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They Call Me Killer: Tales from Junior Hockey's Legendary Hall-of-Fame Coach
An intimate, humorous look at Brian Kilrea's 60-year career in junior hockey With more wins than any coach in junior hockey history, and a personality as large as his winning record, Brian Kilrea is more than a hockey legend, he's one of the most beloved figures in the game. With veteran sportswriter, James Duthie, Kilrea gives fans a rink-side view of his twenty-nine plus seasons as head coach and now general manager of the Ottawa 67s. With stories and comments from famous NHLers who played for Killer, readers will get a taste of Kilrea's hardnosed coaching style, the gritty often humorous reality of his life as a coach, riding on buses and in the locker room, as well as the knowledge and dedication that has made him last so long. They Call Me Killer sheds light on Kilrea's early life as a centre for the Red Wings, what it was like to score the first-ever goal in the history of the L.A. Kings, and his two years with the New York Islanders. Loaded with anecdotes from a true hockey insider, the book offers fans an unvarnished look at the world of junior hockey—as it's played and lived, including its brutal practices, broken curfews, trades, and tirades.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 22, 2025
Brian ‘Killer’ Kilrea: It’s these stories of hockey personalities who make out a career on the periphery of the game that truly make for compelling reading. His playing days were highlighted by playing for Eddie Shore in Springfield and a couple cups of coffee in the NHL. He lead a players strike while in Springfield which germinated the seeds of the NHLPA with the help of a young Alan Eagleson.
32 seasons as head coach of the Ottawa 67’s (missing the playoffs only once). Inducted into the HHOF in 2023 as a builder.
32 seasons as head coach of the Ottawa 67’s (missing the playoffs only once). Inducted into the HHOF in 2023 as a builder.
September 19, 2019
Despite not being very interested in sports, I enjoyed this book. The way the chapters were written was interesting, and there was a few times that made me really laugh. Overall a wonderful book, and I even felt emotionally connected to Brian Kilrea.
April 24, 2025
the best coach in junior hockey's history. This book is a real page turner. Brang me back memories of watching Killer coaching the 67s. interesting and funny stories all throughout the book.
October 16, 2025
A thrilling read full of incredible stories for old school hockey fans.
May 21, 2012
Great stories from one of hockey's greatest coaches. James Duthie does an admirable job collecting and organising the various tales. An insightful, and often hilarious, look into Brian Kilrea's life as a player and, later, junior hockey's winningest coach.
March 8, 2011
An excellent look into Brian Kilrea's life as a player and as a coach. Fantastic stories!
January 18, 2013
Absolutely awesome book about life as a great hockey coach, some of the things he taught and learned, and a great conversation. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
January 14, 2012
A quick read, lots of great insight into daily life in junior hockey.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews