The Great Defender: My Hockey Odyssey

by Larry Robinson, Kevin Shea

Legendary Canadien and Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Larry Robinson takes readers rink-side in this highly anticipated and poignantly told memoir.
Larry Robinson spent 20 seasons playing in the NHL -- seventeen with the Montreal Canadiens and retiring from the game after his final 3 seasons with the LA Kings. His great size gave his teams an incredible presence on the blue line and a tremendous defender in front of their net. But he was more than just big. He was agile, he could score and he played a style that provided both offensive and defensive strengths.
For his effort, Robinson was twice recognized as the NHL's top defencemen and his contribution helped the Canadiens win the Stanley Cup six times during his tenure with the team. Never afraid to drop his gloves and play a physical game, Robinson is and will forever be regarded as one of the NHL's greatest defencemen.
In "The Great Defender," Robinson relives his road to the NHL and the unexpected NHL journey that has lasted over 4 decades. He has enjoyed the good fortune of playing with greats, including Ken Dryden and Guy Lafleur to coaching the greatest of all--Wayne Gretzky. His successes as a player and coach are well-documented and in his memoir, hockey fans will now enjoy the opportunity to experience the odyssey of this legendary player as seen through his eyes, lived through his emotions, and told through his voice. Robinson's story is one of triumph and will leave readers cheering for the man fondly nicknamed "Big Bird."
In the process of writing this book, bestselling sports writer Kevin Shea interviewed many of Robinson's teammates, colleagues, players and family members and spent countless hours with Larry himself to capture a fascinating picture of one of hockey's greatest careers.

Genres: Hockey, Sports, Nonfiction, Canada, Biography, Autobiography

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 14, 2014

About the author

Larry Clark Robinson (born June 2, 1951) is a former ice hockey player and coach in the National Hockey League. Robinson was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995 and is currently the associate coach for the San Jose Sharks. He has also served as head coach for the New Jersey Devils on two separate occasions, as well as for the Los Angeles Kings. Larry Robinson was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.

Reviews

[Paul Banik]

This is basically like a chronological overview of his life from his days in junior, minor and NHL hockey as a player and later as a coach and his personal life. If you're interested in learning about his life, personal and professional, this is the best place to do it in terms of books. I found it a good read, because it covers the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings phase of his career as a player and later the coaching career, and may have mentioned when he represented Team Canada in international competition as well. You don't have to be a fan of either team or Team Canada to appreciate the book, which is from one of the top NHL defencemen of his era.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty standard sports autobiography from one of my favorite players growing up. He had already written an autobiography when he was still playing, so there isn't too much new in the first half of the book for me. The account of his final years with the Canadiens and his years coaching were interesting, but nothing earth-shatteringly new. A Robinson fan, or a Canadiens or Devils fan, would definitely enjoy this. Otherwise, its pretty standard, though well written, sports autobiography stuff.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite players so of course I loved the book!

[Dryan1066 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. A little surface only but fun read.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fine. The guy had a great career and seems quite aware that playing a game for money makes you a lucky fellow. A few repeated stories which could have been found out with better editing I guess, and although I do like someone who is humble, false modesty gets on my nerves too. Decent book.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Growing up watching Larry Robinson play, the stories he recounts reminded me of some of the things I had seen. He is a humble man considering he has won so many accolades and is considered one of the best NHL defencemen of all time. I have read a few sports books and I consider this to be one of the best. Although younger people may not be able to relate as well to the hockey stories, it is still a good insight into what it's like to dominate at the highest level in your chosen profession.

[Kenton Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably shouldn't have read The Game prior to this (or any of the hockey autobiographies I'm about to read). This book is a good read if you were a fan of the Canadiens in the 70's and 80's or Larry Robinson in general. However, it's really just a chronology of his life as a player and coach. While that is to be expected, after having read another hockey book that is an insightful look at the game and some of the key people within, this was less interesting and not early as well written.

[Robert Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great to relive the career of one of the all time greats and one of my favarite Habs of all time. Remember all of the hockey stuff like it was yesterday. A classy player-seems like he is also a classy guy off the ice. Thanks for the memories Big Bird!!

3 stars out of 5

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Larry Robinson's book is similar to Bobby Orr's - reading about their careers is great - especially if they were your favourite player or on your favourite team - but, they are so classy and nice that you don't get the full picture.

[Jamie Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speak softly and carry a big stick.