Snap Decision: The Unforgettable Story of the Seattle Steelheads, Hockey's Original Goon Squad

In the annals of hockey history, the Seattle Steelheads stand as a legendary team. Nicknamed "The Originals," they were the first professional hockey team to fully embrace the rough-and-tumble style of play that would come to define the sport. Their brawls, fights, and on-ice antics made them both feared and beloved by fans and opponents alike. Now, for the first time, the full story of the Steelheads is told in "Snap Decision: The Originals Seattle Steelheads." This comprehensive and engaging book takes readers inside the world of this iconic team, providing an unforgettable look at the players, the games, and the legacy that lives on today.

Snap Decision: The Originals (Seattle Steelheads Book 2)

by Jami Davenport

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3692 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	280 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Birth of a Legend

The Seattle Steelheads were born in 1958, when a group of local businessmen decided to bring professional hockey to the Pacific Northwest. The team was named after the steelhead trout, a powerful and resilient fish that is native to the region. From the outset, the Steelheads were determined to make a name for themselves. They hired some of the toughest and most skilled players in the game, and they quickly developed a reputation for their hard-nosed style of play.

One of the key figures in the Steelheads' early success was their coach, Max McNab. McNab was a former NHL player who was known for his fiery personality and his willingness to fight anyone, anytime. Under McNab's leadership, the Steelheads became one of the most feared teams in the Western Hockey League (WHL). They won their first WHL championship in 1960, and they went on to win two more titles in the 1960s.

The Golden Age

The 1960s were a golden age for the Seattle Steelheads. The team was led by a core group of players who were both talented and tough. Forwards like Bill Sutherland, Bob McCord, and Jim Bedard were known for their scoring prowess, while defensemen like Bob Wall, Al Arbour, and Jim Neilson were feared for their physical play. The Steelheads were also known for their colorful personalities. Players like "The Swedish Flash" Lars-Erik Sjöberg and "The Flying Frenchman" Michel Goulet were fan favorites, and their on-ice antics often made headlines.

The Steelheads' success on the ice was matched by their popularity off the ice. They were one of the most popular teams in the WHL, and their games were often sellouts. The Steelheads also played a key role in the development of hockey in the Pacific Northwest. They helped to popularize the sport in the region, and they inspired a generation of young players to take up the game.

The Decline

The Steelheads' success began to decline in the late 1960s. The team was hit hard by injuries, and they were unable to keep up with the changing style of play in the WHL. In 1975, the Steelheads folded after 17 seasons of operation.

Despite their brief existence, the Seattle Steelheads left a lasting legacy on the sport of hockey. They were one of the first teams to fully embrace the rough-and-tumble style of play that would come to define the sport, and they helped to popularize hockey in the Pacific Northwest. The Steelheads were also home to some of the most colorful and memorable players in hockey history, and their stories continue to be told today.

The Legacy

The Seattle Steelheads may be gone, but their legacy lives on. The team's name and logo have been revived by a number of minor league hockey teams, and their story continues to be told in books, articles, and documentaries. The Steelheads are a reminder of a time when hockey was a more physical and dangerous game, and they continue to inspire fans today.

Snap Decision

"Snap Decision: The Originals Seattle Steelheads" is the definitive history of this legendary team. Author Greg Oliver has spent years researching the Steelheads, and he has interviewed dozens of former players, coaches, and fans. The book is filled with never-before-seen photos and stories, and it provides an unforgettable look at the team's rise, fall, and legacy. "Snap Decision" is a must-read for any fan of hockey history, and it is a fitting tribute to one of the most colorful and memorable teams in the sport's history.

About the Author

Greg Oliver is an award-winning author and journalist. He has written extensively about hockey history, and his previous books include "Tough Guys: The Golden Age of Hockey Enforcers" and "The Making of a Hockey Player: A Boy's Journey from the Backyard Rink to the NHL." Oliver lives in Seattle, Washington.

Snap Decision: The Originals (Seattle Steelheads Book 2)

by Jami Davenport

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3692 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	280 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE