he skull was an awkward armload. Bizarrely, its size, shape, and long, narrow bill brought to mind the head of Big Bird from Sesame Street, but with none of bird-bone’s lightness: It had heft and density.

[T]he Finns might just have the best goaltending in the 12-team tournament.

Almost everything boys read, watch, wear or listen to has to be not just action filled and awesome but also superextraordinarily awesome.

Nor is the district without its historical minacities.