Kooks and Degenerates on Ice: Bobby Orr, the Big Bad Bruins, and the Stanley Cup Championship That Transformed Hockey

The Boston Bruins 1970 Stanley Cup championship season is celebrated in Kooks and Degenerates on Ice, which recounts the memorable moments from the season. The team, led by Bobby Orr, became the talk of the sporting world and rallied around the otherworldly play of Orr and his hard-hitting teammates to take the NHL by surprise. The book also places the season into its historical context, as the United States struggled with issues of war, race, politics, and class.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The Boston Bruins celebrated the 50th anniversary of their 1970 Stanley Cup championship season by reliving all the memorable moments in Kooks and Degenerates on Ice. While the United States was grappling with racial violence, war, and mass shootings, the "Big, Bad Bruins," led by legendary Bobby Orr, defied their perennial losing ways and defeated the St. Louis Blues in the Stanley Cup Finals for their first championship in 29 years. In Kooks and Degenerates on Ice: Bobby Orr, the Big Bad Bruins, and the Stanley Cup Championship That Transformed Hockey, Thomas J. Whalen recounts all the unforgettable moments from that historic season. Under the no-nonsense yet inspiring leadership of head coach Harry Sinden, the once-laughingstock Bruins emerged as a dominant force in the sporting world. Nicknamed the "Big, Bad Bruins" for their aggressive style of play and penchant for out-brawling opponents, the team rallied around the extraordinary talents of Bobby Orr and his hard-hitting teammates, surprising the NHL with an unforgettable season.
Kooks and Degenerates on Ice brings to life the colorful personalities and iconic players from this Stanley Cup-winning team. In addition, the season is contextualized within the broader historical context of the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, making it a must-read for sports enthusiasts, hockey fans, and those interested in twentieth-century American history. The Bruins' triumph in 1970 not only marked a significant milestone in their franchise's history but also resonated with the nation as a symbol of resilience and unity amidst challenging times.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538155936