Hockey Superstars, 1995-1996

Dave Jenkinson is a professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba and the author of the “Portraits” section of Emergency Librarian.

Readers familiar with TSN broadcaster Romanuk’s previous two annual
“superstars” volumes will recognize that he has not departed from
his successful format. Like its predecessors, this slim book consists of
16 glossy, full-color mini-posters of National Hockey League superstars.
Arranged alphabetically by surname, the roster includes 10 forwards,
three goalies, and three defencemen. The backs of the action photos
contain a box of “tombstone” data plus two columns of biographical
information and quotations by and about each player. Wrapped around the
posters are two matte-paper “Your Record Keeper” sections that
invite readers to “fill in the blanks” by, for example, recording
their favorite team’s progress throughout the season or by predicting
the four divisional champions and the All-Star team members. Space is
also provided for hockey-playing readers to record their own seasonal
statistics, Stanley Cup playoff data, and the winners of the NHL’s
major individual awards. Also included are a trivia quiz and
illustrations of the hand signals referees use to indicate rule
infractions.

While the book’s consumable nature would suggest personal purchase by
fans in Grades 3 to 7, school and public libraries should not overlook
its magazine-like appeal to reluctant readers. Recommended.