Total Hockey: The Official Encyclopedia of the National Hockey League

Total Hockey: The Official Encyclopedia of the National Hockey League provides a comprehensive look of anything related to the National Hockey league and the sport in general. The 1998 edition clocks in at almost 1900 pages, so don't try to digest it all in one sitting. Instead, look at it like one would look at it a normal encyclopedia. If you're interested in the history of your favorite team, look at them in the "NHL Franchise Histories" section (pages 160-260). If you'd like to know Wayne Gretzky's career points total, take a gander at the "Statistics and Biographical Registers" section (pages 824-1600).

Even if you don't know anything about hockey (and are afraid to ask) the encyclopedia starts off with a section about the origins of the game. The best article in this section is titled "The Stanley Cup Mystique". Written by Milt Dunnell, the article compares the prize won by the NHL champs to other trophies. Actually, Dunnell opines that none of them do compare. (Page 46) The Cup has survived during some of the league's leanest years and debates which team was the greatest to ever hoist the exalted chalice.

The next section discusses the history of the league itself, including the 25 years of the "Original Six" (pages 59-61, Douglas Hunter), the expansion (pages 61-65, Jeff Klein and Karl-Eric Reif) and the impact Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux had on the league (pages 65-68, Gary Mason). Additionally, the section discusses dynasties (pages 90-95, Shirley FIschler) and who has won various trophies over the years. My favorite article in this section concerned Terry Sawchuk, the great Detroit Red Wings goalie who was as troubled off the ice as he was successful on it (pages 107-110, Brian Kendall).

Each team's history (including those who no longer exist) is discussed by a variety of seasoned reporters. The California/Oakland Seals/Cleveland Barons are picked apart by Stan Fischler. This team is the last one to actually fold of the four major professional leagues. They barely made the playoffs when they did make it and the players were eventually shifted to the Minnesota North Stars, where they fared no better than they had in Cleveland. (pages 172-174).

The best section doesn't have any quality writing but is chock full of statistics, which was the most enjoyable part of the encyclopedia. Each player has a list of nicknames, their complete statistical profile (including minor league stats) as well as trades and awards. One of the best nicknames is "Pengy" for Curt Giles. Since I have no idea what "Pengy" means, this nickname rules. (Page 1050).

Overall, this is an excellent resource for any hockey fan, from novice to die-hard.

Source

Total Hockey: The Official Encyclopedia of the National Hockey League