Sawchuk: The Troubles and Triumphs of the World's Greatest Goalie

Al Stray is manager of the Port Credit Public Library.

Sawchuk is one fan’s tribute to his hockey hero. Terry Sawchuk died 30
years ago under what some considered mysterious circumstances involving
teammate Ron Stewart. This, the first authorized biography of
Winnipeg’s favorite hockey player, is a warts-and-all portrait.

Sawchuk’s early childhood was traumatic. He lost two older brothers
at an early age. During the Depression years, his father worked while
his mother raised a large family and took in laundry. A gifted athlete
from the outset, Sawchuk hung out with older players and began drinking,
a habit that intensified as his career progressed.

Recruited by the Detroit Red Wings, Sawchuk challenged for an NHL
position in the early 1950s. Jack Adams eventually recognized that his
star player had problems: drinking, womanizing, and a hot temper. When
Sawchuk balked at the general manager’s suggestion that he see a
doctor, the Red Wings decided to trade him to Chicago. Sawchuk’s
drinking and abusive behavior toward his wife and young family
increased. By the start of the 1969–70 season, Pat Sawchuk had had
enough and filed for divorce.

Dupuis captures what it was like for Sawchuk’s children; they were
both in awe and afraid of him. His wife tried to act as a buffer and
suffered for it, emotionally if not physically. Her reason for letting
this story be told is simple: hide the problem and it stays; bring it
out into the light and maybe something good can happen for all involved.
This revealing biography includes 12 pages of photographs and an index
that reads like a who’s who of professional hockey.