Safety Stars
Players who fought to make the hard-hitting game of professional hockey safer
by Sue Irwin
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Pub Date Feb 07 2015 | Archive Date Jan 04 2016
James Lorimer & Company | Lorimer
Description
Professional hockey is a fast game, and a dangerous one. Skates slice like razors; a hard-shot puck can take out an eye; and the ice surface is as hard as rock, especially when skulls are slammed against it. Innovations in equipment make the game faster and more exciting -- and have to be countered by measures that keep it safe for players.
From hockey heroes like Jacques Plante, Mario Lemieux, and Sidney Crosby, to an avid 11-year-old player on a mission, there have been players who have campaigned to make hockey a safer game. They have done this often in the face of denials and opposition from league managers, sports writers, fans, and sometimes other players, too. But they've persisted and made the game safer for players of all ages.
This book tells the story of hockey's safety stars, the opposition they faced, and how they persisted and ultimately succeeded in their campaigns.
[Fry reading level - 4.4]
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781459408463 |
| PRICE | CA$9.95 (CAD) |
Average rating from 2 members
Featured Reviews
Suzanne C, Librarian
I've only been to one hockey game, so I am not an expert on the sport, but I think this book was a well-written account of how safety has been improved over the years. The information is presented in chronological order, but uses the stories of key players to illustrate when and why each improvement was made. Most people think of hockey as a very rough, macho sport and it seems that perception is what made the teams reluctant to use protective gear. But as advances were made in the materials and design of safety gear, and as more was learned about the long-term effects of injuries such as concussions (Traumatic Brain Injuries), changes did slowly take place.
The players' injuries that were discussed were everything from a broken thumb, to losing sight in an eye, to heart problems. Each time someone very popular with fans and teammates suffered from one of these problems, it gave the necessary push to move the safety gear and regulations forward, including the formation of the Department of Player Safety. Reading about how hard these players trained and worked to get back in the game after each setback, you can really appreciate their dedication. The sheer number of stitches, bruises, and broken bones would scare most people away from the ice.
For readers who enjoy sports stories and sports information, this book combines the two by using real-life happenings to showcase the dangers of the sport and how they have been addressed. This is interesting and easy to read nonfiction, not just a dry account of league rules and equipment specifications.
