Tough Calls was written by Dick Irvin. It is one of the most entertaining books I have read on anything hockey related. I have not read his other writings but I am sure they are great as well. Irvin is a terrific story teller which keeps his writing light and entertaining all the way through.

Brief Author Bio
Irvin has been a radio/tv broadcaster for the Montreal Canadiens & CBC for 39 years. His father, Dick Irvin, Sr, was the coach of the Canadiens the first time the team appeared on CBC's "Hockey Night in Canada" in 1952. Irvin, Jr was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame's Media Section after 1988 for winning the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award.

Some of his other writings include "The Habs", "Behind the Bench", and "In the Crease".

About the Book
The book is the story of the officials told from their own point of view. Most people don't realize that the officials lives and stories are as entertaining as the players. A lot of the guys I have met from the NHL Officiating Staff always have a good story or two to share.

Irvin starts the book with Andy Van Hellmond the supervisor that recently was asked to leave the NHL again. The book covers why he was asked to step away as an official.

There are lots of other stories on the other guys too. Ray Scapinello, the all time record holder for games worked; Terry Gregson, the former president of the officials association; and Don Koharski, the man who received the fat pig comment and the incident that followed it. Most of the guys in the book have stepped away from the game but a few of them are still there. The stories of their journeys are priceless still.

Final Thoughts
Official's decisions are the most controversial and most protested things in the world. For some reason people who have never opened a hockey rule book think they have full right to question the decision of someone reacting from experience not to mention knowledge of the greatest game on ice. This book captures some actual tough decisions and just some good stories from times past. The game has changed so much in the last 20 years this book is actually a good historical reference on the way things were. It is definitely worth a read.

Recommended: Yes