The Handy Hockey Answer Book

Hockey's history, its origins, rules, players, and more! Stick handlers without helmets rushing goaltenders without masks on rinks lacking sideboards gives way to a faster game with bigger players and overtime shootouts. The National Hockey League goes from a Canadian and regional sport to one that is watched by more fans throughout North America than ever. Hockey may have changed, but its essence and appeal remain. Stan Fischler, a hockey journalist since 1954 and a Lester Patrick Award-winner "for contributions to hockey in the United States," covers the sport’s history, statistics, players, rules, and more in The Handy Hockey Answer Book. He traces hockey's early spread, Lord Stanley's involvement, and the cup's birth. Then, he explains the rules, equipment, strategies, and positioning, before following the ups and downs of the National Hockey League, its teams, and its players. From the traditions, all-time cup- and award-winners and record-breakers to the modern game, The Handy Hockey Answer Book answers more than 800 questions on the game, greats, goals, and growing popularity of hockey, including … Where does hockey come from? What was the Stanley Cup first called? When was six-man hockey invented and who was its creator? What is a “Zamboni” and after whom was it named? What was the Gretzky Rule? How did the hockey puck develop its present shape? Why is the term “Original Six” a misnomer? Which team was the first to come back from being down 3-0 in a series. Who was the first European player to lead the league in scoring? What NHL team won and lost the Stanley Cup on the same day? Starting with a Middle Ages game resembling ice golf to the NHL's Original Six to the modern high school, college, and professional games, this is a clear, concise, and illuminating primer to the game of hockey! A glossary of terms and a bibliography for further reading round out this helpful primer on the sport.