Kyle
The Red Machine covers Soviet hockey from it's arrival in Russia up until the time the book was written in 1990. Lawrence Martin does a terrific job of explaining the Soviet game. He details the pioneer coaches and their philosophies and play styles that set the Russians apart from the western hockey world and led them to become titans on an international stage.
The Soviet leaders in politics were set on using global hockey tournaments to demonstrate the power of Communism and it's superiority over the world through the use of a hockey system that shunned individualism on the ice and instead focused more on collective methods of line organization and puck movement. Focusing on completing a high volume of fast passes, speed, and agility, the Russian teams gained hockey supremacy made changes to the sport that would forever change the game and how the Canadians developed and used their players.
As quoted in the book, Winnipeg Jets General Manager Mike Smith said about Soviet and Canadian hockey history: “It's safe to say that over the long haul we got more from the Russians than they got from us.”
I consider this to be a must-read for hockey fans who consider themselves history-buffs or hockey nerds interested in the various play styles and techniques that the Soviet teams of old have passed on to modern hockey.
Fitz-Gerald outlines some crucial areas where the development (and enjoyment) of Canadian youth in hockey are falling behind while bringing the reader along on an OHL team's journey through the regular season.
Fans of hockey in Canada, or parents concerned about their child's participation in the sport, should read this book. As a fan of Canadian hockey, I hope this book finds its hands into the homes of many Canadians and into the hands of the people who possess the power necessary to right the ship and keep Canada as the world hockey superpower.
I've been watching Steve Dangle on YouTube and have listened to his podcast for years now. I was excited when I heard that he was releasing a book and it was well worth the wait.
The autobiography makes for a great story about how Dangle got into the hockey world after starting out making YouTube videos in his parents house. The book is filled with stories of Steve being clumsy and also meeting some of the greatest names in hockey.
I recommend this book to fans of hockey, specifically those who can stand the Steve Dangle style. Toronto Maple Leafs fans should consider this a must-read.