Slap Shot Original: The Man, the Foil, and the Legend

The book is pretty good with a lot of laughs. The story revolves more around him than the movie, but there is a lot about the movie intertwined throughout the book. If you are a fan of the movie I would definitely pick this up. If you are a fan of hockey, especially the daily grind of playing, this is also a great book that explains a great deal about what it takes to make it when you aren't gifted enought to be handed an NHL roster spot. The sacrifices he had to make, but especially the sacrifices his family and loved ones had to make for him to follow his dream. There are plenty of anecdotes and name-dropping that will surprise you. Here's a taste...did you know Paul Stewart (yes the ref) was a tough guy in the minors? I don't want to spoil anything. "Killer," if you're reeading this, thanks for the effort, I'm very happy I picked up your book. It was very hard to put down. It cost me a few 3 hr sleep nights, but it was so worth it. When you talked about trying out at the Wakota Arena in South St Paul, I told my girlfriend, "Hey, I tried out for a junior team there!" (South St. Paul Steers) It was pretty cool.

First off let me say I am not a big hockey fan, but I am a big fan of the movie Slap Shot and a sports fan in general. This was an absolute delight to read. Like another reviewer said, it's not fine literature, but it is as well written, insightful and funny as any sports biography I have read. On the Amazon scale, five starts means you love it and love it I did.I found out lots of interesting things about Dave Hanson and the Carlson Brothers (who rounded out the famous onscreen Hanson Brothers). I also learned a great deal about minor league and professional hockey. It has also renewed my interest in trying again to follow hockey. When the next season kicks off, I have my Charlestown Chiefs authentic home jersey, foil and thick framed "Clark Kent" glasses at the ready.If you have ever played organized sports or followed team sports closely, you will get a kick out of this book learning about the antics behind the scenes of professional hockey in the 1970s and how the misfits made out on the set of Slap Shot. Long live Dave Hanson, Jeff and Steve Carlson and "Old Time Hockey."

Lots of good hockey stories...but what keeps this from getting 5 stars is that some of the same stories are repeated in the book...once from Dave Hanson's point of view...then from someone elses point of view and it would be OKAY if it gave additional insight but in my opinion they state the exact same view...and having 20 people telling me that Dave is a great Father , Husband , teammate and all around guy is not necessary . He does set a great example of hard work and faith and love . I am often at the sport complex where Dave manages and have seen him on several occasions and to look at him...you would never know him as an enforcer...and I will say what all 20 others in the book said...Dave's a really good guy

This book is a blast to read. Great memories of the movie (I had to watch it a couple more times). There are some funny and surprising stories in the book. Who knew it was that close to the truth! Lots of additions from other players, actors and just famous people. Old time hockey? You bet. Worth the read. I got my sons to read it, as well. Where we live we have a successful minor league and NHL hockey team so, it just piques the interest (saw Dave in the stands at a game - really wanted him to autograph the book). I think I am still laughing from the book.

I liked Dave's recollections about playing minor league hockey and the characters he encountered. I recently watched the movie again and in the credits I saw Bruce Boudreau's name. He was one of the players who had a non-speaking role in the movie and he played briefly for the Johnstown Jets. I would recommed this book to anyone who enjoyed the movie and loves hockey. Go Kings!

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. As a hockey fan, I find that I enjoy any and all stories revolving around the sport but this book was different in that it felt like you were sitting at the bar, across from Dave, listening to him tell endless legendary stories about what it was like to be a hockey player in the 70's. Most stories had me laughing to myself in my apartment. I will definitely be recommending this book to other hockey fans!

I bought the book because it was by one of the "Hanson" brothers. It gave me more insight into one of the "men behind the foil." After reading the book I gained new found knowledge into the Johnstown Jets and more into the "Charlestown Chiefs." I knew that Nancy Dowd wrote the screenplay for the movie "Slapshot" and that her brother Ned played "Oggie Ogelthorpe" but I never knew that Ned actually played hockey. This book is a must for any fan of the movie "Slapshot."

What a great look inside one of the best sports movies ever. Plus it shares Dave Hanson's journey from small town Wisconsin to Minnesota hockey to Slap Shot and beyond.

great memories