Hockey Books for the Hockey Season

Here are seven hockey books you can read during intermissions this season that will greatly expand your knowledge and interest in hockey.

The Russian Five

When the Detroit Red Wings were rebooting their franchise after more than two decades of relative futility, they knew the best place to find world-class players who could help turn things around more quickly were conscripted servants behind the Iron Curtain.

Saving Face: The Art and History of the Goalie Mask

Who was the first goaltender to wear a mask in a game? When did goalies start painting their masks? These are just a few of the questions that are answered in this definitive book on goalie masks. More than 150 historic and modern photos, including thirty-plus full-page shots of some of the most famous masks ever created, support a text that weaves the tale of the mask’s development.

The Official Illustrated NHL History

On a chilly day in 1917, the National Hockey League was formed, and in the years since, it has been a mainstay of American sports. This new edition of The Official Illustrated NHL History is fully revised and updated to include NHL’s centennial celebrations in 2017–18 as well as a special section at the back containing 15 tear-out images. The comprehensive reference delves deep into the game, covering every player, event, and issue of importance, from the NHL’s inception to the present day.

The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team

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.

The Breakaway: The Insider Story of the Wirtz Family Business and the Chicago Blackhawks

When Rocky Wirtz took over the Wirtz Corporation in 2007, including management of the Chicago Blackhawks, the fiercely beloved hockey team had fallen to a humiliating nadir. As chronic losers playing to a deserted stadium, they were worse than bad—they were irrelevant. Rocky’s resurrection of the team’s fortunes was—publicly, at least—a feel-good tale of shrewd acumen. Behind the scenes, however, it would trigger a father, son, and brother-against-brother drama of Shakespearean proportions. The Breakaway reveals that untold story.

Great Game!: D1 College Hockey: People, Places, Perspectives

Bruce Haas captures the passion men’s Division 1 college hockey incites through interviews with former players, coaches, officials, and fans, presenting their perspectives on everything from team camaraderie and leadership to how officials approach calling a game. Coaches talk about their role in developing young men, former players discuss what it’s like to win the NCAA tournament, and fans provide stories and insights on why they love the game so much.

Nine Lessons I Learned from My Father

The author is Gordie Howe’s youngest son. His dream was to be his father, to be amazing at something, but humble and gracious. He wanted to be courageous, and stand up for the little guy. And be a hero.

Sports Salsa Bonus

Do you have young ones in the house that you want to share your love of hockey with? Here are seven highly ranked hockey books that could do the trick:

Goodnight Hockey