Hockey For Dummies

"Nothing gets by John Davidson. If the first edition didn’t already make you a fan, then this edition will!"
—Mark Messier, NHL All-Star

"My dog, Blue, and I ran out to get Hockey For Dummies, 2^nd Edition. We give it two paws up!"
—Don Cherry, former NHL coach and “Coaches Corner” commentator for Hockey Night in Canada

"...a must read for all hockey fans!"
—John Vanbiesbrouck, former goaltender, New York Islanders

"...the most comprehensive, easily understood source of hockey history and instruction I've ever come across. Not only was 'JD' a superb player in the NHL, he is also an extremely skilled commentator sharing his knowledge of the game with fans all over North America. From hat tricks to power plays, Hockey For Dummies provides the reader with the wisdom of an expert. —From the Foreword by Wayne Gretzky

This updated edition of the bestselling guide to all things hockey is packed with illustrations and play-by-play descriptions, diagrams, and photos of the NHL’s greatest players. It tells you how to:

• Gear up safely with the right equipment
• Improve your skills with drills
• Warm up mentally—and physically—before hitting the ice
• Respect rules and good sportsmanship
• Find US and Canadian leagues and camps

Former New York Ranger, John Davidson offers you plays only the pros know and tips for playing hockey at any level. And he fills you in on:

• Hockey ABCs, its origins, positions, gear, rules, and more
• The complete NHL—explores the various leagues, greatest players, training, and tons of fascinating facts, figures, and priceless trivia
• The best ways to follow the game from the stands or on TV
• How the pros do it—includes tips from Gretzky on passing, Messier on winning face-offs, and other star players on how to play like a pro

From youth leagues to the secrets of the NHL greats, Hockey For Dummies, is your total guide to this cool sport.
Like its teammates in the Dummies series, Hockey for Dummies is cleverly organized and clearly focused, geared to both fans and players. It is filled with fun stuff such as lists of the 10 best things about the game, the 10 best players, the 10 best teams, and, given even a novice's inability to mistake hockey for Zen, the 10 best hitters. Hockey for Dummies also contains plenty of good, practical advice: Wayne Gretzky offers a clinic on passing, Mark Messier hosts one on face-offs, Brian Leetch counsels players in clinics on defense, and Ron Hextall teaches goaltending. Authors John Davidson and John Steinbreder explain rules, discuss equipment, and detail strategies. They even give pointers on how best to appreciate the game on television. It seems the only thing missing from Hockey for Dummies is a dental referral for the first time one of your incisors gets in the way of an errant puck.