From his start as an owner in the World Hockey Association at the age of 28 (“slim and none” was a Boston sportswriter’s assessment of Howard’s chances when he was first awarded the New England Whalers franchise), to winning the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins and then on to Hollywood success, sports entrepreneur and film producer Howard Baldwin recounts his spirited and hugely entertaining life story.

H

oward Baldwin has lived his life according to his belief that the life best-lived is one in which we pursue our heart’s desire. He never met a challenge he couldn’t beat. Beginning with his move at the age of twenty-eight from an entry-level position in the ticket office of the Philadelphia Flyers to acquiring and building his own WHA franchise in New England, Howard has built an impressive reputation as a pioneer — and a maverick — in the world of professional hockey. As President of the WHA, Baldwin led the merger with the NHL, and then later became a key figure in the expansion of North American hockey into Russia. Topping his journey in hockey off with a stint as chairman of the Pittsburgh Penguins, he then moved successfully into the film industry, producing a number of outstanding films including the Academy-Award winning Ray.

Slim and None is a story of perseverance, persistence, and ultimately, personal fulfilment. Baldwin and Milton have crafted an intimate portrait of a life within hockey spanning from the rebellious 1970s to the tumultuous 1990s and beyond into the exciting world of the movies.

Howard Baldwin is a sports entrepreneur and film producer. He was founder of the New England Whalers, president of the WHA, and chairman of the Pittsburgh Penguins, with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 1992. Along with his wife, Karen, he formed the Baldwin Entertainment Group and produced the Ray Charles biopic, Ray. Baldwin is the first person to have won the AVCO Cup, the Stanley Cup, and an Academy Award. He lives in Hartford, Connecticut.

Howard Baldwin's profile page

STEVE MILTON has over forty years’ experience as a sportswriter and writes for the Hamilton Spectator. He has won numerous Ontario Newspaper Awards and has been both a Gemini and National Newspaper Award finalist. He is the author of more than twenty books and is a member of both the Skate Canada Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. He lives in Hamilton, Ontario.

Steve Milton's profile page

One look at the green and blue cover with the old whale tail logo and you’ll be humming Brass Bonanza, which blared through the Civic Center whenever Hartford scored.

Toronto Sun

Best hockey book in years, from cover to cover - bar none.

Utica Observer-Dispatch

the greatest strength of his book will be the way it captures the fun and the craziness of the ride

Edmonton Journal