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Tretiak: The Legend
Tretiak : The Legend [Mass Market Paperback]
262 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 1987
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 29, 2016
I really enjoyed this. It's an autobiography, but I have no idea how much Tretiak wrote himself (I wouldn't be surprised if it were most or all, given his education), and I have to give the translator huge props for what appears to be a great translation job. I've seen a couple of interviews with Tretiak, and I feel like the humor he displayed in those was very apparent in the book—there's lots of super-dry humor that I really enjoyed.
As with any autobiography, you have to assume a huge amount of unreliable narration and bias, but however much of it there was here, I didn't mind it. It's a very interesting look inside Soviet hockey from the late 1960s through the mid 1980s. Note: He doesn't devote much time to the 1980 Olympics, so don't read the book for just that; there's only a single chapter. I really liked his insight into goaltending, teamwork, a successful hockey team, and everything that was happening behind the scenes in a foreign country in an age without social media. He has stories about meeting Gretzky and lots of other big name guys, and as the book went on, I recognized more and more names of Russian players who became huge over here (like Fetisov and Larionov). There is a lot of talk of Canadian hockey and how the rivalry between the Soviets and Canadians had so much to do with changing the face of international hockey.
The book was published in 1987—before Soviet/Russian players started coming to the NHL. I'm not sure if he's written any other books, but I'm interested in how he felt about all of that, given his own strong feelings on staying in the USSR, so I'll poke around and see what I can find.
He mentions a few times at least one of Ken Dryden's books, and I'm interested in reading those. (And I'd also like to dig up a book on the Lake Placid games, because everything I've seen about them that wasn't heavily American-influenced says the whole experience was pretty horrible. So interesting.)
I really wish there were a digital copy of this so I could highlight all of my favorite bits—there were a bunch! Definitely a fun read for a hockey history fan. If you're very pro-Canadian or pro-American, you'll need to go in with a bit of an open mind, because you're obviously getting an outsider's opinion and you probably won't agree with some of it. (Caution Flyers fans! Some parts will probably make you cranky (although I'm not altogether surprised to hear Flyers fans and players were bullies 40 years ago, too... :)).
Good read!!
As with any autobiography, you have to assume a huge amount of unreliable narration and bias, but however much of it there was here, I didn't mind it. It's a very interesting look inside Soviet hockey from the late 1960s through the mid 1980s. Note: He doesn't devote much time to the 1980 Olympics, so don't read the book for just that; there's only a single chapter. I really liked his insight into goaltending, teamwork, a successful hockey team, and everything that was happening behind the scenes in a foreign country in an age without social media. He has stories about meeting Gretzky and lots of other big name guys, and as the book went on, I recognized more and more names of Russian players who became huge over here (like Fetisov and Larionov). There is a lot of talk of Canadian hockey and how the rivalry between the Soviets and Canadians had so much to do with changing the face of international hockey.
The book was published in 1987—before Soviet/Russian players started coming to the NHL. I'm not sure if he's written any other books, but I'm interested in how he felt about all of that, given his own strong feelings on staying in the USSR, so I'll poke around and see what I can find.
He mentions a few times at least one of Ken Dryden's books, and I'm interested in reading those. (And I'd also like to dig up a book on the Lake Placid games, because everything I've seen about them that wasn't heavily American-influenced says the whole experience was pretty horrible. So interesting.)
I really wish there were a digital copy of this so I could highlight all of my favorite bits—there were a bunch! Definitely a fun read for a hockey history fan. If you're very pro-Canadian or pro-American, you'll need to go in with a bit of an open mind, because you're obviously getting an outsider's opinion and you probably won't agree with some of it. (Caution Flyers fans! Some parts will probably make you cranky (although I'm not altogether surprised to hear Flyers fans and players were bullies 40 years ago, too... :)).
Good read!!
August 11, 2013
I've respected and admired the play of Vladislav Tretiak since I first watched him play on TV in the famed 1972 Canada/USSR series. It was a treat to read his views on that series (and subsequent ones), of his development, and of his perspectives of the differences between Eastern and Western life and philosophy during the Cold War.
And the parts that we disagree on? How much of that is colored by my exposure to our media coverage over the years? AND ... how much is biased by HIS exposure to HIS? Case in point # 1: The famed game against the Philadelphia Flyers, in which the Soviets left the ice? Was the situation resolved because the Soviets were told that they wouldn't be paid unless they finished the game, as we were told? Or because the Parties That Be promised the Flyers would play a little closer to the Marquis of Queensbury rules and further from Texas Cage Grudge Match? Case in point #2: Tretiak talks about the US media propaganda regarding the 1980 US hockey team's victory reflecting a triumph of "our" lifestyle over "theirs". Was that reporting politically biased, as he alleged? OR, as I felt, it was an accurate assessment of how the American people actually felt?
To reiterate, "It was a treat to read ... his perspectives of the differences between Eastern and Western life and philosophy during the Cold War."
5 stars
And the parts that we disagree on? How much of that is colored by my exposure to our media coverage over the years? AND ... how much is biased by HIS exposure to HIS? Case in point # 1: The famed game against the Philadelphia Flyers, in which the Soviets left the ice? Was the situation resolved because the Soviets were told that they wouldn't be paid unless they finished the game, as we were told? Or because the Parties That Be promised the Flyers would play a little closer to the Marquis of Queensbury rules and further from Texas Cage Grudge Match? Case in point #2: Tretiak talks about the US media propaganda regarding the 1980 US hockey team's victory reflecting a triumph of "our" lifestyle over "theirs". Was that reporting politically biased, as he alleged? OR, as I felt, it was an accurate assessment of how the American people actually felt?
To reiterate, "It was a treat to read ... his perspectives of the differences between Eastern and Western life and philosophy during the Cold War."
5 stars
May 31, 2019
Whether you are a Canadian hockey fan who lived through the 1970s and 80s or an American who loves the story behind the 2005 hockey movie “Miracle”, you will instantly recognize the name - and its great prestige - of “Tretiak.” Written in the years following his retirement in 1984, this autobiography of the great Soviet goalie Vladislav Tretiak does an excellent job of detailing his own hockey career as well as the international competitions between his beloved Soviet Union against Canada, among other countries. This may not be a better hockey book than Ken Dryden’s “The Game”, but it definitely feels like a better goalie book in that, contrary to Dryden’s, this book satisfies the reader in sharing a perspective of what it takes to stand between the pipes on the world stage. (It also doesn't hurt that this book is authored by one of the most highly regarded goaltenders of all time).
Possibly because the author is such a humble, non-egotistical person who shared more of his failures than of his successes, I did not come away from this reading with the notion that Tretiak was the greatest goaltender of his time. Nor was I convinced that the Soviet Union National Team was overly dominant or seemingly always on a lengthy undefeated streak. I now feel that both of these aspects were overblown by Disney's "Miracle", but more so by the American media for dramatic purposes of storytelling rather than straight analysis and reporting. However, I did gain a greater appreciation for the Soviet hockey team as both athletes and as human beings, especially in respect to Vladislav Tretiak. Tretiak also captured the essence in the impact the Cold War had on how the Russians and people from North America felt and treated each other, especially during international hockey games. No matter where we come from or what we believe in, sports will always be one of the great commonalities that can connect us all together.
Possibly because the author is such a humble, non-egotistical person who shared more of his failures than of his successes, I did not come away from this reading with the notion that Tretiak was the greatest goaltender of his time. Nor was I convinced that the Soviet Union National Team was overly dominant or seemingly always on a lengthy undefeated streak. I now feel that both of these aspects were overblown by Disney's "Miracle", but more so by the American media for dramatic purposes of storytelling rather than straight analysis and reporting. However, I did gain a greater appreciation for the Soviet hockey team as both athletes and as human beings, especially in respect to Vladislav Tretiak. Tretiak also captured the essence in the impact the Cold War had on how the Russians and people from North America felt and treated each other, especially during international hockey games. No matter where we come from or what we believe in, sports will always be one of the great commonalities that can connect us all together.
August 30, 2017
An in-depth view of the on, and off-the-ice life of a hockey legend. Tretiak offers his observations of North American hockey and the players that defined the game of his era.
Tretiak's memories of the 1972 Canada/USSR "Summit Series" were especially engaging and entertaining. Although his personal performance was outstanding, he described his participation in his trademark self-effacing and tactful fashion.
A well written book from a true champion.
Tretiak's memories of the 1972 Canada/USSR "Summit Series" were especially engaging and entertaining. Although his personal performance was outstanding, he described his participation in his trademark self-effacing and tactful fashion.
A well written book from a true champion.
April 28, 2020
Great book about the an outstanding goalie/man. Tretiak reminds me of the Soviet Jen Dryden. His book is thoughtful and insightful. It takes his live through childhood until his retirement from the game of hockey. The finer points of training and goaltending as well as his insights on players are incredible. The only knock against this book is everything is stated in a diplomatic fashion and certain topics were obviously omitted from book. Overall it’s a great book.
December 27, 2019
Liked this book written by one of the game's legends. Gave good insight as to the Russian way and the dedication to his craft and country. Wished he would have written more about the '72 Summit Series and the 1980 Olympics. Could have expounded on Russian perspective about being pulled for Mishkin after giving up goal to Mark Johnson.
April 5, 2024
I enjoyed it, though I skipped through parts. Hearing about growing up in the Soviet Union was interesting, and what life was like in the early years of the Russian Hockey Program. And of course the highlights of the book are the notable tournaments that I already knew of - the 72 summit series, 1980 Lake Placid, Canada Cups in 1976 and 1981, etc.
July 16, 2024
Good, the writing was a little stiff. I'm not sure if that was the translation or him. Or both.
I have a thing for goaltenders, I think this is the third or fourth autobiography of a goaltender I've read.
Not much about his life, mostly a log of games and tournaments.
Basically, it seems it was ahead of his time in terms of goaltending style, using a hybrid of different styles.
I have a thing for goaltenders, I think this is the third or fourth autobiography of a goaltender I've read.
Not much about his life, mostly a log of games and tournaments.
Basically, it seems it was ahead of his time in terms of goaltending style, using a hybrid of different styles.
April 5, 2018
I'm not a hockey fan, or a sports fan in general, but I did enjoy this book.
October 31, 2022
Good and Not So Good. Good hockey history of Russian hockey 50 years ago and since. Not so Good - propaganda, omissions, exaggerations, misrepresentations.
February 26, 2021
A really good book about perception, nationalism, and neuroticism.
First off: this book is biased towards the Soviet narrative, which if you are coming from decades of North American coverage will probably be a massive shift. Given the time frame, the fact that Tretiak was trying to remain in standing with the government and the hockey Powers that Be, and his own personal thought processes critique of what we now know were poor conditions at the Red Army training camp are absent. How much of this is intentional is hard to gauge- certainly he didn't like Tikhonov, but he also very much bought into this system of intense work to the point of collapse. When read in conjunction with a book like Igor Larionov's self-titled 1990 memoirs one gets an idea of the level of double-talk involved in this autobiography.
When the book is not concerning itself with Tretiak's tendencies towards socialist realism there is a fair amount of humor, personal thought, and surprisingly strong opinions on the game of hockey. Certainly this would have been a better book (and a shorter one!) had he cut out the patriotism but those in themselves also constitute an interesting part of his worldview. For all appearances, he believes in the strength of the Soviet system and its training methods even while being self aware that it's taxing him mentally and physically. There is a section of note towards the end where he fully admits that having to be the #1 goaltender for the Soviet team for 15 years was a massive burden, even if he doesn't regret what he was able to do for his country.
With all that being said, this book contains enough valuable and interesting content on the Soviet perspective of the sports Cold War that I can fully recommend it. As a primary source it is invaluable.
First off: this book is biased towards the Soviet narrative, which if you are coming from decades of North American coverage will probably be a massive shift. Given the time frame, the fact that Tretiak was trying to remain in standing with the government and the hockey Powers that Be, and his own personal thought processes critique of what we now know were poor conditions at the Red Army training camp are absent. How much of this is intentional is hard to gauge- certainly he didn't like Tikhonov, but he also very much bought into this system of intense work to the point of collapse. When read in conjunction with a book like Igor Larionov's self-titled 1990 memoirs one gets an idea of the level of double-talk involved in this autobiography.
When the book is not concerning itself with Tretiak's tendencies towards socialist realism there is a fair amount of humor, personal thought, and surprisingly strong opinions on the game of hockey. Certainly this would have been a better book (and a shorter one!) had he cut out the patriotism but those in themselves also constitute an interesting part of his worldview. For all appearances, he believes in the strength of the Soviet system and its training methods even while being self aware that it's taxing him mentally and physically. There is a section of note towards the end where he fully admits that having to be the #1 goaltender for the Soviet team for 15 years was a massive burden, even if he doesn't regret what he was able to do for his country.
With all that being said, this book contains enough valuable and interesting content on the Soviet perspective of the sports Cold War that I can fully recommend it. As a primary source it is invaluable.
June 25, 2016
Well written book. It is always interesting to get a different perspective on our hockey culture. He is absolutely correct it is more fun to watch a game of highly skilled skaters playing hockey. For example watching Wayne Gretzky and Pavel Bure playing real hockey. Watching a bunch of goons play like the the Philadelphia Flyers from the '74 era.
August 21, 2008
His observations of the unapologetic capitalists of Lake Placid ("They were not even trying to hide that they were simply there to make money") are humorous. Also interesting to read something from a Russian perspective of that game.
August 22, 2008
A different perspective on the Miracle on Ice and I liked the way Tretiak humanized the Red Army team.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews