Leafs AbomiNation by Dave Feschuk & Michael Grange

LEAFS LOSE. Fans cheer anyway... For over forty years, Leafs Nation-as ad wizards have dubbed the team's fans-has longed to win a twelfth Stanley Cup, only to watch as one batch of promising young talent after another is traded away for aging stars, or squandered in fits of management pique. With dozens of rare interviews and insights from players, coaches, and managers, past and present, Dave Feschuck and Michael Grange explore the lunacy of the Ballard years, the dream-like bubble of success in the early '90s and the ineptitude of the current era, one ruled by another Original Six franchise that bottomed out in the '80s (yes, ownership matters). Leafs AbomiNation contains reasons for hope (a few), pointed fingers (so many that it took two authors), and prescriptions for change (other than moving to Detroit). Ever-loyal Leafs fans might chafe at the criticism (book schmook!), but even they can't deny it. The most popular team in professional hockey, once embodying the hope and courage of a nation, has become, indeed, an abomination. This book is Brand New and never read. From a smoke free home. Cash and E-Transfer accepted. Pick up only.

• ConditionNew