The Goaltenders' Union: Hockey's Greatest Puckstoppers, Acrobats, and Flakes

Oliver and Kamchen (Don't Call Me Goon) examine the brotherhood that exists amongst goaltenders and the support they give one another both during their careers and beyond. Looking at the careers of more than 60 goalies from Georges Vezina (1910-1925) and George Hainsworth in the %E2%80%9830s to current goaltenders Martin Brodeur and Jonathan Quick, the book illustrates how the game has changed over more than 100 years, focusing on the struggles and challenges of goaltending in professional hockey. The authors provide accounts of the eccentric behavior of Gilles Gratton's eccentricities, Clint Malarchuk's terrible injury and Pelle Lindbergh's death but also provide hilarious accounts throughout, such the Fred Brophy goal in 1905 when he and Paddy Moran were the only skaters left on the ice while other players were serving penalties. The authors provide an entertaining account of goaltender personalities, the mental toughness required, and valuable insight into the careers of the best before, during and after their stints in the National Hockey League. Along the way, readers will learn about the in%EF%AC%82uence television had on the introduction of the two-goalie system and many other interesting facts. (Sept.)