Glenn Hall

From Booklist
Although this is the "authorized story" of redoubtable net keeper Hall, that phrase, which often signals a banal or sanitized take on its subject, apparently means only that Hall cooperated with Adrahtas. Hall famously invented the "butterfly" style of goalkeeping, which Adrahtas describes in detail without bogging casual fans down in trivialities. During his 18-year career, Hall was individually recognized with Vezina, Conn Smythe, and Calder trophies (hockey has not only the best team jerseys--properly called sweaters--but also the coolest-named awards) and was 11 times an all-star, which indicates the level of his appreciation by players and press alike. His teams made the playoffs 15 times--an almost incredible achievement for a guy who didn't play for any of the great hockey dynasties of the 1950s through 1970s (Montreal, Edmonton, the Islanders). In fact, Hall was goalie for the Chicago Blackhawks--the team with the longest current Stanley Cup drought--when they last won it: 1961. This candid and exciting biography should be a shot on goal for hockey fans everywhere. Mike Tribby
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With eleven All-Star team selections, three Vezina trophies, a Conn Smythe trophy, a Calder Memorial trophy, and the invention of the butterfly style of goaltending to his name, Glenn Hall is certainly among the premier contenders. In this engaging biography, hockey coach and writer Tom Adrahtas traces Mr. Goalie's rise to stardom and firmly establishes his claim to the title of number one all-time goaltender. From the goaltender's legendary pre-game ritual through the evolution of Hall's trademark butterfly style and the unparalleled consistency of his play, Glenn Hall: The Man They Call Mr. Goalie is a history of the heady days of early hockey. Through interviews with Mr. Goalie, Hall's family, and such noteworthy teammates as Stan Mikita, Doug Harvey, Ted Lindsay, Bobby Hull and many more, Adrahtas brings to life hockey in the golden era and reminds us that Glenn Hall was number one both on the ice and off.


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