Overview
A poignant tribute to the hockey great and legendary Blackhawks enforcer
Written with the full support of Keith Magnuson’s wife and children, this thrilling and insightful biography pays tribute to a Chicago icon and true hockey legend. One of the most popular Chicago Blackhawks of all time, defenseman Keith Magnuson was raised on the raw, rough traditions of hockey in western Canada. He captained the University of Denver team to its second straight NCAA championship in the spring of 1969 and by autumn joined Blackhawks stars Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, and Tony Esposito, becoming the much-needed “policeman” for the team. Over the course of the next several seasons, Magnuson and the Blackhawks fell painfully short of their Stanley Cup aspirations; nonetheless, Magnuson’s leadership qualities led to his being named captain of the team. On December 15, 2003, Magnuson was in Toronto riding in a car driven by former player, Rob Ramage: he was killed when the car veered over the center line and struck an oncoming vehicle. As veteran sportswriter Bob Verdi described Magnuson upon his retirement from the Blackhawks, “there have been many finer athletes in Chicago, but not one finer person,” and this biography shares the story of his remarkable life.
Author Biography
Doug Feldmann is a professor in the College of Education at Northern Kentucky University and a former scout for the Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, and San Diego Padres. He is the author of numerous books, including El Birdos, Fleeter Than Birds, Miracle Collapse, September Streak, and St. Louis Cardinals Past and Present. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cliff Koroll and Keith Magnuson were teammates growing up in Saskatchewan, at the University of Denver, as well as on the Chicago Blackhawks. He delivered the eulogy at Magnuson’s funeral and is the current president of the Blackhawks Alumni Association. He lives in Chicago.
Press Releases
Keith Magnuson: The Inspiring Life and Times of a Beloved Blackhawk
By Doug Feldmann | Foreword by Cliff Koroll
Publicity Contact: Bill Ames • Triumph Books • 312.676.4256 • b.ames@triumphbooks.com
When Keith Magnuson signed as a free agent with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1969, no one could have predicted that the rookie redhead would soon become the team's chief fighter. During his 11 seasons with the Hawks, Magnuson was a rough-and-tumble defenseman, firing up his team and their opponents by racking up 1,442 penalty minutes. He was captain for several years, played in two NHL All-Star Games and graced the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1970. Magnuson died in a tragic car accident at the age of 56 in 2003.
Chronicling the hard-hitter's life on and off the ice, Keith Magnuson: The Inspiring Life and Times of a Beloved Blackhawk (Triumph Books, October 2013) by Doug Feldmann with a foreword by fellow former Blackhawk Cliff Koroll pays tribute to a true hockey legend. Remembered by fans as a tough enforcer, Magnuson is one of only seven Blackhawks whose jersey number has been retired.
Magnuson impacted the lives of many in his pursuits off the ice as well. He formed the Blackhawk Alumni Association, which aims to provide scholarships for high school hockey players in Illinois. His hard work and dedication to his team, hockey players and others in need is a legacy that continues today.
A must-have keepsake for Blackhawks fans, Keith Magnuson: The Inspiring Life and Times of a Beloved Blackhawk celebrates the life of one of the most beloved hockey players in the history of Chicago.
About the Authors:
Doug Feldmann is a professor in the College of Education at Northern Kentucky University and a former scout for the Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, and San Diego Padres. He is the author of numerous books, including El Birdos, Fleeter than Birds, Miracle Collapse, September Streak, and St. Louis Cardinals Past and Present. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Cliff Koroll and Keith Magnuson were teammates growing up in Saskatchewan, at the University of Denver, as well as on the Chicago Blackhawks. He delivered the eulogy at Magnuson's funeral and is the current president of the Blackhawks Alumni Association. He lives in Chicago, Illinois.
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