Behind the Mask

""An insightful exploration of the psyches of 12 accomplished goalies."" —Library Journal “Hockey goaltenders have forever been thought of as unique, eccentric, weird and wacky. Also misunderstood. Randi Druzin’s Behind the Mask is a fascinating examination of a dozen of those who have played the position at the highest levels. This well-researched and well-written book is revealing and delightful at the same time.” —Roy MacGregor, award-winning author, journalist, and an officer of the Order of Canada. “Goaltenders are undeniably the oddballs of the hockey world. Fearless and idiosyncratic. Eccentrics of the highest order. Druzin's incisive storytelling helps us better understand some of the game's most compelling characters.” —Jeremy Allingham, author of Major Misconduct: The Human Cost of Fighting in Hockey ""This book is a kick save and a beauty. Randi Druzin unmasks legendary goaltenders of the modern era, telling their wonderful stories as only she can in this gem of a book."" —Steve Simmons, sports journalist, Toronto Sun “In Behind The Mask, Randi Druzin has done a masterful job of charting the lives and careers of twelve goalies, bridging the NHL’s so-called Original Six era to the League’s modern day, with a mid-book deflection into the international game. For all of their many differences, Randi illustrates that what links these dozen men is a common love of their sport. Enjoy her fascinating, illuminating stories about these legends, the last line of defence in a game that for more than a century has been about six ounces of vulcanized rubber and a net six feet wide and four feet tall.” —Dave Stubbs, NHL.com columnist and historian ""With a keen eye and unique tone, Randi Druzin has created a series of vivid character sketches of the most important characters in hockey: Goaltenders. Each profile is a snapshot of an era, offering the reader a glimpse into how the position has evolved, even if the burden of being in net hasn't changed."" —Sean Fitz-Gerald, sportswriter and author of Before the Lights Go Out: A Season Inside a Game on the Brink