CREDIT: KERRA SEAY
50 Greatest Red Wings, by Bob Duff, is a well-researched book that gives you the top players on the ice from the beginning of Red Wings' history.

Bob Duff’s 50 Greatest Red Wings gives you a glimpse at the stars of the ice from the beginning of the Detroit Red Wings’ history.

“[People] are pleased to see guys included from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s because they didn’t know a lot about those years.”

According to Duff, most top 10 lists are based on what 10 things people have video of, so anything from the early years of the team would never make it.

The book took three years to put together, but according to Duff the hardest part was not choosing the 50 players, it was putting them in chronological order.

“I looked at longevity, productivity, accomplishments and ultimately what it came down to for me and from talking to other people … if it came down to this guy and that guy, who would you rather have on your team,” Duff said.

The list focuses on all positions on the ice from forward, to defense, to goaltending, all positions finding themselves on the list.

Some people have not agreed with the list, but according to Duff some of the players gave a helpful hand in choosing the order.

“People say ‘how could you put [Nicklas] Lidstrom ahead of [Steve] Yzerman, Yzerman told me he should be there… the guy that you are debating says that he shouldn’t be ahead, that pretty much answers the question.”

And talking to people such as Yzerman and other childhood idols was the best part for Duff.

“I look at players of Gordie Howes’ era in the ’60s and into the ’70s, that was the time of my youth, those are the guys who made me fall in love with hockey.”

According to Duff, a book giving the history of the Red Wings’ and its greatest players has never been done and with the way this one was written it is well-worth the purchase.

Not only do the pictures walk you through the list with ease, each player has a write up to go along with the decision. The quotes from the players allow you to truly grasp why Duff made the decision he did and the statistics found beside each player show that the choices were well researched.

“Scotty Bowman …he could go back to the ’30s and pretty much dissect any hockey player, I had resources like that that I could talk to.”

For those looking for a Christmas present for anyone who truly loves hockey, or even just love the history of sports, 50 Greatest Red Wings is the perfect present.

“Even if you’re just a fan of hockey [not specifically the Red Wings], you’re going to learn a lot about the sport through the pioneers of the game.”