The authors showcase unique information that disproves previously held stereotypes. It turns out that the roots of Ukrainian hockey go back over a century. Ukrainian hockey players from immigrant families gained world fame while playing for teams in their new homeland. Meanwhile, they continued to maintain their language and culture. Throughout the 100-year existence of the NHL, more than fifty Ukrainians became champions of the League. This is the largest number of champions representing a non-North American nationality. Even the best hockey player of all times, Wayne Gretzky, is of Ukrainian descent.

Once in a generation comes an athlete so gifted that he completely dominates his sport. In our generation that man is Wayne Gretzky. Gretzky is more than a hockey star, he is an inter-national sports hero. ABOVE AND BEYOND takes you behind the headlines to that frozen river where his career began.