Raising Stanley: What It Takes to Claim Hockey's Ultimate Prize

Description

Steeped in a history and tradition that spans three centuries, the Stanley Cup is without question the most unique and storied trophy in all of professional sports. Ross Bernstein, the bestselling author of more than 40 sports books, interviewed more than 100 current and former NHL players and coaches who have had the unique and distinct privilege of raising Lord Stanley's holy grail above their heads after winning hockey's ultimate prize. The book features in-depth interviews, rich history, and inspirational stories of determination and perseverance from players and coaches of all eras, including Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, Scotty Bowman, Patrick Roy, Steve Yzerman, Dustin Byfuglien, Joe Sakic, and many more. Raising Stanley features more than just tales about the ecstasy of winning, however. It's about the honor, courage, and sacrifice shared with teammates; the playoff beard; the dramatic Game 7s; the closed-door captain's practices; the coaching wisdom, and the "playoff make-up" (the cuts, stitches, and bruises that inevitably appear on playoff faces). Superstars of yesterday and today also share funny and poignant behind-the-scenes stories, from bench-clearing brawls to rookie hazing initiations to hilarious tales about where some of the game's biggest names have taken the Cup during the off-season.

Ross Bernstein is the bestselling author of nearly 50 sports books and has appeared on thousands of television and radio programs over his career, including CNN and ESPN, as well as in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today. As a nationally recognized motivational speaker, Ross uses sports as a metaphor for life and for business to energize and inspire his audiences, ultimately getting them to think differently. Ross' program The Champion's Code, which is based on his three Code books with Triumph, not only illustrates what it takes to become the best of the best, it also explores the fine line between cheating and gamesmanship in sports as it relates to ethics and accountability in the workplace.