CLEAR THE TRACK - HERE COMES THE EDDIE SHACK BOOK

It is always fun when an author makes an appearance at the Original Six Alumni lunch to promote or sell their book.

And that was the case during the November gathering, when former NHL forward, Eddie Shack, decked out in his customary cowboy hat, sat in a booth and signed copies of his new book - Eddie Shack: Hockey's Most Entertaining Stories. Shack was joined by Ken Reid, from SportsNet, who wrote the text.

Left to Right: Gary Collins, Pete Conacher, Bob Nevin, Eddie Shack, Bob Baun , and Ken Reid. 

Ken Reid, signing a copy of the book.

After signing most of his inventory, Shack, along with Reid, and Brian Ehrenworth, president of Frameworth Publishing Inc., gathered around the microphone to speak about their project.

"I'm in the sports marketing business and most of the guys I represent are current players, like Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews," Ehrenworth told the room. "Eddie's in the neighbourhood so he stops by quite frequently to our shop."

Ehrenworth stated that talk about creating the book began after he conducted a podcast with Shack. The stories flowed in the podcast and after a meeting in Ehrenworth's office, he suggested to Shack that the next step should be to preserve the stories in written form.

After the trio discussed the book, they were joined by Shack's former teammate on the Toronto Maple Leafs, Bob Baun. The banter between them resembled something out of the movie "The Odd Couple." For most of the discussion, they were complete opposites, with Shack sounding like the overbearing and uncouth Oscar Madison. Baun, was more like Felix Unger, with his gentle voice and non-aggressive approach. This isn't to say Baun took it without getting some shots in.

On the blue line, Baun earned the nickname "Boomer," due to his thunderous bodychecks. His demeanour away from the game was much different. But with Shack, he was the same no matter the situation.

But when everything was said and done, Shack and Baun hugged it out, and went back to their seats.

Most impressive in the book is the collection of wonderful photographs and Reid did an impressive job getting the stories on paper.

The final word went to Shack.

"The book is unbelievable and if you haven't bought one yet, buy one you cheap...," said Eddie "The Entertainer," catching himself before he finished his sentence.

Photo Credit: Lora Evans/Hat Trik Pro.