The temperature is dropping, the leaves are falling, and here we are ready to begin another hockey season in New York. With the Islanders, Rangers, and Devils all promising to excite this season, it seems likely that both the hockey fanatic and novice alike will be itching for anything and everything related to their favorite sport. And lucky for them, the crack researchers here at the New York Public Library have it covered. From books and movies to websites and databases The New York Public Library has the info hockey fans of all ages want.

Books

Once the final horn sounds why not check out a book about your favorite team or player? The New York Public Library has a wide selection of books highlighting the legends of the game, written by some of best hockey reporters out there.

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  The Hockey Book, from Sports Illustrated, is an excellent pictorial look at the game at its best. From great action shots to insightful interviews, this book is sure to fill your need for everything hockey.
• The Hockey Hall of Fame MVP Trophies & Winners outlines some of the more controversial decisions made for three of hockey’s most prestigious awards: the Hart Trophy, the Ted Lindsay Award, and the Conn Smythe Trophy.
• For those looking to learn the technical aspects of the game, The Hockey Handbook will not disappoint.

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  Black Ice: the Val James Story, looks at the career of the National Hockey League’s first African-American player, Val James, who made his debut with the Buffalo Sabres in 1982. An inspiring story for those interested in the history of hockey.
• With a title that says it all, the New York Rangers: Greatest Moments and Players will appeal to Rangers fans of all ages with interesting facts and iconic photos.
• Fans of hockey broadcaster Don Cherry’s witty analysis and flamboyant suits will certainly enjoy reading his autobiography, Straight Up & Personal: the World According to Grapes.
• ​In Hockey Confidential: Inside Stories From People Inside the Game, hockey insider Bob McKenzie reveals both interesting and emotional stories from some of hockey’s most famous stars. A must read for the fan looking for stories you won’t read in the newspapers.

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  If you love hockey, you know the name Gordie Howe, better known as Mr. Hockey. Fans can read about this legend’s career and life in his autobiography, Mr. Hockey: My Story.
• In Hockey’s Greatest Stars: Legends and Young Lions, author Chris McDonell profiles some of hockey's most prolific stars, past and present.
• Hockey fans interested in the history of the game should try Black Ice: the Lost History of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes, 1895-1925. A great look into a seldom discussed part of the game.

Younger fans of the game will be happy to know that The New York Public Library also has a number of books just for them. Give these a try:

• Henry Holton Takes the Ice, by Sandra Bradley
• Hockey, by Allan Morey
• Girls' Hockey, by Chris Peters
• How Hockey Works, by Keltie Thomas

Movies

Are movies more your thing? Well we've got you covered there too. Choose from this list of hockey classics that are sure to inject a little life into a cold and boring Friday night this winter.

• Slap Shot (No hockey movie list is complete without it)
• The Mighty Ducks (A '90s hockey classic)
• New York Rangers 1994 Stanley Cup Championship
• NHL Greatest Moments
• Red Army (An interesting look into the Soviet Union's Red Army Hockey team, told from the perspective of its captain, Slava Fetisov)
• Miracle (Gripping portrayal of the ups and downs of the 1980 USA hockey team led by Herb Brooks)

Databases

For those looking to reminisce, the library has a number of biographical and historical newspaper databases. Databases! That's right, where else could you read the article from the from the day the Islanders won their fourth Stanley Cup or find bio's on all your favorite hockey players?

• Biography in Context
• New York Times (1851-2011)
• New York Times (1980-Present)
• Newsday (1940-1986)

Websites and Podcasts

Let's not forget about all the information you can find about your local team online, including not only websites, but podcasts as well. Try some of the sites and podcasts listed below:

• NY Isles Blog is a great site for everything New York Islanders related, including a listing of podcasts.
• Blue Shirt Banter is an expansive blog dedicated to the New York Rangers. The blog also features a pretty lively comments section after each post.
• If you're looking for all things Devils, the Fire & Ice blog has you covered.
• And for general hockey news, try SB Nation's NHL Blog.

Did I miss anything? Great book, movie, or website you think belongs on the list? Let me know in the comments section below. Oh, and by the way, Let's Go Islanders.