How Hockey Works: The Science of Hockey
- Book Review,
by Keltie Thomas
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-7-This delightful book for beginning and experienced players features tips to perfect an athlete's game, the science behind each activity, quick-shot facts, and stories from former and current pros. Numerous solutions to questions such as why ice is slippery and what makes a hockey stick feel right are offered. Attractive full-color photos, cartoons, and diagrams appear on every spread. A list of rules and regulations as well as a "Hockey Talk" glossary are appended. An appealing presentation that's chock-full of information.L. R. Little, Penticton Public Library, British Columbia, CanadaCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 4-7. Although this is primarily for hockey fans, there's enough interesting information here for those who have a casual interest in the sport. The book employs bright colors and an inviting format that mixes photos, cartoon-style information, and blocks of text to give a well-rounded picture of hockey. Readers will learn, among many other things, what makes ice so slippery, how a puck is made, the superstitions players have, and which hockey gear is required for the sport, as well as how-to information about playing the game, such as tips on speed skating and body checking. Packed with facts and plenty of appeal. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Stu Hackel, Hockey News 12/2002
Very good simple explanations that educate and entertain.
Book Description
Have you ever thought about the game of hockey... scientifically? How Hockey Works, by Keltie Thomas, holds a bevy of fascinating scientific and behind-the-scenes facts about our favorite winter sport. Not just for hockey fans and players, How Hockey Works will also surprise non-enthusiasts with stunning statistics, fascinating facts and awesome anecdotes. Kids, coaches and hockey parents will all love the practice tips as well as the stories and photos of legendary players. Learn all about the history and lore of the game of hockey, the development of equipment and safety practices, everything you ever wanted to know about ice, as well as stories from men's and women's leagues. From the physics of speedy, powerful skating to the all-important science of explosive moves (the slapshot and body check) to the science of sports medicine, this book has everthing to increase enjoyment at every level. That includes tips on scoring goals! Special Features: - Legends of the Game: stories from hockey's history including how some rules came to be (like why rubber rodents were banned from the ice) - Quick Shots -- quick facts about the game - Timelines, with archival photos showing the progression of hockey equipment over time -- you'll be amazed at the technology we've developed! - Hockey Card sidebars, featuring players from the NHL, Women's pro hockey and others - Quick Answers to Speedy Questions - tips to improve your game, from exercises you can do, to understanding plays to finding the right gear - a Glossary jam-packed with all the terms and information to make any reader an expert at the basics of the game - fully updated with information from the 2002 Winter Olympics.
About the Author
Keltie Thomas is a passionate hockey fan. She has shown her scientific curiosity and quirky sense of humor as the former editor of OWL Magazine, co-author of CyberSurfer: The OWL Internet Guide for Kids, and developer of the award-winning web site OWLkids Online. Keltie Thomas lives in Toronto.
Excerpted from How Hockey Works: The Science of Hockey by Keltie Thomas. Copyright © 2002. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Introduction: How Does Hockey Work? Fans, players, and inquiring minds everywhere want to know! What makes hockey the coolest and the fastest game on earth? Why is the ice so slippery? What makes a slapshot such a boom with zoom? Why is the puck so shifty? What makes Wayne Gretzky the greatest one of all? How do Zambonis work? What makes a hockey stick feel right? How fast can players rush from one end to end? How do goalies play the angle? And what is the angle? What's the score on scoring goals? Well, just like everything else on earth, it all comes down to science (plus a few things science hasn't managed to explain yet!). And if you think that makes hockey sound boring, you'd better check what planet you're on. But, hey, why don't you turn the page and check out the world of hockey in action for yourself. Whether you want answers to those burning questions, tips on becoming a better player, the scoop on inside information, or just to have a blast with the game, this book's for you. [PSSSST. You don't have to be a hockey maniac to read this book. The Rules and Regs and Hockey Talk are decoded on page 61.] -- Legends of the Game: The Night the Puck Was Born Duck! Here comes the puck! Crack! There it goes, right through the window. That was the scene in the 1800s, one of the first indoor games in Montreal: two teams going at it with a bouncy rubber ball -- what was often used then -- that kept flying over the boards. Hundreds of dollars in windows had been broken in the first few games at the Victoria Skating Rink. And it was dangerous for fans sitting in the stands. The owner of the rink was fed up. He snatched the ball, cut off the top and bottom with a jack knife, and threw the middle part back onto the ice. Did he have a hunch that the flat disc would slide over the ice instead of bouncing? Maybe. For as the players went on playing no more windows were shattered. And because the new shape bounced less, it was easier for players to control. So this puck stuck in the game!
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