Players explode onto the ice legs pumping fast from the rush of adrenaline. The student section awash in school colors is screaming as one while the band blares out the fight song. Fans young and old are on their feet clapping to the music while the PA announcer strains to get in a few last words before the game starts. Emotions run high.

Bruce Haas has captured the passion men's Division 1 college hockey incites through interviews with former players coaches officials and fans presenting their perspectives on everything from team camaraderie and leadership to how officials approach calling a game. Coaches talk about their role in developing young men former players discuss what it's like to win the NCAA tournament and fans provide stories and insights on why they love the game so much. Great Game! gives readers a variety of perspectives in a way few sports books have done before.

Bruce Haas grew up in the Boston area. He has been a hockey player and fan since the late 1950s. His passion for college hockey started as a player for Colby College and has grown over the years. He follows Hockey East closely and annually attends the Beanpot and the Frozen Four tournaments finding time to travel around the Northeast to enjoy other college games. It was meeting and talking with Frozen Four fans that got him interested in writing this book.

Bruce has been a youth hockey coach for more than forty years and enjoys teaching all ages most recently in Learn to Play programs for girls and hockey moms. After a career in banking he spent six years working in the nonprofit sector until retiring in 2015. He lives in Hingham Massachusetts with his wife Lin. They enjoy traveling kayaking and getting together with their adult daughters.

"The people involved make college hockey special. What I loved about Bruce Haas's book was that it made the connection between the fans who travel thousands of miles the players who spend thousands of hours preparing and the buildings where thousands of people create the atmospheres that set the game apart. It's a wonderful book." -Todd Milewski sports reporter Wisconsin State Journal and U.S. College Hockey Online contributor

"A great read for anyone who is a fan of college hockey. Bruce's passion for the sport and everyone involved is evident in his storytelling." -Norm Maciver assistant general manager Chicago Blackhawks

"The book is an informative inside look into a great game especially &lsquoThe Third Team.' This team is an often forgotten but vital part to the game. It gives a look into the brotherhood that makes up the people in stripes." -Derek Shepherd former WCHA and NCHC referee