Jim Hynes

The Habs, Les Glorieux, La Sainte Flanelle—the Montreal Canadiens have almost as many nicknames as they do Stanley Cup Championships: twenty-four. In Miracle Moments in Montreal Canadiens History, the first book of a new sports series, Montreal native Jim Hynes details twenty-four memorable moments in the history of hockey’s oldest franchise. Over the course of three periods—the regular season, the playoffs, and off the ice—relive the highest of highs and lowest of lows of the National Hockey League’s signature franchise, from their founding in 1909 for the enjoyment of Montreal’s French Canadian population to their centennial season of 2009, and beyond. Rub shoulders with the legendary players, from “Rocket” Richard and Jean Béliveau to Guy Lafleur and Patrick Roy, and the owners, managers, and coaches who pulled the strings, creating both dynasties and catastrophic failures along the way. From “Phantom” Joe Malone’s five-goal night in the NHL’s founding season of 1917 to Jacques Plante’s debut of the goalie mask in 1959, Captain Saku Koivu’s courageous battle with cancer in 2002, and much more, this book brings it all to life. Now hear the chants, sing the songs, feel the thunderous ovations, then stand and cheer (or mercilessly boo) along with those who came before, transfixed before their TV sets or in the shrines to hockey that are the legendary Montreal Forum and its successor, the raucous Bell Centre. Through the pages of this book, join those still watching, waiting, hoping, and praying for that elusive twenty-fifth Stanley Cup.

The Turning Points, The Memorable Games, The Incredible Records

Miracle Moments in Montreal Canadiens History

Gary Smith

Who was the first goaltender to wear a mask in a game? Who was the last to go without one? When did goalies start painting their masks? These are just a few of the questions that are answered in this definitive book on goalie masks. Saving Face looks at the development of the mask from its earliest days as a rudimentary face-saving device to its current high-tech design, bullet-proof construction, and cutting-edge artwork. The book offers a visual journey, too. More than 150 historic and modern photos, including thirty-plus full-page shots of some of the most famous masks ever created, support a text that weaves the tale of the mask’s development. Based on extensive archival research and exclusive interviews, Saving Face tells the story of the goalies behind the mask and their fight for the right to wear one. It also looks at the talented mask makers, artisans, and artists behind hockey’s modern masterpieces. This updated edition includes masks worn by some of the most exciting stars in the game today. While goaltenders the world over owe a debt of thanks to those who created, developed, championed, and continuously improved the mask, hockey fans everywhere are thankful, too. For the mask today has gone far beyond its original function—saving face—to become the most intriguing piece of equipment in sports. Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Sports Publishing imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in sports—books about baseball, pro football, college football, pro and college basketball, hockey, or soccer, we have a book about your sport or your team. Whether you are a New York Yankees fan or hail from Red Sox nation; whether you are a die-hard Green Bay Packers or Dallas Cowboys fan; whether you root for the Kentucky Wildcats, Louisville Cardinals, UCLA Bruins, or Kansas Jayhawks; whether you route for the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, or Los Angeles Kings; we have a book for you. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

The Art and History of the Goalie Mask

Saving Face

Jim McRae

I've always had an appreciation for the history of hockey, especially anything to do with goalies and goaltending. Now someone has finally come out with a book about goalie masks and how they came to look like the one I wear in the NHL today. From the kids who love the colorful mask art of today to those who remember when goalies played without masks, generations of hockey fans will enjoy Saving Face." - Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils goaltender "This book is a great idea. It will benefit goalies to look back to the days before the mask and to understand the reasons for it. And it's worthwhile for kids to see the old masks and see the changes that have been made, and to see how the masks were a part of the Canadian game. It's a very enjoyable real" - Ed Giacomin, Hockey Hall of Fame goalie "The past 50 years have seen the goalie mask evolve from being an object of scorn to being the most individualized and most protective piece of equipment in a goalie's armor. This book does an excellent job of telling that story, in words and visually through great photography!" - Dave Dryden, former NHL goaltender, and pioneering mask designer "Goalie masks have been an intriguing part of hockey for the past half century. This unique book is full of colorful and informative stories and photographs about the mask, its history and the men who have worn them, past and present." - Dick Irvin, Hockey Night in Canada

Jim Hynes

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