The only complete biographical dictionary of every player who -- from the beginning of the NHL in 1917 to the end of the 2003 season -- has played in the NHL, from the game's superstars to its one-game wonders. Players is the authoritative and essential reference guide for everyone interested in the game of hockey -- from journalists to historians, to aficionados and casual fans alike. Moreover, it is an all-encompassing compendium of the personal narratives of the players' lives, both on and off the ice, and an indispensable treasure trove of information, providing unusual anecdotes, little-known trivia, and hundreds of obscure life histories in a manner never before undertaken on this scale. From A to Z, Players is a unique contribution to hockey history, a must-have item for hockey diehards, trivia fans, historians, librarians, and gift book buyers everywhere. - features more than 5,600 biographical entries - includes more than 3,000 images, including rare photographs, hockey memorabilia, and collectors' cards - features up-to-the-minute information on rookies and Hall-of-Famers from the 2002-2003 season