How Hockey Works: The Science of Hockey (Popular Mechanics for Kids) - Hardcover

Thomas, Keltie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1894379357 ISBN 13: 9781894379359

Publisher: Maple Tree Press, 2002

Synopsis

Have you ever thought about the game of hockey... scientifically? How Hockey Works, by Keltie Thomas, holds a bevy of fascinating scientific and behind-the-scenes facts about our favorite winter sport. Not just for hockey fans and players, How Hockey Works will also surprise non-enthusiasts with stunning statistics, fascinating facts and awesome anecdotes. Kids, coaches and hockey parents will all love the practice tips as well as the stories and photos of legendary players.

Learn all about the history and lore of the game of hockey, the development of equipment and safety practices, everything you ever wanted to know about ice, as well as stories from men's and women's leagues. From the physics of speedy, powerful skating to the all-important science of explosive moves (the slapshot and body check) to the science of sports medicine, this book has everthing to increase enjoyment at every level. That includes tips on scoring goals!

Special Features:

Legends of the Game: stories from hockey's history including how some rules came to be (like why rubber rodents were banned from the ice)
Quick Shots -- quick facts about the game
Timelines, with archival photos showing the progression of hockey equipment over time -- you'll be amazed at the technology we've developed!
Hockey Card sidebars, featuring players from the NHL, Women's pro hockey and others
Quick Answers to Speedy Questions
tips to improve your game, from exercises you can do, to understanding plays to finding the right gear
a Glossary jam-packed with all the terms and information to make any reader an expert at the basics of the game
fully updated with information from the 2002 Winter Olympics.

About this title

About the Author

Keltie Thomas is a passionate hockey fan. She has shown her scientific curiosity and quirky sense of humor as the former editor of OWL Magazine, co-author of CyberSurfer: The OWL Internet Guide for Kids, and developer of the award-winning web site OWLkids Online. Keltie Thomas lives in Toronto.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Introduction: How Does Hockey Work? Fans, players, and inquiring minds everywhere want to know!

What makes hockey the coolest and the fastest game on earth? Why is the ice so slippery? What makes a slapshot such a boom with zoom? Why is the puck so shifty? What makes Wayne Gretzky the greatest one of all? How do Zambonis work? What makes a hockey stick feel right? How fast can players rush from one end to end? How do goalies play the angle? And what is the angle? What's the score on scoring goals?

Well, just like everything else on earth, it all comes down to science (plus a few things science hasn't managed to explain yet!). And if you think that makes hockey sound boring, you'd better check what planet you're on. But, hey, why don't you turn the page and check out the world of hockey in action for yourself. Whether you want answers to those burning questions, tips on becoming a better player, the scoop on inside information, or just to have a blast with the game, this book's for you.

[PSSSST. You don't have to be a hockey maniac to read this book. The Rules and Regs and Hockey Talk are decoded on page 61.]

Legends of the Game: The Night the Puck Was Born

Duck! Here comes the puck! Crack! There it goes, right through the window.

That was the scene in the 1800s, one of the first indoor games in Montreal: two teams going at it with a bouncy rubber ball -- what was often used then -- that kept flying over the boards. Hundreds of dollars in windows had been broken in the first few games at the Victoria Skating Rink. And it was dangerous for fans sitting in the stands.

The owner of the rink was fed up. He snatched the ball, cut off the top and bottom with a jack knife, and threw the middle part back onto the ice. Did he have a hunch that the flat disc would slide over the ice instead of bouncing? Maybe. For as the players went on playing no more windows were shattered. And because the new shape bounced less, it was easier for players to control. So this puck stuck in the game!

About this edition

• Publisher: Maple Tree Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1894379357
• ISBN 13: 9781894379359
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 64
• Illustrator: Hall Greg