Years of Glory 1942-1967: the National Hockey League's official book of the six-team era

The years 1942 to 1967 marked a golden era in the history of the National Hockey League. The Depression and the early war years had reduced the number of teams in big-league ice hockey from ten to six, but, instead of faltering in this reduced form, the game was re-energized, reaching a zenith of competitive excellence. During this quarter of a century, the best 120 hockey players in the world battled to win the glittering Stanley Cup trophy each season, playing in front of sold-out crowds in ice-palaces located in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Montreal, New York, and Toronto. The six-team years produced some of the game's greatest players, bitterest rivalries, and most enduring memories, and many of hockey's mega-stars flourished in the six-team years. Players such as Rocket Richard, Gordie Howe, and Bobby Hull remain the enduring icons of the sport; today, more than a quarter century after the end of the era, their performances set the standards by which the greatest players of the modern game are measured. To celebrate this fondly remembered era in hockey, the NHL has prepared this large-format commemorative book. Years of Glory, 1942-1967 describes and depicts the great goals, great stars, and great moments that occurred throughout those golden years. A fast-paced narrative by former Hall of Fame curator James Duplacey is enriched by special essays from some of hockey's most distinguished writers and commentators, many of whom worked the NHL beat during the six-team years.