The Hockey News Relevant Again at 60

The Hockey News turns 60 years old in November 2007. And the "Bible of Hockey" is celebrating by reinventing itself.

Don't worry though. Their reinvention is for the better.

The Hockey News, like most print publications, have had to re-establish their relevance in this age of the internet. With the invention of digital information at our finger tips in a matter of seconds, much of what THN provided for the first 50 years of its existence became old news by the time the weekly paper hit the newsstands. The Hockey News basically became irrelevant.

Under the guidance of editor Jason Kay, The Hockey News has made a successful transition back to a top magazine. They've gradually adopted more analysis and opinion, as opposed to straight fact. They've integrated a much fresher look, most notably dropping the traditional newspaper style for the magazine format.

While the magazine's unique feature pieces are great, the most exciting aspect of the relaunch is THN.com. Yes, instead of fearing and succumbing to the mighty Internet, The Hockey News has finally embraced the internet for all it is worth, and they're now going to carve out their fair share of online marketplace. They'll accomplish this thanks to fresh and exclusive content and analysis from a host of different sources including journalists, NHLers and bloggers (congratulations to our good friend Spector!)

THN has finally gotten it. Print editions in this day and age need a companion website (some may see it as vice versa). The result - not only is The Hockey News once again relevant, but it is now truly an experience.

60th Anniversary Issue

Pictured to the right is the cover image of The Hockey News' 60th anniversary issue. Featured is a lot of imagery and content from over the years. They also name the greatest team of all time, look at the top 10 players of every franchise and honour the top players from other leagues.

The best part of the issue though has to be the flashbacks of your favorite THN contributors over the years. Names like Stan Fishler, Bob Duff, Denis Gibbons, Steven Dryden, Bob McKenzie, Eric Duhatshek, and Mike Brophy. They remember their own experiences growing up reading THN, then writing their first piece, and their favorite moments over the years.

My First THN Article

I, too, have contributed to The Hockey News. Even though at that point I had authored two books, my THN guest article was perhaps my proudest print publishing accomplishment.

Jason Kay asked me to write a full page story for the August 31st, 2004 World Cup of Hockey special issue. At the time I was known much more for international hockey more so than hockey history. I somehow pitched the idea of celebrating the greatest games in Canada Cup/World Cup history to Mr. Kay. He agreed, and I got to work writing "Septembers To Remember."

Kay only paid me $250 for the article. Don't tell him, but I would have done it and a dozen others for free.