Stan Mikita; the Turbulent Career of a Hockey Superstar

When Stan Fischler approached Mikita to do the tape recorded interviews that would make up his book, "Stan Mikita: The Turbulent Career of A Hockey Superstar", Fischler was already recognized as one of the pre-eminent writers in the field. But Fischler had a more personal view, being of Slovak descent, and he hoped their collaboration would meld his own deft wordsmithing with the flair of Mikita's game. The tale of two Stans is a success: a tome that crackles with prose as pointed and precise as Mikita's play. The introduction by Rudy Pilous, Mikita's long time coach who led the Hawks to their last Stanley Cup in 1961, is a moving letter. "It was my privilege to coach Stan in his formative years, from sixteen to twenty two. If I have played some small role in his development, it is a reward I will treasure in this high-pressure business of professional hockey." Thereby lays the distinction between the two books: whereas Mikita' own tale tends to reflect the efficiency of his hockey persona, Fischler digs more deeply, imbuing his book with an intimacy and sincerity rarely found in hockey writing today. In many ways, this book transcends the genre. Fischler never shies away from the controversial, and reading about Mikita's vendettas with other players, and his uncompromising attitude towards excellence, is as exciting as watching Stan The Man himself.

THIS IS THE STORY OF FORMER NHL SUPERSTAR, STAN MIKITA. I REALLY LIKED THIS EASY TO READ TO THE POINT BOOK. IT DISCUSSES IN DETAIL HIS LIFE AS A CHILD IN COMMUNIST CONTROLLED CZECHSLOVAKIA TO HIS DAYS AS A SUPERSTAR WITH THE BLACKHAWKS. I ENJOYED READING OF HIS VARIOUS RELATIONSHIPS WITH COACHES, OPPONENTS AND TEAMMATES. STAN WENT FROM BEING A BAD BOY TO A GENTLEMAN ON THE ICE. ALWAYS ENJOYED WATCHING THIS VERY TALENTED AND INTERESTING PLAYER. A RECOMMEND THIS FOR ALL HOCKEY FANS.