To Hold It High: Four Generations of Hockey's Most Storied Franchise

by Paul Deepan, Danny Geoffrion

To you from failing hands we throw/The torch, be yours to hold it is the inscription from John McCrae's famous poem In Flanders Fields which has adorned the dressing room of the legendary Montreal Canadiens since 1952, inspiring every subsequent generation of player.But this is not just another sports book about the on-ice exploits of famous heroes.To Hold It High is a saga of four generations who played for the same professional sports franchise, a feat not duplicated in any pro sport on the planet. This family story is intertwined with a history of a hockey team, a province, and a country. The history of the team cannot be told without mention of this family. The story of the family cannot be told without mention of the team. Even though so many individual greats have undeniably held and passed the torch before, and will do so again, no family but this one has gone through so much to hold that torch so high, pass it so often, and mark their place in Habitants history for so long.A fast-paced collaboration by best-selling author Paul Deepan and raconteur extraordinaire Danny Geoffrion, To Hold it High traces the hockey lineage of Danny’s grandfather Howie Morenz, his father Boom-Boom Geoffrion, himself, and his son Blake, all of whom played for the Canadiens (Les Habitants, to their legions of adoring fans).From the tragedies of on-ice collisions that ended lives and careers, to the hilarity of locker room rookie initiations, To Hold It High gives the reader a rare and authentic behind the scenes insight into the life of a professional athlete. Any student of the fastest game on Earth will love this book, as will any fan of Les Habitants.To Hold it High is a great read. I got so engaged with the story that I didn't notice how much fascinating hockey history I learned along the way. Occasionally hilarious, sometimes poignant, always entertaining, this is a book that every hockey fan, no matter which NHL team they root for, should devour.~ David Poile, General Manager, Nashville PredatorsTo Hold it High weaves a tapestry of a family, a hockey team, a province, and a country. It's also a fast-paced read salted with all the elements of a great sadness, humor, and courage in the face of adversity. A rare tale for everyone who loves our game.~ Geoff Molson, Owner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Montreal Canadiens

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2021

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I want to be transparent and say that the Geoffrion’s are my family. Danny is my uncle, and I’ve been very close to all of them my whole life. Putting my biases aside, the storytelling, the facts, and the history of this book are 5 stars worthy. And if you’re already a hockey fan, you’ll really appreciate this book; or if you know nothing about the game, you will learn from here and leave with an appreciation of the game and this family! As close as I am to my uncle, aunt, and cousins, I still learned so much that I didn’t know before reading this book. I laughed in parts, and teared up in others. I miss Pappy’s (Boom Boom) visits - his jokes, his stories, and his kindness. I enjoyed reading about him growing up. I had a hard time reading about Blake’s injury because I remember vividly when I got the phone call about it happening. It was such a terrifying accident, and a hard time for our family until we knew he was going to pull through and be okay. I really loved the Christian pieces of this story - because truly God has His hand over all of our lives! I couldn’t be more proud of each of my cousins on all of their past and current accomplishments, and of my Uncle sharing his family’s history with the world by putting this book out there. Hockey fan or not, you should read this book. The Geoffrion’s are such a loving, fun, talented, family, and all who know them love them. I know everyone who reads this book will see that come through in these pages, and gain more respect for those who live a hockey life.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hockey Family History for all sports fans.

This is one book that I couldn't put down. Its a good read, with plenty of action and behind the scenes storytelling. I highly recommend this for people of all ages, even if you don't know hockey! It is a story of hard work and overcoming obstacles along the way to accomplishing one's dreams. The authors also sprinkle in many humorous anecdotes along the way.

[Mindy Carlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

To hold it high!!

This was such a page turning book that I would find myself at 2\3 in the morning still.reading! What an inspiring family and such dedication to hockey's history. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

[Allison Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for hockey fans. A must read for historians. Excellent storytelling of important stories to tell. A great, easy read for those interested in understanding the game as well as Canadian culture. I’d love to read it again for the first time - reminds you what’s to love about hockey.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

For fans of the Montreal Canadians that know the history of the legends and the families you will enjoy this book. For anyone that enjoys a good story about accomplishing things through hardship you will also like this book!

[Donald Paulsrud · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book, but the author repeats himself numerous times and it kind of jumps all over the place. (I blame the editors more for that than the authors.)

[Mark Does · Rating 5 out of 5]

hockey history and personal stories

I really enjoyed this book. It includes interesting nuggets of hockey history and heartfelt personal stories of the Geoffrion family.