Monday and Tuesday (II) Questions

Why does Dryden seem secluded from the team and why is the team okay with this? (272-273)

Why do you think the team still feels that the game is all about them, even though they're about to face their toughest opponents? (278)

How do the Canadiens fare against the Islanders and how is that significant to Dryden's talk about "showdowns"? Do you think this is going to end some of the doubts he had talked about near the beginning of the book? (279)

Sunday Questions

What is the significance of the "hollowness" that Dryden feels as the team enters Philadelphia? (235)

Why do you think Dryden goes all the way back to the roots of hockey when describing the Soviet style of gameplay? (240-250)

Which three things have been the most influential in changing the game of hockey? (252)

What impact do the Soviets have on Dryden's decision to stop playing, both in the NHL and internationally, if any? (261)

Why does Dryden keep repeating "Whom the gods would destroy, the first oversell"? (265)

How does Bobby Clarke's main weakness tie into Dryden? Same question for what Dryden says Clarke needs. (267)

Why can nobody explain why they still play hockey? (269)

What is the significance of the game, both to you and Dryden? (270)

Saturday Questions

Why do you think the team doesn't want to "change the luck" even though it's obvious that the team needs a shakeup? (194)

What is different between Dryden's routine for this game and his games against the Soviets that were described earlier in the book? (197)

Why do you think that Dryden sticks to superstitions on but not off the ice? (202-203)

Why is the game not really fun for the team anymore? Does this have any motivation for them or is it just a fact of life? (210)

Why is Dryden not enjoying the game and how does that relate to his main reason for retiring that was found earlier in the book? (214)

Do you think Dryden, or the Canadiens in general, get the benefit of the doubt that Dryden talks about on page 220 when they're in Montreal? Or, do they get the second part of his statement? How does that relate to Montreal's fan base? (220)

What about the Montreal fan base do you think makes it hard for the players to play there after a while? (229)

What is the significance of the music stopping in the last paragraph of page 234? (234)

History of Hockey: NHL

In 1917, the NHL rose up, overthrowing the floundering NHA (National Hockey Association). The NHA couldn't field as appealing of a product because it's teams were based in America and most of it's best players were off fighting in World War 1. The NHL started out with 4 teams: the Montreal Wanderers, the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Arenas.

Superstar Joe Malone of the Montreal Canadiens was the first man to take the NHL into the homes of Canadian hockey fans. In the first day of play, he put up 5 goals against the Ottawa Senators. Shortly afterwards however, the NHL started to face the same problem as the NHA before it. Then, a fire in the Montreal Forum, which housed the Canadiens and the Wanderers, forced the Wanderers to fold operations. The year after the fire, after playing with three teams in the league, the Arenas were on the path to folding. A loan restructuring and a new owner saved the team, and subsequently the NHL as the newly named Toronto St. Pats were rebuilt.

The NHL continued to grow, adding the Quebec Bulldogs the same year that the St. Pats were born. Then, the first American team was introduced into the NHL. In 1924, the Boston Bruins came into being. After a series of moves, the Bulldogs ended up becoming the second American team in 1925, being renamed the New York Americans. In 1925-26, more American teams jumped into the NHL with the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Detroit Cougars entering the mix. In 1927, the St. Pats were purchased by Conn Smythe and were immediately changed to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The success was short lived, as heading into the 1930's the NHL faced more economic hardship. The Pirates and Senators moved to Philadelphia and St. Louis, but lasted only a year. The Montreal Maroons, who became active in the late twenties, folded in 1939 with the New York Americans following suit in 1942. That left the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, and the newly dubbed Detroit Red Wings. Today, that group is known as the Original Six.

20 years later, after TV contracts were signed in America and Canada and the league had more money than they knew what to do with, the league decided to expand with 6 more teams, doubling in size from six to twelve teams. The new teams were the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angles Kings, Oakland Seals, Minnesota North Stars, St. Louis Blues, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The move was designed to corner the west coast of the United States because there were some startup leagues trying to make a name for themselves out there. In 1967, the new NHL was born.

The NHL continued to expand, due to fan criticism and the buzz created by star players such as Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, and Gordie Howe who at this point was 41 years old. In 1970, the NHL expanded again, this time to 14 teams. The new teams were the Buffalo Sabres and the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks were created after western Canada was almost set ablaze by NHL fans who were outraged that they didn't get a franchise in the original expansion.

Another notable expansion was the merger for the WHA (World Hockey Association) and the NHL in 1979. The WHA started up and tried to offer NHL star players bigger salaries if they would leave the NHL to play there. However, after many star players bolted, the WHA was left with almost no money and the NHL with no players. The two sides reached a deal where they would merge but only four teams were put in to the NHL from the WHA: the Hartford Whalers, Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, and Quebec Nordiques were the four lucky franchises.

The 1990's and 2000-01 were the years the NHL rounded out. In 1991, the San Jose Sharks were created followed by the Tampa Bay Lightning and the returning Ottawa Senators in 1993. 1995 was the relocation year of the Quebec Nordiques to Colorado to become of the Colorado Avalanche. Also relocating during this time were the Winnipeg Jets to Phoenix to become the Coyotes in 1996 and the Whalers to North Carolina to become the Hurricanes in 1997.  In 1998, the Nashville Predators came about with the Atlanta Thrashers being created in 1999. The final teams created during this time were the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Minnesota Wild in 2000.

Friday Questions

A cold is a reminder for Ken just how much time is passing. What is one thing for you that reminds you that you're getting older? (151)

What factor of his life is Dryden missing to improve or maintain the skill he has? (156)

What keeps Dryden from experiencing the "romance" that comes along with winning a Stanley Cup? (161)

Which problem for Bill Nyrop kept him from becoming a substantial part of the Canadiens, besides injuries? How does this relate to Dryden? (163)

What has kept Larouche from sticking with the Canadiens and what does this show about their fan base's expectations about their players? (167)

Dryden says that he "wants a real chance to win every year", and then lists off scenarios of trades. How does this show Dryden's mindset to his team's approach to this season? (171)

Earlier, it was said that the Canadiens couldn't be like everyone else. What thing(s) during the practice showcase(s) that? (174-175)

Give some examples as to why money is a blessing and a curse to players, teams, and fan bases in the NHL. (178-183)

Why does Ken put almost no effort into his public relations? (187-190)

History of Hockey: Origins

In the early 1870's, the winter destroyed lacrosse fields in Canada. Looking for an activity to pass the time, the lacrosse players attempted to play lacrosse on the ice with skates. After that activity showed little promise, the players decided, with a suggestion from a man who went by J.G.A. Creighton, to try to play with shinny hockey (a game similar to field hockey today) sticks and balls.

With lacrosse out the window, the players needed a set of rules to govern themselves. Not knowing many other sports, hockey was played very much like rugby. The game then turned in to a game with no forward passing and nine players on the ice at a time.

The first public exhibition of hockey was played in Montreal in 1875, and that's where the idea of a puck was introduced. The exhibition was thought to be dangerous for spectators because the shinny ball could get moving really fast, pop up off of the ice, and strike someone in the crowd. To quell these concerns, the players used a small, cylindrical piece of wood to avoid the puck ever coming off the ice.

To go along with that, new rules were constantly being added. What was nine players a side went down to seven, and eventually six in 1911. At first, there were no substitutions for non-injured players. However, many teams didn't carry any extra players. That meant that if you got injured, you're team would be undermanned and the stereotype of really tough hockey players, who would play through the most painful and gory injuries was born. The forward pass was thought to be a cheap way of gaining territory, so the players never exercised it and if they did, the official would call it an offsides, much like in rugby. After 50 or so years, the game slowed down to a point where it was too boring to watch and the forwards pass was allowed, and a whole new offense could be brought.

It was from those slow times that the basic strategy of hockey evolved, though. The only way to advance the puck was through skating and stickhandling. The defenders, in primitive gear and being used to contact with most of them being out-of-season rugby players, then learned the body check to slow opposing forwards down. During this time is when the basic roots of hockey started to take hold and the game would never look back.

Thursday Questions

What seems to be Dryden’s favorite hobby when he goes on the road and what does this say about his state of mind when it comes to time? (106)

Why does Ken fear that his family life may never be “normal”? (108)

Can the change in Robinson’s game be related back to Dryden? How? (115)

What will people remember most about Dryden’s career? How is this going to influence his decision to retire? (116)

What factors can make it hard for a hockey player to dominate a game and who are the two people that possess that skill? (119-120)

What relationship does Dryden’s team have with momentum? Do you think they can continue their success? Why or why not? (122)

What about the series with Boston is most memorable to Dryden and why is that important in terms of his career? (124)

Who is Lapointe mad at and why? What does this signify for the team and organization? (125)

Why can’t the Canadiens be “like everyone else”? (127)

What does the Dryden’s bus routine signify about his mindset, both on and off the ice? (131)

What is the line said about unstable people for the team? How does this relate to Dryden from what you’ve read so far? (132)

What does Dryden’s injury history say about the life of a hockey player? (134)

Why do you think Dryden has been successful as a goalie, in terms of his being “different”? (137)

As the team keeps winning, what does it do to Dryden’s thoughts about winning and losing individual games? (140)

What about Boston, on and off the ice, makes it Dryden’s favorite place to play in besides Montreal? (142)

What does Dryden realize about himself and the team in terms of skill? (145)

Wednesday Questions

What was the “first rule” of backyard hockey? How do you think this shaped Ken as a person and hockey player? (64)

How do the sticks and playing schedule at the backyard rink show the prevalence of hockey in Dryden’s life? (66-67)

Based on what you have read so far, what will Dryden turn to after hockey to “smooth away the changes?” Give 2 reasons why you think this (70)

Dryden’s description of hockey fans, and how it affects his friend, hits the mark perfectly. What is one other thing, besides sports, that you have felt that way about? Why was that so important to you? (74-75)

Dryden tells us about part of the team’s motivation in 1971. Based on what we have read so far, what is the teams, and Dryden’s, motivation for winning the Cup that year? (80)

Why do you think that the team was so miffed at the Zamboni still being on the ice when they came out of the locker room? (82)

What does the cab ride between Bower and Dryden show us about player relations in the NHL? (83)

How does Dryden recapture the feeling of playing on a backyard rink for fun like he used to in his childhood? (84)

How does Dryden know everything about his teammates, but nothing at the same time? (85-86)

Why does Bowman change up each player’s roommates at different times of the year? (88)

Dryden gives some details as to why he will be retiring at the end of the season. How many can you find and break down? (90-92)

“…it is as if they understand what only we can sense—that whoever wins their private contest will win the game.” Dryden uses this to describe two players, but how might this relate to his own state of mind for his last season? (95)

Why might Gainey be the team’s savior if they start to fall out of Stanley Cup contention? (98)

Why does the game against the Maple Leafs leave Dryden feeling “duped”? Is it one more reason to not play, or does it give him hope for someone good mentally to play against and a worthy adversary? (103)

Stanley Cup

The Stanley Cup was brought into hockey by a man named Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley. Purchased in 1892, Sir Stanley bought the trophy (for $50 at the time) so that it could be presented to "the championship hockey club of the Dominion of Canada." While it was first presented to a team in 1893, the trophy gained notoriety when the NHL purchased the Cup in 1910. Since 1926, only NHL teams have competed for the trophy that epitomizes dominance in the hockey world.

The most dominant team historically is the Montreal Canadiens, winning a record 23 Stanley Cups. The second place team, the Toronto Maple Leafs,  is a rather distant second coming in with only 13. The Canadiens also hold the record for most consecutive times winning a Stanley Cup at five between 1956-1960. The Canadiens have also won it four times in a row, such as from 1975-76 to 1978-79 with author and goaltender Ken Dryden.

When the trophy first came into the NHL, it was just the the cupped portion and a ring underneath of it. As the NHL expanded and teams grew, more rings were needed to have space to engrave the names of everyone who played on that championship team. Slowly but surely, rings were added on, tiered at first, but then evened out in 1947. Due to the amount of champions, new rings are often put on and old one's retired. The Cup and the retired bands can be seen at Lord Stanley's Vault in the Esso Great Hall in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Ontario, Canada.

Even though it weighs about 35 pounds, most players don't know it. Many have never touched the Cup thinking it's bad luck and that they should wait until they win it. A quote said by Bill Clement, Stanley Cup champion with the Philadelphia Flyers back in 1973-74 and 1974-75 has said, "The Cup actually weighs about 35 pounds, but when you hold it, it weighs about as much as a feather."

Each member of the team gets 24 hours with the Cup, a tradition found in no other sport. Due to that tradition and the vast landscapes where NHL players originate from, the Cup has been all around the world, going from the US and Canada to Sweden, Finland, Russia, the Czech Republic, and more.

Tuesday Questions

How does Dryden act with his family? What might be the reason behind that sort of interaction? (22)

What do the attendance numbers at the PQ’s victory rally and the Canadiens game suggest about the mindset in Montreal? (24)

What are some of the biggest differences for Dryden and his wife when they first come to Montreal? (26-27)

Why does Dryden feel “no pressure to leave” Montreal, even with the culture shock that he is going through? (28)

How does the team deal with the two languages of Montreal inside and outside of the locker room? (29-30)

What does the group of children that hang around the Forum symbolize about life in Montreal? How do they help Dryden, in terms of his career? (33-34)

What is the team’s opinion of the governmental changes in Montreal? What does this say about the team’s mindset for its play? (36)

Who is responsible for pulling most of the pranks on the team and what effect does it have on the other Canadiens? (39)

Dryden describes the childhood life of a kid from Verdun, the town where his coach was born. What can be said about their active lifestyles and how does it affect Scotty Bowman, his coach, as an adult? (42)

How does Bowman’s career choice and Dryden’s career choice parallel and differ from each other’s? (43)

How do the players that play under Bowman usually feel about his coaching style? (43)

How many extra players do the Canadiens carry on their roster and what does it say about Bowman’s approach to different games? (48-49)

Why does Dryden think that Bowman “understands” him as a goalie and a person? (50)

How does Dryden’s initial reaction to the Soviet’s game style say about his mindset for this year and how could they be related? (51)

Dryden goes into great depth about his preparation for his first game against the Soviets. What could his preparation and reaction to the tie say about his mental capabilities? (51-52)

How does the team feel when Bowman changes the practice time? (53)

What do you think of the competition between “Bunny” and Dryden? What are Dryden’s sentiments about it? (56)

What does the locker room scene on page 58 tell us about the team’s resilience and ability to follow routines? (58)

How do you think “Bunny” feels when Dryden tells him that he’s going to retire at the end of the season? (58)

Monday Questions

What do you think Dryden’s state of mind is when he first wakes up? (3-4)

As Dryden looks over the state of his team, what does his analysis reveal about his teams and his own mindset as it pertains to the season? Choose one quote that exemplifies this. (6-7)

The cutting of Dryden’s skate laces shows what about the atmosphere in the locker room? (11)

What do you think of the way the Canadiens handle the practice before their big game? (12)

Ken’s in depth look at himself shows what he thinks of himself at this stage of his career. How do you think this will affect him throughout the novel, both on and off the ice? (16-17)

“If I had retired a year ago, I would have left with doubts. I have none now.” What doubts do you think Dryden wanted absolved by playing in this last year? (18)

Why does Dryden make such a point to say that he would want to play on his own time and not the team’s when he discusses Courtois’ offer? (19)