On a chilly day in 1917, the National Hockey League was formed, and in the years since, it has been a mainstay of American sports. This illustrated reference delves deep into the history of the league to bring out essential information on all the top players, teams, and events. Visually exciting and information-packed, it's the work of an insider who not only looks at today's superstars, but offers a rare glimpse into legends of old-including a trip back to a game during World War II and the Soviet Union's powerhouse "Big Red Machine" teams.