Goon: The True Story of an Unlikely Journey into Minor League Hockey chronicles the uniquely wild adventure of Doug Smith, who was determined to realize his dream of playing professional hockey, despite the fact he didn’t start skating until the age of 19. Armed with a burning desire and his only marketable athletic abilities – those honed as an amateur boxer – Doug defeated impossible odds to win a championship ring and play in the world’s second-best hockey league. Goon gives a raw and revealing insider’s look at the riotous world of minor league hockey and the most peculiar role in all of sport – the Goon, whose job is to protect teammates from opposing ruffians. Come along as Doug Smith, an outsider in the hockey world, literally fights his way to the highest level of minor league hockey. You may never view the game in the same light again.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This is a must read for all sports fans! Or for that matter, anyone who has ever wondered why fighting is, and always has been, part of the game of Hockey. This book gives the reader a rare glimpse into what it is like to be a professional hockey fighter. A true "gun for hire".
It shares with you all the intimate details of being a minor league roughian. Such as the long bus rides, from one mill Town to the next. And some of the dialoge between the two combatants prior to their bare knuckled duels.
It is also the true story of a person pursuing, and acheiving a dream. Doug Smith did not start skating until he was 19! Only a few years later he was playing professional hockey. He got there by working hard and punching hard. And he never lost his sense of humor along the way.
I highly recommend this to anyone who likes sports, comedy, and seeing someone acheive their dreams.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I'm an avid hockey fan and I have a library of tapes that have fights from Behn Wilson and Dave Shultz to Bob Probert and Tony Twist. This is an excellent book and its prompted me to seek out tapes of guys like Frank Bialowas and of course Doug himself. I remember talking to Doug at the Mall in Hanover with some of my friends about the best goons in the business and the dynamics of how the role was to be played. Doug explains it vividly, humbly and honestly while at the same time making it seem like the ultimate adventure in this book. This is a must-read for all hockey fight fans or just hockey fans in general. Great book fellas and thanks for living out one of my fantasies Doug.
It's pretty cool that Ron Delorme posted here by the way!
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Ron Delorme
Format:Paperback
I have to disagree with the last review from "Hanover" who thought this book was "not worth the money". I have read numerous hockey books and this one is a jewel. There are no books to my knowledge that give such an in depth look at the lifestyle of a minor leaguer who is literally fighting for his job every game. GOON has opened my eyes to the pressures and dedication it takes to successfully achieve a dream that nobody feels you can.
Last reviewer; being from the hometown of the author, its sounds as though you have a personal issue with him...were you one of his victims on the ponds ??
Last reviewer; being from the hometown of the author, its sounds as though you have a personal issue with him...were you one of his victims on the ponds ??
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shoot For The Stars Doug.
I have known Doug a long, long time. Being a friend and former co-worker of Doug's. I can testify that he knows how to use his hands better than most. Read more
Published on January 12, 2011 by A Friend
5.0 out of 5 stars
Goon-Great book
There are some great stories, I was shocked coming from Johnstown,Pa how many references and quotes there were from former Chiefs and guys whose names I hadn't heard in... Read more
Published on July 21, 2006 by Robert W. Schuster Jr.
5.0 out of 5 stars
awesome book
I bought this book for my dad who is also the father of a Junior A hockey player in Montana. He LOVES this book- quotes from it and laughs so hard he can barely talk. Read more
Published on December 30, 2005 by M.C.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it
Excellent book. Well written, first-person account of life in the minors. Really enjoyed it. This is the first book I've ever read start to finish in one sitting. Read more
Published on June 2, 2005 by Roger M. Snow
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Read!
Doug and Adam do a wonderful job of bringing you into the world of minor league hockey thuggery. If you're a lover of the sport, regardless of whether you are a fan of the boys... Read more
Published on February 20, 2005 by Richard Duby
5.0 out of 5 stars
Goon is Good!
I just finshed the book and wished Doug had played for more teams over the years so the story could continue. Read more
Published on April 9, 2004 by Kevin J. Riggott
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'm with you Tom!
Tom from PA., you took the words right out of my toothless mouth (ya, I wish!) - no, not about the toothless part, I wish I did what Thug did so I could write about it too!
Published on November 28, 2003 by Adam Frattasio
5.0 out of 5 stars
Book for US fight fans!
This book tells the story a few of us would like to be able to tell. The great story of Doug Smith's journey though professional hockey as a fighter. Read more
Published on November 22, 2003 by Tom
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible and funny read
The title caught my eye, but you have to read this book to believe it. My favorite part was about the stinking bus rides! That scene alone would make this a good movie!
Published on November 10, 2003 by Craig
5.0 out of 5 stars
Goon is great
Doug Smith takes us on an honest journey in to minor league hockey. Smith tells it honestly, when he lost fights he admits it, when he won, he lets you know. Read more
Published on August 29, 2003 by Bill C
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