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Hockey Confidential
Your all-access pass to the NHL
When it comes to hockey, Bob McKenzie is one of the most trusted voices in the game. No one else has the access or depth of experience. Now, in his first book on the NHL, Bob takes you behind the scenes, covering the inside stories, some lesser-known personalities and the life experiences that help to shape this great game.
Bob McKenzie, whose life revolves around all things puck, shares plenty here for every hockey fan. He reveals the colliding worlds of old and new in the growing debate on the place of advanced statistics—from a guy who barely escaped grade 12 math—and tells the hilarious real story of how Corsi got its name. He talks to John Tavares on the essence of scoring goals and to Brandon Prust on what it’s really like to give or take punches in a hockey fight with NHL heavyweights. He writes about Sheldon Keefe’s dramatic personal struggle to leave behind a dark and troubled past to become a better man, son, brother, husband, father and hockey coach. Bob stands with Don Cherry and his son and hockey scout, Tim, at the rink during cherished family time. He talks to Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip about communing with brothers in a lifelong love affair with the Boston Bruins. He also talks to the patriarchs of the Subban and Tavares families about emigrating from Jamaica and Portugal, respectively, to raise great Canadian superstars. And he spends time with the McDavids, who reveal how Connor counts on his family and support system, including the incomparable Bobby Orr, to help cope with the pressures of being tabbed hockey's Next Big Thing.
When it comes to hockey, Bob McKenzie is one of the most trusted voices in the game. No one else has the access or depth of experience. Now, in his first book on the NHL, Bob takes you behind the scenes, covering the inside stories, some lesser-known personalities and the life experiences that help to shape this great game.
Bob McKenzie, whose life revolves around all things puck, shares plenty here for every hockey fan. He reveals the colliding worlds of old and new in the growing debate on the place of advanced statistics—from a guy who barely escaped grade 12 math—and tells the hilarious real story of how Corsi got its name. He talks to John Tavares on the essence of scoring goals and to Brandon Prust on what it’s really like to give or take punches in a hockey fight with NHL heavyweights. He writes about Sheldon Keefe’s dramatic personal struggle to leave behind a dark and troubled past to become a better man, son, brother, husband, father and hockey coach. Bob stands with Don Cherry and his son and hockey scout, Tim, at the rink during cherished family time. He talks to Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip about communing with brothers in a lifelong love affair with the Boston Bruins. He also talks to the patriarchs of the Subban and Tavares families about emigrating from Jamaica and Portugal, respectively, to raise great Canadian superstars. And he spends time with the McDavids, who reveal how Connor counts on his family and support system, including the incomparable Bobby Orr, to help cope with the pressures of being tabbed hockey's Next Big Thing.
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2014
48 people are currently reading
570 people want to read
About the author
Bob McKenzie
13 books17 followersRobert Malcomson "Bob" McKenzie is a Canadian hockey commentator who has covered ice hockey since joining TSN in 1986.
Growing up, McKenzie was a fan of the hometown Toronto Maple Leafs, and his favorite player was Tim Horton.
McKenzie provides analysis for NHL on TSN telecasts, as well as for international hockey events, notably the annual IIHF World U-20 Hockey Championship. He also covered the NHL Entry Draft. Prior to and continuing for several years after joining TSN, McKenzie was editor-in-chief of The Hockey News for nine years and a hockey columnist for The Toronto Star for six years.
McKenzie is heard weekly on the TSN 1040 in Vancouver on the "Canucks Lunch with Rick Ball", as well on TSN Radio 690 (CKGM) in Montreal, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on the Morning Show at 8:05 a.m. He is also a frequent contributor to the Ottawa Senators pre-game show on TSN 1200 radio in Ottawa.
Growing up, McKenzie was a fan of the hometown Toronto Maple Leafs, and his favorite player was Tim Horton.
McKenzie provides analysis for NHL on TSN telecasts, as well as for international hockey events, notably the annual IIHF World U-20 Hockey Championship. He also covered the NHL Entry Draft. Prior to and continuing for several years after joining TSN, McKenzie was editor-in-chief of The Hockey News for nine years and a hockey columnist for The Toronto Star for six years.
McKenzie is heard weekly on the TSN 1040 in Vancouver on the "Canucks Lunch with Rick Ball", as well on TSN Radio 690 (CKGM) in Montreal, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on the Morning Show at 8:05 a.m. He is also a frequent contributor to the Ottawa Senators pre-game show on TSN 1200 radio in Ottawa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 11, 2014
I liked it, but then again, I wrote it.
November 28, 2014
When Bob McKenzie decided to write his first book about the National Hockey League, he chose to do so in a rather unexpected way. Rather than write about his years of experience covering the game, he shone the spotlight on those who sit outside the game; a select few who through their actions, influence the way the game is played and talked about in today’s modern era.
This was an easy book to digest and despite the array of topics, I was never overwhelmed with information. McKenzie did a great job choosing interesting topics that cover a wide spectrum of the hockey industry. Featured are stories about near death experiences, Don Cherry’s work with minor hockey, the rise of advanced statistics, Tragically Hip front man Gord Downie’s love of the Boston Bruins, and so much more.
With hockey, I’ll never consider myself a hardcore fan of the game. I’d like to think I’m a notch above the casual fan and while I do follow it closely, I don’t live and die by the day-to-day operations of the hockey world. Sure, I love my Maple Leafs and I enjoy catching a game or two every now and then but I’m finding I enjoy the inner-workings and the behind the scenes aspects of the industry just as much as the story the players tell on the ice during those sixty minutes of action. In Hockey Confidential, McKenzie presents an equal balance of both that leads to an immensely readable book.
Also posted @ Every Read Thing.
This was an easy book to digest and despite the array of topics, I was never overwhelmed with information. McKenzie did a great job choosing interesting topics that cover a wide spectrum of the hockey industry. Featured are stories about near death experiences, Don Cherry’s work with minor hockey, the rise of advanced statistics, Tragically Hip front man Gord Downie’s love of the Boston Bruins, and so much more.
With hockey, I’ll never consider myself a hardcore fan of the game. I’d like to think I’m a notch above the casual fan and while I do follow it closely, I don’t live and die by the day-to-day operations of the hockey world. Sure, I love my Maple Leafs and I enjoy catching a game or two every now and then but I’m finding I enjoy the inner-workings and the behind the scenes aspects of the industry just as much as the story the players tell on the ice during those sixty minutes of action. In Hockey Confidential, McKenzie presents an equal balance of both that leads to an immensely readable book.
Also posted @ Every Read Thing.
January 7, 2015
Reading this book is like being a kid listening to your dad tell a dirty joke. You know you’re missing the juicy parts. No wonder hockey players— and Canadians in general—have a reputation for being boring. Among the revelations:
- a near death experience leads you to appreciate life more
- getting to the NHL takes hard work
- The Tragically Hip wrote songs about hockey
The book’s biggest draw and its biggest problem is that Bob McKenzie is a hockey insider. He knows exactly where the bodies are buried, but he doesn’t want to tell you, either because he’s too principled or because he doesn’t want to alienate his sources. In one chapter, he actually suggests that if readers want to know the tacky details, they can look them up on the internet because he won’t dish. This approach is at its worst in the chapter on Sheldon Keefe. It’s not a redemption story unless the depths are explored. Reading this, you might think the worst thing Keefe ever did was to refuse to shake hands with the commissioner of the OHL.
The most frustrating part of the book is that it could have been much better if the many weak stories were edited out. Hockey Confidential is at its best in chapters about big personalities with inspirational lives, like the story of Karl Subban. A folksy, simplistic approach is the best way to explain hockey stats. McKenzie’s writing style is conversational and easy to read.
I would contrast this book to another hockey book I read recently: The Kid by Shawna Richer, where she followed Sidney Crosby’s first year in the NHL. While Richer seldom inserts herself into the story, you sense she is an outsider—as a Canadian in the States, a woman among men, a reporter with a single long term assignment. Therefore, she is able to deliver a story that gives readers a true sense that they are peeking inside the NHL and hearing behind the scene stories. In addition, she is brave enough criticize hockey people and institutions, regardless of the consequences.
- a near death experience leads you to appreciate life more
- getting to the NHL takes hard work
- The Tragically Hip wrote songs about hockey
The book’s biggest draw and its biggest problem is that Bob McKenzie is a hockey insider. He knows exactly where the bodies are buried, but he doesn’t want to tell you, either because he’s too principled or because he doesn’t want to alienate his sources. In one chapter, he actually suggests that if readers want to know the tacky details, they can look them up on the internet because he won’t dish. This approach is at its worst in the chapter on Sheldon Keefe. It’s not a redemption story unless the depths are explored. Reading this, you might think the worst thing Keefe ever did was to refuse to shake hands with the commissioner of the OHL.
The most frustrating part of the book is that it could have been much better if the many weak stories were edited out. Hockey Confidential is at its best in chapters about big personalities with inspirational lives, like the story of Karl Subban. A folksy, simplistic approach is the best way to explain hockey stats. McKenzie’s writing style is conversational and easy to read.
I would contrast this book to another hockey book I read recently: The Kid by Shawna Richer, where she followed Sidney Crosby’s first year in the NHL. While Richer seldom inserts herself into the story, you sense she is an outsider—as a Canadian in the States, a woman among men, a reporter with a single long term assignment. Therefore, she is able to deliver a story that gives readers a true sense that they are peeking inside the NHL and hearing behind the scene stories. In addition, she is brave enough criticize hockey people and institutions, regardless of the consequences.
December 21, 2014
Good collection of true stories about an assortment of Canadians related in some way to the NHL, from Karl Subban (PK's dad) to Connor McDavid to a skating coach.
July 26, 2016
Its a 3-star book with a few chapters that are 4 or 5 stars. The chapters focusing on the Subban, Cherry and Tavares families really stood out for me. The chapters covering advanced stats, Jari Byrski (an elite skating/skills coach) and Mark Lindsay (chiropractor) really enlightened me on some of the things that led to them being such important parts of the game today. I got about 5 pages into the story about Connor McDavid before I had to stop since he seemed to be a bratty/spoiled kid and I have no problems saying that since he'll never end up on the Leafs.
Overall, this book doesn't really go in depth into behind the scenes stories, like the title would suggest, but it does tell the story of people who are having a big effect on the hockey world right now. I'm sure Bob has many more stories so hopefully he'll write another book. And he probably will because, lets face it, I'm sure this sold bundles as Christmas presents in Canada.
Overall, this book doesn't really go in depth into behind the scenes stories, like the title would suggest, but it does tell the story of people who are having a big effect on the hockey world right now. I'm sure Bob has many more stories so hopefully he'll write another book. And he probably will because, lets face it, I'm sure this sold bundles as Christmas presents in Canada.
September 3, 2018
A really interesting collection of hockey stories. If you like hockey I guarantee at least a couple of these will catch your fancy.
July 17, 2016
Bob McKenzie is often ranked as one of – if not the – best of the modern day hockey writers. His book, “Hockey Confidential”, reflects that. It is not a traditional hockey book, as the stories it contains are not cookie cutter player biographies or team histories. They look at the game and its participants from other angles.
For example, the author interviews rising star John Tavares, along with his uncle, lacrosse superstar John Tavares. The two compare and contrast their backgrounds and their chosen sports, while looking at their careers from opposite ends of their respective duration. Another chapter features an interview with Tragically Hip's lead singer, Gord Downie; Downie (who subsequently revealed he suffers from a terminal brain cancer) represents not just a musical artist who has been known to reference hockey in his works, BUT is simply Every Fan who circumstance allowed to mingle with his hockey heroes as an equal.
The most intense, longest, and perhaps controversial chapter deals with Sheldon Keefe. Keefe is currently a coach, but began his professional life under the thrall of controversial agent / Svengali / David Frost. Frost's most famous client, Mike Danton, went to jail for conspiring to kill him – Keefe discusses his relationship with both men. AND, most informatively, discusses how his background provided him with the experiences to help other young players avoid such career – and life – pitfalls.
If you want to read a traditiional sports biography, or collection of anecdotes, you may not enjoy this work. However, I found this to be one of the most well-written hockey books I've EVER read – and I've read hundreds since I picked up Johnny Bucyk's autobiography in the 1970s. I definitely recommend giving “Hockey Confidential” a read.
RATING: 5 stars..
For example, the author interviews rising star John Tavares, along with his uncle, lacrosse superstar John Tavares. The two compare and contrast their backgrounds and their chosen sports, while looking at their careers from opposite ends of their respective duration. Another chapter features an interview with Tragically Hip's lead singer, Gord Downie; Downie (who subsequently revealed he suffers from a terminal brain cancer) represents not just a musical artist who has been known to reference hockey in his works, BUT is simply Every Fan who circumstance allowed to mingle with his hockey heroes as an equal.
The most intense, longest, and perhaps controversial chapter deals with Sheldon Keefe. Keefe is currently a coach, but began his professional life under the thrall of controversial agent / Svengali / David Frost. Frost's most famous client, Mike Danton, went to jail for conspiring to kill him – Keefe discusses his relationship with both men. AND, most informatively, discusses how his background provided him with the experiences to help other young players avoid such career – and life – pitfalls.
If you want to read a traditiional sports biography, or collection of anecdotes, you may not enjoy this work. However, I found this to be one of the most well-written hockey books I've EVER read – and I've read hundreds since I picked up Johnny Bucyk's autobiography in the 1970s. I definitely recommend giving “Hockey Confidential” a read.
RATING: 5 stars..
April 29, 2015
I really went into this book with no expectations in the beginning, and while it started off slow-rolling for my preference, the long-haul was most certainly worth it. Without having read Hockey Dad first, I felt like Bob McKenzie was reading these deeply personal stories about some of the game's most influential people to me, the way we hear him on TSN every day. Some of the chapters even surprised me with regards to their relevance to hockey, most of all the chapter dedicated to Gord Downie. I learned so much more about a few players who currently represent my favourite NHL team, the Montréal Canadiens - the pieces of their lives that tie together the puzzle that is who they are today.
What a satisfying read, to say the least. I can't wait to (hopefully) devour more of what Bob McKenzie produces for us in the future. With his name behind the work, one can't be disappointed.
What a satisfying read, to say the least. I can't wait to (hopefully) devour more of what Bob McKenzie produces for us in the future. With his name behind the work, one can't be disappointed.
May 24, 2019
Non esattamente quello che mi aspettavo, ma comunque una lettura interessante.
Pensavo fosse più una serie di racconti del dietro le quinte dell'hockey, invece tranne qualche capitolo qui e là (coach estivo e chiropratico) le storie sono su personaggi ben conosciuti.
La lettura è stata comunque interessante e i capitoli su come certi giocatori sono arrivati all'NHL non cessano mai di affascinarmi, in quel modo un po' macabro in cui all'essere umano piace girare la testa per vedere un incidente stradale, il fascino di una storia dell'orrore o di come un bambino deve dire il numero di goal segnati durante la partita prima di essere autorizzato a salire in macchina dal padre...
Mi è piaciuto l'approccio benevolo e ottimista di Bob McKenzie e la quasi assenza di polemiche.
Il suo stile di scrittura è scorrevole e non particolarmente difficile, non mi è stato necessario un dizionario sottomano per comprenderlo. (Ma ammetto di non aver capito un accidenti sul PDO e aver dovuto googlare la statistica per riuscire finalmente a comprenderla... il che probabilmente è più un fallimento delle mie capacità di pensiero razionale piuttosto che del mio inglese). Non so se sia mai stato tradotto in italiano.
Cansigliato: sì da quelli che vogliono leggere un paio di storie sull'hockey, no se quello che cercate è di comprendere meglio il gioco, a parte il sopraccitato capitolo sulla statistica e poco altro, il libro non ha alcuna pretesa di insegnare qualcosa.
Pensavo fosse più una serie di racconti del dietro le quinte dell'hockey, invece tranne qualche capitolo qui e là (coach estivo e chiropratico) le storie sono su personaggi ben conosciuti.
La lettura è stata comunque interessante e i capitoli su come certi giocatori sono arrivati all'NHL non cessano mai di affascinarmi, in quel modo un po' macabro in cui all'essere umano piace girare la testa per vedere un incidente stradale, il fascino di una storia dell'orrore o di come un bambino deve dire il numero di goal segnati durante la partita prima di essere autorizzato a salire in macchina dal padre...
Mi è piaciuto l'approccio benevolo e ottimista di Bob McKenzie e la quasi assenza di polemiche.
Il suo stile di scrittura è scorrevole e non particolarmente difficile, non mi è stato necessario un dizionario sottomano per comprenderlo. (Ma ammetto di non aver capito un accidenti sul PDO e aver dovuto googlare la statistica per riuscire finalmente a comprenderla... il che probabilmente è più un fallimento delle mie capacità di pensiero razionale piuttosto che del mio inglese). Non so se sia mai stato tradotto in italiano.
Cansigliato: sì da quelli che vogliono leggere un paio di storie sull'hockey, no se quello che cercate è di comprendere meglio il gioco, a parte il sopraccitato capitolo sulla statistica e poco altro, il libro non ha alcuna pretesa di insegnare qualcosa.
January 21, 2019
Decent enough. Not the typical sports bio that follows one player or team. Wide range of stories that are as entertaining to a new hockey fan as they are to a lifelong fan. For the most part they avoid the typical stereotypes of a traditional biography. The only thing to keep in mind is that nearly the whole book is focused around Ontario. Not that it's a bad thing, just something worth noting.
December 3, 2019
Read this specifically for the chapter on Sheldon Keefe and it does a good job of explaining the incredibly toxic relationship between Frost and The Quinte Cult. Man, lots of stuff I didn't know and it certainly presents Keefe on a redemption arc. Loved reading about his connection to the Lumber Kings because of my personal connection to Pembroke. Good book about hockey and the lore that surrounds it. Readable.
February 3, 2023
I've watched Bob on TSN for years, always enjoy his input and expertise on the game.
Bob's experience in hockey definitely translates to the book, but lacks compelling detail and story structure. The chapters are either too long-winded, or too short and repetitive. Analytical statistics chapter is great for those who follow every inch of hockey, but for casual fans, may be a bit of a snoozer.
It is a good book to read one chapter at a time, not exactly one that will pull you into it.
Bob's experience in hockey definitely translates to the book, but lacks compelling detail and story structure. The chapters are either too long-winded, or too short and repetitive. Analytical statistics chapter is great for those who follow every inch of hockey, but for casual fans, may be a bit of a snoozer.
It is a good book to read one chapter at a time, not exactly one that will pull you into it.
April 10, 2019
There were a few editorial errors (e.g. wrong dates, etc.) but overall a satisfying, entertaining read. McKenzie is an engaging writer, and the personal stories he chose to tell were not what I expected but appreciated nonetheless. Finding an unexpected link to a player on my favorite team was a bonus - an "ooohh" moment. I would definitely read another book by him.
June 1, 2022
Reading this book gave me going behind the scenes at PBS vibes. Is all the information stuff I would not have known as someone reading it to connect better to my hockey playing boyfriend? Yes. Was it lacking juicy dramatic flair for even a PG-13 rating? Yes. Alas, it was a very easy and casual read.
May 23, 2017
Although it kind of lagged at the end, I really enjoyed the Campbell, McDavid, Subban and Tavares chapters.
January 14, 2018
one of the best hockey books I've read. in my opinion. several very thoughtful and engaging stories. I really enjoyed it.
July 15, 2020
Not what I expected when I picked up the book (insider info about hockey people), just wonderful full-length stories related to the hockey world.
September 26, 2020
Interesting behind the scenes stories.
April 4, 2022
It's fine; McKenzie grabbed a handful of stories that appealed to him and competently wrote them up. If you aren't invested in any of them personally, I can't say it's a particularly memorable book.
July 21, 2022
good look at the NHL
Not what I was expecting, but a really good look at some stars of the NHL, as well as some behind the scene guys.. very enjoyable, and I learned a lot.
Not what I was expecting, but a really good look at some stars of the NHL, as well as some behind the scene guys.. very enjoyable, and I learned a lot.
December 1, 2023
I liked it, a lot of stuff I didn’t know. Just read it now in late 2023. A lot of changes but also a lot of the players did and are doing great things!
September 25, 2020
Big fan of Bob Mackenzie on THN and on radio, but this book didn’t hold my interest. A little too much repetition, stories weren’t compelling enough for me.
July 15, 2015
About the biggest complaint anyone could have with Bob McKenzie's new book is the title.
It sounds like it should be a Canadian pulp magazine from the 1930s, full of slightly scandalous stories and material a little south of the truth. In fact, a friend saw the book cover and asked, "Is it full of raw material about the players?"
Well, no. McKenzie tackles the issue of the title right at the start of "Hockey Confidential." He says he didn't have anything better than "A Bunch of Stories Bob Would Like to Tell." That wouldn't sell too many copies.
Come to think of it, maybe it might. McKenzie, who had a long newspaper career before becoming a reporter for Canada's TSN, is actually the most respectable of journalists. He's had to be talked into the social media responsibilities of the business with the odd kick and screams. McKenzie prefers a more leisurely approach at telling stories than revealing facts 140 characters at a time.
Therefore, he feels right at home with the book-sized format. Most of the accounts here have not been covered at great length before, especially in this way, so they feel new and fresh. But the tales take a leisurely, thoughtful approach.
A good example of this comes in the early going. Take it from someone who covers lacrosse for a living, McKenzie is right on target with a profile of John Tavares. If you thought I was talking about the New York Islanders' young star, you'd be right. And if you thought I was talking about the indoor lacrosse legend of the Buffalo Bandits, you'd be right. The lacrosse player is "Uncle John" to the hockey player, and the connection has been well publicized in the lacrosse community. After bios of both, McKenzie sits down with both of them and has them compare notes, if you will. It's a good enough conversation to have been video taped and shown on television somewhere.
Other chapters cover a variety of hockey-related talk. Former NHL player and executive Colin Campbell tells about how he almost drowned when he drove his tractor on to a frozen lake when the machine sank through the ice. Some of those in the information revolution in hockey get their chance at explaining what's going on - to someone who was lucky to get out of high school math. McKenzie watches a youth hockey game with Don Cherry and his son. Connor McDavid, the Next Big Thing in hockey, gets a long look, particularly concerning the pressures that come with that sort of title.
Some of the story subjects branch off the mainstream a bit. There are chapters on a massage therapist, a skating coach, and the lead singer of Canada's top band who is a huge fan of the Boston Bruins. Then there's the Subban family, a most unlikely group that has produced three NHL draft choices - including one of the league's best defensemen.
The chapters were designed to be about the same size at first, but some expanded when necessary. Two - the McDavid saga as well as the story of Sheldon Keefe, a junior hockey coach - both get 45 pages or so each, and they are the longest of the bunch.
Does it help to be Canadian to read this? Maybe a little. For example, the Mike Danton/David Frost story, in which Keefe plays a small role, probably was a much bigger story in Canada than the U.S. But Americans who like hockey, or who merely like a good story, well-told, will find this worthwhile.
I'd like to think that there's still room fora collection of stories like this, and McKenzie is a good choice to come up with them. "Hockey Confidential" is a good way to spend time on a cold winter night waiting for the next hockey game to begin.
It sounds like it should be a Canadian pulp magazine from the 1930s, full of slightly scandalous stories and material a little south of the truth. In fact, a friend saw the book cover and asked, "Is it full of raw material about the players?"
Well, no. McKenzie tackles the issue of the title right at the start of "Hockey Confidential." He says he didn't have anything better than "A Bunch of Stories Bob Would Like to Tell." That wouldn't sell too many copies.
Come to think of it, maybe it might. McKenzie, who had a long newspaper career before becoming a reporter for Canada's TSN, is actually the most respectable of journalists. He's had to be talked into the social media responsibilities of the business with the odd kick and screams. McKenzie prefers a more leisurely approach at telling stories than revealing facts 140 characters at a time.
Therefore, he feels right at home with the book-sized format. Most of the accounts here have not been covered at great length before, especially in this way, so they feel new and fresh. But the tales take a leisurely, thoughtful approach.
A good example of this comes in the early going. Take it from someone who covers lacrosse for a living, McKenzie is right on target with a profile of John Tavares. If you thought I was talking about the New York Islanders' young star, you'd be right. And if you thought I was talking about the indoor lacrosse legend of the Buffalo Bandits, you'd be right. The lacrosse player is "Uncle John" to the hockey player, and the connection has been well publicized in the lacrosse community. After bios of both, McKenzie sits down with both of them and has them compare notes, if you will. It's a good enough conversation to have been video taped and shown on television somewhere.
Other chapters cover a variety of hockey-related talk. Former NHL player and executive Colin Campbell tells about how he almost drowned when he drove his tractor on to a frozen lake when the machine sank through the ice. Some of those in the information revolution in hockey get their chance at explaining what's going on - to someone who was lucky to get out of high school math. McKenzie watches a youth hockey game with Don Cherry and his son. Connor McDavid, the Next Big Thing in hockey, gets a long look, particularly concerning the pressures that come with that sort of title.
Some of the story subjects branch off the mainstream a bit. There are chapters on a massage therapist, a skating coach, and the lead singer of Canada's top band who is a huge fan of the Boston Bruins. Then there's the Subban family, a most unlikely group that has produced three NHL draft choices - including one of the league's best defensemen.
The chapters were designed to be about the same size at first, but some expanded when necessary. Two - the McDavid saga as well as the story of Sheldon Keefe, a junior hockey coach - both get 45 pages or so each, and they are the longest of the bunch.
Does it help to be Canadian to read this? Maybe a little. For example, the Mike Danton/David Frost story, in which Keefe plays a small role, probably was a much bigger story in Canada than the U.S. But Americans who like hockey, or who merely like a good story, well-told, will find this worthwhile.
I'd like to think that there's still room fora collection of stories like this, and McKenzie is a good choice to come up with them. "Hockey Confidential" is a good way to spend time on a cold winter night waiting for the next hockey game to begin.
March 6, 2017
Very disappointing. I LOVE hockey and even did hockey reporting for years, but the way this book was written didn't grab my attention or make the stories interesting to read.
March 20, 2015
Excellent book! Almost all sports books focus on the product on the ice or field, with the back stories acting as filler. In this book the back stories are the focus, and the product on the ice is the filler.
Each one of the back stories brought to light an issue in the game of hockey. These issues include minor hockey development, fighting, medical treatment, and the competition to be associated with the upcoming talent.
My favourite chapters were the ones about ART form of treatment, Don Cherry, Connor McDavid, Brandon Prust, and the Subbans.
Each one of the back stories brought to light an issue in the game of hockey. These issues include minor hockey development, fighting, medical treatment, and the competition to be associated with the upcoming talent.
My favourite chapters were the ones about ART form of treatment, Don Cherry, Connor McDavid, Brandon Prust, and the Subbans.
August 3, 2015
It was okay! Bob starts the book off by basically saying he's never written anything before and it's probably bad, but he's gonna try. And this pretty much painted my whole experience reading it. I found myself kind of picking apart some of his writing. Probably for no reason at all.
So the book is a number of stories somewhat related to hockey. And some are more interesting than others. Overall, it's not bad.
So the book is a number of stories somewhat related to hockey. And some are more interesting than others. Overall, it's not bad.
August 10, 2015
The title is somewhat of a misnomer, because this is not a tell-all type of book. What it is, though, is a collection of well-told stories, many of them told from an unexpected perspective (at least for me). Some of the stories were completely new to me, others were unique takes on stories I was somewhat familiar with. Some of the stories were incredibly personal, so you can tell the subjects felt comfortable and trusted Bob McKenzie enough to tell their stories well.
April 30, 2016
Really insightful stories from the world of hockey .. if you are a fan of the game, it's worth reading. Particularly liked the pieces on hockey analytics and as well as the story about redeemed junior hockey bad boy Sheldon Keefe.
February 21, 2015
The book is easy to read, and McKenzie comes off as extremely knowledgeable but not pretentious. Personally, I found some chapters, especially the one on Keefe, could have used a bit more exposition, but overall, it was both an informative and enjoyable read
October 26, 2015
Like most things in life, hockey has plenty of funny stories, tragic stories, dramatic stories and Bob McKenzie does a great job of including a wide variety of fascinating stories and characters from the current NHL world into this book that is a must read for every hockey fan
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews