Gardens of Shame: How One Man Broke the Silence of Child Sexual Abuse

Susan Thomas is a middle-school guidance counselor, teacher, and social
worker in Milton, Ontario.

Martin Kruze loved hockey, and like most young boys living in Toronto in
the 1960s, he idolized the Toronto Maple Leafs. Maple Leaf Gardens
offered a doorway to every young boy who ever dreamed of meeting his
favourite NHL player, grabbing a puck that flew over the glass, or
receiving an autographed stick from Dave Keon or Carl Brewer.
Unfortunately for Martin Kruze, he met George Hannah and Gordon
Stuckless, who were in positions that enabled them to lure young,
“star-crazed” boys to the dark corners of Maple Leaf Gardens.

Gardens of Shame offers an intensely personal insight into the sinister
methods utilized by child molesters and the tragedy that befalls many of
their victims. Martin was but one of many boys who were systematically
sexually abused in the Gardens. Yet his story, which includes his tragic
response to his internal pain and anguish, stands out among the many
publications that examine the sexual abuse of boys.

Cathy Vine is a registered social worker who knew and supported Martin
Kruze in his struggle to come to grips with his pain. The close bond she
formed with Martin no doubt helped her to produce this extremely moving
and highly recommended account.