Posted on
May 21, 2013 by
Joe Gill


Being born in 1973, I am too young to remember Derek Sanderson’s playing days with the Bruins. However, every fan of the Black & Gold knows he fed Bobby Orr on his iconic and Stanley Cup clinching goal in 1970. The team’s first championship in 29 years.
My first memories of Derek Sanderson was in the broadcast booth with fan favorite Fred Cusick. Their voices are ingrained in my mind while I watched the Bruins on WSBK Channel 38. They are forever part of my hockey loving fabric.
So I jumped at the chance to read Derek Sanderson: Crossing the Line.
If you want a two word review, here it is: roller coaster.
This book will literally blow your mind following Derek Sanderson through his ascend in becoming one of the most coveted hockey prospects in the 1960’s. Some labeled him as being as good or even better than Bobby Orr.
Read about “The Turk” and his playing days in Boston. Sanderson was an instrumental part of two Stanley Cup winning teams with his grittiness and tough defensive play.
He was the first million dollar athlete. He became the king of Boston nightlife opening hot spots such as Daisy Buchanan’s (something I never knew). Sanderson had every temptation thrown in his path to potential greatness such as money, women, drugs and alcohol.
Sanderson went from media darling to sleeping on park benches in New York City penniless. His hockey career fizzled and his life spun out of control. The former Bruins superstar almost lost his life due to his demons.
However, the best part of this book is how Sanderson rose like a Phoenix from the ashes of his life of decadence. He found his way and dedicated himself to helping others. He educated young people not to make the same mistakes he had.
Derek Sanderson is a true inspiration to any one that struggles from within. No matter how dark your life may get, you still can steer yourself to the light with the “three F’s” family, friends and faith.
This is a MUST read for any hockey or Bruins fan or anyone that enjoys a story about redemption.
Pick up Derek Sanderson: Crossing the Line today!