This book is dedicated, first, to my wife, Elana Waldman, who has fallen in love with the sport unlike anyone else I know. Her ability to absorb my hockey ramblings is amazing.

I also dedicate this book to my late uncle, Brian Fleishman, who introduced me to the world of hockey, taking me to countless Winnipeg Jets games as a kid; and to Elana’s late grandfather, Sam Meyrowitz, who knew more about how the game is played than anyone I’ve ever met. Without them and their inspiration, this book would not have been possible.