Thin Ice: A Hockey Journey from Unknown to Elite--and the Gift of a Lifetime
Ryan Minkoff was blessed with athleticism, perseverance, and an unquenchable passion for playing hockey. His journey to the pros against lofty odds was, as he says, “unconventional.”

Minkoff’s love for the game began in Minnesota, the State of Hockey, where his youth and high-school experiences were anything but ordinary. His suitcase always packed, he played for seven different hockey programs in a fourteen-year span. While Minkoff’s confidence wavered and was often challenged, his determination and passion stayed strong, and he found his way to the University of Washington to play in the unfamiliar world of club hockey. Despite discouraging circumstances, such as games in empty arenas starting well after midnight to hitchhiking home after a long road trip, Minkoff not only set records, captained the squad, and ran the club as the president, he also formed strong bonds with his coaches and teammates. Following an illustrious club career, Minkoff landed in the professional ranks of Finland, where—in the midst of nearly crashing a Zamboni, acting as the town’s Santa Claus, and sleeping at the rink—he truly discovered his gift of a lifetime in the game of hockey.

Thin Ice is an honest, witty, inspirational coming-of-age story. Ryan Minkoff’s debut memoir is for anyone who roots for an underdog whose dreams will not fade no matter the obstacles.
1130026836
Thin Ice: A Hockey Journey from Unknown to Elite--and the Gift of a Lifetime
Ryan Minkoff was blessed with athleticism, perseverance, and an unquenchable passion for playing hockey. His journey to the pros against lofty odds was, as he says, “unconventional.”

Minkoff’s love for the game began in Minnesota, the State of Hockey, where his youth and high-school experiences were anything but ordinary. His suitcase always packed, he played for seven different hockey programs in a fourteen-year span. While Minkoff’s confidence wavered and was often challenged, his determination and passion stayed strong, and he found his way to the University of Washington to play in the unfamiliar world of club hockey. Despite discouraging circumstances, such as games in empty arenas starting well after midnight to hitchhiking home after a long road trip, Minkoff not only set records, captained the squad, and ran the club as the president, he also formed strong bonds with his coaches and teammates. Following an illustrious club career, Minkoff landed in the professional ranks of Finland, where—in the midst of nearly crashing a Zamboni, acting as the town’s Santa Claus, and sleeping at the rink—he truly discovered his gift of a lifetime in the game of hockey.

Thin Ice is an honest, witty, inspirational coming-of-age story. Ryan Minkoff’s debut memoir is for anyone who roots for an underdog whose dreams will not fade no matter the obstacles.
27.95 In Stock
Thin Ice: A Hockey Journey from Unknown to Elite--and the Gift of a Lifetime

Thin Ice: A Hockey Journey from Unknown to Elite--and the Gift of a Lifetime

by Ryan Minkoff
Thin Ice: A Hockey Journey from Unknown to Elite--and the Gift of a Lifetime

Thin Ice: A Hockey Journey from Unknown to Elite--and the Gift of a Lifetime

by Ryan Minkoff

Hardcover

$27.95 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    In stock. Ships in 1-2 days.
  • PICK UP IN STORE

    Your local store may have stock of this item.

Related collections and offers


Overview

Ryan Minkoff was blessed with athleticism, perseverance, and an unquenchable passion for playing hockey. His journey to the pros against lofty odds was, as he says, “unconventional.”

Minkoff’s love for the game began in Minnesota, the State of Hockey, where his youth and high-school experiences were anything but ordinary. His suitcase always packed, he played for seven different hockey programs in a fourteen-year span. While Minkoff’s confidence wavered and was often challenged, his determination and passion stayed strong, and he found his way to the University of Washington to play in the unfamiliar world of club hockey. Despite discouraging circumstances, such as games in empty arenas starting well after midnight to hitchhiking home after a long road trip, Minkoff not only set records, captained the squad, and ran the club as the president, he also formed strong bonds with his coaches and teammates. Following an illustrious club career, Minkoff landed in the professional ranks of Finland, where—in the midst of nearly crashing a Zamboni, acting as the town’s Santa Claus, and sleeping at the rink—he truly discovered his gift of a lifetime in the game of hockey.

Thin Ice is an honest, witty, inspirational coming-of-age story. Ryan Minkoff’s debut memoir is for anyone who roots for an underdog whose dreams will not fade no matter the obstacles.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781493038886
Publisher: Globe Pequot Publishing
Publication date: 11/01/2020
Pages: 224
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Ryan Minkoff is the founder and owner of 83, LLC, a global ice hockey agency representing players at the junior, college, and professional level. An economics and entrepreneurship graduate of the University of Washington, he became the first player from that school to play pro hockey with Finnish club Lapuan Virkiä—a signing that garnered the attention of Derek Jeter’s The Players’ Tribune. Outside the ice rink, he enjoys working with clients, golfing, hiking, and attending sporting events with his friends and family. He resides in Seattle.

Table of Contents

Author's Note vii

Acknowledgments ix

Foreword Travis Boyd xi

Prologue xiii

Part 1 Minnesota Made

Introduction Christian Horn 3

Chapter 1 First Stride 5

Chapter 2 Red Knight Fever 29

Chapter 3 Decisions, Decisions 43

Part 2 Dawg Daze

Introductions Alex Black Keenan Smith 57

Chapter 4 Fresh Purple and Gold 59

Chapter 5 Ryan Hockey 81

Chapter 6 Rollercoaster Ride 101

Chapter 7 Farewell Tour 115

Chapter 8 The Real World? 127

Part 3 The Finnish

Introductions Pat Mullane Arturs Ozols 139

Chapter 9 The Land 141

Chapter 10 Finnish Strong 169

Epilogue 187

Index 191

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews