Net Worth: Exploding the Myths of Pro Hockey

by David Cruise, Alison Griffiths

Net Worth details for the first time much of what has only been talked about in the past....

Chronicles the fates and fortunes of everyone who is anyone within the history of the NHL, from Jim Norris to Clarence Campbell to Alan Eagleson to Gordie Howe to Bobby Orr to John Ziegler to Eric Lindros.

Perhaps this is the most significant hockey book ever written.

Genres: Hockey, Sports, Nonfiction, History

Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Mark Zodda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding and interesting. I'm a hockey fan so this book, which covers how hockey (primarily the NHL) went from its earliest days and original six franchises to the tumultuous early 90s was right on point in one of my areas of interest. This book primarily focuses on labor relations and the systematic exploitation of the NHL Players Association (NHLPA) by the owners and the NHLPA's first executive director, Alan Eagleson (who after the book was published, was convicted of fraud and embezzlement and briefly imprisoned, after it was revealed that he had abused his position for many years by defrauding his clients and skimming money from tournaments). I just wish I knew of another book as good as this one to cover how hockey came to where it is now in 2016. If you're a hockey fan with an interest in how the game grew in its early years, this is the book for you.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really strong look at the business side of the NHL, and even more impressive considering it was published in 1991. Cruise and Griffiths go back to the 1930s and the role Jim Norris and his family had in how the NHL was run, and shows that the league's owners have been their own worst enemies in growing the sport. They also spend a good amount of the book showing the issues of Alan Eagleson, and to do so at a time when he was still seen as infallible is notable. Many of the issues mentioned in the book have not been solved in the decades since it was published, namely the quest for a national television deal in the US, and for anyone looking at why the NHL is in the state it is should read this for a background.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book about the development of the NHL and how it became the most poorly managed of the four major leagues in North America. Great insight into what a bunch of jerks the founders of the league were. Perhaps a little too much Alan Eagleson for me, but a great read for any die-hard fan of hockey history.

[Mylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book, much better than the poor title and 90s cover would suggest. Solid read on relationships between pro hockey players (primarily NHL) and management/agents, as well as the history of the NHLPA. It's a bit dated, but interesting to see how things looked in 1991 as Alan Eagleson's downfall was beginning.

[Chris Huctwith · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well written. Just a great read and look behind the curtain of pro hockey.

[columbialion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye opening history of owner/player exploitation in the National Hockey League

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

The deep and dirty historical background of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Prepare to be shocked.

Well worth the read if a true Hockey fan.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific read given the current context of the NHL lockout. Fascinating exploration of the major characters in the business side of the NHL through the years.