From its humble beginnings on the frozen lakes and rivers of 19th-century Canada to its incredible position as one of the most popular sports in the world, this epic monument to the sport celebrates what makes hockey great: the players, the spirit and energy of the game, and the die-hard support of fans around the globe. Covering more than the most famous stars, such as Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, this weighty resource chronicles the glories of overlooked players, provides statistics for the major hockey heroes, and details the rising popularity of the sport throughout history. Also included is a demo version of the companion CD-ROM, which brings the force of the arena right into the home. Included are essays written by a formidable team of veteran hockey commentators and critics.