Debut author Tom Waters' book 'Unique Origin of all 31 NHL Team Names, Logos and Colours' is available in paperback or e-book.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
When Medicine Hat resident Tom Waters was a boy, he dreamed of becoming an NHL statistician. While advancements in technology snuffed out Waters’ dream job long ago, his passion for the league never diminished.
Now, more than 40 years later, Waters is sharing his passion in a new book titled ‘Unique Origin of all 31 NHL Team Names, Logos and Colours.’
“Around 30 to 40 years ago, I started studying the origin of each team’s name, logo and colours, just out of curiosity,” Waters told the News. “And then, after gathering so much information, I thought I should maybe write a book about this.”
The book, published in December, explores the history of and provides fun facts about NHL teams’ names, logos and team colours, without comparing them.
“Many of these team names, logos and colours refer to folk legends, untamed animals, military connections, social issues at the time, or were developed through word of mouth,” said Waters.
Waters’ enduring passion for the subject is evident as he shares fact after fact about the teams.
“Did you know, the Montreal Canadiens have gone the longest of any team in the league without changing their name, logo or colours?” Waters said. “And that the Toronto Maple Leafs colours (were chosen to) reflect outdoor winter scenery; blue for the sky, white for the snow.”
The only team not discussed in the book is the Seattle Kraken, which debuted just after Waters’ book had been submitted for publication. Waters plans to include Seattle, and any future NHL teams, in an updated version of the book, to be released at a later date.
While Waters has found a few articles which touch on the topic, he believes he is one of the first to compile such information in a book.
With the book’s publication, Waters feels a small part of his childhood dream was fulfilled.
“This is my way of, maybe, making a special contribution to the National Hockey League,” he said. “As well, I’m doing it as a favour for those interested in a subject. I find, if you want to get 100 per cent fulfilment out of anything you research over the years, the best way is to do it for others, not for yourself. To share it.”
‘Unique Origin of all 31 NHL Team Names, Logos and Colours’ can be found online or at Coles in Medicine Hat Mall.
