Victory on Ice

Epic battles, fatal sacrifices, and highly improbable circumstances brought the Stanley Cup to Chicago twice during the 1930s. Long overlooked, the city's 1934 and 1938 championships evoked a sense of triumph and jubilation during the darkness and gloom of the Great Depression. By combining tales of old-time hockey with rare photos and broader elements of history, Victory on Ice recreates a near-century-old landscape, teleporting readers to a bygone era when the Blackhawks' earliest heroes played a brutal game against bitter rivals. Many players and their families lived simple, interconnected lives in small apartments and hotels. Teammates forged a unique camaraderie during long train rides between NHL cities. Salaries were modest, and players without cars took the bus to practices and games at the cavernous and electrifying Chicago Stadium. Underworld figures, intent on fixing games, occasionally threatened players. Experience all the action and excitement in this detailed account of two unforgettable seasons, concluding with one of the greatest Cinderella stories in professional sports.