Hockey superstars

Jean Béliveau

Jean Béliveau, Jean Beliveau, Chrys Goyens, Allan Turowetz

Few professional athletes have been as loved and respected as Jean Béliveau, captain of the fabled Montreal Canadiens during the team’s glory years in the 1950s and 1960s. His career on ice was followed by an equally successful career in the Canadiens' front office. First published in 1994, this classic biography has been fully updated to reflect the events of the past decade, from his battle with cancer to his frank assessment of the game today, including the consequences of expansion and the fallout from a cancelled season.

Hockey the NHL Way

Sean Rossiter, Paul Carson

This book offers young readers an inside look at the fundamental skills and strategies of professional ice hockey. It breaks down key positions like goaltending and defense, explaining the techniques and tactics used by NHL players. Through clear explanations and likely illustrations, it aims to educate aspiring players and fans on how the game is played at its highest level.

Hayley Wickenheiser

Elizabeth Etue

In this book, simple text and full-color photographs describe the amazing life of Hayley Wickenheiser! Hayley is a Canadian women's ice hockey player who was the first woman to play full-time professional hockey in a position other than goalie. She is also a member of the Canadian women's national ice hockey team, and has won several golds for Canada at the Olympic Games.

The Scandal: Published in the U.S. as Beartown

Fredrik Backman

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove returns with Beartown--an instant New York Times bestseller--about a forgotten town fractured by scandal, and the amateur hockey team that might just change everything. People say Beartown is finished. A tiny community nestled deep in the forest, it is slowly losing ground to the ever encroaching trees. But down by the lake stands an old ice rink, built generations ago by the working men who founded this town. And in that ice rink is the reason people in Beartown believe tomorrow will be better than today. Their junior ice hockey team is about to compete in the national semi-finals, and they actually have a shot at winning. All the dreams of this place now rest on the shoulders of a handful of teenage boys. Being responsible for the hopes of an entire town is a heavy burden, and the semi-final match is the catalyst for a violent act that will leave a young girl traumatized and a town in turmoil. Accusations are made and, like ripples on a pond, they travel through all of Beartown, leaving no resident unaffected. Beartown explores the hopes that bring a small community together, the secrets that tear it apart, and the courage it takes for an individual to go against the grain. In this story of a small forest town, Fredrik Backman has found the entire world. "Like Friday Night Lights, this is about more than youth sports; it's part coming-of-age novel, part study of moral failure, and finally a chronicle of groupthink in which an unlikely hero steps forward to save more than one person from self-destruction" (Kirkus Reviews).

The Top Teams Ever

Daisy Ross

Dalton Ross's "The Top Teams Ever" compiles iconic dynasties and legendary squads across baseball, basketball, football, and hockey, offering young readers an engaging look at the greatest sports teams in history. Through detailed accounts and vibrant descriptions, the book explores the strategies, key players, and defining moments that cemented these teams' places in athletic lore. This collection provides a comprehensive overview for juvenile sports enthusiasts eager to learn about enduring sporting excellence.

The game

Ben Butterworth

Ken Dryden's "The Game" offers an intimate look at the 1970s Montreal Canadiens dynasty from the perspective of their star goaltender. Through Dryden's insightful prose, readers experience the pressures of professional hockey, the dynamics of a legendary team, and the personal journey of a player navigating fame and introspection. The memoir delves into the camaraderie, rivalries, and the sheer dedication required to achieve unparalleled success in the National Hockey League.

A Season of Loss, a Lifetime of Forgiveness

John Manasso

This memoir chronicles the devastating loss of a teenage son in a drunk driving accident and the subsequent, arduous journey of the author, John Manasso, towards forgiveness. Manasso recounts the profound grief and anger he experienced, particularly directed at the hockey player whose reckless driving caused the tragedy. Through years of reflection and personal growth, he grapples with the complexities of blame, justice, and ultimately, the transformative power of choosing forgiveness over enduring bitterness.

Hat tricks count

Matt Napier

This engaging picture book uses the exciting world of hockey to introduce young readers to number concepts and counting. Through dynamic illustrations and a lively narrative, children will learn to identify and count numbers as they follow the action on the ice, from one goalie to ten players. The book cleverly integrates numerical learning with the thrill of the game, making it a fun and accessible way to reinforce early math skills.

Between the lines

Ray Scapinello, Ray Scapinello, Rob Simpson

This biography chronicles the career of Ray Scapinello, a veteran NHL linesman whose journey from humble beginnings to officiating over 1,000 games is detailed. The book offers a unique perspective on the demanding role of a linesman, exploring the challenges and experiences of working within the fast-paced world of professional hockey. Scapinello's reflections provide insight into the dedication and resilience required to navigate the league from a non-player's vantage point.