National Network for Equitable Library Service

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERFrom the celebrated star of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, an inspiring, uplifting, and candid memoir of how she got there"If a player trains when nobody is watching, she might be able to do superhuman things when the entire world is watching. Like scoring a hat trick in the first sixteen minutes of a World Cup final, an eventual 5-2 victory over Japan. Or topping off that hat trick with an astonishing fifty-yard strike from midfield, the greatest goal in U.S.

The latest addition to the acclaimed series showcasing the best sports writing from the past year For over twenty-five years, The Best American Sports Writing has built a solid reputation by showcasing the greatest sports journalism of the previous year, culled from hundreds of national, regional, and specialty print and digital publications. Rick Telander, an award-winning sports writer and author, proves more than up to the task by curating this truly exceptional collection.

The speed and skill of a new hockey generation-in photos and stories From the incredible debut of Auston Matthews to the unparalleled speed of Connor McDavid, the NHL is experiencing a rebirth that is based on speed and skill, not size, fighting, or intimidation. Fast Ice: Superstars of the New NHL features profiles of more than 50 of today's greatest stars. Included are veterans like Sidney Crosby and arch-rival Alexander Ovechkin, but the heart of the book is the youth movement that has given fans new optimism for an exciting future.

100 years of love, celebration, heartbreak, and even parades On December 19, 2017, the Toronto Maple Leafs officially turn 100. In the spirit of the centenary celebrations, Toronto and the Maple Leafs explores the city's relationship with its most beloved sports team. No matter how many times the Jays and Raptors make the playoffs, it's a Leafs game that still brings the city together on a cold Saturday night and fuels the talk shows all summer.

One of hockey's most colourful characters, from hockey's most colourful era, tells all Gilles Gratton was not a typical pro hockey player. He refused to don his equipment and man his net if the planets were not properly aligned. He skated naked at practice. He created one of hockey's most famous goalie masks based on his astrological sign. He fought with coaches and management, speaking his mind to his detriment. Sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll ruled his life, not stopping pucks.

The true story of one of pro wrestling's most charismatic, feared, and beloved icons Who was Maurice the man, and who was Mad Dog the character' Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon was a gold medalist, a pro-wrestling legend, and a pop culture icon-but he was also a son, husband, and father. Mad Dog explores Vachon's career and personal struggles with painstakingly detailed historical research and through both Maurice's own recollections and those of the people who knew him best. As a young man, Maurice could have chosen a dark criminal path, but then wrestling and family changed him.

From feared NHL sniper to ship captain and bellhop-with hockey's greatest 'stache Only 20 men in NHL history have scored 60 or more goals in a single season: Gretzky, Lemieux, and Hull all hit the magical mark. And so did an undersized, take-no-prisoners centre named Dennis Maruk. When Maruk found the back of the net 60 times in 1981-82, he was the toast of Washington-he even dined with the president. A few short years later, he was out of the game. Maruk not only left the rink, his life did a complete 180.

Documenting the rise of women's wrestling from sideshow to WWE main event Sisterhood of the Squared Circle presents the fascinating history of women's wrestling, from the carnival circuit of the late 1800s to today's hugely popular matches. With more than 100 wrestler profiles, find out how backstage politics, real-life grudges, and incredible personalities shaped the business.

A pioneering and beloved Canadian legend comes to life Father David Bauer changed lives-at the rink, in the classroom, and at the pulpit. Bauer's dream created the first truly national Canadian hockey team. In 1963, that unique group represented Canada abroad and were committed to both country and to Father Bauer. Whether shepherding the hockey program at St. Michael's College in Toronto or the men's national team out of the University of British Columbia, Bauer was both spiritual leader and trailblazer.

The first comprehensive book on WWE's hottest brand NXT: The Future Is Now follows the rise of WWE's popular NXT brand from its conception to the brink of taking over WWE with its own rabid following. For decades, sports-entertainment had no centralized system for recruiting and training talent. Recognizing this need, Paul Levesque-better known as 14-time World Champion Triple H-convinced Vince McMahon that WWE must reinvent itself.