Warriors of Winter

When I heard your book was poetry, I said, “no thanks—real hockey players don't write poetry!” But then a friend gave me your ‘Hock and McKey’ poem to read about the roots of ice hockey, and I laughed so hard it made my sides ache! I would never have believed I could have so much fun reading this stuff! I went out immediately and bought several copies of your book for friends who love it!

Dave M., Ontario, Canada

As a woman who's never had an interest in sports and knows absolutely nothing about hockey, it's hard to believe I could enjoy this book so much! It made me laugh out loud and it made me cry (especially your poem “Donuts!” about Tim Horton). I love the rhyme and rhythm of these poems—it's addictive and what's more, you've turned me into a hockey fan!

Leslie B., Santa Barbara, California

I'm a long-time hockey fan and have to admit I've always enjoyed the fights. The way you describe them so vividly and colorfully in your poems ‘The Irish Rebellion,’ and ‘The Mighty Hutch,’ made me feel like I was in the middle of the action. Knowing these fights were actual events is the best part and puts this book over the top!

Robert G., Ventura, California

There are no words I can use to describe the ‘Series of '72’ except that it's absolutely brilliant! Reliving the events of that Series in rhyme was amazing! The colorful and descriptive language is gripping and could only have been written by someone with an intimate, inside knowledge of the game, and a rare gift for the written word.

Jerry L., Ontario, Canada

The Mighty Hutch

If you claim to be a sports fan, then buckle up and hold on tight,
For you’ll want to hear a tale that’s true of a bloody hockey fight.
But keep in mind it’s all for sport, it’s the nature of the game;
‘Tis about a fearless blueliner, the Mighty Hutch, his playing name.
And in case you think this tale a yarn, I promise you it’s true;
For I was there and saw it all, ‘cause I was a player too.

(Excerpt from the poem)

Philadelphia's Benevolent Society
(The 1974-1976 Philadelphia Flyers)

Playing in Philly was like going to the dentist
For a root canal and double extraction,
Because after the game you'd be in excruciating pain,
Or maybe a hospital bed undergoing traction!

They were brutal and mean and viciously obscene;
The game of hockey only a ruse and diversion;
For they had a charitable bent and their first intent:
To support Philadelphia's school of plastic surgeons!

(Excerpt from the poem)

The Series of 72'

Now this is my creed for all you nations to heed,
The law I fervently uphold:
My resources I'll share for a price that seems fair,
But hockey's my heart and my soul.
For my game is passionate, swift, relentless, and pure,
Courageous and lion-fierce to behold;
It's the spirit that champions my sons of the north,
And ye cannot steal a true Warrior's soul!

(Excerpt from the poem)

Donuts!

Generations have admired the lofty spires,
That herald the works of men—
Whether tributes to Napoleon and Caesar,
Or the towering monument to Washington.

Ask any Canuck who's the greatest of all;
They'll smatter forth this linguistic string:
“Why for shore I'd say, it's Tim Horton eh,
Our legendary Donut and Coffee King.”

(Excerpt from the poem)

The Fearless John Hock AND THE Mighty
Michael McKey (The Roots of Ice Hockey)

’Twas a graceful sight to see two men fight
   As they cruised on the icy sheen,
And it seemed to go on from dusk ’til dawn;
   Such a sight had never been seen.
And so goes the tale: since they had no jail,
   The constable was shrewd as a fox,
“I'll throw them yar into that railway car,
   And call it a penalty box.“

(Excerpt from the poem)