A Breed Apart: An Illustrated History Of Goaltending

A Breed Apart: An Illustrated History of Goaltending

From BooklistProbably no position in team sports is as emotionally and physically challenging as that of hockey goalie. Freelance writer Hunter tracks the history of goaltending from the sport's earliest years when goalies played upright and wore very little padding to the modern era when upright is simply a starting point and the equipment is out of the space age. Most of Hunter's focus is on the modern era, from 1943, when the two-line offside was introduced. The goalie's most feared nemesis--the slapshot--appeared soon after. Although Hunter notes the trends and includes the stats, what really fascinates him--as it will the reader--is the personalities of these most courageous of team players. He profiles the most renowned, such as Jacques Plante, Gump Worsley, and Terry Sawchuck, yet also includes an almost forgotten name, Chuck Rayner, a goaltending genius in the immediate post^-World War II years who played for mediocre teams. Hunter also traces the evolution of the position from the point of view of its innovators, such as Plante and Glenn Hall, who developed the inverted Y position and also began to move away from the crease to eliminate shooting angles. Profusely illustrated and including dozens of diagrams, this superb account is sure to be the most popular hockey book in years. Wes LukowskyRecounts the evolution of the goalie's role, profiles leading goalies, and discusses goalies in international games and the development of the goalie's maskFrom Library JournalImagine for a moment standing on two blades of steel in an area six by four feet, attempting to stop a frozen rubber object traveling at speeds of over 100 miles per hour. Anyone who dares this is indeed a breed apart. Hunter's (Open Ice: The Tim Horton Story, Penguin, 1994) current publication chronicles the evolution of goaltending, beginning in 1875, when goalies wore no special equipment, to the present day of netminders who look more like knights of old rather than professional athletes. Features worth noting are biographical profiles, chapters on international play, a recounting of the development of the mask, and a number of photographs and charts. Hunter's fascinating study is sure to be enjoyed by hockey enthusiasts of all ages. Recommended for sports collections.?L.R. Little, Penticton P.L., B.C.Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.