The Patricks: Hockey's Royal Family

by Eric Whitehead

The Patrick family is the greatest dynasty in Canada's national game, innovators who introduced the blue line, player numbers and the modern playoff system.

The dynasty began in British Columbia where Joe Patrick made a fortune in lumber, gambling it all by starting up a spunky west coast professional hockey league with his sons Lester and Frank--in 1911! After selling the league to the NHL in 1926, Lester went on to become the first coach of the New York Rangers. His sons, Lynn and Muzz, were New York stars before becoming coaches themselves. In 1980, the Patrick dynasty continued as ex-NHL player Craig (son of Lynn) was appointed Rangers coach.

Tracing the development of an influential hockey dynasty in great detail, The Hockey's Royal Family offers a lively, colourful account of the game's exciting history.

Genres: Hockey, Sports

280 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lester and Frank Patrick were hockey pioneers from the early 20th century who developed a number of the innovations and rules that we see in hockey today. Lester's sons and grandson have also been active in hockey as players and managers, hence the title of hockey's royal family. The book is an interesting blend of family history and hockey history, covering many different aspects of the Patrick family's impact on hockey. Written in the mid-80s, it does not cover the fact that Craig Patrick, Lester's grandson, went on to become a Stanley Cup winning general manager in his own right. A very interesting and readable look at hockey history through the lens of one significant family.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive look at the Patrick family, starting with Joe Patrick and ending with the Miracle on Ice (where Craig Patrick served as assistant coach). Whitehead of course focuses on Frank and Lester, but Lynn and Muzz get a fair look as well, and it gives the whole family a detailed look at their impact on hockey. It does the family the justice they deserve, and is something anyone interested in the history of the game should read.

[Tim K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read on the Patrick family from establishing and developing early hockey rules (I.e., blue line), west coast hockey, NY Rangers, Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues, and Miracle on Ice involvement. I love reading about late 1800 to early 1900 Canada and the evolution of the sport. A great Hockey book and would recommend the other book written by this author, Cyclone Taylor.