What is life really like in North American hockey’s top minor league? As told by dozens of the players, coaches, broadcasters, personnel, and owners who work a grinding schedule every winter,Chasing the Dream goes behind the scenes with seven different AHL teams. Find out why players’ dreams of lacing up their skates in the NHL motivate them through long bus rides and games where they’re constantly evaluated for one of those precious spots in the majors.
From young prospects looking to crack into the big leagues to veterans whose own hopes have faded but will help rookies get there, author Ted Starkey gathers first-hand stories. Hear from current and former AHL players on why today’s minor league is no longer like Slap Shot, what playing three games in under 48 hours can do to a player, and why fighting once a staple of the minors is on the decline. Learn about the game from coaches, alumni, and broadcasters, as well as AHL President Dave Andrews who reveals how hockey is changing and why the AHL is becoming an even more important tool for NHL teams in the salary-cap era.
Load your gear on the bus and take a tour around the many venues, personalities, pranks, and memories of the once-small AHL an organization that now crosses the continent and is big business for players and owners.
