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Like hockey? Interested in local sports history? Any yes to either of those, and I'd recommend Bruce Valley's new book, "Seahawk: Confessions of a Hockey Goalie."
Valley picks words like a painter picks colors: he selects each one carefully and, often times, perfectly. His writing is full of enlightening realizations that apply to everyone, not just sports fans or hockey aficionados. Still, the book is meant for hockey fans, and fans of the game in its simplest form - on the pond.
The book is a quick read, at fewer than 100 pages, and it appreciates the historical aspects of life, the game of hockey and the New England area. Valley's narrative voice brings the reader on the ice, behind his goalie mask, fitting the cover of the book well. His description and imagery are luxuries for those obsessed with hockey and all of its beautiful nuances.
There are incredible photographs of hockey players in the 1950s placed at the opening of each chapter and after the text, there are lots of old newspaper clippings about Valley's team, the Rye Seahawks.
The Seahawks weren't a professional team; they were a beloved group of local veterans coming back from World War II who served as the main source of entertainment for adults and children alike. Valley played goalie for two years with the team, starting when he was only 14, but followed them throughout his childhood.
Valley talks about hockey towns and how Rye fit into that idea decades ago. He addresses his love for the game and how he feels about it now. One particular chapter that stuck with me was about his decision to hang up the pads and move on. It really resonates with any hockey player who loved the game as a teenager but stopped playing once the competition grew to unattainable levels.
The book is for old-time hockey; it's for history and war veterans. Valley's words are a tribute to New Hampshire hockey.
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