Gene Ubriaco’s ‘West End Companion’ – a one-of-a kind collection

A great joy that Canadian independent publishing affords its stakeholders are the opportunities to work with fine people telling grand, one-of-a-kind stories. Sault Ste Marie legend Gene Ubriaco provides us with more proof through his remarkable new book, ‘West End Companion.‘

Gene achieved professional hockey success during its most demanding era, from the early 1950s to post-1967 National Hockey league expansion. Six NHL teams and its nine-team American Hockey League farm system meant that less than 350 players per season reached these ‘best in the world’ ranks. Gene was one – a small (5 ft 8 in), skilled forward who was also embraced as a great teammate wherever he played. His final NHL playing years provided a springboard to the coaching ranks — including his work with emerging superstar Mario Lemieux (Pittsburgh Penguins), a grand 1992 Winter Olympics run leading the Italian national men’s team, and his later foundational achievements with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves (where Gene remains a valued consultant today) – a sporting career and life where success was all the more treasured because it was earned and never simply given.

Love of family, hockey, and his old Sault ‘West End’ roots – a wonderful amalgam of influences showcased in Gene’s beautiful, evocative art on display in his ‘West End Companion.’ As the title suggests, this collection builds on the many stories Frank Sarlo tells in his fine book, ‘The West End: A Magical Place Created By Giants‘ – part community history, part heart-felt tribute to a grand Sault district that was wonderfully dynamic, egalitarian, and multicultural many decades before this term gained Canadian mainstream media recognition.

‘West End’ street celebrations, its shopping districts, cultural anchors like the old Marconi Club and Blessed Sacrament church, and the old businesses that were built through dogged determination – all receive their due in Gene’s fine, evocative art. Ever-modest Gene dismisses them as merely his ‘doodles’ – they are much deeper and richer, a true Sault Ste Marie legacy story, one that has played out across North America for over 200 years whenever newcomers have put down roots and built something special for the generations that followed.

And not just Gene’s book! You can order limited edition prints of selected images taken from the Collection – treasures on their own. You can place your orders on Tagona ‘West End Collection’ page – or contact me directly at [email protected] with any questions.