THE DISH ON SPORTS

 

 Episode #7 [17:53m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The passions hockey stirs in Canadians are evident throughout the year, whether the game is being played by boys or girls, men or women, on the ponds, in the streets, or in local arenas across the country. So, it was an eye-opener for me to read a book called Off the Post from a guy from Finland, who has as much passion for the game as any Canuck. Risto Pakarinen is a Finnish freelance journalist based in Stockholm, Sweden. He’s a regular contributor to The Hockey News and the National Hockey League’s nhl.com. He has covered numerous World Hockey Championships and worked for the NHL during the World Cup tournaments in 1996 and 2004.

My conversation with Risto touches on many parts of his book, as well as where hockey is headed at the highest levels of the sport.

“This is a must-read for the hockey fan, whether hard-core or casual. The tales are well-told, whimsical and thoughtful all at the same time.”

Brian Burke, General Manager
Anaheim Ducks

“Through his dedication, desire and motivation Risto has become one of the premier hockey journalists around the globe, his unique style of writing about the game captures the reader from the opening line … for Risto, it is a lot more than just a game. It is his life.”

Philip Pritchard, Vice President
Hockey Hall of Fame, “Keeper of the Cup”