Guided Reading Questions 1

Please take note in your composition book on the following questions as you read.

Foreword & Prologue pg.XI-20

  1. What kind of players was Coach Brooks looking to recruit for his team?
  2. What kind of person/coach was Herbie Brooks?
  3. How did Brooks plan to motivate his team?
  4. What is the setting of the 1980 Olympics (think economy/world relations)?

Chapter 1 pg.23-49

  1. What are the unique/interesting things that contribute to the Russian’s dominance in Hockey (physical/psychological/emotional motivators)? How was their program different from every other program in the world?

Chapter 2 pg.50-74

  1. Description of the Iron Range—what insight does it give the reader as to the types of families the players come from and the economy of the US from 1970 to 1980?
  2. The attitude of the Soviet team plays a role in the outcome of the Olympics…what events/statements showcase this attitude?
  3. Player notes on Buzz Schneider.
  4. Player notes on Jack O’Callahan

Chapter 3 pg.75-95

  1. What factors set up the late goal in the end of the first period?
  2. How did each of the teams/coaches respond to the late goal in the first period?
  3. What kind of coach was Viktor Tikhonov?
  4. Player notes for Mark Johnson.

Intrigue in the Woods pg.96-110

  1. What new insights does the reader get into the character of Herb Brooks?
  2. How might these insights have been different if the novel was written in 1st person?
  3. What are the distinct hallmarks of the 1980 Olympics? (think venue, accommodations, what has not happened before or since)

Chapter 4 pg.113-161

  1. Describe and analyze Brooks’ motivational strategies.
  2. Player notes on Ken Morrow.
  3. Player notes on John Harrington

Chapter 5 pg.140-161

  1. Reflect on Steve Janaszak’s contribution to the Olympic Games. What conclusions can you draw about the impact of “role” players on a team?
  2. Character notes on : Mike Ramsey, Neil Broten, Eric Strobel

Chapter 6 pg.162-178

  1. The Goalie is the cornerstone of a hockey team. What are the qualities of a successful goalie?
  2. What special treatment did the goalies receive? (who was he and what was he like?)
  3. Character notes on: Mark Pavelich, Steve Christoff, Phil Verchota

The Puck Stops Here pg.179-194

  1. What are the events that truly make Jim Craig who he is?
  2. What is Craig’s attitude toward his celebrity and the events that made him famous?
  3. Character notes on: Jim Craig

Chapter 7 pg.197-217

  1. Compare and reflect on how each of the players we have read about so far deal with the fame that came to them during and after the Olympics.
  2. Character notes on: Dave Christian, Mark Wells

Chapter 8 pg.218-234

  1. Add to your list of Brooks’ mind games and motivation tactics.
  2. Soviet response in 3rd period to the Americans—and how the Americans were playing.
  3. Character notes: Mike Eruzione, Dave Silk

Chapter 9 pg.235-251

  1. Pay special attention to the response of the coaches and teams (emotional & physical) in the last 10 minutes of the game.
  2. What was the overall Soviet (players & USSR) response to the American victory?

Finns and Farewells pg.252-273

  1. What is Brooks’ attitude toward his team the day after their victory over the Russians?
  2. In the letter Brooks’ sends to his players, what is he NOT saying—read between the lines.