Hockey Book Reviews.com

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...

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...

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...

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...