This is a good book by Ken Dryden. ( )

http://jwikert.typepad.com/the_averag... ( )

This is, without a doubt, the greatest hockey book ever written. Former Montreal Canadiens goaltender and current legend Ken Dryden uses this memoir to provide the reader with a window into the old time world of 1970s hockey, the golden age of the Montreal Canadiens, and the history of the game's culture and the game itself. Dryden vividly tells his story in the present tense while weaving hockey's history into accounts of his experiences. "The Game" is definitely a must-read for hockey fans and sports literature enthusiasts.

Ken Dryden's The Game has been hailed as the best hockey book ever written and included in Sports Illustrated's list of the top 100 best sports books of all time. While an interesting and insightful look at NHL hockey, its age may now hamper those accolades.

For those unfamiliar with him, Dryden played goalie for the Montreal Canadiens, a true hockey dynasty. During Dryden's eight seasons with the Canadiens in the 1970s, the team won the Stanley Cup six times. Dryden does not fit the stereotype of a hockey player. He "retired" for one season to finish his law degree. He is currently a member of the Canadian Parliament. As that background would suggest, The Game is both thoughtful and articulate.

The problem lies in its age. Last year, the paperback edition of the 20th anniversary edition of the book was released. With the original book having been published in 1983, timeframes can be confusing. Written in a type of diary format covering one week, Dryden covers so much ground it's often difficult to figure out exactly what year he is talking about. His references to recent Stanley Cup victories, players and games makes it that much more difficult. At the time The Game was initially published, these events would be relatively fresh in the minds of hockey fans. Some 20 years later, though, it is more difficult to keep the times straight.

Balance of review at http://prairieprogressive.com/?p=738