Now Back to You Dick: Two Lifetimes in Hockey

by Dick Irvin

Best known as the voice of the Montreal Canadiens, Dick Irvin has covered over 1.500 NHL games, both on radio and on TV's "Hockey Night in Canada," in his more than twenty-five years a a sportscaster and hockey announcer. In this first hand account of his colourful, life-long involvement with the world of hockey, Irvin recreates some of the most exciting moments in hockey history for fans of the NHL.

Now Back you Dick is a veritable treasure chest of lore and legends. A star-studded cast includes Rocket Richard, Guy Lafleur, Scotty Bowman, Bobby Orr, Jacques Plante, Ken Dryden, Gordie Howe, Wayne Gretzky, and Bobby Hull on the ice, and a host of celebrities at ringside: Don Cherry, Danny Gallivant, Brian MacFarlane, and dozens of others. Here too are play by plays of some of hockey's most thrilling moments (including Richard's greatest goal, scored after he was knocked out!), and an insider's profile of the great Canadiens. You'll also find 32 pages of photographs culled from the Irvin family's scrapbook.

Genres: Hockey, Nonfiction, Sports, Biography

249 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[bamlinden · Rating 2 out of 5]

In simplest terms....I can listen to Dick Irvin talk all day. His stories and descriptions are fantastic. He comes across as someone who truly is meant to be in this sport - talking about the players, the atmosphere and the era.

On air he comes across as somebody who you could just sit back, relax and listen to. The written word however is a little different.

Maybe it was me expecting something that wasn't there, but his delivery in this book just doesn't quite work. The stories are quick, choppy and all over the place. Flip to a page and you might find 2 or 3 different subjects he focuses on. It's hard to really dive into.

I was also surprised at how much criticism he has towards today's (this was written in the late 80's) game compared to the game he literally grew up in. I definitely get the feeling he yearns for hockey the way it was played in the 50's, 60's and 70's. Sometimes he comes across as a little too critical for my liking. Sure, one can have an opinion but there's not much follow up to his position.

There's a lot in the book about his dad and his coaching days. I was hoping for less of that and more of his broadcasting career. Again, I think that was my expectation (which I probably shouldn't have had).

Overall, not a terrible read, but would have certainly benefitted from a professional book writer as an assist.

[Philip Mizener · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the tales in this account, both of his father's, Dick Irvin Sr., career as well as his own ( both of which my Dad , an avid hockey fan, was very familiar with ! ) There is a conciseness and a joy that resonates about these two satisfying careers in hockey, albeit , from differing angles. There is also a simple humanity - the players, and coaches, while revered for their feats of skill, are human too ( the jokers, the jesters , the scholars ( think Ken Dryden ) the fire-brands , the fighters... ). There are also ample tales of fierce on-ice ( and on-air ) tensions, that are mostly forgotten outside the pressure-cooker of the rink ! A worthwhile read for anyone who loves the game and the history , of hockey. It also brought back some pleasant memories of playing the game ( sometimes in the frosty air of an outdoor rink, or the damp chill of an indoor arena ) , or key games I have watched. Thanks Dad, and Dick, for the memories !

[Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The memoirs of one of Canada's great sports voices.Ranging from his childhood as the son of one of hockey's greatest coaches.Filled with great anecdotes from his 25 plus years in broadcasting.A great read for any Canadian or hockey fan (those two are probably the same thing).