Heart of the Blackhawks: The Pierre Pilote Story
L. Waxy Gregoire and David M. Dupuis and Pierre Pilote
$16.99-
“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.
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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 Kénogami, Québec, became a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975. He lives in Wyevale, Ontario.
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Published: September 2016
ISBN: 9781770413672
Dimensions: 6 x 9 in.
Pages: 368
Reviews
“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
“This book about overcoming challenges is a must for hockey fans who want to learn about a star from yesteryear.” — Quill & Quire
“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
“Pilote brings readers rinkside in this compelling biography, Heart of the Blackhawks: The Pierre Pilote Story.” — HockeyBookReviews.com
“Fans of hockey history will be delighted by this book’s attention to detail, including the highlights and lowlights of several playoff runs. The story is well-written, fascinating and diligently researched, especially descriptions of hockey life in a time before big player endorsements and multi-million dollar contracts.” — Scene Magazine
“He’s kept a relatively low profile since he retired after the 1969 season, but hockey fans will rejoice in this wonderful autobiography . . . a very enjoyable sports bio about one of the very greatest.” — Booklist
“A very solid, refreshing read and one I would recommend for hockey fans, highly recommend for Blackhawks fans.” — OrderOfBooks.com
“A well-researched volume of work, authors L. Waxy Gregoire and David M. Dupuis undertook the gargantuan task of creating an incredible biography that had tremendous input from Pilote himself . . . The authors deserve a great deal of credit for not only going to extreme lengths to put together one of the best-researched hockey books around, but for also constructing a tale that sheds light on how great Pilote truly was. It is a fitting tribute to a talent that deserves far more credit than he receives and readers will definitely gain a greater sense of appreciation for what he accomplished.” — Sportsology