"Forged on Ice," a book by Hershey native Dr. Robert Goodman, a graduate of Penn State College of Medicine with an anesthesia residency, illustrates a unique connection between two of the most prestigious organizations in North America. Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternity. Its charitable donations are legendary, estimated at $2 million a day. The Hershey Bears are the most respected minor league team in hockey. Winners of 10 Calder Cups, the Bears have built a tradition of excellence over seven decades of competition as the oldest and most successful American Hockey League (AHL) franchise.
In addition to his time spent as an anesthesiologist, Goodman has spent part of his free time pursuing his passion for hockey by officiating as an AHL linesman for more than 15 years. As a result of his time on the ice, he developed an additional interest in documenting the history of the Hershey Bears, and has spent the past three years researching the team’s history. The research culminated in February 2009 with the publication of his first book, "Forged on Ice."
This thorough and engaging work provides a comprehensive overview, through a series of three “periods,” similar to the progression of a regulation hockey game. The first period highlights the dynamic and storied history of the 70-plus years of hockey in Hershey and of the Hershey Bears. In the second period, through a series of short vignettes, Robert chronicles some of the men who were Masons and have had a great impact on the Bears throughout their history. Finally, in period three, he provides brief but engrossing biographical sketches of select members of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Through Goodman’s comprehensive research, the book offers a glimpse of Freemasonry and a history of the Bears as he shares personal reflections of the lives of Masons, who were Hershey Bears or honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
"Forged on Ice" retails for $13 and all proceeds are donated to charity including the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society and the Shriners Hospital. The book can be purchased at the Historical Society's museum store or at Amazon.com.