Certified Beauties: More of Hockey's Greatest Untold Stories

by James Duthie

With its unpredictability, brutality, and camaraderie, hockey is full of great stories. And great characters. Certified Beauties is a new collection of the most compelling, hilarious, and heartwarming inside hockey stories—the ones that the players tell each other. Grab a seat with TSN’s James Duthie as hockey’s finest relive the highs, the lows, and heartwarming, hilarious moments on and off the ice

·      How Brady and Matthew Tkachuk both pulled pranks on teammates that almost went horribly wrong

·      The night a stunned beer league team had to face Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl

·      The friendship of Darryl Sittler and Borje Salming and the remarkable story of Salming's final visit to Toronto

·      When Sarah Nurse became a superstar during the chaos of Covid-19

·      How a team of Canadian “misfits” turned disaster to gold in Riga

·      When Kevin Bieksa got a big break at the worst possible time

·      How Darcy Hordichuk captured an alligator and left it on Roberto Luongo's front porch

With a foreword by Sidney Crosby and a special chapter remembering Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, Certified Beauties is essential reading for every hockey fan.

Genres: Hockey, Sports, Nonfiction

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2025

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to hate hockey and now I've voluntarily read the book equivalent of the bonus features and cut scenes from the show 😂. Very readable and the first actual paper book I've read in many years. It made the typos even more evident 'in print.' Overall, it was an engaging read with some hilarious and heartwarming stories.

[Abby Hamre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sooo good! So well done and hilarious stories!!

[Paul Sutter]

James Duthie is a most noted sportscaster on TSN and best selling author. His books about various aspects of the hockey world have definitely been highly regarded by lovers of this sport. His hockey books have definitely struck the right chord.
MORE BEAUTIES—MORE OF HOCKEY’S GREATEST UNTOLD STORIES, is the brilliant follow-up to BEAUTIES, where he tells more tales about the hockey world, looking at the sport and personalities from various angles and athletes. At the back of the book he says he wrote this book during a home renovation, and he apologizes to his wife for leaving all the decisions in the re-shaping of their home to her, while he seemed to get lost in all these stories.
The stories are quite plentiful and quite pleasing, telling little-known facts about the greats of the game. The book begins with Brady Tkachuk who decides to go and take apart via a saw the hockey sticks of fellow player Claude Giroux. He then takes very clear tape, and tapes them back together in such a way nothing out of the ordinary is evident. Teammates Tim Stutzle and Alex DeBrincat notice this act but vow to tell no one. He wants to see how this all frustrates Giroux during practice. But it all goes wrong when it is during the game that Giroux’s stick breaks, and Tkachuk doesn’t realize this involved sticks created to break in practice, not an actual game. A light bulb finally goes on and Tkachuk rushes to the equipment manager to tell him not to give Giroux additional sticks of his. Tkachuk finally tells his teammate what happened, and what he did and life goes on, but it could have cost the game.
Another story involves the Canadian women’s hockey team, and the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022. That was when the outbreak of COVID changed everything. No fans witnessed the games and players wore N-95 masks under their helmets and face protection. Ultimately Sarah Nurse of Team Canada, makes history during the Games with 5 goals and 13 assists, setting a new points record by a woman in the Olympic Games.
There are some additional pranks noted in the book, involving false teeth, purple powder in underwear, and captured alligators that are left on porches, to totally enthrall hockey fans. An especially poignant chapter features Darryl Sitler and Borje Salming, and their long friendship even after their playing days as Toronto Maple Leafs ended. It was when Salming was suffering from ALS that he made it back to Toronto one last time for the ultimate in tributes before ALS took his life.
It is the variety of the stories and personalities involved, that really make this book a hockey classic.

[Catie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun with this audiobook. James Duthie brings together a collection of hockey’s best behind-the-scenes stories — the kind of moments fans don’t always get to see, but love hearing about. Because the author narrates it himself, the storytelling feels personal and conversational, almost like you’re sitting with him and a group of players swapping stories after a game.

There are plenty of laughs and surprising emotional moments, but my favorite part by far was Chapter 13 — the Johnny and Matty Gaudreau section. Duthie structures it as 21 stories in honor of their jersey numbers (13 and 21), and it’s such a thoughtful and creative tribute. It’s heartfelt, funny, and highlights what makes hockey culture so special: family, heart, and pure love of the game.

If you enjoy sports nonfiction — especially stories from players past and present that go beyond the stats — this one is a fantastic listen. Perfect for hockey fans, audiobook lovers, and anyone who enjoys a well-told story with personality.

Thank you to James Duthie, HarperCollins Canada Audio, and NetGalley for an advanced listener copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Elysha Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favourite books of the year!

James Duthie does an amazing job compiling stories from hockey players throughout the years. It ranges from hilarious to heartwarming and everything in between. I couldn’t stop listening to it!

James Duthie did an amazing job narrating it as well, adding the perfect amount of humour and personality to the book.

Some of my favourite stories from the book include Roberto Luongo’s hospital visit in between playing 2 periods of hockey and Emma Maltais’ history of awkward introductions. I loved the story of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl played against a beer league team but from the beer league team’s perspective.

On a special note, the chapter on the Gaudreau brothers was touching and heartbreaking.

This was a great listen and very fun. I would recommend this book to any hockey fan, casual or die hard!

Thank you for NetGalley and HarperCollins Canada Audio for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoyed Duthie's first book, Beauties, this sequel is for you! Filled with untold hockey stories, some humorous and some touching, this book was an easy read. Some stories were laugh out loud funny, and others, like the chapter commemorating Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau written with quotes from all their loved ones and friends, were heart wrenching. One of my personal favorites was the story highlighting the career of Darcy Hordichuk, which included an amusing retelling of a joke he played on Roberto Luongo. Another highlight was the story of Corey Perry and the Walrus.

This book breaks the stereotype that NHL stars only are allowed to give standard interview answers like "getting pucks in deep", and really gives a glimpse of the personalities of the best players in this sport. Recommend for any hockey fan.

[Elena Kyriakos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certified Beauties is an absolute gem for anyone who loves hockey. It’s packed with short stories that switch effortlessly between humor, grit, heart, and pure hockey chaos. Every chapter feels like stepping into a new locker room, a new rivalry, a new moment where the sport’s culture and players really shine.

What surprised me most was how immersive it is. The style almost reminded me of When Hitler Took Cocaine (not in subject matter), but in the way each story feels like a self-contained, fascinating snapshot. That same documentary-meets-dark-humor energy is here, except it’s totally hockey-centric and dialed in for fans who appreciate the unfiltered quirks of the sport.

If you’re a hockey fan or just someone who enjoys fun stories, Certified Beauties is a must-read!

[Megan Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

For as long as I can remember, there was always a hockey game on whether it was on TV or the radio. This book brings back memories of better times and I loved hearing all these amazing stories from professional hockey players! It's a wonderful read especially in audiobook form. It's like sitting across from them and having them tell you their stories in person.

I highly recommend this book to not just sports fans but for readers who enjoy conversation like stories!

I would like to thank the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certified Beauties is another great book full of genuine hockey stories from James Duthie. Most of the stories are humorous. Some made me laugh out loud. But there are also poignant stories, such as the one about the death of the Gaudreau brothers, that demonstrate that the hockey community is one big, caring family. The overall impression the book left with me is that hockey players are a different breed and many still enjoy a good prank, even in their late thirties.

If you're even a casual hockey fan, you'll get a kick out of this one.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came into this not knowing more than about 3 ice hockey players but I loved this audiobook. The range of stories was fantastic. Some were absurd and some were heartfelt.
This book must be a sequel to a similar book he released a few years ago and I plan to find that one, and if he made a third I would listen to that too.
Honestly this book will appeal to almost everyone as it is a collection of stories about all the ups and downs of life which we all can relate too.

[Ben Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you look past the stereotypical hockey “d-bag” slang of a title it’s actually a great read. As a sports fan you very rarely get to hear the stories that go on behind what’s covered in media and this does exactly that. Stories range from anything regarding locker room pranks, coach fights, airport mishaps, etc. Duthie also has a whole section he tributes to the passing of Johnny and Marty Gaudreau which is very touching and well written.

[Jenny Brydges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great audiobook listen.
Shed a few tears and busted a gut LOL. A few times my mind wandered off, but overall I really enjoyed. This one is not suited for listening to with the kids only because there's quite a bit of swearing in some of the chapters.

[Ella Bishop · Rating 3 out of 5]

The experience of reading this swings between very interesting and heartfelt stories, and chapters that have me singing 🎶what the fuck is wrong with youuuu🎶 under my breath — which is not unlike the broader experience of being a fan of this sport.

[Adam Agosti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good, not as good as the first one, but still great.

Some stories were so funny and gripping, others I couldn’t care less about. It was a hit or miss to be honest.

I love James Duthie though, and I can’t wait to see what he does next.

[Josh Ernewein · Rating 3 out of 5]

It gets a little old. The stories start to feel very samey and lack alot of pop. The book is fine but books like this come out every year and this isn't a particular standout. I'm glad I read and that's the best I can say about it.

[Brandy Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book and James did a good job narrating. I had just finished Mats book so the chapter on Boris Solomon hit hard. As an avid Hockey watcher and Hockey mom I really enjoyed the stories in this book. Happy to see women’s stories included as well.

[Calvin Daniels · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5

A trio of 'chapters' got a but long for the quick read the overall book is.

Still solid sequel.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book from James Duthie. Funny, poignant, emotional...chock-full of beauties.

[alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too funny!! Loved hearing these stories that I otherwise wouldn’t have heard…especially the last one LOL. Thanks James Duthie for compiling these.

[Teebz Hbic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for Certified Beauties can be found on Hockey Blog In Canada.

[Ryan Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bunch of beauties

[Jeremy Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sort of (again) wish Amazon would implement a better ranking in Good Reads… to me, this book could be a 4.5 / 5. Nice stories, mostly funny, from those in the hockey world.

[Kaya ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hockey stories always make for a fun time 🏒🙃

[Dianne Landry · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a hockey fan I thoroughly enjoyed this series of stories.

[Darrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh out loud funny

[Don Bennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book...some.stories great while others mediocre.