Heart of the Blackhawks

“The book is a sympathetic and detailed account of Pilote's journey to Hockey immortality . . . Hockey fans — especially old time Hawks devotees — will delight in the portraits offered here of Pilote's equally famous teammates.” — Publishers Weekly

From the beginning, the hockey gods looked favourably on Pierre Pilote, a French Canadian lad who went on to become captain of the powerhouse Chicago Blackhawks in the 1960s and one of the greatest defencemen in NHL history. Pilote takes us on a rich and unforgettable journey through the rinks and dressing rooms of the Junior “A” St. Catharines Teepees and AHL Buffalo Bisons to his first big and embarrassing shift as a rookie with the Blackhawks. Sit on the bench when Pilote plays with the likes of Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Glenn Hall, Moose Vasko, and while he is coached by Tommy Ivan, Rudy Pilous, and Billy Reay; get up close for his on-ice battles with Rocket Richard, Gordie Howe, and Henri Richard; and hear the incredible story of how “the swingingest team” from the Windy City captured the imaginations of fans and the hockey world in their 1961 pursuit of the elusive Stanley Cup.