Heart of the Blackhawks: The Pierre Pilote Story

Description

"The book is a sympathetic and detailed account of Pilote's journey to Hockey immortality . . . Hockey fans - especially old time Hawks devotees - will delight in the portraits offered here of Pilote's equally famous teammates." - Publishers Weekly From the beginning, the hockey gods looked favourably on Pierre Pilote, a French Canadian lad who went on to become captain of the powerhouse Chicago Blackhawks in the 1960s and one of the greatest defencemen in NHL history. Pilote takes us on a rich and unforgettable journey through the rinks and dressing rooms of the Junior "A" St. Catharines Teepees and AHL Buffalo Bisons to his first big and embarrassing shift as a rookie with the Blackhawks. Sit on the bench when Pilote plays with the likes of Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Glenn Hall, Moose Vasko, and while he is coached by Tommy Ivan, Rudy Pilous, and Billy Reay; get up close for his on-ice battles with Rocket Richard, Gordie Howe, and Henri Richard; and hear the incredible story of how "the swingingest team" from the Windy City captured the imaginations of fans and the hockey world in their 1961 pursuit of the elusive Stanley Cup.

L. Waxy Gregoire is a hockey buff, member of the International Hockey Researchers Association, and secretary of the Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame, where he is heavily involved in researching and writing about local hockey. He lives in Penetanguishene, Ontario. David M. Dupuis, former goaltender, coach, and goaltending instructor, and registered practical nurse, is a member of the International Hockey Researchers Association. He is the author of the bestselling hockey biography Sawchuk: The Troubles and Triumphs of the World's Greatest Goalie (Stoddart, 1998). He lives in Tiny, Ontario. Pierre Pilote, born in 1931 in Kenogami, Quebec, became a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975. He lives in Wyevale, Ontario.

"It's a story of one of hockey's great defencemen, the master first-passer, the body banging, blueline quarterback who came to the party fashionably late, but left a lasting impression." -- Ross Brewitt