The Hockey Book of Why (and Who, What, When, Where, and How): The Answers to Questions You've Always Wondered about the Fastest Game on Ice

by Martin "Marty" Gitlin

Why is fighting more accepted in hockey than in other sports? Who inspired the name of the Stanley Cup? How do players on the bench know when to make line changes? When did goalies begin wearing masks? What teams made up the NHL’s Original Six? What is an “odd man rush”? This book provides a slew of questions and in-depth answers concerning the traditions, rules, records, and history of hockey. From the early days of the sport to the hugely popular game seen today, Martin Gitlin answers questions even the most knowledgeable fan may have pondered. Whether the topic is goalies or coaches, famous “firsts”, or memorable moments, if a who, what, when, where, why, or how? question is on your mind, this is the book for you.

Genres: Sports

178 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2023

About the author

MARTIN (MARTY) GITLIN is a freelance book writer and journalist based in Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to Diana, Princess of Wales (Greenwood 2008), he has written several history books for students, including works on the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, Battle of The Little Bighorn, and Stock Market Crash of 1929. He has also written biographies of NASCAR drivers Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon.

Gitlin worked for two decades as a sportswriter, during which time he won more than 45 awards, including first place for general excellence from Associated Press. That organization also selected him as one of the top four feature writers in Ohio.

Reviews

[Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best way to describe this book is that while it is not the most comprehensive book on hockey, it covers a little of everything about the sport and as a result, the title is an aptly named one for the sport loved by millions. Author Martin Gitlin takes many different questions that can be posed about the sport, from basic to complex, on many different topics and he has put together an fairly light and breezy read on hockey.

Historical questions include how the sport started, which teams have won the most Stanley Cups and what is the history of the rubber puck. There are questions about teams and their history and records. One good example is the short chapter on why fans of the Detroit Red Wings throw an octopus on the ice during the playoffs. If it is statistical greatness, there are many chapters on the best goal scorers and goaltenders in the NHL.

Speaking of goaltenders, one of the better historical chapters is on the history of facemasks in the NHL. That, combined with a good write-up on who are considered to be the best goaltenders in the history of the game makes the goalie one of the more popular positions in the book. But if you prefer defensemen or high-scoring forwards, no worries, they get their own coverage as well. No matter one’s level of hockey knowledge or interest in the game, a reader is sure to find something that they will enjoy in this book.

I wish to thank Lyons Press for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Katherine Bode · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ended up being more about the history of hockey vs actual game play but still held my interest. Loved the inclusion of chapters on women's hockey and (the few) diverse NHL players. Now I need to find a hockey themed trivia night...

[Elley Murray]

Abandoned @ 24%

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting facts book.