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Hammered: The Fight of My Life by Dave Schultz with Dan Robson

More than four decades after first attempting to tell his story, Dave “The Hammer” Schultz has finally set the record straight. Hammered: The Fight of My Life is a raw, honest, and surprisingly reflective memoir from one of hockey’s most feared and misunderstood enforcers. Written with acclaimed journalist Dan Robson, this new book gives Schultz the voice and depth he was denied back in 1981 — when his first autobiography, ghostwritten by Stan Fischler, left him dissatisfied and misrepresented. In the 1970s, Schultz was the face of the Philadelphia Flyers’ “Broad Street Bullies” — the bruising, brawling teams that brought both fear and back-to-back Stanley Cups to Philadelphia. He was the NHL’s ultimate enforcer, setting records for penalty minutes and embodying the rough-and-tumble ethos of the era. Yet beneath the blood and bravado, there was always a more complicated man, one wrestling with his own identity, guilt, and the consequences of his violent role. Hammered finally gives...
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Goalies: Guardians of the Net by Denis Brodeur and Daniel Daigneault

For those who live and breathe goaltending — who understand that the crease is both sanctuary and battlefield — Goalies: Guardians of the Net is a visual and historical treasure. Authored by Denis Brodeur and Daniel Daigneault, this 1997 release is an ambitious and loving tribute to hockey’s most unique and misunderstood position. With more than 150 goaltender biographies and well over 500 action photos, the book serves as both an encyclopedia of puck-stoppers and a photographic celebration of their art. The strength of Goalies: Guardians of the Net lies in its remarkable imagery. Many of the photos are drawn from the vast personal collection of Denis Brodeur, a man who lived a life immersed in the crease and in the rink. Brodeur, a former Canadian Olympic goaltender who backstopped his country to a bronze medal at the 1956 Cortina Games, later became one of the most respected photographers in the NHL. His eye for the position is unmistakable — every frame captures not only the athlet...

Gino: The Fighting Spirit of Gino Odjick by Patrick Johnston & Peter Leech

As a lifelong fan of the Vancouver Canucks and especially of the electric 1994 squad that came so heart-breakingly close to winning the Stanley Cup, I found the new Gino Odjick biography to be an essential read—not just for its tribute to one of our cult heroes, but for the full portrait it gives of the man behind the jersey, the Indigenous role-model, and the teammate who made a difference on and off the ice. Gino: The Fighting Spirit of Gino Odjick profiles one of the most beloved athletes in Vancouver history. It is written by local journalist Patrick Johnston and Gino's close personal friend Peter Leech. It was a must write turned into must read book. Sadly the project happened after Gino's premature death. Gino Odjick arrived in Vancouver as a raw, imposing presence—an enforcer by trade, but quickly becoming so much more. The authors trace his origins from the Algonquin community of Kitigan Zibi (near Maniwaki, Québec) where Gino’s father Joe, himself a survivor of Canad...

The Montreal Canadiens by Claude Mouton

Claude Mouton’s The Montreal Canadiens: An Illustrated History of a Hockey Dynasty is a richly detailed and visually stunning chronicle of the NHL’s most celebrated franchise. Originally published in the late 1980s, the book serves both as a definitive historical account and as a tribute to the Canadiens’ unmatched legacy of excellence. Mouton — the longtime public address announcer at the Montreal Forum and a central figure within the organization — brings an insider’s warmth and authority that make the book far more than a mere compilation of facts and photos. According to Goodreads readers, Mouton’s work stands out for its comprehensive coverage and striking photography. Every page immerses the reader in the Canadiens’ history — from Howie Morenz’s dazzling artistry in the 1920s and Maurice “Rocket” Richard’s fiery dominance in the 1940s and ’50s, to the dynastic power of the Béliveau, Dryden, and Lafleur years. Mouton pairs crisp, informative text with rare archival images that c...

The Chicago Black Hawks Story by George Vass

In The Chicago Black Hawks Story , veteran sportswriter George Vass captures the proud, colorful history of one of hockey’s most storied franchises with a warmth and nostalgia that instantly transports readers to another era. Written in 1970, the book traces the team’s journey from its rugged beginnings in the 1920s through the glory years of Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Glenn Hall, and Pierre Pilote — a period when hockey in Chicago pulsed with energy, passion, and civic pride. Vass writes with the romantic tone so characteristic of old-school hockey journalists — part historian, part storyteller, and unabashed fan. His prose celebrates the game’s characters as much as its champions. He paints vivid scenes of smoke-filled dressing rooms, train rides between snowbound cities, and raucous nights at the Chicago Stadium when the crowd’s roar seemed to shake the rafters. The book isn’t burdened by analytics or cynicism; instead, it’s driven by affection for the players and an unshakable belie...

The Habs: An Oral History of the Montreal Canadiens 1940-1980

Few hockey teams in the world inspire the same reverence as the Montreal Canadiens. In The Habs: An Oral History of the Montreal Canadiens 1940–1980 , broadcaster and historian Dick Irvin Jr. captures the mystique of this storied franchise with a blend of authenticity, insight, and affection that only someone deeply embedded in the team’s culture could provide. Through hundreds of first-hand interviews, Irvin reconstructs four decades of triumphs, rivalries, heartbreaks, and dynasties, producing a living, breathing portrait of the Canadiens in their golden years. The book’s strength lies in its oral history format. Rather than imposing his own voice, Irvin allows the players, coaches, executives, and journalists of the era to tell their own stories. We hear from legends like Maurice “Rocket” Richard, Jean Béliveau, Henri Richard, Ken Dryden, Toe Blake, and Scotty Bowman — each offering their perspective on what made the Canadiens unique. These voices don’t just recount games or statis...

The New York Times: Sports of the Times (2003)

I recently picked up this gem for $1 at a Rotary Book Sale in Nanaimo, British Columbia. From 2003, it is The New York Times: Sports of the Times, edited by William Taaffe and David Fischer. Part scrapbook and part coffee table book, this title is a glimpse into sporting history. Drawn from 150 years of archives from the New York Times (and arranged one day at a time through a full calendar year), each day features the original story, along with archival photography. All the greatest moments and athletes are here, from Paavo Nurmi to Muhammed Ali to Michael Jordan.  And yes, Wayne Gretzky (though strangely not his final NHL game ever, when playing for the Rangers), among other hockey stars. New York is a great hockey town, but rarely is hockey the top story in the sporting section. Sixteen times hockey is the headline featured. I have included photos of all sixteen stories below.  Since I still have not found enough plutonium for my time machine disguised as a DeLorean to trav...

The Greatest Hockey Stories Ever Told: The Finest Writers On Ice. Edited by Bryant Urstadt

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 Trail of the Stanley Cup by Charles Coleman

  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

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 by Bryan Trottier

 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: The Up and Down History of the Vancouver Canucks by Ed Willes

"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 ...

Iron Mike: My Life Behind The Bench by Mike Keenan

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...

The Greatest Hockey Trades Of All Time

  The Greatest Hockey Trades of All Time  is an encyclopedic deep dive into the most pivotal moments of NHL history—moments that changed the fate of teams and defined the legacies of hockey's greatest players. From blockbuster deals that sparked dynasties to trades that left fans stunned, this book takes you inside the decisions that reshaped the sport. From the most stunning blockbuster trades to pivotal moves that flew under the radar, Pelletier delves into the history and context of each deal, offering fresh perspectives on the moments that reshaped the league. Beginning with the history of player exchanges in sports, the book highlights the ten most significant hockey trades ever made, then expands to cover franchise-by-franchise recaps of key trades and the blockbuster deals that almost happened. Whether you're a lifelong fan, a history buff, or new to the sport, this book offers a thrilling journey through the highs and lows of hockey’s most unforgettable moments. Hockey...

Picturing The Game: An Illustrated Story of Hockey by Don Weekes

"Picturing the Game: An Illustrated Story of Hockey" by Don Weekes is a remarkable addition to the library of any hockey enthusiast, providing a rich and immersive journey through the sport's storied history. As a book reviewer with a deep appreciation for the game, I can confidently assert that Weekes' work stands out as the best hockey book of 2023. Here’s why this book deserves that accolade. Visual Feast First and foremost, "Picturing the Game" is an exquisite visual treat. The book is filled with high-quality illustrations, photographs, and archival images that bring the history of hockey to life. Each page is a testament to the artistry and passion that Weekes has for the sport. The visual narrative is not just a complement to the text but an integral part of the storytelling. From early black-and-white photos of the game's origins to vibrant, contemporary images, the book captures the evolution of hockey in a way that is both informative and em...