Andrew K. (kuligowskiandrewt) -
Celebrating the 2010-2011 Season of the Vancouver Canucks is an officially licensed publication of the National Hockey League. As such, you know that the writing by author Andrew Podnieks and the photographs, as well as the formatting and editing and such, will be first rate. After all, you know that the league will want to present its product in its best light.
Unfortunately, you also must realize that criticisms will be muted, as well both of the subject team and of their opponents again, because the league wants to present its product in its best light. (Perhaps this is why the Vancouver riots after Game 7 of the Finals are never even mentioned. I was in town a month later, and a number of businesses STILL had some of their windows boarded up including the big-box bookstore where I purchased my copy of this book!)
Still, if you realize those strengths and limitations going in, this book is an enjoyable way to reminisce about a good season of hockey and a team that came THIS CLOSE to winning it all. Good use of time entertaining book but not exactly an unbiased history (and it indirectly celebrates the fact it isn't!)
Unfortunately, you also must realize that criticisms will be muted, as well both of the subject team and of their opponents again, because the league wants to present its product in its best light. (Perhaps this is why the Vancouver riots after Game 7 of the Finals are never even mentioned. I was in town a month later, and a number of businesses STILL had some of their windows boarded up including the big-box bookstore where I purchased my copy of this book!)
Still, if you realize those strengths and limitations going in, this book is an enjoyable way to reminisce about a good season of hockey and a team that came THIS CLOSE to winning it all. Good use of time entertaining book but not exactly an unbiased history (and it indirectly celebrates the fact it isn't!)
