Skip to main content

The Legendary Whitby Dunlops


Christmas came early for me today as I received a true rarity in my mail box - a hockey book that I had no idea about previously.

I'm talking The Legendary Whitby Dunlops. Written and illustrated by Kenneth McKenzie Lehman and published by Quarry Heritage Books, the book is available nationally at Chapters.

Bob Attersley
This book's title is apt. The Legendary Whitby Dunlops rank high in Canadian hockey folklore as this unlikely group of amateur hockey stars won the Allan Cup and the 1958 world hockey championship in Oslo.

By the late 1950s the Soviets were on the verge of taking over the international hockey scene. For one all too brief moment, the Whitby Dunlops - senior hockey champions - caught the imagination of hockey fans across the country. As Canada's team they were dispatched to Oslo to restore our pride in our own game and to defeat those dastardly Russians.

Harry Sinden, future coach of the Boston Bruins and Team Canada at the 1972 Summit Series, Sid Smith (future Toronto Maple Leafs captain), Bob Attersley, Roy Edwards, Charlie Burns and Wren Blair were among the most notable members of the team that did manage to knock off the Soviets and capture gold

Ken Lehman's book, published by Quarry Heritage Books, includes portraits, illustrations, cartoons, photos and maps. He pieces together a thorough presentation by accessing the rich archives of the Whitby Public Library and the Hockey Hall of Fame, as well as through interviews with team members. For Lehman this truly is a work of passion. He grew up watching "the Dunnies" and has had a life long affair with them.

The book, which officially launches in December, is 224 pages long and includes 30 rare archival photos and 25 original sketches and cartoons by the author. It's a wonderful read. It is a mixture of historical text and great storytelling. The Dunnies, you see, were merry pranksters full of hockey hijinks. Many of these crazy stories are sprinkled throughout the book.

I suspect this book will fly below the radar on the national level. But any hockey history buff should find this a refreshing book worthy of his or her attention.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Chapters does not carry this book. Do you know of any other bookstore that does? Thank you
Anonymous said…
it is not at chapters yet, my grandfather is the author and he said you can buy it at chapters.com, trust me he is my grandfather

Popular posts from this blog

Free Patrick Roy Books

Wiley is giving away two copies of Patrick Roy: Winning, Nothing Else . This offer is exclusive to readers of HockeyBookReviews.com ! All you have to do is email me the names of three other 2008 Wiley hockey book releases. Here's a helping hint - there are currently 5 2008 Wiley titles reviewed at HockeyBookReviews.com . It's just that easy! Then email your answers to hockeybookcontest@hotmail.com . As always, those with the correct answers are put into a draw, with two lucky winners being selected randomly. One entry per person. Contest is open to North American mailing addresses only. Winners will be announced on October 15th .

Slap Shot Original by Dave Hanson with Ross Bernstein

Many think the 1970s cult classic movie Slap Shot is as synonymous with hockey as Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe and hockey fights. It is mandatory viewing for any hockey fan. And many fans have, since, believe it or not, Slap Shot is the second most rented movie ever. Slap Shot looked at the rough and tumble world of minor league hockey in unforgettable fashion, often using an explosive cocktail of glorified violence and crazy humour. The adventures and hijinks of the Charlestown Chiefs has spun off two sequels, Breaking the Ice in 2002, and Slap Shot 3: The Junior League , just released directly to DVD. The original Slap Shot starred none other than the late Paul Newman as the foul-mouthed coach, but the stars of the show became The Hanson Brothers. The lovable, entertaining, violent, and bespectacled Hansons were loosely based on three actual hockey playing brothers - Steve, Jeff and Jack Carlson. Jeff and Steve actually play Jeff and Steve Hanson in the movie. Jack Carlson could n...

Net Worth: Exploding The Myths of Pro Hockey

Net Worth delves deep into the intricate web of professional hockey, dissecting its myths, realities, and the complex interplay of economics, politics, and culture that shape the sport. Written by Allison Cruise and David Griffith, the book offers a comprehensive exploration that is as enlightening as it is engaging. From the outset, Cruise and Griffith shatter the romanticized notions surrounding professional hockey, peeling back the layers to reveal the stark realities beneath the glitz and glamour of the sport. Drawing on extensive research and insider insights, the authors confront prevalent myths head-on, challenging readers to reconsider their perceptions of what truly defines success and worth in the hockey world. One of the book's strengths lies in its meticulous examination of the economic forces driving professional hockey. Cruise and Griffith provide a nuanced analysis of the financial dynamics at play, exploring the intricate balance between player salaries,...