Real Stories from the Rink

Brian McFarlane, one of hockey’s best known and most respected historians, has gathered stories from the very first organized game of hockey, to the Olympic gold-medal face-off between Canada and the US at the 2002 Olympics. Whether through a story of courage – such as Mario Lemieux’s comeback from cancer – or through a story of the ridiculous – such as the notorious flying hot dog – Real Stories from the Rink presents tales about men’s and women’s hockey that cover players of every position, as well as coaches. It also includes the kind of statistics and records that are dear to every hockey fan.

Nominated in the nonfiction category for the 2004/2005 Red Cedar Book Awards (British Columbia's Young Reader's Choice book award)


Brian McFarlane, one of hockey’s best known and most respected historians, has gathered stories from the very first organized game of hockey, to the Olympic gold-medal face-off between Canada and the US at the 2002 Olympics. Whether through a story of courage – such as Mario Lemieux’s comeback from cancer – or through a story of the ridiculous – such as the notorious flying hot dog – Real Stories from the Rink presents tales about men’s and women’s hockey that cover players of every position, as well as coaches. It also includes the kind of statistics and records that are dear to every hockey fan.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-A compendium of hockey stories written by a historian and former All American. In a casual, conversational style, McFarlane covers events ranging in dates from the first game in 1875 to the Olympics of 2002. Roughly organized in chapters that feature stars, coaches, forwards as well as defensemen, some of these tales are about poor plays and hilarious gaffes while others are about amazing feats. For example, in 1942, Jackie Hamilton of the Toronto Maple Leafs was hip checked and sent flying into the air. His skate lodged in the wire net behind the goal and he was stuck upside down two feet off the ice. He continued dangling there while the game went on, until finally the referee blew his whistle and Jackie's teammates came to pry him loose. There is a mere mention of women players. McFarlane is guilty of some editorializing, but for the most part the book consists of anecdote after anecdote of memorable plays. The black and white of the pages appears visually boring except for the sprinkling of Nease's well-drawn cartoons. A book for serious fans.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Brian McFarlane spent 27 years thrilling audiences with his colorful commentary from the gondola at Maple Leaf Gardens and the studios of Hockey Night in Canada. A member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Brian McFarlane has written 50 books about hockey, and loves nothing more than to share his passion for the game with fellow enthusiasts.