Overtime

by Chris Chelios

The compelling true story of one of the NHL’s all-time greatest players Feared on the ice for his toughness and his skill with the puck, Chris Chelios was one of the finest defensemen of his era. A stalwart blueliner with the Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks and Atlanta Thrashers, Chelios roamed the ice with a rare confidence that earned him the respect of his teammates and opponents alike. He carried his high level of competitiveness out of the dressing room and wore it like a badge of honour. By the time his twenty-six-season professional career was over, Chris Chelios had served as captain for two Original Six teams, claimed three Norris Trophies as the NHL’s best defenseman, represented his country in international competition 11 times, been selected to 11 All-Star Games and hoisted three Stanley Cups. Overtime pulls no punches in this rollicking story of friends and foes, triumph and tragedy, and, above all else, love for the game of hockey. From his wild days as a young player in Moose Jaw to his Hockey Hall of Fame party attended by guests ranging from Michael Jordan to Kid Rock, Chelios gives fans a guided tour through his incredible and improbable career. Along the way he sheds light on his tumultuous time in Montreal, the trade that returned him to his hometown, and the difficult decision that led him to Detroit, as well as the personal tragedies endured by him and his family. He also reflects on his friendships with A-list celebrities and his relationships with famous teammates, opponents and coaches, including Jeremy Roenick, Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan, Wayne Gretzky, Mike Keenan and Scotty Bowman. An honest, enlightening and often hilarious memoir, Overtime is a must-read for every hockey fan. With a foreword by Wayne Gretzky.

Genres: Hockey, Biography

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2014

Reviews

[Michael Revell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chris Chelios was a favourite player of mine growing up, particularly as a member of that incredible 2002 Red Wings squad. This book did a fantastic job of making me hate Chris Chelios. He comes across as such a gigantic, self inflated jackass of a human being that I actually had to put it down a few times as I was so put off by what I was reading. I give it 2 stars, because I can't actually say that Kevin Allen (and Chelios, I guess) did a poor job writing it, but I thoroughly disliked this read.

There's a quote in the book from Chelios rival and ex-NHLer Brian Propp.

"Chelios is a terrible person, the kind of guy who would stick your eye out and not care."

After reading this book, that's definitely the impression that I get.

[Costa Voutsinas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grew up idolizing the player. Great stories; heart of a warrior on ice; a la Patrick Roy

[To Read Pile Too Big · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read. Interesting enough if you’re a hockey fan. He name drops a lot in the last few chapters and so I ended up skimming over parts.

[Bradley Proctor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a Toronto Maple Leafs fan I never liked Chelios. However, I don't deny my dislike was due in part to his well-rounded effectiveness on the ice - a mix of grit and skill. What I didn't know about Chelios was how he came to hockey. Chicogo-San Diego-Saskatchewan-Wisconsin was an indirect route to the NHL. A good book I recommend reading.

[Vicki17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite hockey player since his debut on the Montreal Canadiens back in '83, I really wanted to read his book. I found it was an honest and humble account of his progression as a player and overall person. Devoted to the game, giving his all on the ice each shift. Admittedly, his time and experience in Montreal could have ended more positively, but he realized where he went wrong and grew from it. Kudos to an amazing career!

[bruce davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read for any hockey fan. quite enjoyed

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright. Glad he made it clear at the end that he didn't hate Canada which is the way it sounds during the book.

[Teebz Hbic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for Overtime can be found on Hockey Blog in Canada.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great hockey book about a superb player.