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The Awesome Game: One Man's Incredible, Globe-Crushing Hockey Odyssey
One man's search to answer the ultimate question in Why is hockey so incredibly awesome?
Dave Hill—author, actor, rock musician and stand-up comedian—is a truly outstanding American. For one thing, he's part Canadian (an advantage he explored in his previous book Parking the Moose ). For another, and maybe this has something to do with his Canadian heritage, he's a totally obsessive fan of hockey. That makes him a minority within a apparently only five percent of the US population admit to liking hockey more than any other sport.
In his latest opus, Dave—who's from Cleveland, which hasn't had an NHL team since 1978—tackles this hockey conundrum with full force, drilling down into what makes hockey so damn important in so many parts of the world, despite the average American not recognizing the sport's preeminent greatness. His search for the very soul of hockey has taken him across the globe, from Poland to LA to Kenya, and brought him into contact with many of the sport's great and good. Humorous but heartfelt, Bill Bryson-like but hipper, this is arguably the greatest book ever written about hockey and definitely the one to be asking for at Christmas.
Dave Hill—author, actor, rock musician and stand-up comedian—is a truly outstanding American. For one thing, he's part Canadian (an advantage he explored in his previous book Parking the Moose ). For another, and maybe this has something to do with his Canadian heritage, he's a totally obsessive fan of hockey. That makes him a minority within a apparently only five percent of the US population admit to liking hockey more than any other sport.
In his latest opus, Dave—who's from Cleveland, which hasn't had an NHL team since 1978—tackles this hockey conundrum with full force, drilling down into what makes hockey so damn important in so many parts of the world, despite the average American not recognizing the sport's preeminent greatness. His search for the very soul of hockey has taken him across the globe, from Poland to LA to Kenya, and brought him into contact with many of the sport's great and good. Humorous but heartfelt, Bill Bryson-like but hipper, this is arguably the greatest book ever written about hockey and definitely the one to be asking for at Christmas.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 17, 2023
14 people are currently reading
1574 people want to read
About the author
Dave Hill
118 books20 followersThere are multiple authors in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 24, 2025
Part travel writing, part love letter to hockey, this was a fun and hilarious read. I’d love to see a full international version with more countries, either as a follow up book or as a streaming series because I can’t believe hockey isn’t one of the big 3 sports in America?? They’re missing out.
My beloved Seattle Kraken even got a mention or three, despite being made fun of in every one of those mentions (their jersey is awesome thank you very much!).
All this talk has just made me miss hockey tbh, but it’s a great way to fill the gap in between seasons.
My beloved Seattle Kraken even got a mention or three, despite being made fun of in every one of those mentions (their jersey is awesome thank you very much!).
All this talk has just made me miss hockey tbh, but it’s a great way to fill the gap in between seasons.
September 8, 2023
Hockey is a language, and one that Dave Hill is fluent in.
This book is a love letter to the beautiful game of hockey, that as a Canadian, runs in my blood.
The author is on a quest to not only foster his love for the game, but also to learn why it isn't one of the top sports in the United States.
The book is equal parts hilarious, poignant, and a truly fun read, offering encounters with the likes of Slava Fetisov and travelling to places like Kenya (yes, Kenya) to understand the universality of hockey.
As this review is written, the hockey community is waiting for the new season to start; and let it be said that there is no better companion for the sport than this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Triumph Books for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest review.
This book is a love letter to the beautiful game of hockey, that as a Canadian, runs in my blood.
The author is on a quest to not only foster his love for the game, but also to learn why it isn't one of the top sports in the United States.
The book is equal parts hilarious, poignant, and a truly fun read, offering encounters with the likes of Slava Fetisov and travelling to places like Kenya (yes, Kenya) to understand the universality of hockey.
As this review is written, the hockey community is waiting for the new season to start; and let it be said that there is no better companion for the sport than this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Triumph Books for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest review.
May 22, 2024
Cleveland, Ohio resident and major hockey fan Dave Hill asks the question, ‘why isn’t hockey more popular in the United States’? Only 5% of the population apparently watches the game. Given that hockey is our favorite sport here in Canada, I was wondering the same thing. In addition to the question, Dave also wrote this book to celebrate the game of hockey, anywhere and everywhere in the world.
Told with humor and enthusiasm, Dave visited other countries to see how the game is received, and in many cases, celebrated there. Aside from treks to Poland and Finland, one of the most surprising and entertaining stories in the book describes his trip to Kenya to play roller hockey with their one and only hockey team. One of the best aspects about this book is that the author doesn’t take himself too seriously. He isn’t afraid to disclose the embarrassing moments (read the Kenya story) or that he wasn’t a great player in his youth.
In the last chapter, Dave summarizes a sentiment I also share (I’ve never played the game but have watched it for over five decades). Referring to hockey he says, “It’s a warm blanket I shall wrap myself up in at every opportunity, from the first drop of the puck in fall to the very last league championship game…” Well said, Dave. Since writing the book, there is now a professional women’s hockey league which is gaining a lot of attention and respect. I’m guessing that Dave thinks this is awesome, too, especially if the teams have cool logos on their jerseys.
Told with humor and enthusiasm, Dave visited other countries to see how the game is received, and in many cases, celebrated there. Aside from treks to Poland and Finland, one of the most surprising and entertaining stories in the book describes his trip to Kenya to play roller hockey with their one and only hockey team. One of the best aspects about this book is that the author doesn’t take himself too seriously. He isn’t afraid to disclose the embarrassing moments (read the Kenya story) or that he wasn’t a great player in his youth.
In the last chapter, Dave summarizes a sentiment I also share (I’ve never played the game but have watched it for over five decades). Referring to hockey he says, “It’s a warm blanket I shall wrap myself up in at every opportunity, from the first drop of the puck in fall to the very last league championship game…” Well said, Dave. Since writing the book, there is now a professional women’s hockey league which is gaining a lot of attention and respect. I’m guessing that Dave thinks this is awesome, too, especially if the teams have cool logos on their jerseys.
April 17, 2024
SO fun. I saw Dave at a show earlier this year, so I thought I'd give this book a try. Imagine if a Gen X Bill Bryson traveled the world looking for hockey adventures and answers to the question that's apparently been bothering him for years (I'm paraphrasing): Why isn't hockey more popular in the US? I've lived in the south all my life, so I didn't grow up with hockey. But, I enjoyed this so much, I expect hockey fans really will. All of his trips are interesting, and the chapter on hockey jerseys...LOVE. Hockey + Hill = Read It!
November 19, 2024
Incredibly funny with some laugh out loud moments (that rarely happens to me these days). Written by an NHL Hall-of-Famer-wannabe (aren't we all? except me, I can't skate), it's an easy read, especially if you love hockey. I also wonder why the USA isn't more excited about hockey than stupid football.
February 11, 2024
Fantastic, funny, and very engaging. I'm with Dave in hoping hockey someday can garner more attention across the American audience. To me hockey is number 1, and will always reign over the other sports. Highly recommend read.
December 8, 2023
Dave is a great comedian who writes like he talks. This is delightful and interesting !
Read
August 13, 2024This book introduced me to the Tampere Ilves.
December 4, 2024
Hockey is awesome, but this book is not 😏 BOOORING. I do not recommend.
February 18, 2025
Review for The Awesome Game can be found on Hockey Blog In Canada.
June 6, 2025
Passionate, honest and hilarious. Dave’s bond to hockey is contagious while building a stronger community around the sport by turning over the stones on a wonderful world.
October 2, 2024
I had no idea how prolific he was,
November 21, 2023
Last month I had the pleasure of seeing Dave Hill perform in person at Wordfest. I vaguely remembered him from an earlier appearance in Calgary a few years ago, but for whatever reason, this most recent show of his really impressed me; he was absolutely hilarious. I couldn’t stop laughing, and when he spoke as part of a panel, his comments were always the most entertaining. Right after his show I immediately bought his newest book The Awesome Game, One Man’s Incredible, Globe-Crushing Hockey Odyssey which wasn’t as as good as seeing him in person, but a close second.
Book Summary
Dave Hill loves hockey, and he’s American. He doesn’t understand why hockey isn’t more popular in his own country, so he goes in search of this answer by travelling to different parts of the world to participate in hockey games as other countries play them. He goes to Finland, Poland, Canada (obviously), even Kenya, to answer his own self-defined question of ‘why is hockey so awesome?’, and the reader is along for the ride. In this non-fiction book, he not only jumps across the globe, he also jumps back and forth through time, landing on certain points in his childhood where hockey played a pivotal role, including joining his high school team, seeing a game of hockey in person for the time, even meeting an NHL player by standing on his front lawn and simply waiting for him to emerge from his house. This isn’t a serious book that’s meant to give an in-depth view of the sport, instead it’s meant to entertain, and it absolutely does. Hill is extremely laid-back, happy to talk to anyone, and always eager for an adventure, so he finds himself in unique situations that an average person wouldn’t likely have access to. For the purposes of this book he’s able to interview some impressive hockey personalities, but he also travels overseas to meet and watch a distant relative play hockey, so there’s a mix of exclusivity and simple enthusiasm that makes this book work so well.
My Thoughts
I believe I’ve written about this topic before on here, but for the record, I hate hockey. In fact all professional sports interest me very little – the idea of sitting in front of a tv, or at an arena, and having to watch a full game of something makes me cringe. The only way I could survive it is if I had a book in my hand. Now knowing how much I hate hockey, and the fact that I picked up a book about hockey, is a real testament to the power of the author himself. I just knew it would be funny, so was willing to overlook the topic in favour of reading one of his books. And it paid off! No knowledge or interest in hockey is required to enjoy this book. Although Hill’s adventures revolved around the game, his stories of careening through the streets of Kenya, or trying to order a pizza in Poland make up enough of the book that I didn’t mind when he settled into a game of hockey – his observations about the game itself are also hilarious, especially when he talks about one of his favourite parts of the game – the jerseys.
I’m not sure how one would classify the humour Dave Hill uses, but I recognized it from onstage, and it translated well into his writing, although I suspect that understanding his humour in person goes a long way in making his books funnier. His enthusiasm for the game also makes this book so funny, because he admits he’s not a very good player himself, and doesn’t seem to be surrounded by too many friends who share the same affinity, so the book reads as a good-natured guy just wandering around looking for like-minded people to talk about hockey with, which simply translates into good wholesome fun.
Am I partial to this book because Hill has a deep love and respect for Canadians, and just seems like he wishes he was one? Of course, that always helps! But the entertainment factor is so high with this author he could write about anything and I would read it, so I’m likely going to search out his earlier books too. I’m also going to keep an eye out for his future performances here in Calgary because I’m always in need of a good laugh.
To read the rest of my reviews, please visit my blog:
https://ivereadthis.com/
Sign up for my newsletter here: https://ivereadthis.com/subscribe/
Or follow me on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ivereadthis/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD6E...
Book Summary
Dave Hill loves hockey, and he’s American. He doesn’t understand why hockey isn’t more popular in his own country, so he goes in search of this answer by travelling to different parts of the world to participate in hockey games as other countries play them. He goes to Finland, Poland, Canada (obviously), even Kenya, to answer his own self-defined question of ‘why is hockey so awesome?’, and the reader is along for the ride. In this non-fiction book, he not only jumps across the globe, he also jumps back and forth through time, landing on certain points in his childhood where hockey played a pivotal role, including joining his high school team, seeing a game of hockey in person for the time, even meeting an NHL player by standing on his front lawn and simply waiting for him to emerge from his house. This isn’t a serious book that’s meant to give an in-depth view of the sport, instead it’s meant to entertain, and it absolutely does. Hill is extremely laid-back, happy to talk to anyone, and always eager for an adventure, so he finds himself in unique situations that an average person wouldn’t likely have access to. For the purposes of this book he’s able to interview some impressive hockey personalities, but he also travels overseas to meet and watch a distant relative play hockey, so there’s a mix of exclusivity and simple enthusiasm that makes this book work so well.
My Thoughts
I believe I’ve written about this topic before on here, but for the record, I hate hockey. In fact all professional sports interest me very little – the idea of sitting in front of a tv, or at an arena, and having to watch a full game of something makes me cringe. The only way I could survive it is if I had a book in my hand. Now knowing how much I hate hockey, and the fact that I picked up a book about hockey, is a real testament to the power of the author himself. I just knew it would be funny, so was willing to overlook the topic in favour of reading one of his books. And it paid off! No knowledge or interest in hockey is required to enjoy this book. Although Hill’s adventures revolved around the game, his stories of careening through the streets of Kenya, or trying to order a pizza in Poland make up enough of the book that I didn’t mind when he settled into a game of hockey – his observations about the game itself are also hilarious, especially when he talks about one of his favourite parts of the game – the jerseys.
I’m not sure how one would classify the humour Dave Hill uses, but I recognized it from onstage, and it translated well into his writing, although I suspect that understanding his humour in person goes a long way in making his books funnier. His enthusiasm for the game also makes this book so funny, because he admits he’s not a very good player himself, and doesn’t seem to be surrounded by too many friends who share the same affinity, so the book reads as a good-natured guy just wandering around looking for like-minded people to talk about hockey with, which simply translates into good wholesome fun.
Am I partial to this book because Hill has a deep love and respect for Canadians, and just seems like he wishes he was one? Of course, that always helps! But the entertainment factor is so high with this author he could write about anything and I would read it, so I’m likely going to search out his earlier books too. I’m also going to keep an eye out for his future performances here in Calgary because I’m always in need of a good laugh.
To read the rest of my reviews, please visit my blog:
https://ivereadthis.com/
Sign up for my newsletter here: https://ivereadthis.com/subscribe/
Or follow me on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ivereadthis/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD6E...
September 8, 2023
Hockey is a language, and one that Dave Hill is fluent in.
This book is a love letter to the beautiful game of hockey, that as a Canadian, runs in my blood.
The author is on a quest to not only foster his love for the game, but also to learn why it isn't one of the top sports in the United States.
The book is equal parts hilarious, poignant, and a truly fun read, offering encounters with the likes of Slava Fetisov and travelling to places like Kenya (yes, Kenya) to understand the universality of hockey.
As this review is written, the hockey community is waiting for the new season to start; and let it be said that there is no better companion for the sport than this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Triumph Books for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest review.
This book is a love letter to the beautiful game of hockey, that as a Canadian, runs in my blood.
The author is on a quest to not only foster his love for the game, but also to learn why it isn't one of the top sports in the United States.
The book is equal parts hilarious, poignant, and a truly fun read, offering encounters with the likes of Slava Fetisov and travelling to places like Kenya (yes, Kenya) to understand the universality of hockey.
As this review is written, the hockey community is waiting for the new season to start; and let it be said that there is no better companion for the sport than this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Triumph Books for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest review.
November 15, 2023
I'm not as keen on this book as other reviewers seem to be. Expected more on the question of why hockey isn't as popular in the US as it is in Canada, but Dave didn't really get into that until the final chapters.
I think it's obvious: hockey is very popular in the northern states, and always has been. However when the NHL began expanding, teams were given to American cities where hockey was almost unknown. Miami, Tampa, Houston, Phoenix were not and are not hockey hotbeds. Meanwhile hockey mad Canadian locales like Hamilton have been repeatedly denied. It's all about advertising revenue.
I didn't find much humor in this book, and didn't like the writing style. This is my first exposure to Dave Hill though. His book about the Moose sounds interesting.
I think it's obvious: hockey is very popular in the northern states, and always has been. However when the NHL began expanding, teams were given to American cities where hockey was almost unknown. Miami, Tampa, Houston, Phoenix were not and are not hockey hotbeds. Meanwhile hockey mad Canadian locales like Hamilton have been repeatedly denied. It's all about advertising revenue.
I didn't find much humor in this book, and didn't like the writing style. This is my first exposure to Dave Hill though. His book about the Moose sounds interesting.
September 15, 2023
Thanks to Triumph books and NetGalley for the ARC!
OH THE GOOD OLE HOCKEY GAME IS THE BEST GAME YOU CAN NAME! Never have truer words been spoken (or sung). As a massive fan of hockey, I was absolutely ~jazzed~ to get a chance to revel in a book that sought to celebrate the game I love in a fun, globe-trotty way. After all, hockey is a global sport. And, hey, Dave manages to get across the joy that hockey brings in places as seemingly different as Gatineau and Nairobi.
Don't go in expecting a deep dive into hockey history or a detailed exploration of hockey cultures. Instead, just sit back and hang out with Dave.
OH THE GOOD OLE HOCKEY GAME IS THE BEST GAME YOU CAN NAME! Never have truer words been spoken (or sung). As a massive fan of hockey, I was absolutely ~jazzed~ to get a chance to revel in a book that sought to celebrate the game I love in a fun, globe-trotty way. After all, hockey is a global sport. And, hey, Dave manages to get across the joy that hockey brings in places as seemingly different as Gatineau and Nairobi.
Don't go in expecting a deep dive into hockey history or a detailed exploration of hockey cultures. Instead, just sit back and hang out with Dave.
October 18, 2023
Nice book. Good lad. Talented. Keep your stick on the ice Dave. Hope you get out for a skate as often as you can.😊👋
January 3, 2024
A silly book about hockey. Writers style of humor didn't speak to me.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews