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Sawchuk: The Troubles and Triumphs of the World's Greatest Goalie
The Story of Terry Sawchuk far transcends the game of hockey. His accomplishments during the Original Six era are legendary - several of his goaltending records still stand after more than 30 years. But beyond the NHL arenas and dressing rooms, he was a brooding, violent man who chose to hide from the world.
- GenresHockeyNonfictionSports
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1998
41 people want to read
About the author
David Dupuis
21 books7 followersDavid Dupuis is the author of The Hildegard Prophecies, a nine‑book historical‑fiction series that blends Vatican intrigue, prophecy, medieval mysticism, and contemporary world events. The saga is anchored by two mysterious celestial signs—Hildegard’s Cross of 2016 and the Omega Cross, the final seal that shapes the series’ apocalyptic arc.
His fascination with papal history began in 1978 with the sudden death of Pope John Paul I, inspiring a longhand story about a boy destined to become the last pope. Decades of research into saints, prophecy, and Church history eventually evolved into the expansive world of The Hildegard Prophecies.
Before writing fiction, David authored several acclaimed biographies and regional histories, including the award‑winning Red Kelly Story and the widely praised Sawchuk: The Troubles & Triumphs of the World’s Greatest Goalie. His thirty‑five‑year career as a psychiatric nurse informs the psychological depth and realism of his characters.
Born and raised in Penetanguishene, Ontario, David continues to live near his hometown, where he writes, researches, and develops the evolving universe of The Hildegard Prophecies.
His fascination with papal history began in 1978 with the sudden death of Pope John Paul I, inspiring a longhand story about a boy destined to become the last pope. Decades of research into saints, prophecy, and Church history eventually evolved into the expansive world of The Hildegard Prophecies.
Before writing fiction, David authored several acclaimed biographies and regional histories, including the award‑winning Red Kelly Story and the widely praised Sawchuk: The Troubles & Triumphs of the World’s Greatest Goalie. His thirty‑five‑year career as a psychiatric nurse informs the psychological depth and realism of his characters.
Born and raised in Penetanguishene, Ontario, David continues to live near his hometown, where he writes, researches, and develops the evolving universe of The Hildegard Prophecies.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 7, 2020
It's a shame when one of the greatest in his field has such a negative back-story. Terry Sawchuk, whose 103 shutouts was a record that most people thought would never be broken was one of the greatest goaltenders of all time. In today's media overload, people get to see every game and if not every game, highlights - so therefore the modern players get all the hype. Back in the 1950s and 1960s when you may have been on television once a week, fewer video clips remain of their stellar play. Despite the superlative play, Terry couldn't put it together at home. Probably due to the death of two brothers, his mother had a hard time showing her love. Terry was the same. He fell victim to the bottle and his family life was the opposite of his playing career, A sad story indeed, This book give more of the sordid details about this than the other book, "Shutout".
June 15, 2025
As a student in Elementary school, one of the first books I remember checking out religiously featured Terry Sawchuk and I was almost immediately hooked. I couldn't believe goalies of the NHL played so much with so little as far as equipment and salary goes. Sawchuk became someone I looked up to. A seemingly modest superstar who always deflected praise to others. An athlete who came back from numerous injuries to shine in a sport that was so small and concentrated. Then I got older and read more about his life off the ice and while it didn't completely change my opinion of him, he wasn't the hero to me that he once was.
What the author does very well is emphasize that troubled when the lights of the NHL weren't on Terry. There were numerous confirmed reports of domestic abuse by Sawchuk toward his wife and children. He had a very well documented drinking problem that severely affected his home life. The problems that Terry had with being traded and how that also led to a deterioration of his social world. David Dupuis shows this right from the start by stating in the subtitle that it is the "Troubles and Triumphs" and not the other way around. He conducts a lot of interviews with family and teammates to try to paint the whole picture which is appreciated.
Where the book struggles with me is in two parts. the first is Dupuis' extreme reliance on these interviews. Primary sources are the best to use in biographies but there needs to also be the interpretation and synthesis from the author. Otherwise, we could just read the interview transcripts ourselves. The other element is a lack of a real sense of storytelling. It comes off as a very basic chronological list of his life. If you just want the facts about his life, you're not bothered by this. As a reader of books, and someone who is not as familiar with Sawchuk's life, you may want something a little more readable.
Overall, this is a refreshing read about a man truly with troubles. Give it a read if hockey is your area of interest.
What the author does very well is emphasize that troubled when the lights of the NHL weren't on Terry. There were numerous confirmed reports of domestic abuse by Sawchuk toward his wife and children. He had a very well documented drinking problem that severely affected his home life. The problems that Terry had with being traded and how that also led to a deterioration of his social world. David Dupuis shows this right from the start by stating in the subtitle that it is the "Troubles and Triumphs" and not the other way around. He conducts a lot of interviews with family and teammates to try to paint the whole picture which is appreciated.
Where the book struggles with me is in two parts. the first is Dupuis' extreme reliance on these interviews. Primary sources are the best to use in biographies but there needs to also be the interpretation and synthesis from the author. Otherwise, we could just read the interview transcripts ourselves. The other element is a lack of a real sense of storytelling. It comes off as a very basic chronological list of his life. If you just want the facts about his life, you're not bothered by this. As a reader of books, and someone who is not as familiar with Sawchuk's life, you may want something a little more readable.
Overall, this is a refreshing read about a man truly with troubles. Give it a read if hockey is your area of interest.
August 8, 2022
The life of perhaps the greatest goalie who ever lived. A lot of emphasis on both his hockey greatness and his dark side. Interesting from start to finish although the author seemed to rely mostly on source material from his wife, son and Marcel Pronovost.
May 20, 2020
Good book about hero
September 5, 2022
excellent, thorough trip into the life of Terry Sawchuk. highly recommend.
July 8, 2013
If you love hockey no matter what team ,this bio is top notch ! Highly Recommend it !
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews