Hockey's Most Exciting Publication

When I'm feeling nostalgic for some vintage hockey reading, I usually dig-out one of my old hockey magazines.

As you can tell by the title of this story, and the above photo, it was also the slogan for Hockey Pictorial. This publication was produced by Ken Mckenzie of  Hockey News fame. The feature stories in this edition were outstanding and written by some wonderful hockey writers. Here is a sampling.

ONE YEAR, COURNOYER COULD BREAK THROUGH - When he first broke in, some compared him to the mighty Rocket, a fact which embarrassed him to no end. Now he's making it on his own. By Gil Smith.

BRAD PARK COULD BE TAKE-CHARGE GUY BLUESHIRTS ARE LACKING. By Norman MacLean.

THE DAY ROY EDWARDS ALMOST QUIT. By Matt Dennis.

FRED STANFIELD REAL KEY TO BRUINS SAYS SINDEN. By Norman MacLean.

If the Flyers work as hard as their coach, they have it made. Drill, drill, drill and try it again is the creed of...EAGER VIC STASIUK PHILADELPHIA FUNDAMENTALIST. By Emille Mulholland.

TED IRVINE is the kind of guy who makes his coaches very happy - or drives them nuts. He's had an in-and-out NHL career, but the Los Angeles Kings have refused attractive trade offers. They're sticking with him because they believe...ERRATIC TED CAN BE GREAT. By Bill Libby.

In addition to the NHL features, there were stories on the AHL (Nick Mileti new owner of the Cleveland Barons), IHL (Don Westbrooke, Dayton Gems), WHL (Art Jones, Portland Buckaroos), CHL (Doug Volmar, Fort Wayne Wings) and EHL (Dick Roberge, Johnstown Jets).

Although the magazine is dated February 1970, I purchased it on December 31, 1969. I can recall that day as though I just turned a page in the calendar. I spent most of the morning shovelling snow in the driveway in anticipation of a New Year's Eve party that evening. My reward was a crisp $5.00 bill. It was like Christmas all over again. With my new found wealth, I had a busy afternoon. Skates sharpened.A new roll of hockey tape. Two pucks. Tennis ball for road hockey. A couple of packs of hockey cards. Hamburger, fries with gravy and a vanilla-shake.

Oh yeah, and my new edition of Hockey Pictorial - February 1970.