price：$8.48
Potomac Books Inc.
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (A great read for hockey fans, young players, and business folks) 『As a long suffering Washington Capitals fan, I have seen a series of managers ranging from the mediocre (Glen Hanlon, "Butch" Cassidy, etc.) to the good (Brian and Terry Murray). But none are what noted business author, Jim Collins, would refer to as a "Level 5" manager -- the one who generates extraordinary results by winning both with this team ("the workplace") and the fans ("the marketplace").
Until now.
Gabby is a light, pleasant read -- no heavy hockey philosophy here. But it reveals genius through simplicity and passion. Bruce Boudreau's success is spelled out beautifully in this book through a series of stories about his less-than-stellar playing career, lessons learned from minor league coaching, and becoming one of the NHL's most successful coaches.
This book is an idea read for the following: A rabid Washington Capitals fan; a youth hockey coach; high school and up hockey players; and young business professionals looking to glean secrets and tips for being a successful leader. I see a lot of my own company's president (highly successful and a joy to work for) in Bruce Boudreau.
Gabby talks about his experiences, both on and off the ice, in an entertaining way, but if you're not careful, you'll miss the many life-lessons he's trying to convey, such as the one trait, evident on almost every page, that underlies his strength and success -- genuine humility.
There's a few things I thought he glossed over a bit much, such as his divorce from his first wife (but it took some courage to even talk about it), a bit more about some of the players he's coached for, especially some of today's stars on his and other NHL teams, and perhaps a bit more about his own personal background and how he developed his passion for hockey. Then again, I'm not quite done with the book yet.
I suggest this book as a Christmas or birthday present, or a gift, for the young hockey player or coach in your life. But don't forget a copy for yourself, too. 』
(Such a fun book, really captures Gabby) 『What a great, fun book. As a Capitals fan, I've enjoyed having Bruce Boudreau as the head coach. He's a very open, very talkative guy -- hence the nickname of Gabby. And unlike most coaches, he speaks his mind. He'll tell jokes, he'll be blunt, he'll be honest. It's refreshing to see in sports.
The book is also very refreshing in its openness and honesty. He pulls no punches, spreading praise and asking blunt questions. He doesn't just shine the light on others, questioning his own approach to the game as a player and coming to the conclusion that he can use himself as an example of how NOT to play the game. He admits that he didn't do what he could to be the player he could (even though he's been inducted to the AHL Hall of Fame, he didn't reach his potential in the NHL). That kind of honesty isn't seen much, and lends a nice air to the book.
Boudreau covers his playing and early coaching career in some depth, too, talking up the up-and-down career he had with multiple teams in multiple leagues, admitting when perhaps he made a wrong decision in his contracts, and pointing out a few instances when he could have gotten off track but for one minor choice. He also gives readers a great look at the evolution of his coaching style and background, talking about who he coached, for, with, and against, and what he learned from each of them. It wasn't all peaches and cream, and he bluntly discusses why -- even when it was due to his own actions or decisions.
But where the book is really fun for Caps fans is when Boudreau is promoted on Thanksgiving Day 2007 and takes the worst team in the league on a magic carpet ride to the playoffs, making DC one of the new Hockey Towns in the league. Yes, Boudreau had some help -- Ovie, Greenie, Feds, Nicky (aren't hockey nicknames great?) and more -- but he really gives an inside look into coaching the Caps, coaching in hockey, and how he turned the team around.
Boudreau has really led a full life, and it comes through in the book. His co-author, Tim Leone, covered Boudreau when he was coach for the Hershey Bears, and the two have an obvious rapport that shines through. Leone lets Boudreau's personality do the heavy lifting in the book, opting to present him unvarnished without the cleaning up some autobiographies do. It's a really refreshing approach, and makes you believe you truly got to know Bruce Boudreau in reading the book.』 『Bruce Boudreau is living a hockey Cinderella story. After more than three decades in the minor leagues as a player and coach, he was promoted to head coach of the Washington Capitals in 2007. Boudreau revived the Caps, written off as dead, to a division championship and received the Jack Adams award as the National Hockey League’s Coach of the Year in June 2008.
His story is an entertaining odyssey of triumph, disappointment, and perseverance, stretching from Toronto to Washington. As a pro rookie, Boudreau had a cameo appearance inSlap Shotwith star Paul Newman. Today Boudreau coaches superstar Alexander Ovechkin and a young Washington club poised to become an elite NHL team vying for the Stanley Cup.
Boudreau stole the limelight at the 2008 NHL Awards Show with his self-deprecating and folksy manner, which has made him a popular personality at every stop he’s made. Hockey fans know there’s only one Boudreau.』
price：$8.48
Triumph Books
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Must read for any hockey fan) 『I have a lot more respect for Theo after reading what he was going through. I followed him since his rookie year, this book helps answer a lot of questions at to what was going on behind the scenes. Its actually a really good read and Im happy to see Theo where he is today. It says as much about abuse and addiction as it does about hard work and determination. Im a hockey, Flames and Theo fan so for me this book was a 5 out of 5.』
(Author) 『While I have NEVER been a real fan of Theo Fleury nor a fan of the Flames, I got the book because I always had respect for the little man that chose to play hockey like he was 6 foot 2. (plus the Flames were my dad's team since they were in Atlanta). It has given me alot of insight into why he played the game the way he did. I may not have liked Fleury, but I still respected him.』
(Fleury bragging about his party days.) 『Theoren Fleury is only a few years older than myself, I grew up in Winnipeg and played hockey, I wish I had half the natural talent that Fleury did. The book has far too much information about Fleury's partying and is sexual conquests. Fleury sounds like the stereo-typical hockey player from the 80's. If Fleury is hoping to be a role model for younger players, what are they going to learn from the book, if you smoke cigarettes, consume alcohol, abuse drugs and party all the time you can still make it as an elite level hockey player. For some reason, Fleury continually uses the "f_Word" in the book. Fleury continually describes himself as one of the most talented hockey players of all time, Fleury was good, but his play does not warrant calling himself the best of all time. Fleury correctly describes himself as a jerk. It was interesting and enjoyable reading about hockey part of the book 』
(A little superficial) 『Must give Fleury kudos for opening up the way he did about being molested as he's trying to fulfill a dream to make it to the NHL. It's difficult to comprehend.
Had the good fortune of covering Fleury during the ups and downs during his NHL career. He was always forthcoming about his play on the ice.
Was it a great memoir? It was OK. Not great and not horrible. More of a run-of-the-mill productions you read, seemingly rushed to make a quick buck. It is not on the level of some of the best sports memoirs ever written - Ken Dryden's "The Game" and Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson's "Out of Control."
Fleury weaves his tale through the first-person 'I' narrative the entire way. The re-occuring "poor me" theme was re-played ad nauseum. He paints a tragic childhood in which his father is an alcoholic and mother a pill popper. That, coupled with the molestation charges, seems to be a never-ending crutch for ruining relationships, being a neglectful father and always turning to addictive measures. Only near the end does Fleury retreat and take responsibility. But the interpretation can be made that the crutches are always within arms' reach.
Unfortunately, this is what those in NHL circles remember most. At times he could be a destructive presence within management circles, self-centered with few social graces.
There are notable anecdotal behind-the-scenes stories that add to the book. There are needless pot shots delivered for the sake of taking a shot. It was clear he didn't like certain coaches, ala Mike Keenan and Dave King - and forced in other asides about each that didn't have much relevancy. He used a cop-out that because they never played at the NHL level, they had no right to be coaches. It's a weak argument considering Keenan won a Cup and came close a couple other times.
Fleury even suggested that superstars don't have to listen to coaches. Whether that's true or not, Fleury seemed to deem himself as a superstar. Sorry, superstar status was reserved for the likes of Gretzky, Lemieux and Yzerman types. Fleury was a star, no doubt about it, but more in the mold of a Modano level.
Not sure of the purpose of relating his Flames career. He intimated that he was the primary reason why the fans came, he made the Flames a ton of money, the Flames would have tasted more success had they not gutted the team in the 1990s and paired him with competent players, going insofar to knock various teammates by name. It came across as nothing more than petulent.
Here's hoping that after all the drugs and gambling, he is on the right path to recovery. Wish him nothing but the best. No one wants to see any other human form suffer or self-destruct.
』
(Put your hand into the flame -- you'll be glad you did) 『This is one of the best memoirs I've ever read. Actually, it's one of the best books I've ever read. I've read a lot of memoirs and biographies, and this one is brutally honest -- heartbreakingly so.
Theo Fleury's book contains many stories. It's the story of a Canadian who grew up poor on the prairies and clung to his dream like a lifeline. It's a story of a broken, lonely childhood plagued by demons and abuse. It's a story about the drive to be the best at a particular sport. It's a story of addiction to booze, drugs, and sex. It's a story of both dizzying success and financial failure. But most of all, it's a story about what it means to be human and what it's like to live in constant pain...and to find relief in things that only make matters worse.
Anyone who loves hockey (especially the Calgary Flames) will love this book. Ditto anyone who's been abused or anyone who struggles (or struggled) with substance abuse and suicidal impulses. Theo has written a book for both sports fans and those who don't care about sports. His story is painful, but it deserves to be heard. And hopefully it will help anyone who struggles with the same issues that affected him.
price：$10.86
Wiley
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Total Agreement with reviewer Zeiler.) 『Like reviewer Zeiler, I too tried hard to like this book, but cannot. After struggling thru 180 pages I had to put it away. The rambling wordiness drove me crazy and ran an otherwise good topic into the ground. The short impressions of Houle, Robinson, Shutt, Lafleur and others were the best parts, the rest tedium. I've read "Home Game", a joint effort of Ken Dryden and Roy MacGregor and you can definitely tell when author Dryden has the podium. The style is very evident. Those who think this might be the greatest sport book ever, take a look at Jack Falla's "Home Ice" and "Open Ice" or Brian Kennedy's "Growing Up Hockey". The measure of a great author is the ability to effectively convey ideas in the fewest words, each word seemingly selected for that purpose. This describes Jack Falla and Brian Kennedy. Not so author Dryden.』
(Great read for any hockey enthusiast) 『Dryden manages to give a reflection about the game that comes off like a kid talking about a game he plays with his friends. The play by play descriptions are disjointed and there are not many of them, but the time and effort he puts into the personal story of his team mates, coaches, staff and "the game" are what the book is really all about. This book is incredibly insightful and a joy to read. I never once saw Ken Dryden play nor have I ever seen a game with one of the teams he describes, but the book is about so much more. This is one of the truly great pieces of sports literature.』
(I really wanted to like it) 『One word "Dry". I tried to like this book. I really tried to like this book. I am sorry, I just can't. Everyone always say that this is the best hockey books ever written. Some say one of the best sports books ever written. I just don't see it. To that I must say that there just must not be any competition for it. I give it a 3 of 5 because I don't hate it. I guess I don't understand it. I recommend you get it and see for yourself it's a classic and worth your time.』
(Best sports book ever written.) 『I read this when it 1st came out and I've read it many times since. It is an honest, classy, thoughtful and philosophical book that is insightful without being trashy. An intelligent book written by a very intelligent man who happened to be the greatest goalkeeper of his era. He writes in a style that can be understood and appreciated by everyone&that alone makes this a great book. The most admirable attribute of Mr. Dryden is that hockey wasn't his sole purpose in life at the time of his writing the book. He had a career in law, as well as, politics that he was getting ready to enter into. He did both successfully. Ironically he ends up in hockey in the long run. 』
(One of my favorite books) 『I was not alive in 70s, so I only knew vague facts about Dryden- namely, that he was a legendary goalie- and even less about the Canadiens. I picked this book up because I'm a hockey fan and wanted to read "the greatest hockey book ever written." I was not disappointed. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised. Rather than a typical athlete's "I was the best and here's why," The Game is a wonderful portrait of Dryden's last season. He lets the reader into the locker room and shows not a group of some of the greatest players ever, but rather a group of normal men with enormous talent but all too human insecurities.』 『The Gameis acknowledged as the best hockey book ever written, and as one of the best sports books of all time. More than just a hockey book, it has become an enduring classic—a reflective and provocative look at a life in hockey and at the game itself.
Ken Dryden, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, is recognized as one of the greatest goalies ever to play the game. More than that, he is one of hockey’s most intelligent and insightful commentators. InThe Game, Dryden captures the essence of the sport and what it means to all hockey fans.
He gives us vivid and affectionate portraits of the characters—Guy Lafleur, Larry Robinson, Guy Lapointe, Serge Savard, and coach Scotty Bowman among them—that made the Canadiens of the 1970s one of the greatest hockey teams in history. But beyond that, Dryden reflects on life on the road, in the spotlight, and on the ice, offering up a rare inside look atthe game of hockey, and a profoundly personal memoir.
This commemorative edition marks the 20th anniversary ofThe Game’s original publication, and features a new chapter from Ken Dryden, reflecting on the past two decades in hockey.
Take a journey back to the heart and soul of the game with this timeless hockey classic.』
price：$8.48
Wiley
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (A MUST READ FOR ANY HOCKEY FAN WHO IS ALSO A DAD!) 『This is a must read for any hockey fan who is also a dad. Bob M. is my hockey GOD! I have watched him for many years and have always put my 100% complete faith in his knowledge of the game. His information is timely and is a big help in my keeping up with the current situations that arise during the hockey season.
If you are a dad and especially a hockey dad you will feel what Bob feels when it comoes to his sons and their hockey lives. He is a proud dad and his sons are so lucky to have an "in" when it comes to the inner workings of hockey at ALL levels.
There are dozens of new hockey books being published these days and the FIRST one that should be on your reading list is HOCKEY DAD!』 『A revealing look at the good, the bad and the ugly of the minor hockey culture as seen through the eyes of a Hockey Dad cum Hockey Coach who just happens to be one of the most recognized hockey personalities in North America. This Hockey Dad, Bob McKenzie, is not afraid to look into the mirror and candidly assess and reveal his own strengths and weaknesses. He has anecdotes that will make you laugh, stories that will bring a tear to your eye, and insights into this minor hockey world that can only come from having lived through the highs and the lows and everything in between with two boys who grew up in an environment where minor hockey was their epicenter.
Michael is now a 22-year-old entering his junior year playing NCAA hockey on scholarship, one step away from the professional ranks. Shawn, now 19, had his competitive minor hockey life cut drastically short at age 14 because of complications from multiple concussions. While Michael has attempted to, and continues to try to, scale the heights within hockey, Shawn has, at times, had to navigate the depths. Their deeply personal stories, and how their father dealt with them (sometimes well, sometimes not so well), are a compelling look into the world of minor hockey—a major Canadian passion.
From hysterically funny anecdotes, to debates on numerous hockey issues, praise and criticism for the system, and personal reflections on the game, this book is an insightful, irreverent, and moving look at a slice of hockey culture that is not so much a recreation as it is a way of life.』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Great book; not supposed to teach you how to release an arrow!) 『I have just re-read Zen and the Art of Archery, by Eugen Herrigel.
I was a philosophy student in my undergraduate days, and my primary focus was on Zen, so I had underestimated that little volume in my youth; it was too short, and too easy to read. And the author didn't make the process sound exotic enough for my arrogant youthful tastes.
But now, Zen and the Art of Archery talks to me through a megaphone. The book recounts the experiences of a German philosophy professor who studied Kyudo (traditional Japanese archery) for several years. He undertook the study to develop his understanding of Zen Buddhism.
As you read the book, you will see that the concepts and practice of traditional Japanese martial arts have leaked into popular U.S. culture. See Karate Kid and Star Wars, for example.
And there's nothing wrong with that.
But when you read this book, you get to see one of the real-world prototypes of Mr. Miyagi and Yoda.
So read it, and thank me later. But don't think you're going to learn to fire arrows. This isn't an instruction manual.』
(A Book for all Artists) 『This is the famous little book that Minor White advised his pupils to read. It's an account by German professor Eugen Herrigel of several years of archery lessons with a Japanese archer in the 1950s. My review is written with photography in mind, though the principles discussed in the book can be applied to many arts.
If you have an interest in photography, should you read it?
Here are a few quotes from this little book in which I have taken the liberty of replacing archery lingo with photography lingo:
1. "...fundamentally the [photographer] aims at himself and may even succeed in hitting himself."
2. "Do you know why you cannot wait for the shot and why you get out of breath before it has come? The right shot at the right moment does not come because you do not let go of yourself. You do no wait for fulfilment, but brace yourself for failure."
3. "If [the photographer] is to fit himself self-effacingly into the creative process, the practice of the art must have the way smoothed for it. For if, in his self-immersion, he saw himself faced with a situation into which he could not leap instinctively, he would first have to bring it into consciousness."
If these ideas interest you, then this book is for you. It is a pleasing and thought-provoking little book, written in a conversational manner lacking the overcomplicated lingo and "isms" of most philosophical and spiritual texts.』
(This is not a book on kyudo.) 『This is not a book on kyudo. As Earl Hartman says in another review, Herrigel did have little contact with kyudo in Japan (3-4 years). This book could be about many interesting things (zen, misticism, ...), but I don't know of them. But it's not a book on Kyudo. It seems more a book on Herrigel himself. I don't says this is the worst book someone can read if is interested on kyudo. Last years saw apearing one or two terrible book's with kyudo in title. Should be read with precaution and specially doesn't substitute pratice and guidance from a teacher or a master. Many persons come to kyudo allready knowing this book but after a few sessions they give up. and many of them continue to claim that they know about kyudo only by reading this book.』
(Zen in practice) 『For me this book is first and foremost about Zen. Students of Japanese archery can come to it to take their craft to another level but for me the archery is just a mantle for the teachings to sit on. I've been studying Zen for ten years or so, and have read many great works on the subject. This book was a gentle reminder, ushering me back onto the path. It's wisdom can be applied to almost anything. For a more in depth look at some of the discussions in this book, see Suzuki's Zen and Japanese Culture.
One reviewer, with whom I disagree, says that this book is not a valid source of Zen because the master archer in the book had never "studied" Zen. I think he came in touch with the Zen Mind through his art. The Sixth Patriarch Hui Neng had never "studied" Zen either and came by his enlightenment through living life and carrying fire wood. "Studying" Zen, in terms of following the rituals of an institution, can be formative but is not necessary. Zenmind existed long before the Zen religion.
So whether you're studying Japanese Archery or looking to deepen your awareness of your own art (I study painting, music and Tai Chi), this book can help if you're ready for it. 』
(wonderful insight...) 『there's an old adage in the acting world..'don't give a performance, let the performance give you'..so what does that have to do with this book? well, I read this wonderful book a few years back when I was studying acting in NYC and I really worked hard at incorporating some Zen technique into my acting process..it wasn't easy..but I stuck with it and I feel as if I reached a different level consciousness and ability with my craft. This book is a wonderful teacher for the ways of Zen and incorporating those lessons into real life events not just archery.』 『The path to achieving Zen (a balance between the body and the mind) is brilliantly explained by Professor Eugen Herrigel in this timeless account. This book is the result of the author's six year quest to learn archery in the hands of Japanese Zen masters. It is an honest account of one man's journey to complete abandonment of 'the self' and the Western principles that we use to define ourselves. Professor Herrigel imparts knowledge from his experiences and guides the reader through physical and spiritual lessons in a clear and insightful way. Mastering archery is not the key to achieving Zen, and this is not a practical guide to archery. It is more a guide to Zen principles and learning and perfect for practitioners and non-practitioners alike.』 『So many books have been written about the meditation side of Zen and the everyday, chop wood/carry water side of Zen. But few books have approached Zen the way that most Japanese actually do--through ritualized arts of discipline and beauty--and perhaps that is why Eugen Herrigel'sZen in the Art of Archeryis still popular so long after it first publication in 1953. Herrigel, a philosophy professor, spent six years studying archery and flower-arranging in Japan, practicing every day, and struggling with foreign notions such as "eyes that hear and ears that see." In a short, pithy narrative, he brings the heart of Zen to perfect clarity--intuition, imitation, practice, practice, practice, then, boom, wondrous spontaneity fusing self and art, mind, body, and spirit. Herrigel writes with an attention to subtle profundity and relates it with a simple artistry that itself carries the signature of Zen.--Brian Bruya』
price：$3.91
Three Rivers Press
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Coffey shoots and scores!) 『Celebrity bios are something that my mom lives for, but if it's hockey (and figure skating for that matter) polar bears couldn't keep me away. I was glad that Coffey put out this blunt and artistically written piece defining "the greatest moment in sports history" because the Miracle HBO documentary left me flat (just under an hour but had great classic clips of the '80 team's tourney tour) and Disney's Miracle was heartwarming but left out the nitty-gritty (and by that I mean UGLY) of what these guys had to endure to SURVIVE on Herbie's team let alone make the cut. Coffey's prose style was especially impressive splicing together each player's background and the US-USSR game's play-by-play as if the actors in Miracle were having flashbacks (hope you're reading this O'Connor!) during the game.
The book's foreword was written by none other than #30 himself, the Golden Goalie, Jimmy Craig. Now I've read a few articles (that I could find) on Jim back in his hockey heyday (including the SI issue where he was featured on the cover) and judging by the tone of his interviews Coffey was right on the money about his complexity and uncensored opines, but he seemed pretty shy. On the other hand, the team's on-ice chatterbox certainly grew into that role (judging by the guy's website advertising his corporate motivational speaking tours) off the ice since his NHL life turned out to be one of those celeb morality tales. Whatta salesman- and he became one after retirement. But it was nice to hear from the flip side, Craig's Minnesotan counterpart, #1 and the answer to a trivia question, Steve Janaszak. This bond salesman who became a Long Island transplant turns out to be cool as a cucumber over the fact he got NO ice time during the Olys and very little game time overall for that season, despite being MVP the season prior when Minnesota U won the '79 NCAA. The saddest account was #15 Mark Wells, his was a true Cinderella story battling a crippling back injury, a failed business, and pain killer addiction after winning the gold. As for the Charlestown native growing up rough in an all-Irish 'hood, #17 Jack O'Callahan proved himself to be the badass (and then some) for Brooks, the Blackhawks, and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. And if you're wondering why #16 Mark Pavelich was a no-show for the '02 Olys (and ironically he has the most decorated NHL career out of the group) the story of a hunting trip with his best friend gone horrifically wrong might provide some illumination.
Those are just a few of the stories, take them to heart as this book makes them real people and that's what fueled mythos of the Miracle Team. Also, you can't help but NOT hate the Russians. Yes those evil Commie Reds (BTW communism is a bunch of crap or Cuba and to a SEVERELY lesser extent North Korea would be paradises) are human too with foibles, families, and a crazy coach that looks like a chicken. Stan Laurel- I mean Boris Mikhailov, pfft! You can't beat that guy? Pfft!』
(`Miracle' team worked hard to get to the top) 『Though they were a group of young, no-named amateurs who came from nowhere to win the gold medal over Finland in the 1980 Olympics, the U.S. hockey team was loaded with Midwest and East Coast talent and well prepared prior to competition. In fact, far from just being thrown together and told to play, enigmatic coach Herb Brooks took the team on a grueling 61-game schedule through Europe prior to the Olympics, and the squad faced off against a few NHL teams for good measure. So though the Americans weren't seasoned professionals like the Russian team they beat in the Olympic semifinals on Feb. 22, 1980, Brooks' team was finely honed, competitive and extremely well conditioned by that point. Thirteen U.S.A. squad members went on to play in the NHL, paving the way for future Americans to get drafted in the league during a time when Canadian players mostly ruled it.
Told in a straightforward, no-frills manner, Wayne Coffey's "The Boys of Winter" is a compelling read, especially the portions that focus on Coach Brooks and life in 1980, a simpler time in some respects compared to today. As Coffey aptly mentions, this was before the days that corporate sponsorship, drug testing, judging scandals, self-proclaimed "dream teams" and an overall glamorous, corporate vibe pervaded at the Olympics. Held in remote Lake Placid in upstate New York, the `80 Olympics are now know as the "last of the small games." Some of the athletes and coaches felt the Lake Placid venues had a "grade school" atmosphere, and one U.S. hockey player was shocked at the crowd's ultra-quiet manner in the half-empty arena during the team's first Olympic game.
But as the squad got closer to its ultimate quest for gold, all that changed. As has been documented ad nauseam, the gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic hockey team gave Americans something to feel joyous about during a bleak period in the country's history. A deep recession, high inflation, long lines at gas stations and a major international conflict with Iran had people feeling down. Interestingly, for all the mind games he used to motivate his players, Brooks steered clear of using politics to get his team going. Instead, he chose to implement innovative strategies to compete with the high-flying Russian hockey team, things that lesser coaches would have shunned.
An excellent judge of character and talent, Coach Brooks, who sadly died in a car wreck in 2003, was one of a kind. He taught new-age ideas on the ice but had an old-school, obstinate style of coaching; he coached with an iron fist but encouraged his players to be creative on ice; few coaches in history have worked their players harder than Brooks in practice, yet he gave them free reign off the ice and had no team curfew. His contradictory and sometimes complicated and aloof manner rubbed some people the wrong way, but Brooks' coaching skills cannot be denied. Along with the illustrious `80 gold medal on his resume, he also coached the University of Minnesota to three national titles, and he had some success in the NHL later. In the hockey world, Brooks is a legend.
Overall, the U.S. hockey team in 1980 were a tough, intense bunch of guys who lived and breathed for their sport. They were cocky as a whole -- some in-your-face attitude is likely a prerequisite to win a gold medal -- but their manner was also down-to-earth and their goal pure -- simply to win for the country they loved. Like the movie Miracle (Widescreen Edition), Coffey does a good job of giving this somewhat faceless team a new life and energy, interspersing player bios with on-the-spot action from the U.S.-Russia game that takes some hockey knowledge and can border on tedious at times. Nonetheless, "The Boys of Winter" is ultimately very inspirational, and its common theme of enjoying present achievements but moving on with your life is excellent advice for anybody.』
(Just a great book) 『I picked this book up on a whim because it looked interesting and I'm glad I did, it has to be one of my favorite books I've read in the past few years. I quickly finished it and it definitely deserves 5 stars. The book is very well written with the game versus the russians interspersed with mini-biographies of the members of the U.S. team. You really develop an emotional connection with the individual members. While the movie "Miracle" is great it missed so much about the history of the players, which this book excells at. Highly recommended』
(Greatest Olympic Moment Ever) 『The book mainly covers the U.S. hockey team's amazing upset of the powerful USSR team, but also provides the background story of just about everybody involved. I'll never forget that game, and reading about it brought back the excitement of that night. I found myself almost cheering outloud when I read about the great plays.
There will never be another Olympic story like this, because now the games are dominated by pro teams. We have "dream teams" instead of teams full of kids who would dream of doing what just about everybody thought was impossible.
The background stories are great and give you a better understanding of what was going on in and before the games to get these guys to the point where they were able to pull off this amazing run.
I don't know of any hockey fan who wouldn't like this book.』
(A must read for all hockey fans) 『Gave this book to my husband for his birthday he read it in 2 days. He said it was one of the best written books about the USA 1980 Team.』 『The Story of the Greatest Sports Moment of the Twentieth Century
Once upon a time, they taught us to believe. They were the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, a blue-collar bunch led by an unconventional coach, and they engineered whatSports Illustratedcalled the greatest sports moment of the twentieth century. Their“Miracle on Ice” has become a national fairy tale, but the real Cinderella story is even more remarkable.
Wayne Coffey casts a fresh eye on this seminal sports event, giving readers an ice-level view of the amateurs who took on a Russian hockey juggernaut at the height of the Cold War. He details the unusual chemistry of the Americans—formulated by their fiercely determined coach, Herb Brooks—and seamlessly weaves portraits of the boys with the fluid action of the game itself. Coffey also traces the paths of the players and coaches since their stunning victory, examining how the Olympic events affected their lives.
Told with warmth and an uncanny eye for detail,The Boys of Winteris an intimate, perceptive portrayal of one Friday night in Lake Placid and the enduring power of the extraordinary.
price：$3.63
Potomac Books Inc.
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (highly entertaining) 『67 different Top 10 lists are included ranging from best players (by position); draft bargains and busts; biggest, smallest, oldest, and youngest players; and even the craziest fans. I bought this for my husband, who is a hockey broadcaster and trivia buff. He knew some of the stuff, but still laughs at the stuff he didn't know or forgot he knew. I like the explanations of players nicknames and stories about crazy owners. It's fun to pick up and read a list or two. It is indexed if you are looking for a certain player. Lots of fun for the fan!』 『Takes an irreverent look at the sports world’s best balance of power and speed
Discover interesting players and amusing moments in hockey history
Written by the author of nine titles in the Most Wanted series, including books on baseball, football, wrestling, golf, tennis, basketball, the Olympics, and Hollywood, as well as Golf!: Great Moments&Dubious Achievements in Golf History
The history of hockey is filled with the bizarre, the unexpected, and the hard to believe. Hockey’s Most Wanted chronicles seven hundred of the most outrageous players, coaches, and owners in hockey history. In humorous detail, Floyd Conner describes hockey’s top ten strange plays, inept players, bizarre nicknames, craziest fans, colorful characters, unlikely heroes, odious owners, worst coaches, beleaguered officials, most brutal fights, and more. Learn why Dave Reece was nicknamed "The Human Sieve" and find out which goalie once gave up fifteen goals in a game. Meet the player who was whistled for a record 67 penalty minutes in a single game and another who played in the National Hockey League for five years before scoring his first goal. Imagine scoring the winning goal in the seventh and deciding game of the Stanley Cup—for the opposing team—or how it felt to be the defenseman traded for a net. You can find all this and more in Hockey’s Most Wanted, a book that every hockey fan will enjoy.』
price：$9.16
Stewart
Usually ships in 24 hours 『The first full-scale biography of a legendary and award-winning NHL goalie who transformed the game.
“There are a lot of very good goalies, there are even a fair number of great goalies. But there aren’t many important goalies. And Jacques Plante was an important goalie.” Ken Dryden
On and off the ice Jacques Plante was a true original; he was extremely talented, boastful, defiant, mysterious, and complex. Throughout his tumultuous career as a goalie, he played for Montreal, New York, St. Louis, Toronto, Boston, and Edmonton. His contributions to and impact on the game were extensive and are reflected in today’s rules, equipment, and style of play. Thoroughly investigated through archival and primary research, and including interviews with figures such as Jean Béliveau, Henri Richard, Dickie Moore, and Scotty Bowman, this biography sheds light on one of the most pivotal figures in the history of hockey.』
price：$6.38
Human Kinetics
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Good stuff) 『This book Hockey Tough I bought for my son who is playing competitive AAA Midget hockey. My older son read the book and thought it was great. He really likes the suggestions on hockey as a mental game. It gives advice on how to work through situations that you might be dealing with in the game of hockey. Good book for the hockey player!』
(Hockey Tough) 『good book, but save yourself the cost of expedited shipping. I chose this option from a used book seller, but it still took a long time for the book to arrive.』
(Excellent book for the underestimated "mental" game) 『O.K., so everybody says sports (at a certain level) are 90% mental and 10% skill. It's so common it's a cliche. So...why doesn't anybody take getting mentally prepared for the game seriously? Good question. And that's the one Saul Miller tries to tackle in this book.
I'll admit, I was a little skeptical at first. I though "probably a little too touchy feely." But I gave the book a chance, and I'm glad I did. Miller lays out in plain language how simple mental preparation can really affect your gameplay. The funny thing is, after reading it, it just seems like common sense that you should prepare mentally. Everyone always complains about players who "just didn't show up today" or "have their heads in the clouds." These techniques offer simple ways to stay focused, in the game, and able to execute when needed.
These techniques are similar to any endeavor that requires lots of skill and precise execution. Military service, aviation, etc. are examples of professions where having the mental toughness to persevere and succeed are prerequisites for success. Miller translates these same techniques into the hockey vernacular.
The book covers pre-game preparation and visualization, handling of positive and negative emotions inherent in the game, and techniques for forwards, D and Goalies to use to keep them focused on the game at hand, not the shot they missed 2 shifts ago. It is an easy read, efficiently laid out and well written. The advice given is practical and easily put into use in your next game. I highly recommend it.』
(Great book) 『I bought this for my teenage son. The book focuses on keeping a positive state of mind, keeping your spirits up and expecting the best. It's a great message for life in general, not just hockey. My son says it really helped his game, and helps him deal with things when they don't always go his way. Highly recommended.』
(Hockey Tough is a Great Book!) 『I've played ice hockey on and off my whole life, but it seemed like my game had hit a wall. I did not feel like I was improving any longer. Instead I felt I was doomed to be an average player forever. About 6 months ago I discovered Hockey Tough and it has changed the way I look at my game. Furthermore my game has improved because my confidence has improved. Now all of my teammates want to borrow it. If you buy this book do us all a favor and keep it a secret.』 『Develop the focus, tenacity, poise, and team attitude needed to excel on the ice. Hockey Tough builds on physical skills by strengthening mental factors that apply directly to the game. Performance consultant Saul Miller presents the training techniques he has taught hockey players and teams for more than 20 years throughout North America. In addition, NHL stars such as Mark Messier, Pavel Bure, Chris Pronger, Steve Yzerman, and Markus Naslund offer inside tips on how to play with a winning mind-set.』
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