Hockey for Dummies (Paperback)

by John Davidson (Author), John Steinbreder (Author) "People have been playing hockey for longer than any of us has been alive, but we can't tell you exactly when it was invented, or..." (more)
Key Phrases: Stanley Cup, United States, National Hockey League (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"Gives die-hard fans and newcomers to the sport the inside edge!" -- Scotty Bowman, NHL's winningest coach and coach of the Detroit Red Wings

"My dog Blue and I ran out to get Hockey For Dummies, 2nd edition. We give it two paws up!" -- Don Cherry, former NHL coach

"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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 2 edition (September 28, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764552287
• ISBN-13: 978-0764552281
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #41,897 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #4 in	Books > Sports > Hockey
  #17 in	Books > Sports > Winter Sports

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Truth in Advertising, June 12, 2000

By	dcinDC "dcinDC" (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hockey for Dummies (Paperback)

Like all the "For Dummies" books, this is a good purchase if you really don't know anything about the subject. I think there's a place for these books. They're a good for absolute beginners who want to get started. They can also help you decide if you like something enough to find out more about it. It's just that they're not that cheap and I think they almost always leave you wanting more.

If you know anything about hockey, you'll probably find much of this book useless or uninteresting. There are better books on how to play hockey (like Percival's Hockey Handbook) and about the sport (like Total Hockey) out there that are worth buying. You'll probably skim this book quickly and never pick it up again.

If you're just learning, this will give you all the basics along with a few bits of interesting information. Still, I'll bet you don't read this thing more than once. There are better books to get into the various aspects of hockey as a player, parent of a player, or fan.

I'd recommend this book to someone who just wants to watch hockey and have some idea what's going on...although finding a friend who can tell you is probably better and will only cost you a beer or two. If this book were cheaper or went a bit further I'd recommend it to more people. As it is, all I can say is with the title right on the front of the book you can't say they lied to you!

PS: This review isn't meant as a slam to the authors who I think did a good job. It's just a problem with this series or format. It serves a purpose, just a very narrow one.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I am no longer a "Dummie"!!, August 2, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Iowa, U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hockey for Dummies (Paperback)

Hockey for Dummies is the best book you can buy on the sport of Hockey. It's takes a humorous and in-depth look at the sport. It answered all my questions and is a great reference for the rules if i'm watching a game on TV.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A reference for the rookie and veteran alike, July 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Hockey for Dummies (Paperback)

When the NHL arrived in Arizona two years ago with the Phoenix Coyotes, I had the chance to attend a few games and was immediately HOOKED. Looking to learn more about what I am now convinced is the greatest sport ever invented I chose this book. I already knew the DUMMIES series from their excellent software guides and figured they'd be just as comprehensive here. I was not disappointed. HOCKEY FOR DUMMIES is now my hockey Bible. It includes sections on the history of the game, the rules, the equipment, coaching and training techniques, and advice on playing from the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Brian Leetch among others. Also included are profiles of the players past and present who have made the game: the famous (coaches, goal-scorers, goaltenders) and the infamous ("pests," "enforcers" and others.) There's even a section on fights and hitting which has helped me understand and at least respect that aspect of the game, even though I still don't care ! for it. HOCKEY FOR DUMMIES is a great introduction for the rookie hockey fan and an indespensable reference for the veteran.