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Simon & Schuster confirmed as publisher of Stephen Harper’s hockey book

Stephen Harper holds a hockey stick from the 1907 Stanley Cup final (photo: courtesy Stephen Harper)

It’s no secret that Prime Minister Stephen Harper is an avid hockey fan, and has been diligently working on a historical examination of Canada’s national sport for years. Today it was officially revealed that Simon & Schuster will publish the PM’s untitled manuscript about the history of hockey. Publication in the U.S. and Canada is slated for November.

According to a press release issued by S&S, the book tells the “intriguing, little-known story of the origins of professional hockey, where strong personalities and philosophies battled to define not only how the game would be played on ice, but by whom.” The comprehensive book, which draws on “extensive archival records and illustrations, early hockey histories, and newspaper archives,” will examine “early quests for the Stanley Cup, the rise of professional hockey,” and – good news for beleaguered Maple Leafs fans — the “ascent of Toronto teams and players that have long been forgotten.”

The press release notes that prolific author and journalist Roy MacGregor is offering “editorial services” for the book. In January, MacGregor told the National Post the PM has not employed a ghost writer. “I can guarantee you there’s no ghost,” he said during the interview. “I’m sure it would come up. The reason it would come up is I know of his stated determination that no matter how long it took, he wanted to be the one that did it. He had research help but it was going to be him plucking away at the computer keys.”

In the press release, Harper says, “Canadians from all walks of life enjoy cheering on the great heroes of our national game, but it wasn’t always that way. The early days of professional hockey featured outsized personalities who fought pitched battles to shape the game we know and love today. Writing this book has taught me a lot about hockey and a great deal more about Canada. I hope all who read the book enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the experience of writing it.”

Kevin Hanson, president of Simon & Schuster Canada, says in the release: “Everyone knows that Canadians are zealous about our national sport, and who better to write about the history of hockey and our love of the game than Stephen Harper.”

All author royalties from the book will go to a fund administered by the Canadian Forces Personnel and Family Support Services that provides emergency financial assistance to military families.