Hockey's Original 6: Great Players of the Golden Era

by Mike Leonetti, Jean Béliveau (Foreword), Charles Barkley (Photographer)

The hockey stars of the 1950s and '60s—Rocket Richard, Gordie Howe, Dave Keon, Bobby Hull, Jean Beliveau, Terry Sawchuk, Tim Horton, and others—were some of the most passionate players in National Hockey League history. These skillful and often colorful athletes played exhilarating hockey and were national heroes in a time when only six teams and fewer than 150 players battled for the Stanley Cup.

Hockey's Original Six celebrates the most dynamic players and exciting moments of the era in more than 120 photographs from the legendary Harold Barkley Archives, including a number of never—or rarely seen—images. From 1942 until the early '70s, Barkley was the Toronto Star's leading sports photographer. He pioneered the use of electronic flash to capture stop-action hockey, and his dramatic work—both black and white and vibrant color—define the pre-expansion period.

Two informative essays by Mike Leonetti-hockey historian, archivist, and prolific sportswriter—set Barkley and the photos in context, and short image captions illuminate the players and their feats. Jean Béliveau—hockey legend and elder statesman—provides a personal and insightful foreword. Combining iconic images and hockey lore, Hockey's Original Six is the perfect gift for sports fans, history buffs, and art collectors.

Genres: Hockey, Sports

144 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1993

Reviews

[Clémence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Docked 2 points for the introduction that showed quite a bit of contempt for today's nhl players. Call the original 6 the golden age of hockey all you like (because it was, i dont disagree) but implying that today's players are somehow less skilled and less grateful to join the NHL than they were 70 years ago is just ridiculous.

Also the NHL did not bring hockey to europe and russia.

Rest of the book is good, hard to go wrong with pictures

[Rich Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically it’s a picture book.

If you’re looking for a good read on ice Hockey’s original 6, this ain’t it. Lots of excellent photos though!

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn't give up this beautiful photo book for anything. From the 1960s, the glory age of hockey, Harold Barkley's photos of game action absolutely pop from the pages. Without the overloaded lights of today Barkley captured players in action, most of all their facial expressions. In an era where hardly anyone wore a helmet and many goalies went without masks, one could actually see what players looked like.

[SA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seriously cannot believe what some of these players did with their bodies. The photos are incredible. A wonderful nostalgic trip through the Original Six.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! Perfect for hockey lovers of all ages.