As a few of you may know, I run a page on facebook titled “The Hockey Library.” Today I conducted a little interview with Stan Fischler, and thought some of you may be interested.
The one and only Stan Fischler. "The Hockey Maven." Author, journalist, historian, and broadcaster (covering Islanders/Rangers/Devils games on MSG for four decades). Recipient of the Lester Patrick Trophy, which is awarded in recognition of outstanding service to hockey in the United States. Inductee of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. The UBS Arena, home of the Islanders, recently renamed their press level "The Stan Fischler Press Level." At 90 years young (91 next month!), The legendary Maven has done and seen it all throughout his seven decades involved in hockey. His writing has helped grow the game, especially increasing the NHL's exposure in the United States, with an incredible total of over 100 books to his credit. And while although not everyone agreed with his takes, his columns in "The Hockey News" and other publications were long viewed as must-read material. I'm honoured to call Stan Fischler a friend, and was thrilled when he agreed to do a little interview for "The Hockey Library" page.
Nathan Lajoie: You have authored and co-authored well over 100 hockey books throughout your storied career - an incredible feat. Let’s go back to the very beginning with your first ever book. It’s 1969 and you’ve signed on to write a Gordie Howe biography. Can you tell us a bit about how that project came about?
Stan Fischler: By 1969, I had earned a reputation as a hockey writer and folks in the New York sports community knew it. One was Jack Zanger, an editor at Sport Magazine and author of a number of baseball books. Jack was a pal of mine. One day he phoned and said his publisher, Grosset and Dunlap, wanted him to do a book about Gordie Howe. Jack told me that he was too busy to do it and recommended me. Never having done a book before, I hesitated but then said "yes." I knew I needed some research help and got hold of a former newspaper colleague, Al Robbins, who was a big help. Together we finished the book and it was accepted, and that was my first. I could not have finished it without Al's big help.
Nathan Lajoie: Growing up as a young boy in Brooklyn, most of the few hockey books being published at the time were fictional novels aimed at younger readers, save for a few. Being that you were hockey-crazy, can you recall reading any particular books during those days?
Stan Fischler: The first hockey book that I discovered was at the local Tompkins Park Library -- I mention it in my book, 'Tales of Brooklyn.' It was called 'Hockey' and written by Red Dutton, manager of the New York Americans. (I now have an original copy.) I don't recall getting another hockey book until after World War II. It was called 'The Hockey Book' by Bill Roche and I had to send away to get it.
Nathan Lajoie: Can you tell us some of your personal favourite hockey books and fellow authors?
Stan Fischler: My favorite hockey book is one by Trent Frayne -- "The Mad Men of Hockey." I loved his writing and got to know Trent; wonderful guy. Also Dick Beddoes "Best Hockey Stories." Dick had a terrific and unmistakable style. And, of course, Scott Young's book with Conn Smythe "If You Can't Beat 'Em in the Alley."
Nathan Lajoie: Your late wife, Shirley Walton Fischler, was unquestionably hockey’s female pioneer. A writer and journalist, she co-authored many of your book projects. Can you tell us just how large of a role she played in writing and researching these titles?
Stan Fischler: When Shirley and I got married, she'd never done much professional writing. But within a year, I got an assignment to do a book of profiles called 'Hockey Stars of 1969,' I needed some help and asked if she'd like to try writing a few. Since she loved hockey, she agreed and I edited a few profiles. Obviously she needed work and since I always was a tough editor, she didn't take too kindly to my criticism. But she was willing to keep trying and eventually she became a better writer than your's truly. Shirley and I combined on several books and she also did some on her own. One gem, was "Everybody's Hockey Book." When we got the assignment to do Macmillan's "Hockey Encyclopedia" Shirley was responsible for 90 percent of that book. It's the definitive hockey encyclopedia to this day. I couldn't have done half of the books I did without her help. Without a doubt.
Nathan Lajoie: You’ve worked with many hockey personalities throughout the years on their autobiographies. This impressive list includes legends such as Maurice Richard, Brad Park, Bernie Geoffrion, Rod Gilbert, Derek Sanderson, Dave Schultz and Don Cherry. Can you tell us who the easiest of the bunch to work with was? Is there one that stands out?
Stan Fischler: Don Cherry and Derek Sanderson were such great story tellers that it was just a matter of starting the recorder and letting them talk. In Grapes' case, he was so good that I was able to do most of it by phone. With Turk, it meant going to Boston and taping at his apartment but not before a big dinner and some schmoozing. By far the one that thrilled me the most was Rocket's 'The Flying Frenchmen.' To this day, I shake my head in amazement that I was the guy who ghosted The Rocket's book. I liked working with Brad because we had become pals when he was a Ranger and I knew enough about him to find him an easy subject. Schultz was tough. If we wrote it the way he originally wanted it done, two people would have bought it, his mom and dad. Once we straightened him out -- his wife was a huge help -- he was really good.
Nathan Lajoie: Having authored so many books (..in the 3 digits!) can you tell us a few that stand out as being among your proudest works? Your personal favourites?
Stan Fischler: Metro Ice, Macmillan Encyclopedia, Cherry and Sanderson books, Slapshot, Cracked Ice, Strange But True Hockey Stories. Hockey -- The Story of the World's Fastest Game, with Dick Beddoes and Ira Gitler.
Nathan Lajoie: There’s an entire generation of hockey fans who grew up reading your books (and columns, of course!), many of whom can remember ordering copies of your “Hockey Stars” series from the Scholastic Book Club as well as checking them out of their school libraries. Can you tell us how this book series came to be? Were these published specifically with the school markets and young hockey fanatics in mind?
Stan Fischler: The Hockey Stars books came about through the many connections I had made up to 1968. One of them was the editor-in-chief at that particular company -- forget the name. He asked me to try one and it sold big. He was the one who connected with Scholastic and it was fortuitous. We did about six or seven years worth of that series.
Nathan Lajoie: Having spent multiple decades authoring hockey books and working as a journalist, surely you must have some interesting and funny stories that you recall from your countless interviews and dealings with players, coaches, general managers, publishers etc..Is there one that stands out that you’d like to share?
Stan Fischler: Yeah, the very first; the Howe book. About a month or so after it was published I get a fancy letter-envelope from what had to be a big shot company. It was; some fancy law firm in Detroit. The guy said that the Howe book had to be taken off the shelves because Gordie didn't approve it. Scared the crap outa me and I phoned my editor, Bob Markel. He told me not to worry. What Markel did was write back that I can write a biography about anybody and did not need Howe's permission. And that was the end of it. By the way, the lawyer letter was signed by John Ziegler, then Red Wings attorney and later NHL President. J.Z. and I became good friends and later joked about it. At the time, it was not funny!
Nathan Lajoie: Your most recent book - Tales of Brooklyn - is a fabulous collection of stories from your youth and a wonderful glimpse into what life was like at the time. Is there anything in the pipeline that you can share with us in terms of upcoming book projects?
Stan Fischler: I have co-written a New York Islanders 50th Anniversary book that is due out later this year. Other than that I have no books in mind. However, I loved 'Tales of Brooklyn' so much that I want to do a sequel and actually wrote one chapter -- My first two-wheeler bike ride, 1943. Gotta find time to write more.
Nathan Lajoie: And finally, in speaking to those who grew up reading the works of The Hockey Maven, or to anyone who has enjoyed your books and columns throughout the years, do you have a message you would like to share?
Stan Fischler: I wrote the books because I love hockey and I was fortunate to have a wife, Shirley, who enjoyed hockey and was kind enough to help and inspire me to do more. Feedback that I have received over the years from readers make me feel thankful that I made people happy reading them and that I contributed something worthwhile to the field of hockey literature.
The one and only Stan Fischler. "The Hockey Maven." Author, journalist, historian, and broadcaster (covering Islanders/Rangers/Devils games on MSG for four decades). Recipient of the Lester Patrick Trophy, which is awarded in recognition of outstanding service to hockey in the United States. Inductee of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. The UBS Arena, home of the Islanders, recently renamed their press level "The Stan Fischler Press Level." At 90 years young (91 next month!), The legendary Maven has done and seen it all throughout his seven decades involved in hockey. His writing has helped grow the game, especially increasing the NHL's exposure in the United States, with an incredible total of over 100 books to his credit. And while although not everyone agreed with his takes, his columns in "The Hockey News" and other publications were long viewed as must-read material. I'm honoured to call Stan Fischler a friend, and was thrilled when he agreed to do a little interview for "The Hockey Library" page.
Nathan Lajoie: You have authored and co-authored well over 100 hockey books throughout your storied career - an incredible feat. Let’s go back to the very beginning with your first ever book. It’s 1969 and you’ve signed on to write a Gordie Howe biography. Can you tell us a bit about how that project came about?
Stan Fischler: By 1969, I had earned a reputation as a hockey writer and folks in the New York sports community knew it. One was Jack Zanger, an editor at Sport Magazine and author of a number of baseball books. Jack was a pal of mine. One day he phoned and said his publisher, Grosset and Dunlap, wanted him to do a book about Gordie Howe. Jack told me that he was too busy to do it and recommended me. Never having done a book before, I hesitated but then said "yes." I knew I needed some research help and got hold of a former newspaper colleague, Al Robbins, who was a big help. Together we finished the book and it was accepted, and that was my first. I could not have finished it without Al's big help.
Nathan Lajoie: Growing up as a young boy in Brooklyn, most of the few hockey books being published at the time were fictional novels aimed at younger readers, save for a few. Being that you were hockey-crazy, can you recall reading any particular books during those days?
Stan Fischler: The first hockey book that I discovered was at the local Tompkins Park Library -- I mention it in my book, 'Tales of Brooklyn.' It was called 'Hockey' and written by Red Dutton, manager of the New York Americans. (I now have an original copy.) I don't recall getting another hockey book until after World War II. It was called 'The Hockey Book' by Bill Roche and I had to send away to get it.
Nathan Lajoie: Can you tell us some of your personal favourite hockey books and fellow authors?
Stan Fischler: My favorite hockey book is one by Trent Frayne -- "The Mad Men of Hockey." I loved his writing and got to know Trent; wonderful guy. Also Dick Beddoes "Best Hockey Stories." Dick had a terrific and unmistakable style. And, of course, Scott Young's book with Conn Smythe "If You Can't Beat 'Em in the Alley."
Nathan Lajoie: Your late wife, Shirley Walton Fischler, was unquestionably hockey’s female pioneer. A writer and journalist, she co-authored many of your book projects. Can you tell us just how large of a role she played in writing and researching these titles?
Stan Fischler: When Shirley and I got married, she'd never done much professional writing. But within a year, I got an assignment to do a book of profiles called 'Hockey Stars of 1969,' I needed some help and asked if she'd like to try writing a few. Since she loved hockey, she agreed and I edited a few profiles. Obviously she needed work and since I always was a tough editor, she didn't take too kindly to my criticism. But she was willing to keep trying and eventually she became a better writer than your's truly. Shirley and I combined on several books and she also did some on her own. One gem, was "Everybody's Hockey Book." When we got the assignment to do Macmillan's "Hockey Encyclopedia" Shirley was responsible for 90 percent of that book. It's the definitive hockey encyclopedia to this day. I couldn't have done half of the books I did without her help. Without a doubt.
Nathan Lajoie: You’ve worked with many hockey personalities throughout the years on their autobiographies. This impressive list includes legends such as Maurice Richard, Brad Park, Bernie Geoffrion, Rod Gilbert, Derek Sanderson, Dave Schultz and Don Cherry. Can you tell us who the easiest of the bunch to work with was? Is there one that stands out?
Stan Fischler: Don Cherry and Derek Sanderson were such great story tellers that it was just a matter of starting the recorder and letting them talk. In Grapes' case, he was so good that I was able to do most of it by phone. With Turk, it meant going to Boston and taping at his apartment but not before a big dinner and some schmoozing. By far the one that thrilled me the most was Rocket's 'The Flying Frenchmen.' To this day, I shake my head in amazement that I was the guy who ghosted The Rocket's book. I liked working with Brad because we had become pals when he was a Ranger and I knew enough about him to find him an easy subject. Schultz was tough. If we wrote it the way he originally wanted it done, two people would have bought it, his mom and dad. Once we straightened him out -- his wife was a huge help -- he was really good.
Nathan Lajoie: Having authored so many books (..in the 3 digits!) can you tell us a few that stand out as being among your proudest works? Your personal favourites?
Stan Fischler: Metro Ice, Macmillan Encyclopedia, Cherry and Sanderson books, Slapshot, Cracked Ice, Strange But True Hockey Stories. Hockey -- The Story of the World's Fastest Game, with Dick Beddoes and Ira Gitler.
Nathan Lajoie: There’s an entire generation of hockey fans who grew up reading your books (and columns, of course!), many of whom can remember ordering copies of your “Hockey Stars” series from the Scholastic Book Club as well as checking them out of their school libraries. Can you tell us how this book series came to be? Were these published specifically with the school markets and young hockey fanatics in mind?
Stan Fischler: The Hockey Stars books came about through the many connections I had made up to 1968. One of them was the editor-in-chief at that particular company -- forget the name. He asked me to try one and it sold big. He was the one who connected with Scholastic and it was fortuitous. We did about six or seven years worth of that series.
Nathan Lajoie: Having spent multiple decades authoring hockey books and working as a journalist, surely you must have some interesting and funny stories that you recall from your countless interviews and dealings with players, coaches, general managers, publishers etc..Is there one that stands out that you’d like to share?
Stan Fischler: Yeah, the very first; the Howe book. About a month or so after it was published I get a fancy letter-envelope from what had to be a big shot company. It was; some fancy law firm in Detroit. The guy said that the Howe book had to be taken off the shelves because Gordie didn't approve it. Scared the crap outa me and I phoned my editor, Bob Markel. He told me not to worry. What Markel did was write back that I can write a biography about anybody and did not need Howe's permission. And that was the end of it. By the way, the lawyer letter was signed by John Ziegler, then Red Wings attorney and later NHL President. J.Z. and I became good friends and later joked about it. At the time, it was not funny!
Nathan Lajoie: Your most recent book - Tales of Brooklyn - is a fabulous collection of stories from your youth and a wonderful glimpse into what life was like at the time. Is there anything in the pipeline that you can share with us in terms of upcoming book projects?
Stan Fischler: I have co-written a New York Islanders 50th Anniversary book that is due out later this year. Other than that I have no books in mind. However, I loved 'Tales of Brooklyn' so much that I want to do a sequel and actually wrote one chapter -- My first two-wheeler bike ride, 1943. Gotta find time to write more.
Nathan Lajoie: And finally, in speaking to those who grew up reading the works of The Hockey Maven, or to anyone who has enjoyed your books and columns throughout the years, do you have a message you would like to share?
Stan Fischler: I wrote the books because I love hockey and I was fortunate to have a wife, Shirley, who enjoyed hockey and was kind enough to help and inspire me to do more. Feedback that I have received over the years from readers make me feel thankful that I made people happy reading them and that I contributed something worthwhile to the field of hockey literature.
