The Final Call: Hockey Stories From A Legend In Stripes (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
Kerry Fraser has an impressive memory of the details of his career, especially regarding anyone who ever praised him for his years of service. I would have preferred to read less about every person who would miss him after 2,165 games and more about how he got there. Dividing his memories by team left the narrative disjointed, and it felt like he focused on the history of each franchise more than his own history. That might seem humble if he wasn't constantly reminding us everyone thinks he's the greatest. Or maybe I'm just bitter no chapter covered the North Stars. I would have liked to hear more about the way linesman and referees work together. I would have been especially interested in the transition to the two referee system, but he only mentions that it happened. But still, there's no shame that he's a better referee than writer, and it was fun to read his stories. I think this book is best suited to an amateur hockey referee because Fraser describes a lot of specific situations, but doesn't tell much about refereeing. He does extensively cover the personality managing side of refereeing, which my baseball umpire instructors always told us separates the pros from the amateurs.One other aspect of this book I got a kick out of is how much he reminds me of Dad. The way he talks and the ease i which he establishes personal connections with everyone he meets especially made me think of Dad. I don't know how much of this is.because they are both from Sarnia or if I imagined parallels because that shared hometown was on my mind. Anyway, it made the book that much more fun for me! I very much enjoyed this book, being an NHL hockey fan and a Kerry Fraser fan. There are some great stories about some of the best players in the league, and a lot of insight into what officials have to deal with. He does sounds a bit preachy and gives himself a huge amount of credit but it is an autobiography so it wasn't really unexpected. I think it would be an enjoyable read for someone who wants a behind the scenes look at Kerry Fraser's life as an official.
What do You think about The Final Call: Hockey Stories From A Legend In Stripes (2010)?
An entertaining insight to what goes on behind the scenes and on the ice.
—Megan
Way too much name dropping and he comes across as an egotistical ass!
—roddriig0
if you are a hockey fan it has a unique perspective.
—Ava
