All-purpose hockey thread...

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

I think the Sawchuk biography was one of the best books I've ever read. Sawchuck was a compelling individual, at once awe-inspiring and pathetic.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

It's an exciting way to determine which team wins a hockey game, and it puts asses in seats. It's not a "skills competition" as one NHL writer dismissively says.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

It's a little weird up here.

Not including CBC which has the Saturday night "Hockey Night in Canada" games there's also TSN & Sportsnet.

TSN had the Nashville/Colorado game tonight. That's national.

Sportsnet is a regional broadcaster with four different feeds (East, Ontario, West & Pacific) and the Sens/Habs game was on the Sportsnet East package (you have to have the digital package to get that since I'm in Toronto)

I don't have NHL Centre Ice. It's a mental health issue; otherwise I'd watch hockey 24/7

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Center Ice. It's CentER.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

What's wrong with watching hockey 24/7/365? ;D

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Just finished reading Dryden's "Home Game"...really good stuff. Anyone have any suggestions for a good hockey read along those lines?

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Well anytime you want to watch an Atlanta-St. Louis fray, you're welcome to make the six hour drive to vegetate under my roof.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Globe and Mail columnist Roy MacGregor, who co-authored "Home Game," has written a number of great hockey books. My favourite of his is "Home Team," which examines the relationship between fathers and sons involved in hockey.
Scott Russell of CBC Sports (full disclosure - he was my Grade 9 history teacher before going into broadcasting) has also written a couple of hockey books which I'm proud to own. One, "The Rink," was co-written with colleague Chris Cuthbert and is about various Canadian arenas.
Russell's other hockey book is called "Home Ice" and its chapters depict different aspects of Canadian hockey. One offers Brian Kilrea as "The Coach," the chapter called "The Scout" is about Edmonton Oilers bird dog Lorne Davis and "The Pioneer" is women's hockey legend Angela James.
I was particularly taken by a chapter called "The Natural," the story of a Newfoundland fish plant worker who, through strange circumstances, wound up making his pro hockey debut in his early 30s with the St. John's Maple Leafs of the AHL.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

Oh, I almost forgot. You should also check out Dryden's first book, simply entitled "The Game." And if you want a really entertaining read, try your damndest to find "Tiger – A Hockey Story," which is the autobiography of Dave (Tiger) Williams. I think it's out of print but you might find it in a used book store somewhere.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

"The Game" by Ken Dryden is not just one of the best hockey books but one of the best sports books of all time.

JJ's bang-on with his choices.

IMO, Roy MacGregor is the best hockey writer around.

And he's also one of the best newspaper columnists --any newspaper, any country.

Guy's unbelievalble

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

JR, not only that, but he is also a genuinely nice guy. I've had the pleasure of chatting with him a few times and he's always been great to talk to.

 

Re: New NHL vs. the old NHL

jj and jr,

Thanks for the suggestions...I think i found a couple of last minute items to add to my christmas list!