I am totally biased here as a hockey fan, but one of the things that really sets it apart from a lot of other sports is that its most eloquent writer about hockey-related subjects was a former player (Montreal's Hall of Fame goaltender, Ken Dryden).
In fact, I'd even go so far as to say that his two best-selling books, The Game and Home Game: Hockey and Life in Canada were among the biggest factors in cultivating a love of hockey in me. I was a baseball/football/basketball/soccer fan (in that order of interest) at one time, but my interest in those sports has diminished considerably in the last 15-20 years.
P.S. I think The Game is the best sports book I've ever read -- hands down. Even if you're not a hockey fan you might find it enjoyable. It's written in an interesting autobiographical format, with Dryden alternating between a chronological reflection on his life in hockey, and almost a day-by-day chronicling of his last season playing for Montreal. The insight he gives (on a wide range of subjects), and the look he gives into the daily life of an NHL player in Montreal, are amazing.
I actually remember him being a fairly good commentator as well, I think.