our brains.

Chapter 25 where J.A. describes a Xmas eve jog around his childhood neighborhood is a great example. This whole chapter is masterful writing. Most of the book is. He slips into vain self-indulgence as he describes all the goals he scores and cheerleaders he dates but the good parts make it well worth it. In many of the hockey game descriptions, I had to skip ahead because I couldn't wait to see if the Rangers won or lost the game. 4 3/4 stars.

Father and Son reunion
To borrow from and old song, that's what this book made me think about.
I'm from Buffalo, and was a goalie. My Dad, also a goalie, spent countless early morning hours, weekend hours, anytime hours transporting me to various rinks in western NY and southern Ontario.
Jay's book could have been written about my hockey exploits, and the incredible bond it created between Father and Son.
I'm a very infrequent, impatient reader, and I couldn't put this book down.
Congratulations on a great read, Jay!

Rink Dreams
I confess that I played very little hockey growing up. I live in HOCKEYTOWN and have been a part of the culture of hockey since the hey day of Gordie Howe and the boys. Most of my adult friends did play hockey. I hear their voices in the characters that populate Mr. Atkinson's fine, fine work.

Mr. Atkinson follows the trials and tribulations of a high school hockey team in a Massachusetts town. I coach high school age boys and Mr. Atkinson has got it right. From the stale smell of a high school locker room to the angst of young love.

I appreciated his attention to detail. In one chapter he describes small town life while on a run through town. This was perfect.

There have been many fine books written about high school sports ("Friday Night Lights", "Fall River Dreams", "In These Girls the Heart is A Muscle") "Ice Time" has joined the club.

Good despite all the hockey...
I enjoyed this book for the local New England flavor more than the hockey theme.

My one complaint-Ozzy Osbourne's name is spelled incorrectly.

Anyway, it's still an entertaining book. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

da bomb" gretzky"
I thought this book was sweet.I liked it because it told me about his life and how he would play hockey with kids twice his age and still get goals.It said how he would win Stanley Cups and Art Ross trophys(a highest goal scorer of the year).Ialso liked it because it wasn't very long.

Thie was a great book about the greatest player in hockey!
This book was very good. It told about Wayne Gretzkys life, his stats and how great he really was. Thats why his nick name is the Great One. He set more than 61 records and has set untouchable ones. This is one of the best sport books ever made.

outstanding
it really taught you that he didnt have the best lif ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Classic "old time" hockey bio
A classic biography detailing the careers of three "old time" style goalies (Terry Sawchuk, Glenn Hall and Jacques Plante). Also features a selection of photos and illustrations. Book is long out of print and has become quite a sought after reference work by hockey memorabilia collector's. ... Read more

Book Description

An authorized biography of hockey hero, Steve Yzerman written for his biggest fans -- kids! Here is the story of NHL superstar Steve Yzerman, from his early hockey-playing days in Nepean, Ontario, Canada, through his second consecutive Stanley Cup championship with the Detroit Red Wings in 1998. Follow the extraordinary career that has put Steve in the record books and makes a favorite hero of hockey fans everywhere. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

For Hockey Lovers Everywhere...
I just finished reading Hockeytown Hero: The Steve Yzerman Story. Finally, a biography written for kids about our Detroit Red Wings Captain! Author Shelley Lazarus includes interviews with Yzerman, his teammates, and other hockey legends, including Scotty Bowman and Bryan Trottier.

I thought the book was well written; a great story told artfully. Trust me when I say grown ups will enjoy it as much as the kids! While the book focuses on Yzerman's hockey career -- from the time he first skated at age three, through two Stanley Cup championships -- I really enjoyed the personal glimpses and photographs included as well. Yzerman's parents even provide team pictures of his early years as a "Moose Pup All-Star" (age 8.)

I already bought copies for my neices & nephews, and saved one for myself, too! You've got to read this book. ... Read more

Book Description

On January 18, 1958, Willie O'Ree stepped onto the ice at the Montreal Forum and changed the face of hockey. Racial prejudice was not Willie's only challenge: in junior hockey, an errant puck blinded Willie in his right eye. Doctors told Willie he would never play hockey again. Willie went on to play 1,288 games as a professional, in the NHL(R) and WHL over a 21-year pro career.

Willie's story is a heroic tale of perseverance, courage and passion for the game of hockey. Today, Willie works on behalf of the NHL(R)/USA Hockey Diversity Task Force, bringing the game to underprivileged kids across the nation. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Jackie Robinson of Hockey
Although geared towards young adults, I think that everyone who is a hockey fan can benefit from reading this book. It is an inspirational story of someone who despite daily facing unjust restrictions and attitudes, persisted in pursuing a career in the game that he loved most: hockey.

I loved it!!!!
I liked this book because I play hockey and I am African-American. Willie O'Ree was a great guy and I never heard of him before reading this book. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Exploring Black Hockey accomplishments despite adversities
Despite the fact that I am not a sports fan, I became engrossed in the book Breaking The Ice. This literary work is a true page turner. In comparison to the typical sports book, which is filled with statistics and plays, Harris; expertise in this field yielded an exploratory history of Black Hockey Players' successes and many obstacles in pursuit of reaching the pinnacle of their game. For most that meant achieving the goal of being a National Hockey League player. Breaking The Ice examines those Black Hockey players who in their attempt to obtain this goal endured much inhumane treatment but continues to persevere. Along with the players' mental anguish, Harris' documents how players such as: Carnegie, Marson, O'Ree, and Mayers (to name a few) love of the game inspired them to continue following their dreams even in the face of outrageous resistance from the spectators, fellow players and coaches. The Black Hockey players were determined to make it and to overcome no matter what.

What does Buck Leonard have in common with Herbie Carnegie?
Cecil Harris has chronicled the history of black hockey players attempting to professionally compete in the National Hockey League. Parellels abound with the countless Afro-American baseball players attempting to play professional baseball from the early 1900's to the ground breaking Jackie Robinson inclusion in 1947.
Bonafide NHL candidates like Herbie Carnegie and Manny McIntyre were denied entry into the NHL simply because they were black...yet they were permitted to play for the Quebec Aces along with Jean Beliveau...and excelled.
Read about Willie O'Ree becoming the first black to play in the NHL with the Boston Bruins. Enduring the insults and indignites just to professionally compete in the game of hockey, O'Ree was hockey's version of Jackie Robinson.
Today, thanks to Carnegie and O'Ree, we can view black players like Jarome Iginla leading Calgary's Stanley Cup quest, as one of the major stars of the 21st century.
Carnegie, McIntyre, O'Ree and countless others (meticulously outlined in Harris' text), clearly led the way for today's Iginla, Anson Carter and Nathan Robinson...
Cecil Harris provides a timely snapshot of a welome addition to the NHL, the black professional hockey player competing at the highest level as skilled players. ... Read more