17 Best Hockey Books

Wayne Coffey revisits the 1980 American Olympic hockey team and its contest against the Soviet Union. Portraits of coach Herb Brooks and his players connect the game's action with team chemistry and their later lives.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Ken Dryden reflects on professional hockey through portraits of teammates and coach Scotty Bowman. Life on the road, competitive pressure, and experiences on the ice illuminate the working life of an athlete.

Wayne Gretzky and Kirstie McLellan Day combine career memories with stories from hockey's history. Gretzky reflects on the mentors, teammates, and rivals who shaped him, offering a personal view of influential players and memorable moments in the game.

Brian Burke, writing with Stephen Brunt, reflects on a career spanning hockey management, scouting, player representation, and broadcasting. Stories of disputes and difficult decisions sit alongside family experiences, grief after his son's death, and his advocacy for gay rights.

Ken Dryden tells the life story of NHL player Steve Montador, whose brain was diagnosed with CTE after his death. He examines hockey's evolution and proposes changes to address the sport's risk of head injuries.

Bobby Orr recounts his Ontario childhood, hockey career, and life beyond the rink. His memoir examines the pressures of fame, his experiences with the Bruins and Blackhawks, and the personal and financial consequences of betrayal by his agent.

Ed Willes tells the history of the World Hockey Association, the rival league that challenged the NHL in the 1970s. Player signings, unstable franchises and colorful personalities reveal how its brief existence changed professional hockey.

Theoren Fleury recounts his rise to professional hockey and the abuse, addiction and personal struggles that accompanied his career. Written with Kirstie McLellan Day, the memoir connects public achievement with private harm and the difficult work of confronting it.

Sean McIndoe recounts the NHL’s history through its unusual events, personalities and decisions. Combining historical stories with humor, he follows the league’s evolution while examining the contradictions and absurdities that have accompanied professional hockey’s growth.

Dave Bidini travels in search of hockey outside its familiar North American settings. Encounters with players and unusual rinks in places including China and Dubai prompt reflections on the game’s appeal and on his own relationship with hockey.

James Duthie gathers stories from well-known hockey figures and less celebrated participants in the sport. Humorous incidents and personal recollections reveal experiences beyond public results, offering a varied look at the characters and relationships around the game.

Craig Custance sits down with prominent hockey coaches for film sessions and candid conversations. Their discussions reveal differing approaches to leadership, preparation, and on-ice decisions, offering insight into the thinking behind successful teams and demanding professional careers.

Gordie Howe reflects on his life and long career in professional hockey. Memories of growing up, playing for Detroit and sharing the game with his family connect his experiences on the ice with the people and values that shaped him.

Keith Gave recounts how five Russian players helped transform the Detroit Red Wings. Recruiting, defection and the pressures of Soviet life connect with the players’ adjustment to North America and their role in reshaping the team’s fortunes.

Willie O'Ree, writing with Michael McKinley, recounts becoming the NHL's first Black player and confronting racism in professional hockey. His memoir follows his playing career and later work introducing children from diverse backgrounds to the game.

Scott Morrison selects one hundred moments that helped shape the NHL over its first century. Photographs and commentary examine achievements, innovations, and less obvious turning points, from remarkable players and teams to changes in coaching and the league's culture.

Bob McKenzie and Jim Lang collect stories from people whose contributions extend beyond hockey's famous names. Players, coaches, officials, parents, and others describe their experiences, highlighting perseverance, friendship, and efforts to support the game's next generation.