Pucks on pages: Hockey books worth reading

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.

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.