Ice hockey Books

Book SynopsisEven before the Edmonton Oilers selected him as the first overall draft pick in 2015, it was clear that Connor McDavid was primed to become hockey’s next sensation. His electrifying speed, vision, and overall dominance invited comparisons to the generational talents of Sidney Crosby and Wayne Gretzky, and it’s no wonder McDavid was quickly named the youngest captain in NHL history after just his rookie season. Now, the young phenom is ready to bring the glory years back to Oil Country. Providing a rare glimpse into McDavid’s life and featuring dozens of full-color photos, Connor McDavid: Hockey’s Next Great One is a must-have for Oilers fans and anyone who has marveled at No. 97’s unparalleled play.

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Book SynopsisIn December 1979, a Detroit tradition began when the Red Wings took the ice for the first time at their new riverfront home, Joe Louis Arena. Named after former heavyweight champion boxer Joe Louis, the stadium that became affectionately known as “The Joe” saw the renaissance of the Red Wings franchise, including four Stanley Cup championship seasons and a 25-year run of advancing to the playoffs. The Joe: Memories from the Heart of Hockeytown takes a look back at the storied history of Joe Louis Arena in this, its final year. The arena has witnessed many stories, recounted with admiration in The Joe. Red Wings greats from Gordie Howe to Steve Yzerman to Nicklas Lidstrom skated on The Joe’s storied ice, and time-honored rivalries, such as those between the Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche, were played out in dramatic fashion. The stadium has spawned such personalities as Al the Zamboni driver, who twirls octopuses overhead, the Knitting Lady, the Guy in the Orange Hat, and Mo Cheese. The Joe also hosted a number of unforgettable non-hockey events, from Ronald Reagan’s nomination at the 1980 Republican convention, to the start of Prince’s Purple Rain tour in 1984, to N.W.A.’s controversial concert in 1989, to Bob Seger joining Kid Rock on stage during Super Bowl week in 2006. The Joe offers a comprehensive tribute in words and pictures to hockey’s last old-time arena. Learn about the history of the Red Wings and The Joe and the unforgettable games played there, as well as a number of key events in Detroit’s history. For anyone who has cheered on the Red Wings over the past three-plus decades, this book is not to be missed.

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Book SynopsisFeaturing traditions, records, and lore, this lively, detailed book explores the personalities, events, and facts every Minnesota Wild fan should know. Whether you greeted the team at its inception or whether you're a more recent supporter of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, these are the 100 things every fan needs to know and do in their lifetime. Team reporter Dan Myers has collected every essential piece of Wild knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist as you progress on your way to fan superstardom.

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Book SynopsisThe Boston Bruins are one of the most successful and historic teams in the NHL, with six Stanley Cup championships and counting. Author Dale Arnold, as a longtime broadcaster for the team, has gotten to witness more than his fair share of that history up close and personal. Through singular anecdotes only Arnold can tell as well as conversations with current and past players, this book provides fans with a one-of-a-kind, insider's look into the great moments, the lowlights, and everything in between. Bruins fans will not want to miss this book.

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Book SynopsisThe Vegas Golden Knights' astonishing run to the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season captured the attention of hockey fans everywhere in 2018. Powered by breakout performances from William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault, veteran leadership from Deryk Engelland and the cornerstone presence of goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, Gerard Gallant's team wasted no time putting down roots in the Nevada desert. In their rise from band of misfits to title contenders, the Golden Knights galvanized a new fan base, united a grieving community, and rewrote history to their liking. Packed with insight, analysis and vivid full-color photography from the Las Vegas Sun, this commemorative keepsake takes fans on a journey for the ages, from the expansion draft to the Pacific Division title and beyond, capturing the Golden Knights' memorable series wins over the Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Winnipeg Jets and more.

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Book SynopsisThe Big 50: New York Rangers is a lively, comprehensive look at the 50 men and moments that made the Rangers the Rangers. Experienced sportswriter Steve Zipay recounts the living history of the team, counting down from No. 50 to No. 1. This collection brilliantly brings to life the team's remarkable story, from its Original Six roots to stars like Mark Messier and Henrik Lundqvist, to the team's unforgettable 1994 Stanley Cup win.

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Book SynopsisThe Big 50: Philadelphia Flyers is a lively, comprehensive look at the 50 men and moments that made the Flyers the Flyers. Experienced sportswriters Sam Carchidi and Wayne Fish recount the living history of the franchise, counting down from No. 50 to No. 1. This collection brilliantly brings to life the team's remarkable story, from its growing pains as an expansion team to the Broadstreet Bullies era, to more recent stars like captain Claude Giroux.

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Book SynopsisEddie 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.”Trade Review"Olczyk, with Toronto Sun journalist Lefko, presents a gripping account of his remarkable life, from his selection for the 1984 U.S. Olympic Hockey team through his remarkable battle with colon cancer. Olczyk, now a sportscaster for NHL and NBC, takes readers through his life and career with insights from coaches, teammates, and family members (after being traded to the Winnipeg Jets in 1999, his mother said in frustration, "You're just a piece of meat"). Without being self-aggrandizing or boastful, Olcyzk draws readers through the ins and outs of professional sports, from the anxiety of trades to the complexities of victory: in recounting his journey of the 1994 Stanley Cup champion New York Rangers, he notes that he was able to celebrate "a dream that every player has from the time they begin to play the game" while combatting a personal decline that "tested my resolve." While Olczyk discusses the joys of his post-playing career nimbly, it's his unflinching account of his battle with cancer that truly stands out (in the afterword, his children tell their stories about living with their father through these hard times). Though an obvious must-read for hockey fans, this inspired account of a man battling cancer will appeal to a wider audience, as well." Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisA record-setting Finnish best-seller, now available for the first time in English! Teemu Selanne is unquestionably hockey royalty, having won countless accolades—including a Stanley Cup championship and four Olympic medals—during his storied career. This deep dive into the life of a unique superstar, top athlete, and family man shows that such success and longevity have not come without complex hurdles. How did a youngster from Helsinki mature into a world-class player, one of the best of all time? What kind of personal obstacles has Selanne encountered, and how did he manage the immense pressure of representing his country and striving for his sport's top prizes? Featuring never-before-told stories from Selanne's NHL years with the with the Winnipeg Jets, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, and Colorado Avalanche, as well as rare color photos from his personal collection, this authorized biography is an essential read for all hockey fans.

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Book SynopsisLongtime radio analyst Jay Zawaski explores the living history of the team, counting down from number fifty to number one. This dynamic and comprehensive book brings to life the iconic franchise’s remarkable story, including greats like Toews, Kane, Mikita, Chelios and more.

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Book SynopsisLongtime sportswriter Helene St. James explores the living history of the team, counting down from number fifty to number one. This dynamic and comprehensive book brings to life the iconic franchise’s remarkable story, including greats like Howe, Yzerman, Lidstrom, Datsyuk, and more.

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Book SynopsisMost Blues fans have taken in a game or two at the Scottrade Center, have seen highlights of a young Brett Hull, and are aware that the team is named after the famous W. C. Handy song "Saint Louis Blues." But only real fans know who scored the first goal in franchise history, can name all of the Blues players whose numbers are retired, or can tell you the best place to grab a bite in St. Louis before the game. 100 Things Blues Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the definitive resource guide for both seasoned and new fans of the St. Louis Blues.

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Book SynopsisDarryl Belfry is hockey's premier development coach, with clients including Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane, John Tavares, and Auston Matthews. But his highly sought-after training methods aren't only for elite NHL stars; Belfry's unique approach has helped players of all levels uncover new pathways to performance excellence. Belfry Hockey details this powerful curriculum, developed over years of studying relentlessly to identify strategic advantages others were missing. It's a system that emphasizes discovering authentic identity, pinpointing translatable skill, building a personal performance matrix, and more. Belfry also expounds on topics including his "leading from behind" technique and how to create time and space through stick handling, skating, and body position.Trade Review"I think it's really, really impressive what he's been able to do. It's been a lot of fun to work with him and I'm really thankful he's had a great influence on me in my career." John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs captain"As smart as he is, I think he's always trying to learn, too. I think he's always trying to add things to his philosophy and how he teaches things. I think there's no better way to do that than when you're working with some of the best players in the world." Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs alternate captain"To get a separation from being a good to a very good player or from being a very good player to an elite player, some nights the differences aren't very big. He can help you utilize your skills to the best of your ability. He has a unique talent for that." Lars Eller, Washington Capitals center"Sometimes we don't even have to speak. We just look at each other and we know what we're trying to do. That's over 10 years working together and getting to know someone really well. I really respect him." Hayley Wickenheiser, five-time Team Canada Olympic medalist

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Book SynopsisLightning did strike twice in 2020, as the Tampa Bay Lightning triumphed over the Dallas Stars to seize their second Stanley Cup in franchise history.Lightning Strikes: The Tampa Bay Lightning's Unforgettable Run to the 2020 Stanley Cup takes Bolts fans through the surreal and remarkable 2019-2020 season, in which the perennial contenders finally claimed the ultimate prize. Whether striving to prove their worth following 2019's shocking early playoff elimination, dealing with the long-term injury of captain Steven Stamkos or adapting to new norms amid a global pandemic, Jon Cooper's squad demonstrated clear vision and incredible heart on their path to victory. Through insightful stories from longtime Lightning insider Erik Erlendsson and dynamic photos, relive all the key moments, including the exuberant five-overtime win against the Columbus Blue Jackets, hard-fought playoff series against the Boston Bruins and New York Islanders and finally hoisting the Stanley Cup in the Edmonton bubble after triumphing over the Stars. This commemorative book also features in-depth stories on popular figures like Stamkos, Cooper, Victor Hedman, Brayden Point, and more.

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Book SynopsisWhether you're a die-hard booster from the early days of Conn Smythe or a new supporter of John Tavares and Auston Matthews, these are the 100 things all Maple Leafs fans need to know and do in their lifetime. Authors Michael Leonetti and Paul Patskou have collected every essential piece of Maple Leafs knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and ranked them, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist as you progress on your way to fan superstardom. 100 Things Maple Leafs Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resource guide for true fans.

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Book SynopsisNicklas Lidstrom is nothing short of a Hockeytown deity, and his number 5 hangs high in Detroit as a symbol of leadership, longevity, and unparalleled defensive talent. The beloved Red Wings captain opens up about his life and career for the first time in the English language in this authorized biography which spans the Hall of Famer's entire NHL journey. Nicklas Lidstrom: The Pursuit of Perfection takes fans on a memorable tour which includes Lidstrom's early life in Sweden, his 20 seasons in Detroit and four Stanley Cup championships, and his taste of Olympic gold with the Tre Konor. It also includes insights on more personal matters and unique challenges Lidstrom faced as well as photos from Lidstrom's personal collection.

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Book SynopsisWhen Eddie Olczyk looks at his life, he can't believe how many times he's beaten the odds. At age sixteen, he was selected for the 1984 U.S. Olympic hockey team, and four months after the competition ended he was drafted in the first round by his hometown Chicago Blackhawks. He played alongside Mario Lemieux and Mark Messier and saw his name engraved on the Stanley Cup. He's brought hockey into American homes as one of the most recognizable voices of the sport, and he's even become a respected analyst in the world of horse racing, thanks to his talent as a bettor—Olczyk once won more than $500,000 picking the winners of six consecutive races while wagering only $168. But perhaps there is no greater example of Eddie O. beating the odds than in 2018 when he went into remission eight months after being diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. He will readily admit that this was the greatest victory of his life. This memoir is an honest and emotional account of everything Olczyk has experienced: the sacrifices his parents made so he could pursue a career in the NHL, the joy of playing for the Hawks, the mental and physical stress involved in the life of a professional athlete, the incredible moments he's called from the broadcast booth, and the profound lessons learned while battling cancer.

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Book SynopsisA refreshing memoir of battles and self-belief from one of the NHL's most revered enforcers Shawn Thornton was an unlikely NHL success, to say the least. The Oshawa, Ontario native was picked late in the OHL and later thought he was being pranked when the Toronto Maple Leafs called him to say he'd been selected in the seventh round of the 1997 NHL draft. After years spent working and maturing in the AHL, Thornton would go on to play 14 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, and Florida Panthers, winning two Stanley Cups along the way. For the first time, in this candid memoir, Thornton opens up about his life in hockey and beyond, from his early days as an unrated prospect to the leadership lessons he learned in the minors, from the most difficult on-ice brawls to the ecstasy of reaching the sport's most celestial heights.Fans will not want to miss this story of perseverance and finding one's own path.Trade Review"Shawn epitomized everything there was about being a Bruin: tough, down to earth, and always giving back to the community. It's a pleasure to call him a friend." Ken Casey, Dropkick Murphys

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Book SynopsisFeaturing traditions, records, and lore, this his lively, detailed book explores the personalities, events, and facts every New York Islanders fan should know. Whether you were there for each of the franchise's four Stanley Cups or are just diving in, these are the 100 things every fan needs to know and do in their lifetime. The Athletic's Arthur Staple has collected every essential piece of Isles knowledge, as well as must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100.Covering important dates, behind-the-scenes tales, memorable moments, and outstanding achievements by the likes of Denis Potvin, Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, and Billy Smith, this is the ultimate resource guide for all Islanders faithful.

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Book SynopsisMillions of fans have enjoyed his infectious enthusiasm, insight, and storytelling on regular television broadcasts, through moments of triumph and defeat. Now, in this striking autobiography, the longtime broadcaster takes fans behind the mic as only he can. Emrick's love for hockey is obvious to anyone who's heard him call a game, and it's multi-layered. Tradition. The Stanley Cup chase. Suspense. Passion. Teamwork. History. Handshakes. An endless list. Yet it’s the people he treasures most of all, and Doc has more than his fair share of stories from countless interactions—more than he's even been able to tell during four decades in the broadcast booth. Through both his early life and his unparalleled career, readers will meet the full cast of characters who have made their mark on the man who's voice has defined the hockey experience for so many. Equal parts riveting and hilarious, this memoir gives fans a rare seat alongside Emrick and serves as a profound ode to the sport of hockey.

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Book SynopsisA fascinating and immersive chronicle of hockey's original maskless warriors More than 400 stitches decorated Terry Sawchuk's face during his 16 years as a goaltender in the National Hockey League, the result of high-speed collisions and slapshots that whizzed directly at his skull. All in a day's work for an elite goalie of his era. Before facemasks became standard equipment in the 1960s and '70s, men like Sawchuk, Glenn Hall, and Jacques Plante—the first goalie to ever wear a mask in the NHL—put their bodies on the line in the name of hockey, enduring broken bones, damaged organs, and even psychological turmoil. In this thoroughly researched book, Rob Vanstone illuminates the stories of these intrepid warriors while examining how the goaltender position has changed throughout the decades. As masks evolved from ghoulish-looking creations not out of place in horror films to today's caged helmets with custom artwork, goalies' body positioning and tactics were similarly transformed along with NHL regulations.Told with charm and verve, this is an essential portrait of a uniquely brutal and harrowing chapter in hockey history.

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Book SynopsisThe Colorado Avalanche finally reached the mountaintop in 2022, vanquishing the juggernaut Tampa Bay Lightning to bring home the Stanley Cup. Anchored by long-tenured veterans like Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen, plus newer faces including defensive prodigy Cale Makar and center Nazem Kadri, this powerhouse squad demonstrated clear vision and incredible heart on their path to victory. Carry Me Home chronicles this remarkable season through unmatched writing from The Athletic accompanied by dozens of dynamic photos. Celebrate and relive all the top moments of the playoffs, including sweeps of the Nashville Predators and Edmonton Oilers, a hard-fought series against the St. Louis Blues and finally hoisting the Stanley Cup after triumphing over the Lightning. This commemorative book also features in-depth stories on popular figures like MacKinnon, Makar, Kadri, Artturi Lehkonen and more.

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Book SynopsisThose who have been lured by the sound of skate blades slicing into fresh ice, by the incomparable speed, split-second decisions, and everything-or-nothing attitude of the game know that hockey can seem like its own world. It's all-consuming and exhilarating, boasting its own language and complex morality code. Yet in another light, that tight community can turn insular; the values of teamwork and humility can manifest as collective silence in the face of abuse and discrimination, issues which have been brought to the forefront of the sport as many share their stories for the first time. In Game Misconduct, reporters Evan Moore and Jashvina Shah reveal hockey's toxic undercurrent which has permeated the sport throughout the junior, college, and professional levels. They address the topic with a level of passion that comes from being rabid hockey fans themselves, and from experiencing its exclusivity first-hand. With a sensitive yet incisive approach, this necessary book lays bare the issues of racism, homophobia, xenophobia, bullying, sexism, and violence on and off the ice. Readers will learn about notable players and activists fighting for transformation as well as those beyond the spotlight who are nonetheless deeply affected by hockey's culture of inaction. Both a reckoning and a roadmap, Game Misconduct is an essential read for modern hockey fans, showing the truth of the sport's past and present while offering the tools to fight for a better future.

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Book SynopsisAttention Big Apple hockey heads: Want to know where to join a league, play a pick-up game, or get your blades sharpened? Where to grab some grub before heading to the rink or where to find a post-skate brew? In The Hockey Addict’s Guide New York City, Brooklyn-based beer leaguer Evan Gubernick highlights NYC’s best hockey hubs, along with the go-to spots nearby. The local hockey community chimes in, from rink rats to pros, and takes readers beyond Madison Square Garden to discover the best sports memorabilia, pro shops, sneaker boutiques, and more. Whether you’re a New Yorker or a tourist, this is a top-shelf guide to the five boroughs—on the ice and off.

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Book SynopsisAttention hockey heads: Want to know where to join a league, play a pick-up game, or get your blades sharpened? Where to grab some grub before heading to the rink or where to find a post-skate brew? In Hockey Addict’s Guide Los Angeles, beer-leaguer Evan Gubernick highlights the city’s best hockey hubs, along with the go-to spots nearby. The local hockey community chimes in, from rink rats to pros, and takes readers beyond the stadiums to discover the best sports memorabilia, pro shops, sneaker boutiques, and more. For Angelenos and tourists, this is a top-shelf guide to all things hockey—on the ice and off.

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Book SynopsisAttention hockey heads: Want to know where to join a league, play a pick-up game, or get your blades sharpened? Where to grab some grub before heading to the rink or where to find a post-skate brew? In Hockey Addict’s Guide Toronto, beer-leaguer Evan Gubernick highlights the city’s best hockey hubs, along with the go-to spots nearby. The local hockey community chimes in, from rink rats to pros, and takes readers beyond the stadiums to discover the best sports memorabilia, pro shops, sneaker boutiques, and more. For Torontonians and tourists, this is a top-shelf guide to all things hockey—on the ice and off.

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Book SynopsisWhen 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. All they had to do then was make history by drafting them, then figure out how to get them out. That’s when the Wings turned to Keith Gave, the newsman whose clandestine mission to Helsinki, Finland, was the first phase of a of a years-long series of secret meetings from posh hotel rooms to remote forests around Europe to orchestrate their unlawful departures from the Soviet Union. One defection created an international incident and made global headlines. Another player faked cancer, thanks to the Wings’ extravagant bribes to Russian doctors, including a big American car. Another player who wasn’t quite ready to leave yet felt like he was being kidnapped by an unscrupulous agent. Two others were outcast when they stood up publicly against the Soviet regime, winning their freedom to play in the NHL only after years of struggle. They are the Russian Five: Sergei Fedorov, Viacheslav Fetisov, Vladimir Konstantinov, Vyacheslav Kozlov and Igor Larionov. Their individual stories read like pulse-pounding spy novels. The story that unfolded after they were brought together in Detroit by the masterful coach Scotty Bowman is unforgettable. This story includes details never before revealed, and by the man who was there every step of the way – from the day Detroit drafted its first two Soviets in 1989 until they raised the Stanley Cup in 1997, then took it to Moscow for a victory lap around Red Square and the Kremlin. The Russian Five did more to bridge Russian and American relations than decades of diplomacy and dÉtente between the White House and the Kremlin. This is their story.

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Book SynopsisPicking up where the international best-selling book The Russian Five left off, Vlad the Impaler will have readers alternately laughing—and in tears—with dozens more memorable, untold stories and anecdotes from the Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup championship season in 1997, 25 years ago. The book includes a foreword by Hall of Fame defenseman Slava Fetisov, along with lengthy excerpts from interviews of several members of that team, from captain Steve Yzerman, teammates Brendan Shanahan, Nicklas Lidstrom, Sergei Fedorov, Igor Larionov, Slava Kozlov, and coach Scotty Bowman, among many others. A portion of the proceeds from the book will be earmarked for the Vladimir Konstantinov Special Needs Trust to help ensure the care he needs after suffering catastrophic injuries just a week after he helped the Wings win their first Stanley Cup title in 42 years. #Believe

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