From Behind the Red Line: A North American Hockey Player in Russia

Rating:
Summary: Winning mix of hockey and social studies
Review: A few years back, the late and lamented Winnipeg Jets inexplicably sent a young Harvard-educated prospect to Kiev to learn Russian-style hockey. I'm not sure it helped him, because I don't think he ever played a game in the NHL. But what a window on life in the new Russia! Really more cultural history than hockey bio, although a couple of Hartje's teammates, most notably his lockerroom neighbor Dmitri Khristich, will be familiar to hockey fans. Wonderfully well written. I'd like to think that even the jocks at Harvard learn to write, but more likely it's the ghostwriter.

Rating:
Summary: From Behind The Red Line
Review: I have not read a book for fun in 4 years! I am a college student, so I have read plent of required stuff, but nothing out of my own ambition. I happened upon this book in the bookstore the other day, and it looked interesting. I have now read it, and I liked it so much that I came here feeling I HAD to let other people know how good it was! I am sure it helps that I love hockey, and being from Detroit, I am automatically interested in russians and hockey. It was VERY INTERESTING, and also hilarious. The author wasn't afraid to tell of things such as the teams' joking about the size of a fellow teammates....um....dong. I hope i can atleast say that.

Anyhow, I loved it, and i hope you will to.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting Insight
Review: Interesting book about a Harvard hockey player who voulenteers to be the first American to play in the Soviet hockey system in Kiev (Ukrania). The most interesting aspect of the book was seeing how the Soviet hockey system functioned then thru the eyes of someone who was there.

I found the conditions apalling: 11 months of training a year, living in army barracks-type quaters, eating greasy-gruel with no nutrition, no "personal recognition" when scoring a goal (it was considered a "team" effort and no celebration was allowed). It sounds like being a prisioner! Yet they produced a breed of hockey players superior to the "healthy and happy" North Americans! Go figure....

Now that the Russian hockey system is falling apart (as was apparent in their 2000 World Cup performance), it's interesting to look back at how the old system worked and think how can they improve their situation today.

Rating:
Summary: get the record straight
Review: I`m sorry to say that the real story of the first American to play hockey in the ussr should not be aboutTod Hartje but Bill McCormack.

Rating:
Summary: Wondeful story, but very poorly written
Review: This book offers a great insight into the Russian hockey system, especially now that so many European players have entered the NHL. To read of the adversity they must overcome in terms of lack of facilities and equipment makes you stop and look at what a luxury it is to grow up in the US. A great fast read for players and fans of any age.

Rating:
Summary: Very interesting book
Review: This is one of the best books I have read on hockey. It is an easy read and believe me, once you pick it up it will be hard to put it down. If you love hockey, this is for you. It is a behind the scenes look at communist times Russia. It really opened my eyes to the hardships these players have to endure to make it in hockey. All along you are able to relate to all the Russian players, and to realize that they are so similar to us Americans!
My son is an aspiring NHL'er and he has agreed to read it. One of his trainers is mentioned in the book. I have read him passages and now we both have the greatest respect for this man. Just reading about what they have to endure, you will know just how privileged we are to live in the States.
I believe you won't be dissapointed if you read this book

Rating:
Summary: Very interesting book
Review: This is one of the best books I have read on hockey. It is an easy read and believe me, once you pick it up it will be hard to put it down. If you love hockey, this is for you. It is a behind the scenes look at communist times Russia. It really opened my eyes to the hardships these players have to endure to make it in hockey. All along you are able to relate to all the Russian players, and to realize that they are so similar to us Americans!
My son is an aspiring NHL'er and he has agreed to read it. One of his trainers is mentioned in the book. I have read him passages and now we both have the greatest respect for this man. Just reading about what they have to endure, you will know just how privileged we are to live in the States.
I believe you won't be dissapointed if you read this book

Rating:
Summary: Must reading for ambitious hockey players of all levels.
Review: Tod Hartje's view of the Soviet hockey system is a must read for all students of the sport of ice hockey. You feel his elation -- and his depression -- when, as a borderline player for the then NHL Winnipeg Jets, Hartje is sent packing to the Soviet Union to learn the game. Call it "glasnost" or "detante" but when Hartje writes of his hockey experiences in the Soviet System, of his trips to the soviet backwaters and to Moscow and Kiev, you learn to what great length players will go to improve. Add this one to your reading list and get a copy today.