Poetry on Ice

By Eric Rosenhek

Terry Sawchuk is regarded as one of the NHL’s greatest goaltenders. However, he was a man covered with vicious scars and haunted by personal demons. This complex character is brilliantly captured by Canadian author Randall Maggs in his 2008 book, Night Work: The Sawchuk Poems.

Instead of writing a typical biography, Maggs uses poetry to tell Sawchuk’s story. It’s a fitting device. By literary standards, Ukey (as he was known to his teammates) would be considered a tragic figure. The term “tragic” is certainly the best way to describe Sawchuk. Here was a hall-of-famer who was part of four Stanley Cup championship teams, won four Vezina Trophies, has the second-most career wins and holds the record for most career shutouts. Yet, he was unpredictable, at times unapproachable, an alcoholic, and severely depressed.

Being an NHL goaltender 40 to 50 years ago was an extremely dangerous profession. The equipment wasn’t as safe as it is now. Most goalies didn’t even wear masks! Those who did had a very thin piece of fiberglass protecting their face. It was common for goalies such as Sawchuk to suffer serious cuts and lacerations. Imagine what it would be like to endure such risks for 20 seasons. It’s no wonder Sawchuk was a troubled individual.

In Night Work, each poem presents a certain moment in Sawchuk’s life. Some poems are based on testimonials from those who knew him, while others come from Sawchuk’s perspective. Of course, Maggs uses creativity when writing from the goalie’s point-of-view; however, an abundance of research was clearly conducted. The end result is a gritty, but spotless, account that allows the reader to feel like he or she has known Sawchuk and the era he played in personally.

Perhaps the most enjoyable part of Night Work is Maggs’ ability to create a certain aura. Those who are old enough to remember the six-team era will be happily reminded of a time when the likes of Richard, Howe and Hull were on top of the hockey world. Those who weren’t around during that time will certainly enjoy the unique insight. The use of poetry, with its creative verses and vivid descriptions, enhances these feelings.

Night Work doesn’t offer a happy ending, but it does provide a sense of closure. There is no reason to love Sawchuk, nor is there reason to hate him. Maggs presents the subject objectively without any excessive influence. Nothing is sugarcoated and nothing was blown out of proportion. Therefore, one can peacefully accept Terry Sawchuk for who he was.

Night Work: The Sawchuk Poems is written by Randall Maggs and published by Brick Books. For more information, please visit www.brickbooks.ca.