From Behind the Red Line: A North American Hockey Player in Russia

by Tod Hartje, Lawrence Martin

Here is a fascinating story of a young Harvard-educated varsity jockey star, who travels to Russia in the dying days of the Soviet Union to play elite league hockey.

Genres: Hockey, Sports, Nonfiction, Russia, Memoir, History, Biography

242 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1992

Reviews

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books. I am re-reading it. I was excited at the time it came out that it was optioned by someone in Hollywood for a film. Looks like nothing came of that. Also the author played hockey in Providence for several years.

[fire_on_the_mountain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best writing, but honest and incisive. Presents an intimate portrait of playing in the Soviet Union, and he focuses more on the human aspect, with friends and teammates, than strictly on-ice action, which I appreciated immensely.

[Michelle Harcourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting look inside what it was like during that time in hockey.

[Chris Schaffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great tales of life in the Soviet Union in the waning days of communism. Good insight into their hockey and drinking and the quirks of life there.

[Susan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best writing in the world but written from the heart. The story's focus is on Tod Hartje who is sent to the Soviet Union by the USA team that signed him to experience and grow in the sport of hockey. This book is a great narrative about the Soviet hockey players and Soviet people. This book was written in 1996, so before the breakup of the Soviet Union and before Russia invaded Ukraine. Tod Hartje played for the Soviet team located in Kiev, Ukraine. The generosity of spirit from ordinary people comes thru in Tod's narrative, along with many true stereotypes of conditions and leadership in the Soviet Union. His descriptions of Kiev, Ukraine are heartbreaking to read after all the recent destruction of this beautiful city. This is a book about hockey, but the focus is on personal relationships, and it would not be necessary to be a hockey "fanatic" to enjoy and appreciate this book.

[Keith Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is 30+ years old, it is truly a book that can be read today. Tod Harte, a local (Anoka, MN) boy who had just graduated from Harvard, decides to start his professional career playing in the Russian Elite League, where he spends a year living in Kiev.
Not really a “Hockey Book”, it details Tod’s experience living with the Russian people and the Ukrainian people. Given the world that we live in today (2022) with the Russian-Ukrainian War happening - it gives a humanistic view of both peoples. He paints a picture of people who are repressed but who have great empathy for others and a dislike of the political system in the USSR at the time.
A truly good read and gives you a different world view.

[Peter Simons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about the first North American hockey player to play in the Soviet league before the fall of the USSR. Tod Hartje was a player from Minnesota and it was very interesting to see what things were like behind the iron curtain. The team he played for was in Keiv, Ukraine. It was also interesting reading this knowing the future and with Russia attacking Ukraine. This book was written in 1992. Today many westerners play in the Russian pro league the KHL. Tod Hartje was treated like a rock star, people were so interested in him. I wonder if it's the same for people playing there today? Anyway, very interesting book.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing and easy to read but full of good moments that put you in his shoes. I'm glad he went and had a good experience but I really can't believe he and his family decided it was a good idea to go. It something that sounds great for someone else.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific book that describes his experience, but also explores the history of Soviet hockey.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you were ever curious to know what it was like playing professional hockey before the fall of communism, read this. a must-read for ANY hockey fan!