Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the NHL, as Canada celebrates 150 years of confederation, Ekstasis is proud to present The DNA of NHL, Stephen Roxborough’s homage to Canada’s national sport, a series of poems that skate on solid ice and always deliver the winning goal. The DNA of NHL, captures the many ways hockey connects our nation, and, though the game is is not always pretty, Roxborough stick handles the poetic puck with a poignancy and grace. He offers a humorous, touching and deeply resonant story, illustrating how hockey influences our perception of the world. A remarkable tour de force. Poetry and hockey have a lot in common: both are metaphors of attack while maintaining fluidy and grace. The DNA of NHL, deconstructs and illuminates the Canadian national sport of hockey in an extraordinary merger of sports and art.

Stephen Roxborough (aka roxword, pictured right with Jeff Pew and bill bissett) is the co-founder of the Burning Word poetry festival, board member of the Washington Poets Association and Head Poet for Madrona Center. An award-winning performance poet, Roxborough was nominated for a 2003 Pushcart Prize. He lives in Anacortes, Washington.

Stephen Roxborough's profile page

Throughout my career in the NHL, I always had a book with me when travelling. I still do today, and feel this book of poetry by Stephen Roxborough is a quick and entertaining read. Stephen has the ability to use words to illustrate totally divergent meanings, in a way that makes one not only think, but often also smile.

Bobby Baun, 17-year NHL player, three-time All-Star, four-time Stanley Cup winner, and author of his biography, Lowering The Boom