Eddie Olczyk

Eddie Olczyk
Author: Eddie Olczyk
Publisher: Triumph Books
Total Pages: 349
Release: 2019-10-08
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 1641252839

Eddie Olczyk had built a life and career most people could only dream of. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, he fell in love with the game of hockey during an era when most kids preferred balls to pucks. Against all odds, he played on the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team as a 17-year-old, and four months later he was drafted in the first round by his hometown Chicago Blackhawks. During an illustrious 16-year career, he played for and alongside some of the greatest franchises and players in history, winning a Stanley Cup with the unforgettable 1994 New York Rangers. Years later, he coached former teammate Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby on the Pittsburgh Penguins before transitioning into the broadcast booth, where he has become one of the most recognizable voices of the sport. He then combined his skills as an analyst with his second passion— horse racing—and became an integral part of NBC's coverage of thoroughbreds. Away from the spotlight, Olczyk and his wife of three decades raised four adoring children. He was respected and admired by fans, friends, and peers. Life was sweet. Then, at 7:07 pm on August 4, 2017, his entire world turned upside down. In Eddie Olczyk: Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life, one of the biggest names in American hockey has written an inspiring and entertaining memoir of his life both on and off the ice. From shooting hundreds of tennis balls at a goal in his childhood living room to the ups and downs of his improbable hockey career to rollicking stories from the booth and the backstretch, Olczyk guides readers on his journey toward his ultimate test: a battle against Stage 3 colon cancer. For years, Olczyk's goal was to be the best husband, father, broadcaster, and handicapper he could be. Today he has a new one: to bring as much awareness and support to those fighting cancer as he possibly can. In this emotional but often hilarious autobiography, you'll learn why the people who know Eddie Olczyk best might describe him as "tremendously tremendous."

Off Mike

Off Mike
Author: Mike Emrick
Publisher: Triumph Books
Total Pages: 247
Release: 2020-10-20
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1641254963

"Emrick loves stories and loves to tell them. Yesterday in broadcasting. Tomorrow in book form." —Steve Simmons, Toronto Sun After nearly 50 years behind the microphone, the voice of hockey in America opens up in a must-read memoir. Mike "Doc" Emrick has seen everything there is to see in a hockey game. Sizzling slap shots. Commitment, courage, and camaraderie. Pugnacious pugilists. Game-winning goals. To hockey fans across the country, his voice—and vocabulary—have become synonymous with the game they love. In Off Mike, Doc takes readers back to the beginning, detailing how a Pittsburgh Pirates fan from small-town Indiana found himself in the wild world of professional hockey, calling games for the New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers, and finally NBC. He's covered All-Star Games, Stanley Cup Finals, the Olympics, and everything in between, rubbing shoulders with hockey's immortals both on and off the ice. Yet Doc's life has had its share of ups and downs, from almost leaving behind the love of his life to the passing of beloved companions to personal health scares. After years of being welcomed into our homes, in this autobiography Doc welcomes us into his, revealing the stories, wit, and wisdom that have made him one of the most beloved figures in sports.

100 Things Blackhawks Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die

100 Things Blackhawks Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die
Author: Tab Bamford
Publisher: Triumph Books
Total Pages: 273
Release: 2014-10-01
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 160078965X

With special stories and experiences from fans and memorable moments about past and present players and coaches, this lively, detailed book explores the personalities, events, and facts every Blackhawks fan should know. It contains crucial information such as important dates, player nicknames, and outstanding achievements by singular players. This guide to all things Blackhawks covers the team’s 49-year championship drought, its run to the 2010 Stanley Cup, and the transition from Chicago Stadium to the United Center. Now updated through the 2013–2014 season, it also includes the Hawks’ triumphant win over the Boston Bruins in the 2013 Stanley Cup and the record-setting 2012 undefeated streak.

Hockey Hall of Fame True Stories

Hockey Hall of Fame True Stories
Author: Eric Zweig
Publisher: Hockey Hall of Fame
Total Pages: 208
Release: 2022-11
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 9780228103554

The Hockey Hall of Fame is full of the best to ever hit the ice. But the path to hockey greatness is not all jaw-dropping saves and game-winning goals. In Hockey Hall of Fame True Stories, hockey historian and writer Eric Zweig shares exciting tales and trivia even the most dedicated puck head might not know. This book is overflowing with behind the scenes yarns of some of history's greatest scoring sprees and winning seasons, as well as thrilling accounts of the off-ice curiosities, tragedies and heroics. Just a few of the stories featured in this fully illustrated volume are: the Guy Lafleur kidnapping plot the gambling scandals of Harry Cameron and Babe Pratt Newsy Lalonde's heroic home rescue the 1972 Montreal Canadien's motel fire the time Cy Denneny fell down a well. Hockey Hall of Fame True Stories is for the fans who want to take a deeper look at the lives of the players they idolize. You know the stars, the scores, and the stats. But do you know the stories?

Undrafted

Undrafted
Author: Nick Kypreos
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 304
Release: 2020-10-20
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1982146885

True stories and hard-won lessons about a life of hockey, from a Stanley Cup champion and top analyst. As a child growing up in Toronto, Nick Kypreos lived for hockey and dreamed of following in his idols’ footsteps to play in the NHL. Hockey was an important part of the Kypreos household. It was largely through the game that his immigrant Greek parents acclimatized to their new lives in Canada, and from a young age “Kyper” proved he was more than good enough to move through the ranks. But he was never a top prospect—he didn’t even attend the NHL draft when he became eligible. And yet, through dedication and constant improvement, he made it to the show. Kypreos built a career on his tireless work ethic and made a name for himself for always having a positive influence on team morale. A medium-weight fighter, he squared off with the league’s toughest players, including Chris Simon, Joey Kocur, Tony Twist, and Scott Stevens—anything to give his team an edge. Ultimately, he was brought to the New York Rangers to help them win the Stanley Cup in 1994—their first in fifty-four years—with the legendary Mark Messier. And then he got to live his other dream: playing for his hometown team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. When a concussion forced him to retire early, it changed his life. But the lessons he’d learned on the ice over eight seasons helped him build a new career as a top hockey analyst and personality for Sportsnet. For twenty seasons he provided unique insight on the evolving game, and a player’s perspective on the biggest discussions of the day. Revealing, fun, and brutally honest, Undrafted shows the challenges of being a pro player. It’s a story of the resilience it takes to prove yourself every night, and how the right attitude can lead to the greatest success, not only in the arena, but in life.

Take Your Eye Off the Puck

Take Your Eye Off the Puck
Author: Greg Wyshynski
Publisher: Triumph Books
Total Pages: 256
Release: 2015-11-01
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1633192881

A guide for sports fans on how to watch and appreciate the game of hockey More and more fans are watching the NHL each week, but many of them don't know exactly what they should be watching. How does an offense create shooting lanes for its best sniper? When a center breaks through and splits between two defensemen, which defender is to blame? Why does a goalie look like a Hall of Famer one week and a candidate for the minor leagues the next? This guide for sports fans on how to watch and appreciate the game of hockey takes you inside a coach's mind as he builds a roster or constructs a game plan, to the chaos of the goalie's crease, and deep into the perpetual chess match between offense and defense. Discussing topics such as what to look for when a team goes on the power play and why playing center might be the most grueling job in sports, Take Your Eye Off the Puck shows fans how to get the most out of watching their favorite sport.

Everyday Hockey Heroes

Everyday Hockey Heroes
Author: Bob McKenzie
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Total Pages: 288
Release: 2019-10-29
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1982104856

INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER An inspiring and updated volume of stories about Canada’s most beloved sport—hockey—and the everyday heroes who embody the spirit of the game and help shape its future, from the pros who compete in NHL arenas to the dreamers and fans who play on backyard rinks. What does hockey look like today in Canada? Who is changing the game? Canadian broadcasters Bob McKenzie and Jim Lang bring together players, coaches, and fans to show us what hockey means to them. Meet Philadelphia Flyer Wayne Simmonds and Paralympian gold medalist Greg Westlake, who wouldn’t be at the top of their sport without the never-ending support of their families and communities. Read about players who overcame catastrophic injury to keep playing the game they love, or the renowned Canadian neurosurgeon leading the charge to protect athletes from the dangers of brain trauma and concussion. From hockey commentators who broke down barriers to be on air to the youth hockey coach welcoming Syrian boys and girls to Canada through our national pastime, these are the stories of everyday hockey heroes—those who defy the odds, advocate for inclusion, and champion the next generation of hockey. From small-town rinks to big city arenas across the country, this collection celebrates everyone who loves our great game. A must-read for every hockey fan.

The Captain & Me

The Captain & Me
Author: Ron Blomberg
Publisher: Triumph Books
Total Pages: 254
Release: 2021-04-20
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1641255862

The deeply personal story of a friendship between two teammates, and of a human bond which ultimately transcends the game itself. As back-to-back No. 1 draft picks for the New York Yankees, Ron Blomberg and Thurman Munson made for an odd couple. One was a good-looking, gregarious kid from Atlanta who cheerfully talked anyone's ear off at the slightest provocation; the other was a dumpy, grumpy dude from the Midwest rust belt who was about as fond of making idle chit-chat as he was of shaving. Despite the surface differences, the two men would form a close attachment as they ignited a youth movement with the 1970s Yankees. Now, over 40 years after Munson's shocking death in a plane crash at age 32, Blomberg opens up to author Dan Epstein about the beloved Yankees captain in an extraordinary memoir that reaches far beyond baseball.? By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, The Captain & Me shares tales of clubhouse hijinks during the infamous Bronx Zoo era, adventures on the road, and even rubbing shoulders with mobsters. Blomberg also offers a fascinating glimpse into baseball history, including the first-ever strike and lockout, the escalation of the Yankees–Red Sox rivalry, and the start of full-scale free agency. This illuminating remembrance of Munson is filled with untold stories about his analytical-yet-hard-nosed approach to baseball, as well as his kindness and generosity off the field.

Hockey 365

Hockey 365
Author: Mike Commito
Publisher: Dundurn
Total Pages: 633
Release: 2018-09-08
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1459741862

A hockey history moment for every day of the year! A few seconds can make a game, even a season, and behind each play is a piece of history. Mike Commito marks every day of the year with a great moment in hockey and shows how today's game is part of an ongoing story that dates back to its origins on frozen ponds. From the National hockey League’s first games in 1917 to Auston Matthews's electrifying four-goal debut for the Maple Leafs in 2016, Hockey 365 has something for everyone and is sure to give you a better appreciation for the sport we all love.

Throwing Rocks at Houses

Throwing Rocks at Houses
Author: Colleen Jones
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 262
Release: 2015-10-27
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0143196138

Curling legend Colleen Jones opens up about her extraordinary career and life Curling is possibly the most beloved sport across Canada, and Colleen Jones has been one of its brightest stars. She was only nineteen years old when she won her first provincial championship, and she became the youngest skip, at age twenty-two, ever to win the Canadian women's curling championship: the Tournament of Hearts. She went on to win it a total of six times, with an unprecedented four in a row in the early 2000s, along with her two world championships. No other women’s team has matched that record. Here, she tells the stories of her remarkable career—from the pure joy of the game to outworking her competition, year after year, always striving to be just a little bit better. But Colleen’s story is about more than a love of curling. As a champion at the pinnacle of her sport, as a popular CBC broadcaster, and as a mother of two, Colleen Jones seemed to have it all. Then a serious illness struck, and threatened ti rob her of all she had worked for. But Colleen, determined as ever, emerged with a renewed love of life and a powerful message about achieving authentic personal fulfillment. Throwing Rocks at Houses is a candid, charming and thoughtful story about rising to the top only to learn how easily it can all be taken away. Whether career, family, or personal health, her amazing journey reveals, more than anything, all that matters most in life.