The Final Call
Hockey Stories from a Legend in Stripes
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4.3 • 48 Ratings
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
After almost two thousand games and thirty years of wearing the Stripes, legendary NHL official Fraser dropped his final puck at the end of the 2009/2010 season and relives his colourful career officiating hockey in his candid book.
After thirty years in the NHL, legendary referee Kerry Fraser has decided to hang up his skates and enjoy the game from the other side of the boards. Never shy about offering his opinion, nor afraid to step in and separate an on-ice fight, the diminutive Fraser is without question one of the most respected officials in today's NHL. Fraser entered officiating after recognizing that his size would limit his chances as a player. Over the course of the almost two thousand NHL contests, he has shown himself to be an exemplary referee. In The Final Call, Fraser uses the seventy two games he is officiating in his farewell season as the centre piece of his story. He relives candid memories from each city he visits, such as the night he was pulled from the ice by the Boston police after a threat was made that if he skated out for the second period he would be shot. Fraser offers a colourful, behind-the-scenes portrait of our national game, recounting stories of pulling apart enraged 250-lb men in on-ice battles and divulging the politics behind which games are assigned to which refs. Although a referee's job and story may not appear as glamorous as that of a superstar player, it is every bit as entertaining!
Customer Reviews
Amazing
This was the most amazingly written, carefully thought out book I have ever read! Highly recommend it to any hockey fan!
The true side of hockey
To truly understand the game of hockey you need to experience all aspects of the game it's self. If their we're no owners there would be no arenas, if there were no referees there would be no stability of the game, and if there were no players there would never be on greatest sports on earth that we all love!
Kerry Fraser is considered and rightfully so the greatest referee the NHL has had in its many early. The way he called the game and the way he gain respect of his fellow referees and players he would work beside. You always read about some of the best players of their respected sports and their accounts about their experience playing the kids game but rarely do you ever read a book accounting the different events through a referees career. Fraser hit the nail on the head with this book. Especially being a fan of the game my whole life it was interesting to hear the different perspective of how the game was seen through what sometimes you believe to be your worst enemy and sometimes your best friend at the games a referee!
Growing up I was able to see Kerry Fraser referee s bunch of games at the meadowlands and the prudential center and I can speak for all the fans and tell you that we miss you #2. If you truly love the game of hockey and want to hear a different perspective on the game then this is the perfect book to read!
And to Mr. Fraser if you ever read this review of your book I just want to personally thank you for all that you have done for the game that I love with all of my heart! You will definitely be missed! I wish you and your family all the success! And one day if I am lucky enough ill shake your hand and personally thank you!
Craig Seiden
Great insight of the NHL
This book is full of personal stories that give wonderful insight to the game of hockey. It is not just about the stories with famous NHL players; it is also about the professional development of a top class referee.
Kerry clearly loves the game and wants it to be the best experience for all involved. He managed the games with great poise and respect. His officiating style was second to none.