Reviews (16)

A Game Misconduct
When I first learned about this book, I was more than excited that someone had finally written book about high school hockey. I had already read the great accounts of high school sports in Friday Night Lights, and In These Girls, Hope Is A Muscle. Thirty pages into the book, I was more than impressed with the author's beautiful descriptions of Methuen, hockey, and his growing up in this area of New England.
Something was missing...
The author is constantly searching for emotional resonance and relevance, using events and information from the players', coaches and parents' lives, without ever really revealing much about his own life except in relation to his hockey playing.Yes, the absence of mention of Liam's mother is a very big gap and a weakness of the book, because the question is always there for the reader.

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.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. General    4. Hockey - General    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Sports - General    5. Biography & Autobiography / Sports   

Reviews (2)

Not this time Wayne
I admire everything about Wayne Gretzky and everything he has done. But i also think Andrew did a poor job reflecting how much wayne gretzky has really accomplished. He is not just a great player , he is a great person.The book lacked certain detail and as the other reviewer said. It probably is only meant for a 3rd grade level =)

The Great One: Life and Times of Wayne Gretzky
I bought this book for my 3rd grade son to write a paper with, and found myself completly engaged in it. For someone who didn't know much about "The Great One", I am now as big a fan as my son! Tells a lotabout his younger years and doesn't just focus on the goals. AWESOME ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Hockey - General    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sports - General    6. Biography: sport    7. Ice hockey   

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Hockey - General    3. Hockey - Specific Teams    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports - General   

Reviews (4)

The Mike Bossy Story
I read this book years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed it.I think that with time he has begun to fade into obscurity, but when I was growing up he was truly one of the great players--and as far as I'm concerned, always will be.

Great insight to a great player!
For someone who didn't speak much to the press, it was extremely interesting to get inside Mike Bossy.It was great to relive all his outstanding accomplishments.A must read for hockey fans.

the greatest sniper
Mike Bossy is perhaps the most unappreciated star in the history of New York area sports. Perhaps it is because he played on Long Island and not NYC, Bossy is forgotton. Meisel and Bossy do a fine job. I hope copies ofthis book are out there for those of you hockey fans who are looking for afun book to read. The book also takes serious turns, as the other reviewhere says. It was an accurate review. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Bossy, Mike    3. General    4. Hockey players    5. Ice Hockey    6. New York Islanders (Hockey tea    7. New York Islanders (Hockey team)    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. United States   

Subjects:  1. 1965-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Sports & Recreation    4. Canada    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Hockey players    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Lemieux, Mario,    11. Sports & Recreation - Hockey    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / Sports & Recreation   

Editorial Review

"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." 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

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Hockey - General    3. Hockey players    4. National Hockey League    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports - General    8. Hockey    9. Hockey - Biography    10. National Hockey League - Biography    11. Sports & Recreation / Hockey   

Reviews (2)

He is "The Best" there ever was on the ice!!!
This was a fantastic book compiling the story of the greatest player ever and his comeback from Hodgkins Disease and major back surgery.If you enjoy reading stories of courage this is the one for you!

A great book on the best Hockey player ever
This book is a very good summary of Mario career, including highlights and memorable events in his life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1965-    2. Biography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Hockey    5. Hockey players    6. Ice Hockey    7. Lemieux, Mario,    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. United States   

Reviews (8)

Best book on hockey, ever
Those who want to learn about hockey - and not just what Alan Eagleson did to it - should run, not walk, to buy this book.
Spectacular Book
This is the most interesting book I have ever read.I studied it to do an oral presentation for Grade 9 English class a few years ago and was so intrigured by the Alan Eagleson story that, now in my first year of University, I am pursuing a career very similar to that of Alan Eagleson...one in which I would essentially deal with the business side of the NHL where I would love to make some sort of a positive influence, as Eagleson did.However, Alan Eagleson's corruption, which is described in this book, is an excellent example of how one person can cause a negative influence on many people's lives through illegitimacy and how public opinion of that person can change almost instantly as a result.Russ Conway did an excellent job of investigating Alan Eagleson, and his book is a wonderful summary of his work.I would recommend this book to anybody, whether they are a hockey fan or not.

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 terrorand the financial and emotional price that so many players faced. Mostimportantly, Conway's work served as the catalyst for Mr. Eagleson'sdownfall and proving many player's assertions of corruption.Put simply,this is an important piece of journalism that every fan of sports shouldread, whether you are a hockey fan or not. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (Robert Alan),    2. 1933-    3. Biography    4. Canada    5. Eagleson, R. Alan    6. History    7. Hockey - General    8. Horse Racing    9. Lawyers    10. National Hockey League    11. Reference    12. Sports    13. Sports & Recreation    14. Sports & Recreation / Hockey   

Reviews (2)

The King of Goalies!
With the retirement of Patrick Roy in May 2003, fans are seeking information, books, etc about him.This book is a delightful addition to any Patrick Roy collection. It is not an indepth account of his lifebutis more of a tribute. This is an easy read and has many colorful photos that capture again for us some of his more memorable moments in hockey.It is a definite must for a true Patrick Roy fan.

Great Goalie,great book.
Andrew Podnieks provides the reader with an insightful look at the top rated goalie in our present game of ice hockey. From seven years old, Patrick Roy has had a unflinching desire to be a great goaltender in theNational Hockey League.This book reviews Roy's illustrious careerbeginning with Montreal Canadiens and provides the reader with his carrerhighlites up to his present team,The Stanley Cup winners, the ColoradoAvalanche. It's a must read for any hockey fan young or old. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Canada    3. Children's 4-8    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    5. General    6. Hockey    7. Hockey - General    8. Hockey goalkeepers    9. Hockey players    10. Juvenile literature    11. Sports    12. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (1)

My Son Loved This Book
My five year old son loved this story. Great for young hockey fans. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1948-    2. Biography & Autobiography - Sports & Recreation    3. Boys / Men    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Fiction    7. Hockey    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Orr, Bobby,    10. People & Places - Canada    11. Sports & Recreation - Hockey    12. Sports & Recreation - Winter Sports    13. Biography & Autobiography    14. Canada    15. Sports & Outdoor Recreation   

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 goalscorer 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

Subjects:  1. 1961-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Sports & Recreation    4. Canada    5. Children's 9-12 - Biography / Autobiography    6. Children: Grades 3-4    7. Gretzky, Wayne,    8. Hockey players    9. Juvenile literature    10. Gretzky, Wayne   

Features

• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. General    4. Hockey - Specific Teams    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports - General    7. Cultural Region/Mid-Atlantic    8. Cultural Region/Northeast U.S.    9. Geographic Orientation/New York    10. Hockey players    11. Locality/New York, N.Y.    12. New York Rangers (Hockey team)    13. Sports & Recreation / Hockey    14. United States   

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 andBrett Hull. A must for all hockey fans. Up-to-date information too ! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Hockey - General    2. Ice Hockey    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sports - General    6. Hockey players - Biography    7. National Hockey League - Biography    8. Sports & Recreation / Hockey   

Subjects:  1. 1961-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Canada    6. Cerebrovascular disease    7. Family    8. Gretzky, Walter    9. Gretzky, Wayne,    10. Hockey - General    11. Patients    12. Sports & Recreation    13. Sports - General    14. Sports & Recreation / Hockey   

Reviews (1)

A must read about one of the all time greats of Hockey!
Mark Messier (Ice Hockey Legends) is a suprisinglyinformative book that takes an in-depth look at the career of one of sports must decoratedchampions.From his days in Edmonton, were Messier won 5 Stanley Cups, tohis Stanley Cup season as a New York Ranger this book is a wonderfulread!Read more

Subjects:  1. 1961-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Sports & Recreation    4. Canada    5. Children's 9-12 - Biography / Autobiography    6. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Biography    7. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    8. Hockey players    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Messier, Mark    12. Messier, Mark,    13. Sports & Recreation - Hockey    14. Biography: sport   

Reviews (8)

The Real Yzerman
Yzerman by Douglas Hunter is a revealing portrait of how an individual star player becomes a champion by transforming his game to a more defensive all around skilled player. He sacrifices his personal time to achieve team-based success and improves the players and organization around him. The book is packed with detail on the draft and how the organization built the team around him. Yzerman gets in depth on how the star changed from a goal scoring all about points man, to the captain who would do the checking or dice in front of a puck. Hunter talks about his off ice experience that Yzerman has throughout his career.
Absolutely Terrible
Let's see, what can I say that might actually be helpful.Let me preface this by saying that I'm a die-hard Detroit sports fan, and have been ever since I moved to Michigan in 1984.I love the Tigers more than anything, but Yzerman is my favorite athlete of all time.
Check your facts!!
I was ecstatic when I saw a book based solely on Steve Yzerman was finally being published.I was completely misguided.This book wasn't about Steve Yzerman the person/hockey all-star, this book was about all the things that happened around Yzerman over the last 3 decades.I was also horrified that the author never even interviewed Yzerman.Makes me think I should write a book.I know Gerard Gallant would talk to me and I know that I would remember that he coached the Summerside Hemphill Pontiac Western Capitals who won the Royal Bank Cup in 1997.Which leads me to the comment that not only was this book a huge disappointment because it gave us nothing about the real Yzerman, but it was replete with errors.Essentially it is wrong to have this book in the non-fiction section of the bookstore because most of the information is so inaccurate that the novel is fictional.Don't waste your money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Canada    4. Hockey - General    5. Hockey players    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Sports - General    9. Yzerman, Steve   

Reviews (18)

Overall, entertaining
I appreciated Mr. Esposito's account of the wild and crazy days of professional hockey. I suspect many of his recollections have been embellished over the years but he doesn't pull any punches, which makes the book very readable. While we don't expect a retired hockey player, who may have taken a few too many hits to the head, to generate great prose, you would hope that his editor would have picked up on the many factually-suspect statements made. In a few instances Phil's explanation for various medical problems is embarrasingly inaccurate as is his reference to the Russians shooting down Pan Am 800. It was KAL 007 that was shot down by a Mig, TWA 800 that blew up off the coast of Long Island, and Pan Am 103 that was bombed over Lockerbie. One wonders how accurate his other accounts could be!
outrageously vicarious fun read
It's mostly a bunch of anecdotes thrown together to make a book esp. on Phil's playing days. Where it gets better and reads more like a book is from Phil's management days with the NY Rangers and TB Lightning. I just love the whole behind-the-scenes stuff on how dumb owners are in hockey. The NYR turning down getting Gretzky in his prime because their building was full so they "didn't need #99." Or trades often made by owners with GMs finding out after the fact--who knew this went on? Oh, Canada!
Esposito's memoir is a refreshing whiff of fresh air in the stultifying atmosphere of political correctness that has almost entirely engulfed professional sports. He certainly doesn't aspire to a role model status, for the very simple reason that he can be outspoken about his own flaws without being apologetic; I just don't see him either in anger management counseling or on a shrink's couch. For anyone intimately familiar with the locker room smells and conversation, the spicy vignettes will ring a bell. Esposoto's saga transcends geography and time zones, it is anectodal, evocative and nostalgic as well as unrestrained and occasionally crude. Of particular interest to me was the part of the book dealing with the 1972 Summit Series. Very few people realize that the NHL v USSR was the most dramatic showdown in world sports history. The confrontation had probably more political implications than what the media on both sides presented. For some reason hockey was considered the ultimate stand-off, where else would you see bone-crushing checks, cosmic speed, finesse and imagination fused into a team effort? In the 1972 Summit Series the NHL superstars and the Soviets were evenly matched in all departments of the game except for one - personality. The Soviets simply didn't have a defiant part-loudmouth-part-goon-part-maverick-part-clown individual. And with all of the above a great player, probably the greatest crease player that I have ever seen. Espo provided the essential ingredients that glued the team together, he was the most dominating, almost demonic presence especially when the going got real tough in Moscow. Without him the series would certainly have ended in infamy and that would have had pretty far-reaching repercussions. And so I can understand the hatred Espo had for Scotty Bowman who persisted in believing that he could beat the Russians with just finesse and speed (his record against the Russians is pretty dismal). One of the most hilarious parts of the Moscow adventure is certainly the players' obsession and paranoia with listening devices in their hotel rooms, the ensuing search and the denoument when the huge chandelier crashed on the floor of the banquet hall. There is however one inconsistency, even in the land of attrition, Moscow's best restaraunts offered the best gourme food available anywhere in the world. The a la carte consisting of fried crow is pure fantasy. Other than that, a wonderful read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Hockey - General    4. Hockey - Specific Teams    5. Ice Hockey    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation   

Editorial Review

One of those rare athletes whose skills raise the level of his sport, Mario Lemieux, who twice led the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Stanley Cup, was a courageous and charismatic presence from the moment he skated onto the ice; he deposited his first NHL shot into the net, and never looked back. No defense could stop him, not even Hodgkin's disease. He forechecked just about everything that stood between him and his goals--both on and off the ice. Lemieux retired in 1997, his place in the hockey pantheon assured, and Read more

Reviews (7)

A great athlete and an awesome man
I like to call this book an "Adult picture book" because of the easy read and scrapbook of great pictures.I only wish it was written a few years later so Mario could tell us about his plans to save thePittsburgh Penguins.This is one athlete that has never been arrested, hasnever done drugs, has been happily married to his wife (and he has only hadone wife), and he's not going to go bankrupt anytime soon.Hats off to agreat athlete and an awesome man.

Read this book to find the definition of a true class act.
This book is the best book I've ever read on an athlete.It gives plenty of information throughout his career and really shows you what a class act Mario is.Not only is it detailed well, but the pictures are awesome.Ifyou doubt Mario as being one of the best athletes out there, read thisbook.You'll see why he earned the name Super Mario.

The Pictures make you feel like if your part of the game!
GREAT PICTURES ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Hockey - General    6. Hockey players    7. Hodgkin's disease    8. Sports - General    9. United States    10. Biography: general    11. Ice hockey   

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. General    3. Schultz, Dave