Beyond the Crease is the autobiography of a famous NHL goalkeeper Martin Brodeur. It is written in collaboration with a distinguished sports columnist Damian Cox, who is mostly renowned for his book The Maple Leafs, which was also composed in co-authorship with a hockey manager Gord Stellick. This work features the childhood years of Marin Brodeur, his career growth, and his relations with other people, family, teammates, fans, management, etc.
We should not regard Beyond the Crease only as a narrative, because it also abounds in personal comments on the problems, which hockey players (or even athletes in general) have to face. It is possible for us to single out several very interesting facts and events, described in this novel. They not only provide deep insights into the inner world of one the greatest net-minders but also throw light on some issues which have always been vital, such for instance, the path to success, the struggle for leadership, and so forth.
The first interesting detail that we may discuss, concerns his attitude toward his adversaries, in particular to such goal-scorer as Brett Hull. While describing his play, Brodeur seems to be fascinated by his talent and skills, he says Hull is the one “who always hits the net” (Brodeur et al, p 211). This excerpt proves that a truly gifted is always able to give credit for his or her rival. This ability is an indispensable condition for further progress and perfection. On the whole, we have to acknowledge that only a few can value their opponents.
Another fact, which we should not overlook, is his relations with the fans. The authors argue that a celebrity must never be disdainful of people, who assist or even give strength to him or her. For example, we may refer to that the case, when he accidentally injured one of the supporters.
Despite the fact, that it was not Brodeurs fault, he felt responsible for this person and he considered it necessary to make some amendments. In this regard, we should pay special attention to his views about his teammates and other famous people, who make full use of their glory, for instance by selling articles of their clothing or if we are speaking about hockey, their sticks (Brodeur et al, p 45). It appears that he is slightly ironical about such behavior because this commercialism spoils the whole image of an athlete, who should be more involved with the play.
Apart from that, we may also analyze his ideas about the promotion of individual players at the expense of the team. In his opinion, this approach cannot be justified in any way, because it completely downgrades the achievements of the other players, whose role cannot be underestimated.
Yet, in the overwhelming majority of cases, the mass media attach primary importance only to those who make the game spectacular and entertaining in other worlds to goal-scores whereas others are virtually ignored. In turn, it has an immense influence on the salary. As a result, there is some kind of tension among the members of the team. It stands to reason, that it has only detrimental effects upon the interactions at the rink (Brodeur et al, p 112).
Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that his relationships with his colleagues can be characterized as very friendly and there seems to be no animosity among them. It appears that Martin is always willing to help the newcomer especially, during the adjustment period. Although he is one of New Jersey’s leaders, he does not treat others as inferior, which seems to be crucial for any athlete if he or she wants to become to fulfill one’s potential.
Furthermore, the author sets the stress on the idea that only talent is not sufficient for success, a person must be able to look at oneself in a critical way. He says that a goalkeeper must always analyze his mistakes otherwise it would be impossible for him to improve his performance. Brodeur also claims that many people can see only the results or his saves to be more exact, yet they completely disregard those aspects, which are beyond the rink. This is the reason why so many of them do not see the reality of success such as injuries, stresses, disappointments, defeats, etc.
As regards the specific traits of the language, the first thing, which immediately attracts the attention of the reader, is the absence of the other author, Damien Cox. Throughout the whole text, the pronoun I am used but there is no editorial we as it should be because this work is the result of collaboration. Additionally, we may argue that the text abounds in hockey terminology such as “blue paint”, “tic-tac-toe play”. They are used in order to lead the reader into the microcosm of a hockey team.
This book may seem interesting to everyone who keens on sports or hockey, and also to those people who intend to make some achievements in their career. Moreover, it enables us to understand there is some other side of glory, respect, success, and under some circumstances, they require great effort and the strength of will.
Bibliography
Martin Brodeur, Damien Cox. “Brodeur: Beyond the Crease”. John Wiley & Sons, 2007.