It comes as no surprise that there are several high quality books out this year on the Montreal Canadiens. Hockey's greatest team is celebrating it's centennial, after all, and authors, publishers and book sellers are playing a big role in giving fans a taste of Montreal history to take home with them.

There are four main titles for you to consider, plus a DVD:

Habs Heroes: The Definitive List of the 100 Greatest Canadiens Ever
Ken Campbell/The Hockey News
THN senior writer Ken Campbell polled a panel of experts to come up with a definitve 1-through-100 ranking of the top Montreal Canadiens players of all time. Campbell then goes about writing brief biographies for this action packed book. There's plenty of colour photography to compliment the great writing. Published by The Hockey News/Transcontinental Books.

Honoured Canadiens
Andrew Podnieks
When the Montreal Canadiens and the Hockey Hall of Fame got together to work on this joint project, they instantly sought the services of hockey super author Andrew Podnieks. With Podnieks' great research and writing abilities, and the Hall's amazing and exclusive photography, this book looks at each of the 54 Montreal Canadiens players, coaches and builders who have been enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame. The design and layout are spectacular, with the imagery unmatchable. And Podnieks does a good job of covering each enshrinee with great detail. The only thing more noticeable than the striking cover is the shrink wrap around it that prevents you from peeking inside. Publisher HB Fenn authorized a sneak peek inside here at HockeyBookReviews.com

The Montreal Canadiens: 100 Years of Glory
D'Arcy Jenish
This book appears to be the early popular favorite, appearing on the Globe And Mail's best seller list earlier this season, one of only two hockey books to do so this fall. Jenish retraces Montreal's long history through the words of Montreal's sports writers over the years. He must have spent countless hours researching and compiling this work, but it pays off big time. He offers a unique, thorough, and honest history of the Canadiens, warts and all. It is not a history written through nostalgia-coloured glasses like every other Habs history title.

Patrick Roy: Winning, Nothing Else
Michel Roy
This Patrick Roy biography, written by his father Michel Roy, is the English release of the 2007 French mega hit Le Guerrier. Roy remains in the news despite retiring from NHL competition, so this book will be of great interest to many fans, and not just Montreal fans. The book is a little long-winded, but you get an honest look into one of hockey's leading personalities. Roy was at times mysterious and at other times down right controversial. This book looks into it all.

So which is the best?

1. The Montreal Canadiens: 100 Years of Glory by D'Arcy Jenish
2. Honoured Canadiens by Andrew Podnieks
3. Habs Heroes by Ken Campbell/The Hockey News
4. Patrick Roy: Winning, Nothing Else by Michel Roy

There is another book coming in January 15th, 2009. Wiley is reproducing the classic Lions in Winter by Chrys Goyens and Alan Turowetz. It's actually the third edition of this blast from the past.

Oh yes, about that DVD. It's called Montreal Canadiens Greatest Games. Here's the disk lineup:

1. 2/19/08 vs. Rangers (Habs come back from 5-0 down)
2. 11/23/03 vs. Oilers (Heritage Classic)
3. 3/11/96 vs. Stars (Last game at the Forum)
4. 6/9/93 vs. Kings (Habs win 23rd and last Stanley Cup)
5. 5/24/86 vs. Flames (Habs win 22nd Cup)
6. 4/20/84 vs. Nordiques (Adams Division Final, Game 6)
7. 5/10/79 vs. Bruins (Too many men on the ice. Semi-final Game 7)
8. 5/14/77 vs. Bruins (Habs win 2nd of Four Cups in a row)
9. 12/31/75 vs. Red Army (Tretiek puts on a show vs Habs on New Year's Eve)
10. 4/14/60 vs. Maple Leafs (Habs win 5th consecutive Stanley Cup)

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Originally published November 20, 2008 on on HockeyBookReviews.com

Are you looking for a quality gift for the hockey-loving boy or girl in your life? Look no further!

Just One Goal

by Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko

Perhaps the world's most prolific children's author has dreamed up an amazing story about a little girl who loves hockey. She builds the community a rink on the frozen river, but her team never wins. She's determined to score her team a victory, even as the thawing rink presents great danger. It does not get better than this - Hockey and Robert Munsch!

This highly acclaimed book from 2006 makes it's paperback debut in 2008. The Hockey Tree is a great story about a father, son and daughter enjoying Canada's great game on a frozen lake. But they run into a problem when their puck falls into an ice fisherman's hole.Have no fear, dad has a plan to keep the hockey going, but he needs the kids to help him find the perfect tree - The Hockey Tree

It's a great story folks, but the illustrations really make this book perfect. Using soft tones illustrator Brian Deines perfectly captures the great Canadian dream of hockey in it's purest form.

The Hockey Tree

by David Ward, Illustrated by Brian Deines

This highly acclaimed book from 2006 makes it's paperback debut in 2008. The Hockey Tree is a great story about a father, son and daughter enjoying Canada's great game on a frozen lake. But they run into a problem when their puck falls into an ice fisherman's hole. Have no fear, dad has a plan to keep the hockey going, but he needs the kids to help him find the perfect tree - The Hockey Tree

It's a great story folks, but the illustrations really make this book perfect. Using soft tones illustrator Brian Deines perfectly captures the great Canadian dream of hockey in it's purest form.

Wendel and The Great One

by Mike Leonetti, Illustrated by Greg Banning

After misfiring in 2007, Mike Leonetti returns in 2008 with his annual children's hockey history title. In Wendel and The Great One he mixes hockey history with the story of a boy who is trying to figure out what it means to be a leader. He turns to his heroes, Wendel Clark and Wayne Gretzky, to discover how to be the best captain he can be.

It's a good book and it teaches great values.

Xtreme Hockey

by Stephen Cole

A flashy and colorful title aimed at 6-12 year olds. Inside this book, which features the thickest pages you'll ever find in a book, is a collection of amazing stories presented in flashy presentation reminiscent of those Ripley's Believe It Or Not titles.

There's some great pictures in here too. It's the kind of book you will enjoy flipping through with your children, especially if you are a trivia buff or passing along that trait to your children.

Peril at the World's Biggest Hockey Tournament

by Roy MacGregor

The long-awaited addition to a series that has sold one million copies.

The Screech Owls have come to Ottawa, the capital of Canada, to play in the world’s biggest minor league hockey tournament — more than 500 teams gathering from all over the world! Little does Nish realize, as he befriends the hilarious, daring mascot, that he is about to embark on the most terrifying adventure of his lifetime.

The Bell Capital Cup is a tournament that brings together 25,000 kids and more than 510 teams. Published to coincide with the next Cup over the 2007/2008 winter holiday, this new Screech Owls book is a grand re-entry for this outstanding series.

Hockey Trivia for Kids 2

by Eric Zweig

A spin off from 2006's Hockey Trivia for Kids, Eric Zweig offers another pocket book packed full of hockey stories, pictures and cartoons. If you have a seriously hockey infatuated youngster on your Christmas list, this book will keep them entertained and educated with fascinating factoids that will make them the hockey expert of their school!

Either of Zweig's juvenile trivia offerings would make for a perfect stocking stuffer.

Hockey Now

by Mike Leonetti

Veteran hockey author Mike Leonetti returns with the fifth edition of the popular Hockey Now! franchise.

A book for all hockey fans with richly illustrated two page biographies of 74 of the greatest players today. Beautiful layout and high quality production.

The fifth edition is fully updated. Profiles include Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, Jarome Iginla, Vincent Lecavalier, Dion Phaneuf, Zdeno Chara, Roberto Luongo and Martin Brodeur.

Hockey Superstars 2008-2009

by Paul Romanuk

For 20 years now broadcaster Paul Romanuk and Scholastic have been churning out his Hockey Superstars series. It must be a big hit with the kids to have run this long. I know the books drew my attention 20 years ago when the series first started.

Romanuk has not really changed his successful formula. He profiles 15-20 of today's top NHLers with a color photograph and the briefest of biographies. He throws in the same usual interactive pages where you can keep track of the unfolding NHL season or learn the referee's hand signals.

This is a solid choice for someone aged 6 through 10. The books a little thin for a fan much older than that.

Slapshots: The Complete Series: Books #1-4

by Gordon Korman

Gordon Korman is another prolific children's author, penning dozens of books. Wikipedia lists over 60 titles.

One of his most popular series of books is the hockey-themed Slapshots. There are four titles in all, starting with Slapshots #1: The Stars from Mars and progressing through Slapshots #2: All-Mars All-Stars, Slapshots #3: The Face-Off Phoney, and Slapshots #4: Cup Crazy.

Instead of buying all the books individually, you can now buy all the books in one volume: Slapshots: The Complete Series: Books #1-4

The series is hardly breaking new ground. In fact, it is downright formulaic, a la the Bad News Bears. It's about a bunch of misfits put together trying to become a team. Korman does a nice job of creating interesting characters and his passion for hockey shines through brightly.

SpongeBob's Slap Shot

by David Lewman

SpongeBob amazes an ice-hockey scout with his skills while sweeping up the Krusty Krab, and he soon finds himself playing professional hockey! But when he realizes whose team he is playing for, and who he must play against, SpongeBob starts having second thoughts. Does he really have what it takes to be an ice-hockey superstar? Hockey enthusiasts and SpongeBob fans alike will delight in this full-color, sports-themed story, ideal for young readers between the ages of 4 and 8.

Inside Hockey!: The Legends, Facts, and Feats That Made the Game

by Keltie Thomas

Keltie Thomas is an experienced children's author, also authoring How Hockey Works. In this book Thomas introduces lots of hockey history to the newest generation of puck fans. Good job!

The Farm Team

by Linda Bailey

For fifty years the animals on Stolski's farm have played their hearts out for the Stolski Cup -- the dream of every hockey team all over the northland. And every year the Farm Team has lost to the nastiest, smelliest, snarlingest bunch of varmints ever to don skates -- the Bush League Bandits. As soon as the puck drops for this year's playoff game, the Bandits, playing as dirty as ever, take an early lead. A Bandit porcupine named Needles starts ramming Farm Team players, while the weasels slash and spear. But the Farm Team's goalie Big George blocks some tough shots, while Billy the goat and Vera the goose net three goals to tie things up. Then the Bandits bring in a bruiser of a substitute player so big and mean that these plucky underdogs could be in for a serious mauling. From the award-winning team of Linda Bailey and Bill Slavin and packed with on-ice action and laughs, this is the picture book hockey fans of every age have been waiting for.

HockeySticker Stories

by Sean Tiffany

We shoot We score! Hockey Sticker Stories on ice Kids will love learning all about hockey positions, rules, penalties, game food, and other fun hockey facts as they add stickers to every spread.








Originally published September 30, 2008 on on HockeyBookReviews.com

Shapiro, who wrote Hockey Days in 2007, continues the story of 13 year old Tom Leonard. This book is a full juvenile novel, offering 127 pages of Tom's youthful dreams of big league hockey.

In this story Tom gets invited to try out with an all star junior team in Toronto. That can only mean the NHL is not far away, right?Well, not exactly. While his dream may not have played out like he wanted to, Tom learns more several important lessons of life from his mom and dad and best friend Terry. Through these lessons he learns what it truly means to be a hockey player for life.

It is these lessons of life that are the true value of Shapiro's offering. The message and morals passed on in this book will be eagerly welcomed by any parent looking to give their kids a Christmas gift of quality reading. The book is aimed at the 11-15 year old demographic.

The book features a touching forward from former Philadelphia Flyers captain Keith Primeau. The book is also strongly endorsed by ESPN's John Buccigross and Growing Up Hockey author Brian Kennedy.

Shapiro's Hockey Player For Life website is also excellent, and offers this interesting "speed painting" YouTube promotional video:

Shapiro is equally passionate about writing for children as he is about hockey. He's got a great product and message here. I would highly recommend this book for the aspiring hockey hero in your family.

There's a good chance you parents/former aspiring hockey heroes out there will quite enjoy the fast read, too.

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Originally published September 30, 2008 on on HockeyBookReviews.com

So I finally got my hands on Reflections 2008: The NHL Hockey Year in Photographs today. After flipping through the 160 pages of some of the most amazing hockey photography you will ever see, I have decided I need to go back down to the bookstore and get a second copy!

Why would I would want two copies of the same book? Because I want one to proudly display on my coffee table and share with guests. And I want a second copy so I can cut out the pictures, frame them and display them proudly on the walls of my hockey room.

The photos are just that amazing. I think my favorites have to be the cover image featuring the outdoor game, Eric Staal's determination on page 45, Joffrey Lupul's jump of ecstacy on page 122, and most of the body check action shots, especially Dion Phaneuf getting a taste of his own medicine on page 59 and Marc Staal stapling brother Jordan Staal on page 138.

The photos capture the highlights of the 2008 season, starting with NHL Premiere in London and working its way through to the awarding of the Stanley Cup champions. Along the way there are some great memories to relive.

All without words. That's right, there are no words once the photos start. In 2007, the first of what I sincerely hope is truly an annual publication, I commented on how it might have been nice to have captions with the photos. But again they are tucked into the very back of the book.

Hey, it's a pretty nitpicky complaint to have for this truly spectacular book.

And the best part is that part of the proceeds from sales of this book are donated directly to Hockey Fights Cancer, a joint charity initiative undertaken by the National Hockey League and the NHL Players’ Association.

See, now you have even more reason to go out and buy Reflections 2008: The NHL Hockey Year in Photographs. It's an amazing book that truly is worthy of your coffee table space. And you are helping to make a difference and fight cancer too.

Maybe you should pick up two copies.

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Originally published October 23, 2008 on on HockeyBookReviews.com

Hockey Now! celebrates the best players in hockey today. Hockey's most dynamic stars are all profiled, including Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, Jarome Iginla, Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo, Vincent Lecavalier, Ilya Kovalchuk, Dion Phaneuf and Zdeno Chara.

In total there are 74 profiled superstars in the 176 glossy paged softcover 5th edition. Each superstar is fully featured with a 2 page well-written biography and the exciting and rich photography. I really liked the sharp, clean hockey card layout. Career statistics might be a nice addition, but the fun facts box insert is a great touch.

This fast-paced book is an excellent Christmas gift idea for any puck enthusiast, but especially for the younger or newer/casual hockey fans on your shopping list. That being said, hardcore hockey fans should also consider this title. I know I really enjoyed the biographies and the presentation.

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Originally published November 2, 2008 on HockeyBookReviews.com