From the Allan Cup to Zamboni, Sid Abel to Steve Yzerman, attack zone to wrist shot, this A-Z treasure trove covers everything on and off the ice in the world's most thrilling, exhilarating game. Want to know instantly what ignited the notorious Richard Riot in the mid-1950s? How the Russians came to dominate international hockey so fast? Who the first black NHLer was and why the league was so slow to integrate? Or, maybe you're fascinated by when and where the first hockey game took place, what the five-hole is, and how to forecheck. You'll easily find the answers here, along with incisive biographies of superstars past and present; the gripping story of women's hockey; and entries on diverse subjects including fighting, free agentry, The Hall of Fame, the NHL draft, and game rules. Appendices list major NHL, minor-league, college, junior, and international award and trophy winners, and numerous photos throughout complement the definitive text.