“He shoots, he scores!”
Hockey has a language unique to the game that has developed over the past hundred years. The patter of play-by-play and colour commentators shapes how the fans understand and relate to the game. Hockey Talk introduces young readers – both seasoned hockey enthusiasts and novices alike – to the unique terminology of hockey with over 150 terms, clear explanations, an illustrated cast of characters, and sidebars of fun facts. Short profiles of ten influential commentators, including Don Cherry, Danny Gallivan, Foster Hewitt, and Mike Lange, highlight their contributions to the language of this great winter sport.
For some Hockey Talk games and links visit the Hockey Talk Page.
Some of the terms in the book:
barn
An arena. Sometimes it’s just a colourful term for any arena, no matter how modern and flashy it is. But if a rink is referred to as “a real barn” then it is usually pretty old and run-down with small, smelly dressing-rooms and possibly no heat.
dump-and-chase
Shoot the puck in and skate after it. The point of this tactic is to shoot the puck hard into the other team’s end, then chase after it and get the puck back before the other team does.
getting the gate
Getting a penalty. There is a gate to the penalty box that opens to let the offending player in. Every now and then it’s slammed shut if the penalized player doesn’t agree with the referee’s call. Villinov will get the gate for tripping Bonham coming out of the corner.
head-man the puck
Pass the puck up the ice – specifically to a teammate who is rushing farther ahead. Bonham has it at the centre line — now he head-mans the puck to Skillins as he rushes it into the Bulldogs’ zone. See stretch pass.
leather larceny
Used to describe a great save by the goaltender with his leather glove. He has stolen a goal from the shooter.
malfunction at the junction
When two players on the same team get tangled up. This clumsy play is usually the result of poor communication or confusion in the defensive zone. The “junction” is commonly a spot right around the net.
open-ice hit
A bodycheck which takes place in open space on the ice, rather than along the boards or in the corners.
picks his pocket
Steals the puck cleanly off a surprised opponent, usually by skating up from behind and lifting the unsuspecting victim’s stick. The player losing the puck had his pocket picked.
road map
A battered face with many cuts and scrapes. McBrash’s face looks like a road map after that tough game.
snow shower
An upward spray of ice off the skates of a speedster who stops suddenly. A goalie who is down to cover the puck occasionally gets the snow shower in his face.—and the skater who showered him can get a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
tic-tac-toe
A very crisp and quick passing play between three players that results in a goal-scoring opportunity. If the puck goes in, it can be described as a “tic-tac-goal!”
wraparound
A scoring attempt from behind the corner of the net. The puck carrier attempts to score by quickly swinging the puck around the net and just inside the post.
Reviews:
"Dictionaries are normally not the stuff of middle schoolers recreational reading, but, when it's a dictionary of hockey terms and phrases, then it becomes much more acceptable to be seen with such a "reference" book. . . Heeley's cartoon-like illustrations, generously scattered throughout the book, provide a humourous, often literal, interpretation of Goldner's definitions.
Highly Recommended."
-- CM Magazine
"Goldner covers more than 300 such terms, employing a straightforward dictionary format. His writing is clear and entertaining. . . Hockey Talk is extremely readable, and entertaining enough to hold a young readers attention."
-- Quill & Quire
"This book is aimed at a younger audience so is constructed in a manner that will keep their attention. Loaded with cute pictures and caricatures - its a fun, fun trip through the world of hockey. . . This book is a joy and great for all the young sports lover."
-- bookshipper.blogspot.com
John Goldner grew up in the Town of Mount Royal, Quebec where he was a regular on the outdoor rinks and at the Recreation Center. John began playing minor hockey at an early age and continued competing in the TMR leagues until he was eighteen. One summer, he attended Haliburton Hockey Haven near Haliburton, Ontario. Growing up, John always rooted for the Montreal Canadiens, and his favourite player was Henri (Pocket Rocket) Richard. He decided to write Hockey Talk at a time when there was very little in print about the peculiar vernacular of the game. John wanted to provide readers with clear explanations of the many colourful expressions used to describe professional hockey. John Goldner currently resides in Montreal.
Ted Heeley is best known as an animation artist and sculptor. He has contributed his artistic talents to such television shows as Sesame Street, Lunar Jim, Life’s a Zoo, and many more. His new animated television series, Nerdland, will air in Fall 2009. Hockey Talk is his first children’s book. Ted lives in Toronto with his wife, Alex Mooreshead.
1554550920
978-1-55455-092-0
7 x 8.75, 96 pages, Trade Paper
Ages 8 to 14; Grades 4-8
Juvenile Nonfiction / Reference / Sports & Recreation / Hockey
Colour spot illustrations
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