Firewagon Hockey: The Game in the Eighties

Theresa Paltzat is the Smart Search librarian at the Edmonton Public
Library.

Mike Leonetti continues to share his knowledge and love of hockey in
this nostalgic look at the glory days of Wayne Gretzky and the NHL in
the 1980s. After the introduction, which describes hockey in the 1980s
as “a mix of speed, youth, goals, goals and more goals,” and a quick
look at the incredible number of records set during that period, each
season is given its own chapter, starting with 1980–81 and ending with
1989–90. Leonetti describes each season, including key events
(exciting games, memorable goals, final team standings) and a summary of
the year’s playoffs. He also discusses key trades and off-ice events,
giving the reader context and understanding that goes beyond game
results. There is much enjoyment in the details.

Within the chapters are more than 45 full-page player profiles,
including an action photo of the player and career statistics. Players
profiled include Craig Simpson, Dale Hawerchuk, and Pat LaFontaine. One
full chapter is dedicated to Wayne Gretzky and his incredible
accomplishments in the 1980s.

The book concludes with statistics for each of the seasons, which cover
final team standings, individual scoring leaders, and the NHL award
winners, and it offers enough glossy pictures and details to satisfy any
hockey fan.