Years of Glory 1942-67

This book is a true treasure-chest of puck history for any fanof the National Hockey League. "Years of Glory" chronicles the pre-expansion "Original-Six" -team era of the NHL. On the inside front and back covers are shown old-style tin table hockey players in the uniforms of the "Original-Six" team members: the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs. Inside you will find colorful stories and photos of a bygone era when players went without helmets and goalies without masks. Many of the all-time greats are featured: Gordie Howe, Rocket Richard, Bobby Hull, Jean Beliveau, Jacques Plante, Glenn Hall, Terry Sawchuk, and Bobby Orr among many. There is even a chapter on minor-pro hockey during the six-team era with players Johnny Bower, Guyle Fielder and Andy Hebenton featured. Many interesting statistics like Stanley Cup playoff scores and league draft results are listed. The catalogue of dozens of great old photos alone makes this volume well worth its price.

Fantastic year-by-year account of the postwar Original Six era. Each season is covered with extra reading on things like the Habs' unforgotten dynasty (i.e. the '60s) or the Wings' 7(?) straight first-place finishes. Photos are superb and the writing is first-rate. I never lived through this era but the book made it come alive for me.