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[z3s_keep_going]

Just finished reading "The Game" by Ken Dryden.

If you haven't read it, all my hockey friends, definitely run to the nearest book store and do so. It's a fantastic book, and a great insight ;D

Seriously run don't walk.

Comments

[z3s_keep_going]

First of all, I really enjoyed his style. At first it was sort of confusing, and he jumped around a lot, but once I figured it out, I really appreciated it.

Not only does he talk about specific games, and gives pretty cool insights from a goalies perspective, but he also talks about a lot of the players, their roles, and how they got there. It says a lot about team dynamic, and I thought it was sort of cool to get that inside look on what the specific roles are of each member--which I'm sure is quite different than what the fans thought.

He also talks about life as being a player, for example the road trips and how that affected his family and such, which again I found very interesting. At the same time as being very personal, and sharing some personal insights and experiences of each game, he's pretty good at giving a larger picture as well--what's going on in the league, how hockey's changing, how the teams changing...etc.

The thing I liked best about the book though was how real he made it sound. He wasn't cocky about anything, and he didn't try to make any position or game or goal extremely important, but at the same time he didn't really disregard anything either. Especially when he talked about playing goalie, he didn't try to make it out to be something and dangerous, but he still talked about how it's so different from the rest of the team.

I also just think that was such a key time in hockey, with the changes that actually happened within the game itself--and he addresses the change of play style, the addition of teams in the league, and the impact of other/new great players coming up. It just says a lot about why hockey is the way it is, and how it's been influenced.

I've read a bunch of hockey books (and I currently have a lot more with me), but I have to say this ones definitely been my favorite. I don't know if that was what you were looking for... but I'll definitely preach for it all day long.

[z3s_keep_going]

Oh one more thing... I think it's really neat to hear the things he remembers and the way he remembers games/goals/teams, because it's not really the way i'd imagine it to be so.

[konishi_zen]

Thank you so much for the detailed note as to why you love this book. It really sounds like it's packed full of details and comparisons...the thinking man's take on the game, so to speak.

I really appreciate that you took the time to write all of this, since now, this will be on my to buy list.

I was also wondering, (since you seem to be quite versed in the hockey subject) if you have other books about hockey to recommend to a neophyte like me? All suggestions would be quite helpful. Thank you.

[z3s_keep_going]

Well if you're interested in reading about the 1980 games, The Boys of Winter is an excellent read as well. Gives great insight on each player as it goes through in detail the game vs. Soviets.

I am currently reading Gretzky's tears, and I have a couple more that I'll be going through so I'll let you know as I get through them. Gretzky's Tears i'm not liking as much as the others because it talks a lot about the money, which yeah is interesting to know, but I don't find it as interesting.

[z3s_keep_going]

Sweet. Thank you. See, I came to Canada in 1987 from Central America, so I haven't an idea like most others about the game, so I'm trying to get as much info on the earlier years as other born Canadians, so any bit helps.

I am not sure I want to pick up Gretzky's Tears. I lived through that and I don't mean to be all melodramatic, but Pocklington's greed really affected Edmonton. Especially in the northeast of the city, where he had his plant and stuff.

So I guess I'm kind of in agreement with you on that it's not as interesting as the actual sports bit.

Thank you for letting me pick your brain on this matter.

[konishi_zen]

It's me, btw. Just forgot to log on.