Because we all have busy schedules  ---  sometimes it's tough to sit down at the end of the day and crack open a new book.  My precious evening moments after the kids go to bed are often reserved for talking to my wife, watching the Hockey Channel or the news.

Occasionally -- a new book will catch my eye and I will bang it out within a week.  It’s been three years since I read my last book; “Close to Shore.” That interesting book discussed the attraction and evolution of the New Jersey Sea Shore in the 1900’s.  A sissy book? Not really, it also discussed the terror of the first reported shark attacks at those resort towns --- and how beach goers overcame their fear of the ocean and returned to the water. Ironically, I picked up this book while vacationing --- at the Jersey Shore.  

In 2006, Jon Jehrio and I hosted the original Hanson Brothers from the movie Slap Shot for the first time and after four successful years -- our unique team approach to fundraising has raised over $30,000 for the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition . 

Dave Hanson was the first "Hanson Brother" I met -- when I picked him up at the Harrisburg International Airport in 2006.  As we sat in the bar and chatted while waiting for Jeff and Steve to land, I had no idea that the man I was talking to had such an interesting and impressive hockey background. After getting to know the three stars of the 1977 film -- it's fun to hear stories from Jeff, Steve and Dave over adult beverages. After talking to Dave in early 2009 about his new book, SLAP SHOT ORIGINAL, I knew I had to buy his book. I ordered it from www.slapshotoriginal.com

In 2002 I replaced my worn out VHS copy of Slap Shot with the new Slap Shot 25^th Year Anniversary DVD Set. I still enjoy watching the movie in commentary mode narrated by Jeff, Steve and Dave. That same year, I inherited the Johnstown Sales Territory for my job and found myself visiting the bowels of the old steel town. One day I stopped in the Cambria County (Johnstown) War Memorial and took a self guided tour. Wow, what a building, I could almost see the hockey being played in the darkness of the building. From the old time hockey photos in the halls  to the stainless steel concession counters, to the roll up steel gates and brown seats, the building appeared untouched over the years.

In 2003, I finally attended my first Johnstown Chiefs hockey game and had a blast. While drinking $2.00 beers and munching on $.75 soft pretzels, I enjoyed sitting next to and chatting with a Johnstown Chiefs'  mom and dad – who were present for their son’s first pro hockey game.  
 

On May 23, 2009 Dave's book arrived and I was like a kid on Christmas morning. I sat on the front porch and immediately opened the box, read the personalized note (which was a very classy touch that enhanced the buying experience) and read forty-three pages that night and finished it -- a week later.   

What a great read! SLAP SHOT ORIGINAL seemed to put me on the ice with Dave in a playful, funny, but yet serious way. I found the book to be an easy read and had no problem staying interested. The timeline flowed nicely and each page kept me in suspense which made it hard to put down. I enjoyed the forwords by the legendary Gordie Howe and brothers Jeff and Steve Carlson.

The fear and intimation tactics of the minor leagues really got my attention and curiosity. It’s funny how the 1970’s Broad Street Bullies (aka Philadelphia Flyers) and their tough guy antics -- really contributed to the rough and tumble play of the minor leagues. Players catching the "Flyers Flu" before a game as a way to not play against the Flyers was interesting.  

I learned a lot about the minor leagues and its ups and downs. I was impressed at how much love and passion was put into Dave's game, all for a fraction of the money found in today’s sports. Guys like Dave did it for the love of the game and never seemed to feel that the game owned them anything. They were honored to play hockey and be part of it's rich history. Even through all the trades and cross country journeys that Dave talks about, a loud and long stick tap to him and his wife Sue for toughing it out  and skating together on all thin ice.  

I think the best parts of the book are the Paul Newman moments and practical jokes played on the cast and crew members. The part about the bench clearing brawls to get the other teams new hockey sticks was a great idea!  The various locker room jokes like stapling clothes to stalls, "Ben Gay" on jocks, tampered with sticks, and of course the bus ride stories on the "Old Iron Lung" bus.
 

A good portion of the book discusses the making of Slap Shot and how the movie roles effected the Hanson Brother’s real life careers. Reading the commentaries from the actors, movie cast, crew, NHL coaches and players answered the question of why Slap Shot is a cult classic. There are also a lot of extra movie “tidbits” which will make you dig watch the movie again, and again. Reading about Paul Newman during the making of the movie was outstanding and I will leave it at that –JUST BUY THE BOOK!

In all the fights Dave Hanson has won or lost (more won!)  the poundings clearly did not effect his memory as each chapter in SLAP SHOT ORIGINAL is told in such a crisp and fresh manner -- making it seem like the 1970’s were just last year.  I am very much impressed at how much Dave remembers in detail and his chapter depth. I am also impressed about his role in hockey over the years and his relationship with many hockey greats including past teammates and opponents he fought -- along with his modern day relationships with  Jeff, Jack and Steve Carlson.  

Thank you Dave for an entertaining and interesting look at a hockey world I knew little about. Watching Slap Shot gives us all chuckles, but thank you for giving me a colorful look into the "at times" dark and dim world of minor league hockey. Thanks for attending our charity events over the years and for all you and your “brothers” Jeff and Steve Carlson do for hockey and charity, I know many of us in Central Pennsylvania appreciate and more importantly --- respect it!

written by: Rob Ziemba
Founder, "Play it Again" for Charity