Red Carpet Regulars Meets Awesome Authors: Exclusive Interview with Hockey Writer Mover and Shaker Russ Cohen He Chats with Whom You Know About His Book the Winter Classic and Comments on the Start of the 2013 NHL Playoffs Our Coverage Sponsored by Maine Woolens
Russ Cohen
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Mover and Shaker Russ Cohen is working hard on his third book which deals with major league baseball players who've won the coveted "Rookie of the Year" award. Cohen has been spreading the word about his third release about The Winter Classic. Since the NHL has announced that the next one will indeed take place in Detroit, MI next January, his phone has been ringing off the hook. Many are finding the book as the bible for that famous game. His co-author, Mike del Tuffo has been getting plenty of mentions as well and Cohen is delighted with the sales so far. Cohen has noticed that the kindle version has been selling best and soon the book will be released on the Ipad. Cohen and del Tufo plan to be in Detroit next year for the big game and their not sure which of the other "outdoor" games, not Winter Classics, they might attend.In 2014 Cohen and Adam Raider, who he worked with on "100 Ranger Greats", will be releasing a new book titled, "100 Things That Every New York Ranger Fan Should Know & Do Before They Die" to be published by Triumph. Having just got back from a trip to the White House celebrating the Kings Stanley Cup run last year Cohen will be covering the Cup again this year as well as the NHL Draft in New Jersey, where he will host a live radio show. Russ commented on the NHL playoffs extensively in 2012:
We are so pleased to present him as our latest double feature in Awesome Authors and Red Carpet Regulars! Recently we reviewed the Winter Classic, his latest book:
Peachy Deegan interviewed Russ Cohen for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan:
How did you go about putting together The Winter Classic and was it hard to write extensively about an event so young?
Russ Cohen: Both Mike and I just decided after the last one in Philadelphia that we should write a book about it because each one is its own individual event. All are hockey games but every one had their own identity based on the city that it was in, the teams that matched up, and the weather, which is always unpredictable. It is a young event but since we had covered them all we banked on the fact that we had more information about it than anybody else out there.
What is your favorite particular Winter Classic and why?
I would have to say the 2010 affair in Fenway Park. A historic venue, two solid teams, the first Winter Classic fight, unprecedented access to players and a tour of the "Green Monster" inside and out was unforgettable.
Where is the best place to get octopus for the next one?
In the ocean? I honestly don't know. I have been to Detroit a few times but I never asked around.
Rangers fans are pleased with round one-what made Washington choke in Game 7?
When the Capitals decided to play the victim in regards to the Derek Dorsett play that they thought was a slew foot. That was the start. After the game a few players whined about it and to me once you do that it either galvanizes the team or it distracts them. I asked a reporter from Washington that exact question, because I know he's around the team 24-7 and the morning before the game he answered, "they seem distracted" even though I picked the Caps in 7 before the series I knew the Rangers had a good chance. After the game a Caps player again complained about calls, etc, you can't play the victim in the NHL playoffs. Once you do that you undermine a winning attitude.
Who is your favorite Ranger today and why?
Henrik Lundqvist. He's one of the greatest goalies on the planet. He's very different from other goalies that I've interviewed and watched. He's the same guy on and off the ice. He's a regular guy even though he's got a rockstar following. He rarely complains and he's all about winning.
What surprised you most about Round One in the NHL Playoffs?
The amount of backup goalies who had to step up without notice and try to play at the highest level. Josh Harding, who was just nominated for the Masterton, has MS and yet he continues to play. Originally before the diagnosis I figured he'd be the #1 goalie in Minnesota one day but after that I wasn't sure. He hadn't played a game for the Wild since early February and then their #1 goalie got hurt in warmups and he was inserted into the lineup and played every game until the Wild were eliminated. Tomas Vokoun, in Pittsburgh has wresteled away the #1 status from incumbent, Marc-Andre Fleury for now as well.
What do you expect to happen in Round Two?
I think the cream will rise to the top. Round 1 is always full of upsets. After teams get over that hump the ones with the most talent, and best work ethic tend to stick around. Great goaltending is important as well.
We have high hopes for the Chicago Blackhawks. How do you like their chances?
I expect to see them in the Stanley Cup once again. Their power play should be better and they have a bevy of offensive and defensive talent. Corey Crawford is having his best year between the pipes and Ray Emery is a great insurance policy to have as a backup netminder.
Do you plan to write more books on hockey and which specific subjects possibly?
"100 Things That Every New York Ranger Fan Should Know & Do Before They Die" will come out in 2014. Myself and "100 Ranger Greats, writing partner, Adam Raider and I are working on this tome right now. It will feature a lot of different subjects and unusual stories about the New York Rangers from the early 20's through today.
Did you watch college hockey this year and if so what are your thoughts on the season?
I did watch and I was at the "Frozen Four". I was happy to see such a great ECAC presence and the fact that Yale won was amazing. It's harder for Ivy League schools to recruit star players because of the academic restrictions and yet they managed to win it all. Great story. Great season.
Doesn't baseball seem too slow to write about compared to hockey?
Slower yes, but it's a very cerebral sport. I still play softball and you have to constantly think about what you will do at the plate and in the field. It adds a dimension to the sport when writing about it.
Would you ever write on American football and how did you like Tom Coughlin's new book?
I heard about his book and I liked what I heard and saw in excerpts. I could write a book about the New York Jets but it might be too painful. I'd consider that for sure.
How are all your animals?
Doing very well. Perla is our latest project and she's a blind Podenco we adopted from Spain. She has intestinal issues as well so it's taken us over a year to get her stabilized and now we are working on taking her to the next level with the help of some experts. She's a very spirited dog that doesn't let anything hold her back.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
I'd like to be a color analyst for hockey or baseball games or even just one game. I know I can do it. I am like a warehouse of useless information and I have a passion for both sports.
What one word best describes you and why?
Reliable. You can count on me to keep my word. I'm very old school about that.
If you could hire anybody who would it be and why?
J.K. Rowling. As a ghost writer. LOL
What is your favorite drink?
Beer. Canadian, German, or a Micro-Brew.
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
Carmines. Great entrees and desserts.
Who would you like to be for a day and why?
I'd like to proof the photos for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and decide which ones make the final cut. Do I really need to explain why?
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
Hitting a home run in a fast pitch softball league in Central Park. That shot advanced us into the next round of the playoffs.
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
Walk around Times Square and just take it all in. There's nothing like it.
If you could have dinner with any person living or passed, who would it be and why?
Tom Seaver. He's my favorite all-time athlete and I'm pretty sure I could write a book about it.
What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Underrated: The Subway System. Overrated: Lindy's Cheesecake.
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
Manhattan Tips. I love the restaurant reviews-Peachy's Picks!
Have you tried The Peachy Deegan yet and if not, why not?
No, but it's on my list!
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I'm trained in search and rescue. I'm a freelance writer. My Twitter handle is @Sportsology
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
Twitter or Facebook. I'm Russ Cohen on Facebook.
