Publisher's Synopsis
To you from failing hands we throw/The torch, be yours to hold it high: This inscription from John McCrae's famous poem In Flanders Fields has adorned the dressing room of the legendary Montreal Canadiens since 1952, inspiring every subsequent generation of player. A fast-paced collaboration by best-selling author Paul Deepan and raconteur extraordinaire Danny Geoffrion, To Hold it High traces the hockey lineage of Danny's grandfather Howie Morenz, his father Boom-Boom Geoffrion, himself, and his son Blake, all of whom played for the Canadiens (Les Habitants, to their legions of adoring fans).
But this is not just another sports book about the on-ice exploits of famous heroes. To Hold It High is a saga of four generations who played for the same professional sports franchise, a feat not duplicated in any pro sport on the planet. This family story is intertwined with a history of a hockey team, a province, and a country. The history of the team cannot be told without mention of this family. The story of the family cannot be told without mention of the team. Even though so many individual greats have undeniably held and passed the torch before, and will do so again, no family but this one has gone through so much to hold that torch so high, pass it so often, and mark their place in Habitants history for so long. This is not just another sports book about on-ice exploits by legendary heroes. From the tragedies of on-ice collisions that ended lives and careers, to the hilarity of locker room rookie initiations, To Hold It High gives the reader a behind the scenes insight into the life of a professional athlete. Any student of the fastest game on Earth will love this book, as will any fan of Les Habitants. To Hold it High is a great read. I got so engaged with the story that I didn't notice how much fascinating hockey history I learned along the way. Occasionally hilarious, sometimes poignant, always entertaining, this is a book that every hockey fan, no matter which NHL team they root for, should devour. David Poile, General Manager, Nashville Predators To Hold it High weaves a tapestry of a family, a hockey team, a province, and a country. It's also a fast-paced read salted with all the elements of a great story: sadness, humor, and courage in the face of adversity. A rare tale for everyone who loves our game. Geoff Molson, Owner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Montreal Canadiens
