Reviews (4)

Glenn Hall-The Man They Call Goalie by Thomas Adrahtas
This is a good book for hockey enthusiasts. Coach-Tom Adrahtas
traces Mr. Goalie's rise to stardom with a series of stories
and centerfold pictures. The height of the star's success
is the Stanley Cup earned in 1961. The author captures the
enthusiasm of the croud during the cheering in the St. Louis
arena. In addition, the author relates Hall's "Jack Dent Award"
for an MVP on the Windsor Spitfires. The NHL doors opened for
him when he arrived at the Red Wing Camp. The factual content
of Hall's career is conveyed at major juncture points by
the author. The book is a worthy investment for sports buffs.

A must read for goaltenders
Everyone who has ever donned the pads and has even the slightest sense of hockey history has waited for someone to tell the amazing story of one of the creases greatest denziens. Glenn Hall's amazing accomplishments on the rink have been enshirened in sport's almanacs and stat books for all to see, but no one has ever been able to bring his personal story to light. No one until Tom Adrahtas.

Mr. Adrahtas tells the story masterfully, skillfully inserting personal quips and candid comments from the people who knew Hall best, while narrating the career of this Hall-of-Fame goaltender. In addition to this unusual but highly entertaining style of sports biography, Mr. Adrahtas goes a step further and includes his own personal essays and thoughts on goaltending and growing up around the game of hockey. Normally, it is not recommended that an author try to add to an already amazing story, but Mr. Adrahtas pulls it off beautifully. Far from detracting from the subject matter, Mr. Adrahtas' sidebars are enlightening and essential for appreciating the authors passion for the game. What's more they are essential to understanding what drove great goaltenders like Glenn Hall.

In the end, it was hard to tell which was more enriching; Glenn Hall's life story or Tom Adrahtas' passion for goaltending. In either case, no goalie can afford to miss this book.

Marvelous Reading for Everyone - Mandatory for Goalies
This book is must reading for goalies, for St. Louis Blues fans, for Chicago Blackhawk and Detroit Red Wings fans, for NHL fans, for "Original Six" fans, for anyone who loves hockey today and wants to get a sense of the history of the game, and of course of the great Glenn Hall's place in that history. Tom "Chico" Adrahtas brings Hall's phenomenal career to life with passion and clarity. Whether it's the "slow-motion" detail with which Adrahtas describes some of Hall's career highlights, or some cutting and lucid insight into the mind and life of one of the best hockey players of all time, you cannot help but be drawn in. Adrahtas states up front that he intends to prove that Mr. Goalie was the greatest goaltender of all time, and then with a refreshingly unabashed dosage of heroe worship, he proceeds to do just that. And he does it not only with the cold, hard statistics that bear out Hall's greatness (e.g. his "impossible" 502 consecutive games in the NHL, the first "expansion" team player in the Hockey Hall of Fame), but perhaps more importantly by getting to the core of his character. Adrahtas, himself a goalie and a teacher of goalies, develops impressively throughout the book how goaltending is essentially a "character" position, what he calls "the most mentally demanding of all positions in sport." And while doing so he succeeds in convincing the reader that Glenn Hall's character is what sets him apart from, and elevates him above, the likes of Jacques Plante and Terry Sawchuk, his closest contemporary peers, and also apart from and above the best goalies of the modern era. This book is marvelous reading, a heartfelt tribute to a wonderful man who was surely the greatest goaltender of all time: Glenn Hall, Mr. Goalie.

Someone you should be
This book is more than a tribute to Glenn Hall. It is a primer for life. With the beguilement of a story teller, Tom Andrahtas takes us easily through the life of a man, his amazing accomplishments, his contributions to the sport of hockey and, with added bonus, gives us an image of how to be a good person. How to perservere when times get tough. How the be the best at what you are and let your actions speak louder than words. Mr Andrahtas puts all his life's emotion in this book and it is apparent in each chapter, but especially evident in his "Essays" that dot throught out the book. Does he make an effective argument that Glenn is the greatest goalie that ever was? Why yes of course, but the message goes beyond the debate. Glenn Hall was someone your child should know about and be like. Thank you Mr. Andrahtas for sharing with us your hero. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of the best sports books on the planet
I could not put this book down because this book symbolized what it takes to succeed in life. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for what it takes to be successful at whatever you want to do with your life.

An intelligent sports book.
Dryden may be the Canadian hockey equivalent of basketball's Bill Bradley. I wouldn't be surprised if Dryden becomes Prime Minister of Canada in 20 years.

Dryden studied at Cornell and took a year off playing hockey (after winner a playoff MVP award and Rookie of the Year)to complete his law degree at McGill. He won a fistful of trophies and Stanley Cup rings during his brief Hall of Fame career as a goaltender with the Montreal Canadiens. The rare combination of scholarship and athletic brilliance results in an very well written book.

The book is a diary of the last part of his final season. While light on anecdotes, it delves into the heart of what is right and wrong with hockey.

Is is most likely the best book ever written by an athlete.

The best hockey book ever written
This is the definitive book of hockey. Dryden's thoughts on goaltending, the city of Boston, and on the state of hockey cannot be matched. Dryden had an incredible insight on what was wrong with the game and where the game was headed, even back in 1983. I read this book once a year, it is that good. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Read
This is a fabulous book for hockey fans of all ages and even for non-hockey fans just interested in some Soviet history. The book details what it was like for a Harvard-educated young man to find himself in the midst of the Cold War. It is fascinating to learn about how the Soviets trained and the difficult environment that they lived in. The book truly makes one appreciate living here as we see how difficult it was for the author to live in the Soviet Union. The book is easy to read and very funny in places. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Who couldn't LOVE it?
i loved this book even though i've only been a fan for a year who really cares? i started to LOVE the Red Wings and my fave is McCarty. i liked him b/c if the other team was picking on one of his team mates he would do something about it. and he's just a really sweet guy! so i got more in to it when i got tickets for there practice and found out about this book. so my b-day was coming up so i got it and brought it w/ me to the practice. i didn't get it signed there but i had a friend who new him so i got it personaly aughtographed wich was more than i asked for in the first place. but he was happy to do it and i love that guy. the book was great b/c it incereged me to keep trying my best in hockey even though i can't sk8 werth [anything]!!lol. well i can bad @ explaning how things have helped me and stuff like that. so i'll just say it has really changed me for the better. ;)

Rinkside
My book was called RINKSIDE. I really liked it because it tells how Darren McCartys life was and how his dad Craig McCarty had cancer and how his son Darren made a McCarty Cancer Foundation. I would recommend this book to some body how likes hockey and how a family saves people from cancer.

GOD I LOVED IT!!!!!!!
Well as a die hard Darren McCarty fan, I thought that this book was very well written. Darren and his Dad have gone through so much in there lives and I thought that those two great guys need some major thanks. Not only has Darren proved that he is a good player and battling alcoholizm but he was his dad's strenght when he needed it, with his dad battling cancer, they held each other up..and Darren's Dad gets another thanks from me, for raising the best damn hockey player with the most potential, in the entire NHL>!

Excellent book for all hockey parents
I picked up this book hoping it would keep my attention. It has been several years since I have read an entire book. I was not disappointed. Not only did I read it from front to back in a day, then my husband read it, then my ten year old son. It is truly a book interesting for the whole family. Our family could relate to most of the experiences described in the book. The book shows what parents go through for their young children and how the children turn around and can make you so proud. The book does not "surgar coat" anything, he tells it like it is, good or bad.

Courage and determination is a major part of how we succeed.
When I had started reading this book, I never expected not to be able to put it down. When you think of celebrities (sports and entertainers), most people don't realize that they too have problems. This book made me realize that no one is invisible. Alcoholism and cancer can hit anybody. This told about how their family has dealt with these problems and continue to do so. It also tells of determination and courage. The determination Darren had to make it in the NHL, and Craig's courage to fight the cancer. I was a big fan of Darren McCarty before, but I never admired him. Now I do! ... Read more

Book Description

Brendan Shanahan, the six-time NHL All-Star is profiled. This book will give the reader a glimpse of Brendan's early years, his stints in New Jersey, St. Louis and Hartford, and his two championship seasons in Detroit. The seventh book in the Sport Snaps series, Brendan Shanahan: The Power Forward also contains quotes from players and coaches about Brendan, Brendan's game-day routine and over 40 full-color photos. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Greatest goalie
This is a great book for young Hockey fans. It doesn't just focus on winning but on everything, the Ups and downs of playing the position of goalie. The book is filled with great pictures of Patrick in action. It is also easy enough to read for the younger fans. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Best that Never Played
"Fly in a Pail of Milk" is the autobiography of Herb Carnegie, the 3-time, Senior League MVP and career minor leaguer, who should have broken the NHL color barrier 20 years before Boston Bruin Willie O'Ree. Despite being referred to as "the best that never played," the Ontario native never realized his dream of playing in the NHL for his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, most said, because of the color of his skin. Though the pacing, at times, is a bit slow, the book is a worthwhile read, primarily because Carnegie is rarely mentioned in hockey history books, and few of even the most versed hockey fans could tell you who he is. ... Read more

Book Description

Maurice Richard, aka The Rocket, not only ushered in hockey's modern era with his prolific scoring touch and fiery play, but his famous temper triggered one of the darkest moments in hockey history — the Montreal riot of 1955. Dozens of vintage photographs and complete stats complete this tribute to an amazing athlete from hockey's golden era. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Remembering the Rocket's Red Glare
This spicy little book of collected essays on one of the greatest hockey players ever belongs on any true hockey fan's bookshelf. The Rocket was more than just a man, or a hockey player. He was an institution, asevidenced by the recent state funeral for our lost hockey great. The Rocketharkens back to a day when the fighting spirit of a single player couldenliven the hearts and minds of a generation of fans. First-rate! ... Read more

Book Description

Big, smooth-talking, and one of the most successful scorers in the NHL, Mats Sundin of the Toronto Maple Leafs has all the ingredients to become a megastar. The Swedish-born Sundin has already made history by becoming the first European ever to be selected as the number-one pick in the NHL entry draft and to become captain of the Maple Leafs. With explosive action photography, check out this player at the peak of his profession. In prose perfect for 9-to 11-year olds, and written by an award-winning sports columnist, follow Sundin's early days playing hockey on outdoor rinks, his rise through the ranks of the Swedish National team, and his entry into the high-powered world of the NHL. Sundin's own words, as well as those of his coaches, teammates and rivals, will give young readers a sense not only of his strengths as a hockey player, but also of his personality both on and off the ice. 48 pages, 24 color illus., 6 1/2 x 8.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

Mats Sundin
I think that this was a good book because Mats Sundin IS the BEST! It shows a lot of colorful pictures and a lot of interseting facts! ... Read more

Book Description

Steve Yzerman: The Quiet Captain takes a look at the on-ice leader of the Detroit Red Wings. From his early years to his 16 seasons as a Red Wing, this book gives an in-depth look at the nine-time NHL all-star and the 1997-98 Conn Smythe Trophy winner. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Must Read
This book is a must read for all hockey fans, not just Red Wings or Yzerman fans. It follows one of the NHL's greatest captain throughout his NHL career, from the beginning to his 16 years as a Red Wing to his back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships in 1997 and 1998. It's not just filled with stories to put a smile on your face, though. There's amazing full-colour photos of Steve at his best and quotes from many NHL players and coaches about Steve. I think the most interesting part of the book is Steve's game-day routine . I've always wondered what a player like Steve does on game-day, now I know! Paul Harris has put together a great book that all hockey fans can enjoy. I recommend it to everyone who likes hockey. From little kids to adults, anyone can enjoy this book. ... Read more

Book Description

The Big M is the story of trhe quiet and self-effacing hockey legend whose mighty strides and explosive shot contributed to six Stanley Cup teams. Ted Mahovlich, Franks son, interviewed such hockey greats as Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, Guy LaFluer and Henri "Rocket" Richard to recreate one of the greatest NHL careers of all-time. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A brilliant biography of the legendary Big M.
Frank Mahovlich was one of THE great players in the history of hockey. This books gives a thoughtful and intelligent insight into the mind of the quiet giant who won four Stanley Cups with the Leafs and two more with the Canadiens.

Told alongside the biographical narrative of The Big M is the author's experience of going on the road with his father, in the touring team of NHL past masters. Not only does this expose the reader to some beautiful anecdotes about other former stars of the game, but also captures the bond between father and son in a most moving way.

Ted Mahovlich is a very accomplished writer, telling his father's story with compassion, respect and honesty in a fine style that makes the book hard to put down. A must for any fan of hockey and/or good writing.

The Big M: The Frank Mahovlich Story
This book is great, not your normal biography. Ted Mahovlich captures a seldom read about side of his father Frank, along with the exploits of his spectacular career. The author spent considerable time traveling and playing with the old-timer greats while interviewing them as wells as capturing moments the common fan is not privey to. If you are a hockey fan -- this books for you. (Yes I know I live in Texas, but I moved here) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

#4 will always be the greatest hockey player of all-time.
I have a web site dedicated to the greatest hockey player of all-time, Bobby Orr. If you are searching for something for a Bobby Orr fan this would be a great gift. Packed with many great photos and stories this book will defenitely be cherished. You will also be greatly thanked.

Bobby Orr & the Modern Era of Ice Hockey!
"Remebering Bobby Orr" is a great little book you will cherish, and a great gift for any young kid who loves the game. Much of this has been said before, but true fans can never get enough of # 4! Great Pictures, and hopefully someday a definitive biograpy will get written about the man who changed the face of hockey, and began the modern era. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Must Read for Goalie Fans!
I've been a fan more and more of goaltenders and wondered how they handle the stresses of their position. This book answered that question and many more as it really showed the mind and people who are behind that mask.

Interesting superstitions, ritual, and some things that surprised me, are all in this book.

If you love goaltenders or are fascinated by them in any way and want to know that they truly do opperate differently then the rest of the team, this is the book for you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"My mom gave a couple of dollars to a woman who was in desperate need of milk for herfamily. In return, the woman gave my mom a gunnysack full of things, including a pair of skates. My sisterEdna grabbed one and I got the other. We went outside and push-glided around an ice pond. When Ednagot 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 wonthe Stanley Cup in 1961 when I was 22 years old... but I never did drink out of the Stanley Cup. As thefestivities began, I started drinking beer out of the owner's son Mike Wirtz's dirty old felt hat. I got sick asa 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, starssuch as Rocket Richard, Bobby Orr, Guy Lafleur, Wayne Gretzky, and Mario Lemieux. With big, full-coloraction shots and the words of the players themselves, this is a heartfelt tribute to the most talentedpractitioners of a fast and furious sport. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

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

Book Description

A goalie who has pioneered a new style of goaltending that responds to hockey's faster pace, harder hitting and tighter checking. Dominik Hasek plays goal as if every game means winning the Stanley Cup. For ages 8-12. ... Read more

Book Description

After nearly two decades in the NHL, Wayne Gretzky continues to hold most of the league's major scoring records. In fact, he holds more NHL records than any other player. Growing up in Ontario, Wayne started playing hockey when he was only four, on an ice rink his father built in their backyard. He went on to become known as "the Great One," playing in 18 All-Star games, named MVP nine times, and ranked as the league's leading scorer 10 times. This completely revised and updated biography follows Wayne's exciting career, from his four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers to his achievements with the New York Rangers, and retirement from Hockey. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wayne Gretzky
I'm writing about the book I read in Social Studies. This book was farly good. This book talked about Wayne's life. It said that when he was a little kid he moved to Toronto to get away from all the paretens who's kids were mad that he was always scoring. At a young age Wayne played hockey with his grandmother. Wayne was also great as a young boy. Wayne was 18 years old when he started to play hockey in the NHL. Wayne has 40 Reular season records. Wayne played for 4 different teams. Wayne Gretzky is the greats or one of the greats. I think that if you like sports you should read this book. ... Read more