Sanderson Scores A Hit With Fans

Those waiting in line came from three states - Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire - to get a chance to shake the hand of one of the all-time Bruins greats Derek Sanderson and have him sign his newest book.

The former Boston Bruin and NHL hockey legend signed copies of his newest book at The Paper Store in Shoppers World Saturday as well as chat with fans and pose for a few photos.

Sanderson's new autobiography is Crossing The Line: The Outrageous Story of a Hockey Original. The book is scheduled to become a movie too.

For those unfamiliar with Sanderson's story and his legend status with the Big Bad Bruins of the 1970s':

"In a time when helmets were anything but mandatory, the fights were meaner, and the scene was all- around wild… there were the “Big Bad Bruins.” Featuring the likes of Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, and Johnny Bucyk, to name a few, the Big Bad Bruins would become one of the greatest teams on the ice from the 1960s to the 1980s, winning two Stanley Cups during that time period. Among the greats responsible for those victories was, of course, Sanderson.

In fact, Orr’s famous winning goal during the fourth game of the 1970 Stanley Cup was only possible because none other than Sanderson himself passed him the puck. Sanderson’s stellar career as a center with the Boston Bruins would
ultimately lead to a high-paying contract with the Philadelphia Blazers – a contract which, at the time, made Sanderson the highest paid athlete in the world.

Sanderson enjoyed an extravagant lifestyle in his time with the Bruins and beyond. Fast cars, an expensive wardrobe, and beautiful women were synonymous with his name – he was even named one of the sexiest men in America by Cosmopolitan. He was a rebel who carried his lifestyle to the
extremes…until things began to take a turn for the worst.

A series of bad investments, coupled with injuries, as well as alcohol and substance abuse made it impossible for Sanderson to remain with any one team for an extended period of time. Spiraling ever lower into addiction and poverty, he would eventually retire from the sport and enter rehab with the help of friends - in particular, Bobby Orr.

Finally, after a long and difficult road, Sanderson kicked his harmful habits, repaired his body, and dedicated the remainder of his life to helping young athletes avoid falling into the same seductive trap of destructive behavior that he did. He continues this mission to this very day."