Pucks on pages: Hockey books worth reading
Looking for more ways to satisfy your hockey appetite while the NHL remains paused? Hungry for more New York Rangers?
We all miss the New York Rangers and NHL hockey. The networks are trying to fill the void by serving replays of classic (and not so classic) games. Websites like Blue Line Station are revisiting Blueshirts history. But if you desire a broader look at the game, why not grab a book?
There are thousands of books about hockey and dozens about the Rangers. Here are just a few that we recommend devouring until we get hockey back. We’ll start with a book most consider to be best ever written about the game.
The Game – Ken Dryden
We’ll be taking a look at some great hockey books during the hiatus pic.twitter.com/sptXD5De2i
We'll be taking a look at some great hockey books during the hiatus pic.twitter.com/sptXD5De2i
— Blue Line Station (@BlueLineStation) April 28, 2020
Revised a few times since its original copyright in 1983, this is the Stanley Cup of hockey books. Dryden, a Cornell University graduate and winner of six NHL championship rings, provides a compelling look to what it was like playing in hockey-mad Montreal and for tyrannical coach Scotty Bowman.
The book’s most recent edition was published in 2013, and covers the NHL’s growth and his transition from Hall of Fame goaltender to the Canadian Parliament and officer of the Order of Canada. You can order a new or used copy, as well as the audio version here.
Our next must-read is a condensed version of the century-old NHL that will have you reaching for tissues as you read — that’s how much and how hard you’ll be laughing.
Some big news: "The Down Goes Brown History of the NHL" is now available in paperback. Just in time for your holiday shopping spree.
— Down Goes Brown (@DownGoesBrown) November 5, 2019
CAD: https://t.co/Dx2DMYQCph
US: https://t.co/NE71gO26Cf
The Down Goes Brown History of the NHL – Sean McIndoe
A humorous, informative and sarcastic review of the league. Don’t just take our word. Check out veteran hockey writer Greg Wyshynski’s shout out, as found on the book’s back cover: “This is the book that Sean McIndoe was born to write, if only because the history of the NHL requires heavy doses of skepticism and sarcasm to prevent nausea. …(McIndoe is) like the guy at the pub giving you a master class in hockey history, except he’s funnier and smarter than your drunk (rear) will ever be.” The book is available here in several formats, including audio and Kindle.
Next are two books every New York Rangers fan should read (or read again; they’re just that good).
100 Things Rangers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die – Adam Raider with Russ Cohen
A very compelling and easy read, this essentially a New York Rangers’ media guide but loaded with anecdotes that no team would ever publish. Readers are treated to every facet of the Blueshirts’ storied history, from the early championship teams to the current squad led by franchise goalie Henrik Lundqvist.
Also highlighted are the team’s announcers and the late national anthem singer John Amirante, as well as “Matteau! Matteau! Matteau!” and suggestions for where to dine before a game. It even takes shots at Rangers’ rivals with chapters titled “Fish Sticks, Anyone?” and “Beat the Crapitals”! You can obtain a new, used, or Kindle edition here.
Like hockey? Think you know all about the New York Rangers? Not so fast! Check out this book! pic.twitter.com/8jcMKBxkyC
Like hockey? Think you know all about the New York Rangers? Not so fast! Check out this book! pic.twitter.com/8jcMKBxkyC
— Collage Literary (@CollageLiterary) October 21, 2014
Our next Rangers’ book takes readers back to the Emile Francis era and the powerhouse Blueshirts’ teams of the early-1970s.
We Did Everything But Win – George Grimm
An informative, fun, and (at times) sad account of the New York Rangers under coach and general manager Emile Francis. Grimm documents how “The Cat” transformed the Blueshirts from perennial losers to a team that made the playoffs for nine consecutive seasons, including the 1972 Stanley Cup Finals.
Looking for a great book about the Blueshirts? pic.twitter.com/TzeitorbiQ
— Blue Line Station (@BlueLineStation) April 29, 2020
It also serves as a tribute to the many great Rangers of that era, including the “G-A-G” and the “Bulldog” lines, “Stemmer”, “Sarge” and the Vezina-winning goalie tandem of Eddie Giacomin and Gilles Villemure. The book is available here in Kindle and hard cover.
Up next, a memoir by a hockey writer who was believed to be the longest-serving beat man covering the major North American leagues.
Red Fisher: Hockey, Heroes and Me – Red Fisher
Fisher (who passed away in 2018 at age 91) takes readers inside his 57-year career as a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens for the Montreal Star and Montreal Gazette. Winner of the Elmer Ferguson Award in 1985, Fisher recalls his first game on the Habs’ beat on March 17, 1955 — the night of the Richard Riot. That’s when Canadiens fans rioted when Richard was suspended for hitting a linesman.
A great read by a great hockey writer. pic.twitter.com/aeCXXe1SQb
— Blue Line Station (@BlueLineStation) April 29, 2020
He also details his bet with long-time pal Glen Sather; hot and cold relationship with legendary coach Toe Blake; getting stripped naked, strapped to a table and shaved from head to toe by Maurice Richard and his teammates; and beating the competition on Guy Lafleur‘s decision to retire.
Fisher, appointed in 2017 to the Order of Canada, also was known for his “Fisher Report” on Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts, and catchphrases “My great and good friend.” “Nobody died.” “Take a deep breath and hold it.” Grab a copy here.
Our next pick is an honest tell-all by a player who went from NHL star and playboy to broke and homeless before turning his life around with help from his best friend, Bobby Orr.
Crossing the Line – Derek Sanderson with Kevin Shea
“Turk” opens up about his life and doesn’t hold back. Readers are taken inside his NHL glory days of the early-1970s, when he won two Stanley Cups with the Boston Bruins, drank beer after most morning practices, and once told inquisitive reporters his favorite meal was “a steak and a blonde.”
A Ranger for 83 games after his Boston days, he also shares how drug and alcohol abuse derailed his playing career, drained his bank account, and left him spending nights scrounging for cigarette butts and sleeping on benches in Central Park. Order in soft or hard cover, new or used, or in Kindle by clicking here.
These are just a few of our personal favorite books about hockey. Please feel free to suggest other good titles as we wait for hockey to return.
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