I live in a small northern town and magazines and books are not easily found outside of our small Walmart. So whenever I travel to the city (Vancouver or Victoria usually) a stop at Chapters or Indigo (and the many great independent and used bookstores on Vancouver Island) is always a must. Being able to see and physically handle all the new hockey books is a pure treat. Nothing will get you appreciating the ability to flip through a book in a bookstore than living in the far north.
The magazine is O Canada: War and Hockey. Published in 2025 and fortunately not removed from this particular YVR shelf after Remembrance Day, the magazine is one of many specialty magazines from Legion magazine - Canada's Military History Magazine.
On my most recent trip I stumbled upon a very interesting periodical at YVR airport that I had no idea even existed. Though I initially thought the layout and presentation was not as appealing as I would have liked, I decided to spend fifteen bucks and read it on the youninety minute flight home.
Fifteen bucks for a magazine that you flip through once and forget about is a lot. But let me tell you I was completely wowed by the captivating writing throughout the publication.
I never thought I'd ever have purchased anything about military history, as I have no real interest in the topic. But of course when you tie hockey into the equation and I'm sold.
And why should you part with fifteen bucks for this magazine like I did? Because the text is so well written and so educational that you will not regret it. Every page I found myself saying to myself "I didn't know that" and "I gotta look into that more." I am far from an expert on these eras of hockey, but it is hard for me continually find myself learning so much in such a short time.
None of the articles had a byline to credit any writers, but I knew I had to find out who was behind this.
And then I found it, on like the second page. I always read magazines backwards, hence why it took me so long. Anyways, it seems that Stephen Smith of Puckstruck fame was quietly commissioned to write the entire magazine. "Of course!" I told myself. His research and writing ability have him at the very top of my favorite writers list.
Go out to your local newsstand and get yourself a copy of this magazine before they pull it off the shelves. Though I suspect it will be every year going forward near Remembrance Day. You can also order copies at LegionMagazine.com.
Comments