Customer Reviews

Open Ice: Reflections and Confessions of a Hockey Lifer

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Being the hockey fan I am, I was drawn to Open Ice: Reflections and Confessions of a Hockey Lifer by Jack Falla mainly by the title. Born and raised on the west coast, I knew nothing of Falla's history as a sportswriter, but I can understand the mindset of someone for whom hockey is a definition of their life. This turned out to be an excellent, thoughtful read, made even more poignant when I learned that Falla passed away in September, a month after the book was written...

Contents:
A Death in Montreal; Short Shifting in Fantasy Land; Skating the Rideau Canal; New Skates; Passing the Torch; "Excuse me, Mr. Delvecchio..."; Back to the Barns; Requiem for the Cucumber; Much of What I Know about Life I Learned Tending Goal; The Rink Rat; Unknockable; Searching for Hobey Baker; Goodbye to the Backyard Rink?; Acknowledgments; About the Author

Falla wrote and covered hockey for Sports Illustrated in the 1980's, but his attachment to hockey goes far deeper. Like many of that time, he grew up following and idolizing the Orrs, Richards, and Beliveaus, the names that made hockey what it is today. But even deeper than that, the game became part of his being, from visiting the ice rinks of the "original six" to building his own backyard outdoor rink every winter. Open Ice is a series of his stories and thoughts about his attachment to the game, and what he's done to uncover the stories of the legends. In some cases, it's attending the funeral of Maurice Richard in Montreal, even though he had to travel halfway across the country to do so, just because it seemed like the right thing to do. Other stories revolve around his quests to discover the deeper personal stories behind old-timers like Hobey Baker and Georges Vezina. In the process, I as the reader get to know and understand the real person behind the historical image that we have left after so many years.

The stories that affected me most were his personal anecdotes. For instance, he talks about how he snuck out of college one day to watch the Red Wings practice at the old Boston Gardens. Detroit skated out, and seemed to be missing a goalie. Falla played goalie growing up, and thought it would be an incredible experience to be on the ice, if even for just a practice session. He mustered up all the courage he had and asked Alex Delvecchio if they needed a practice goalie. Even thought they didn't need him, the lessons he learned about pushing past fear to take a chance resonated deeply. Same with the last story about his backyard rink and his struggles to continue the tradition as he got older. Even though he always felt as if it was "the last year" he'd do it, the tradition and continuity it provided him, his family, and his friends would always provide the last-minute motivation to redig the post holes and set the boards up one more time.

If all you want are stories about hockey players, Open Ice will be a disappointment. But if you are in a reflective mood and enjoy reading about things that drive people on in life, Open Ice is an excellent read, guaranteed to make you feel warm and connected.

I enjoyed this book immensely.

Falla shares his love and appreciation for the game with a generous spirit. There are essays about some of hockey's immortal players, franchises and arenas, and reminiscences about what the game has meant to his own life - as a fan, sportswriter, amateur player and father.

It all intertwines. There's no separating the personal and professional with Falla.

He's like a tour guide who, after an entertaining history lesson, invites you home afterward for dinner with his family.

I will preface this by saying I have only read a chapter of this book. I am one of the people that helped him buy his new skates. He was a pleasure to talk with. Though I am not a hockey fan, I did enjoy listening to his stories. He was in the store for probably about an hour, maybe a little more just talking and trying on skates, but it was an hour that I still talk about to this day. I was saddened to hear of his passing and my sympathies go to his family.

Quite simply, one of the great collections of stories yet written about any sport. As a quite avid reader, I usually find myself ripping through my current effort in hopes of getting to the next book straight away. But this afternoon was different. After reading one or two of the chapters, I would place the book on my coffee table and consider what I had just read. When I could not bear it any longer, I picked up where I left off.

Made more poignant due to the recent passing of Mr. Falla, "Open Ice" is breathtaking writing all the way through. I have my favorite stories, such as the funeral for Canadians legend Maurice Richard (you will learn the correct pronunciation of his name herein, as I did), but this is one book that will live forever in sports fans memories, as well as in the hearts of lovers of great writing. Thanks to you, Mr. Falla...

Just wanted to leave a quick review... I purchased this book (and Falla's other 2) for my Husband for Christmas and he really enjoyed them! If you are or know an avid hockey fan this will be a good buy =)

I read Saved first, so I just had to get Open Ice. Another great book by Jack Falla. Anyone interested in hockey should read this book.

I received this for Christmas and before I had a chance to read it my dad had it read. The book was a great read.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK. MR FALLA HAS PUT INTO WORDS HOW I FEEL ABOUT HOCKEY. HE REALLY CONNECTED WITH ME. I BOUGHT THE BOOK WHEN IT WAS FIRST RELEASED, AND READ IT IN A RECORD PACE. I WAS VERY DISSAPOINTED TO LEARN THAT HE HAD PASSED, AND WISHED I COULD'VE MET HIM TO TELL HIM HOW MUCH THIS BOOK MEANS TO ME. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO HAS ANY INTEREST IN HOCKEY. YOU GET A GREAT DEAL OF APPRECIATION FOR THE RICH HISTORY OF HOCKEY....AND THE PASSIONED FAN. THANK YOU TO MR. FALLA, AND HIS FAMILY FOR SHARING SUCH GREAT MEMORIES.

I'm anticipating a good read but haven't had the time to read yet. Anybody got a copy of 'home ice' u r willing to sell?

I read this the other day and it is great.
Jack will be missed, I talked with him many times about my own back yard rink. I will miss that this winter.
RIP Jack.