LCS: Hey Look, We Can Read!

LCS: Book Review
Rangers Are Indeed Broadway's Longest-Running Hit
By Jennifer Chu, Book Reviewer

1994 was the year I became a hockey fan. I remember watching Olympic hockey and just marveling at how overjoyed (or despaired) a group of guys on skates could get. That summer, I remember watching Mark Messier lead the NY Rangers to their first Cup since 1940. Wow. I was hooked.
Now that I live in Philadelphia, I'm supposed to hate the Rangers. Sometimes I do get annoyed that ESPN seems to be the Ranger network, and how can any non-New Yorker like a NYC sports team? But secretly, I thank their amazing playoff run in 1994 for making me the fan that I am today.
The New York Rangers: Broadway's Longest-Running Hit (Sagamore) is by Lou Friedman and LCS: Guide To Hockey's own John Kreiser. If you don't see the book in your local bookstore, you can call up Sagamore Publishing at 1-800-327-5557 and snag a copy. I've also been alerted that there's a limited leather-bound edition that bears the signatures of Harry Howell, Emile Francis, Brad Park, Ron Greschner and Vic Hadfield. To get this copy, you'll have to call up Sagamore.
This is only the second team-history book that I've had the joy to review. When the book first hit the shelves, we at LCS alerted you to the fine publication. I'm not going to give the book preferential treatment just 'cause John and I both write for LCS: GtH--I'm going to give the book five Cullens because I didn't have to pay for it! Just kidding, of course. My objectivity will not be swayed by a few meager bribes!
This fairly thick Ranger book is nicely done--breaking up the 70 years of Ranger history into three eras. The authors also selected an All-Ranger Team for each era. The book is really current, as it includes the Wayne Gretzky signing. For every season, the authors include vital stats, noteworthy trades, as well as other important events that happened on Earth that year.
A "Ranger Legend" is picked for each season, as well as a "Magic Moment." Of course, my favorite part was the 1993-94 season. I liked the way the book flowed--instead of reading like a novel, the book was sort of like a more extensive media guide. All those ads for Modell's and NYNEX really made it feel like a gigantic media guide.
Everything was nicely organized though, and I did learn some nifty facts, like Lucille Ball used to go to Ranger games all the time. Oh, and Clark Gable almost made a hockey movie.
Interspersed between the season breakdowns are essays on historical Ranger rivals, Ranger fans, or some other piece of Rangers history. The section of color photographs was kind of brief, and there is a lack of personal interest stuff, like interviews. Then again, I didn't like the Flyers' team history book, Full Spectrum, because it was too detailed.
Bottom Line: I give the book 5 Cullens for the Ranger fan. For the average hockey going crowd, it gets a big 3 Cullens.