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We all know that hockey isn’t just a game, it’s a passion. And to reach your maximum potential, you need to feed this passion both physically and mentally. At Snipe Lights, we are committed to helping players develop not only into great hockey players, but also into great people. Learning from both the successes and failures of the hockey legends who came before us, in their own words, is a great way to grow into a well-rounded hockey scholar with a mind for the game.
So, without further ado, here are our top five hockey autobiographies:
1. 99: Stories of the Game – Wayne Gretzky
When “The Great One” speaks, hockey fans listen. In 99: Stories of the Game, Wayne Gretzky shares his perspective on the history of hockey, intertwining personal anecdotes with the evolution of the sport. This book isn’t just about Gretzky’s career—it’s a love letter to hockey itself, making it a must-read for any fan.
2. Goon: The True Story of an Unlikely Journey into Minor League Hockey – Doug Smith
A candid and unconventional hockey story, Goon details Doug Smith’s journey from a man with no formal hockey training to becoming a feared enforcer in the minor leagues. His raw and honest storytelling gives readers a unique look into the world of fighting in hockey and what it took to survive in the sport’s grittier side—not as an endorsement of violence, but as a cautionary tale. Goon was adapted into the 2011 movie starring Sean William Scott and Liev Schreiber.
3. Playing with Fire – Theo Fleury
Theo Fleury’s autobiography, Playing with Fire, is a brutally honest account of his life on and off the ice. Fleury details his unlikely rise to NHL stardom as such an undersized player, his battles with addiction, and the personal struggles that defined his journey. His story is one of resilience and redemption, making this book an emotional and inspiring read.
4. Thunder and Lightning: A No-B.S. Hockey Memoir – Phil Esposito
Phil Esposito’s autobiography is as bold and charismatic as he was on the ice. Thunder and Lightning is filled with candid stories about his playing days, his time as a general manager, and his strong opinions on the game. His storytelling makes this book an entertaining and eye-opening read.
5. The Game – Ken Dryden
Often regarded as the greatest hockey book ever written, The Game by Ken Dryden provides a deep and reflective look at the sport. As a Hall of Fame goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens, Dryden’s insights into the mental and emotional aspects of hockey are unparalleled. His writing elevates this book beyond just a sports memoir, making it essential reading for any hockey enthusiast.
We hope you get a chance to read one or more of these fantastic hockey autobiographies, and we welcome you to add any favorites you have that didn’t make this list in the comments!
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