Someday, Ross Bernstein wants people to glance at one of his books and – without noticing the author’s name – say, "That’s a Ross Bernstein book.

Thursday, December 16, 1999

Someday, Ross Bernstein wants people to glance at one of his books and – without noticing the author’s name – say, "That’s a Ross Bernstein book."

The Minneapolis author’s latest regional book is titled "Frozen Memories." The book is a chronicle of Minnesota’s hockey century and it just might be the book that makes Minnesotans take certain notice of its history-loving sports author.

"Frozen Memories" is a follow-up to "Fifty Years · Fifty Heroes," which was a celebration of the 50 greatest moments in Minnesota sports.

"Frozen Memories," which hit book stores six weeks ago, just might have more in common with Bernstein’s first book, "Gopher Hockey by the Hockey Gopher."

While researching that first book, Bernstein, a one-time mascot for Gopher hockey, found out "there are a lot of Gopher fans, but a lot of anti-Gopher fans too," Bernstein said.

With "Frozen Memories," Bernstein attempts to please all of the state’s hockey fans and its hockey icons.

While researching in Minneapolis, Duluth, and Eveleth, home of The United States Hockey Hall of Fame, Bernstein gathered more than 500 sources.

"It was tough," he said. "It took a year. I wanted it to be all inclusive. I wanted to meet as many people and do justice to as many people as possible. I didn’t want to leave anybody out."

The book is already making an impression on the state’s readers and gift givers. It’s on the best seller lists of the Minneapolis Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Bernstein noted that most of the book’s buyers are women.

"Eighty percent of the people buying it are women," he said. "They’re buying it as a gift for somebody and they feel good about it."

Bernstein’s book touches on hockey in Austin, including the 1976 National Champion Austin Mavericks, a junior hockey team. It also mentions Austin’s role in senior hockey.

But it is heavy on the stars of the Northland, where hockey is truly king.

Bernstein used a single example to note the disparity between hockey in the northern part of the state and it southern half.

"Fairmont just had its first player go on to Division I hockey," he said. Meanwhile, Bernstein pointed out the small town of Cloquet, which has produced numerous top collegiates and a handful of NHL players and stars.

So far, the feedback for the book has been exceptional.

Herb Brooks loved the book and ordered extra copies. Bernstein even gave a gracious Wayne Gretzky a copy when The Great One was in the Twin Cities a couple of weeks ago.

The book is on sale at book stores like Nemitz’s, Little Professor and On Cue.