Of Ice and Men: Steve Yzerman, Chris Chelios, Glen Sather, Dominik Hasek-the Craft of Hockey

Bob Forsey is the education officer at the Newfoundland Museum in St.
John’s.

Of Ice and Men seeks to “demonstrate what makes the best in hockey the
best” by examining the NHL careers of Detroit Red Wings’ forward
Steve Yzerman and defenceman Chris Chelios, Buffalo Sabres’ goaltender
Dominik Hasek, and Glen Sather, president and general manager of the
Edmonton Oilers (and former coach). Dowbiggin also analyzes the business
of hockey, describing how the bottom-line thinking of the owners has
hampered player development in the minors, particularly in Junior A
hockey.

Yzerman’s intense desire, strong work ethic, and mental toughness
fueled his enduring stardom. Year-round fitness training sessions,
strong hockey fundamentals, and an intimidating playing style have made
Chelios an elite defenceman. Hasek’s agility and fearlessness in the
crease enables him to stop shots with any part of his well-protected
body. Sather’s shrewdness and in-depth knowledge of
player–management relations have served him well in securing top-notch
players for the Oilers. Despite Sather’s success, he warns that free
agency and exploding salaries may result in the league’s poorer teams
becoming farm teams for the richest.

Of Ice and Men is a well-researched and perceptive analysis of the
inner workings of the National Hockey League.