An Excerpt From THE CODE

NBCSports.com is offering a free excerpt of Ross Bernstein's book The Code: The Unwritten Rules of Fighting and Retaliation in the NHL.

I have not yet picked up this book, but it sounds very interesting. Here's what the publisher has to say:

As mysterious as it is sacred, The Code is the bible of hockey sportsmanship that is handed down from generation to generation. The Code picks up where the rulebook leaves off and fills in the gaps, all in an effort to govern the game and its players--"allowing them to compete in a manner deemed fair and respectful. To fully understand the significance and history behind The Code, Ross Bernstein, author of more than 30 sports books, interviewed more than 50 current and former NHL players, coaches, and media personalities. Their insights and stories explain why fighting is allowed in the National Hockey League and how The Code allows the players to police themselves both on and off the ice. That is what The Code is all about--"respect, accountability, pride, and honor."

For further holiday hockey book giving ideas, check out the 2006 Christmas Hockey Book Buyers Guide.