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Hockey Towns
Every Canadian town has a hockey story, and Ron MacLean has a hockey story for every town. A new book by the co-author of the national bestseller Cornered.
When you first meet Ron MacLean, he asks where you’re from, and he always comes back with a story. No one has crossed this country more than MacLean. In his 28 years on Hockey Night in Canada and now as host of Rogers’ Hometown Hockey, Ron has met fascinating people from coast to coast and has great stories to tell. Now, in this new book, MacLean is back, with brand new tales from across the country.
These are stories you’ve never heard before. From London to Castlegar, Yellowknife to Cole Harbour, Medicine Hat to Trois Rivieres, from Bantam to Junior B to the NHL, our country is full of great characters: Players, coaches, hockey moms and hockey dads; rivalries, practical jokes, careers that grew out of nothing and "can’t lose" prospects who flamed out too soon; spectacular triumphs, heart-breaking tragedies and tales of friendship, betrayal, love and loyalty—all compelling, entertaining and inspiring.
Once again working with Kirstie McLellan Day, co-author of the blockbuster bestsellers Playing with Fire, Tough Guy, and Cornered, this is MacLean at his finest.
When you first meet Ron MacLean, he asks where you’re from, and he always comes back with a story. No one has crossed this country more than MacLean. In his 28 years on Hockey Night in Canada and now as host of Rogers’ Hometown Hockey, Ron has met fascinating people from coast to coast and has great stories to tell. Now, in this new book, MacLean is back, with brand new tales from across the country.
These are stories you’ve never heard before. From London to Castlegar, Yellowknife to Cole Harbour, Medicine Hat to Trois Rivieres, from Bantam to Junior B to the NHL, our country is full of great characters: Players, coaches, hockey moms and hockey dads; rivalries, practical jokes, careers that grew out of nothing and "can’t lose" prospects who flamed out too soon; spectacular triumphs, heart-breaking tragedies and tales of friendship, betrayal, love and loyalty—all compelling, entertaining and inspiring.
Once again working with Kirstie McLellan Day, co-author of the blockbuster bestsellers Playing with Fire, Tough Guy, and Cornered, this is MacLean at his finest.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 20, 2015
20 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Ron MacLean
7 books11 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
Ronald Joseph Corbett "Ron" MacLean is a Canadian sportscaster for the CBC who is best known as the host of Hockey Night in Canada.
Ronald Joseph Corbett "Ron" MacLean is a Canadian sportscaster for the CBC who is best known as the host of Hockey Night in Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 31, 2022
Loved hearing from a fellow Red Deer boy about all the stories of hockey players I used to follow as a wide eyed hero worshipping kid.
Loved reading about the Red Deer Rustlers playing in the old barn where I watched all the Sutter brothers play. Most memorable was the rivalry against Spruce Grove with Mark Messier and his dad as coach.
Loved reading about the Red Deer Rustlers playing in the old barn where I watched all the Sutter brothers play. Most memorable was the rivalry against Spruce Grove with Mark Messier and his dad as coach.
January 22, 2016
This is a non fictional short story based book, It was written by Ron Maclean who is the anchor for "Hockey night in Canada" and "Hometown hockey". With hometown hockey, Ron goes from hockey town to hockey town across Canada on Sundays to host the segment "Hometown Hockey"and NHL game and connect with his fans. Along the way, he learns about all of the adventures from some of the interesting people along the way. The towns not only host big showings, but get to showcase what there town offers.
The book "Ron Maclean's Hockey Town" was not my favourite story, not because of what was just in it, but short stories are not my favourite type of book. It was still very interesting to learn more about these hockey towns that I watch every Sunday. It is for a hockey or sports crowed that wants to learn more about hockey community's across Canada.
The book "Ron Maclean's Hockey Town" was not my favourite story, not because of what was just in it, but short stories are not my favourite type of book. It was still very interesting to learn more about these hockey towns that I watch every Sunday. It is for a hockey or sports crowed that wants to learn more about hockey community's across Canada.
January 13, 2021
Ron MacLean, best known north of the border for his hosting work on Hockey Night in Canada, apparently has become something of an author in his spare time.
His first book was something of an autobiography, "Cornered," which was a rather entertaining look at his career and his encounters with interesting people along the way.
In 2015, MacLean came back with "Hockey Towns." My guess, and it's only a guess, that MacLean probably was even more comfortable with the approach this time around. Here he pretty much stays out of the picture, and tells stories about some people in hockey across Canada.
CBC has traveled across the country over the years to look at the relationship of Canada and its national pastime. The hockey community really is closely knit up there. While the format salutes a variety of locations crossing this giant nation, MacLean and Kirstie McLellan Day stick to other people here.
Some of the best stories here answer the question "Whatever happened to ...?" There are a variety of NHL players who pass through our lives as fans, sometimes not stopping long enough in one place for us to get to know them. There's Trent McCleary, who almost died after blocking a shot but recovered enough to give the sport one last shot. Steve Bozek scratched out 12 years in the NHL, a few more than even he hoped for. Brad Dalgarno's career didn't work out the way he hoped, but he did get to play guitar on stage with Garth Brooks.
There are tales about names you know. Doug Wickenheiser was a No. 1 overall draft choice who drew comparisons to Wayne Gretzky, but that's a rather high bar to reach - particularly when you get hit by a car that wrecks your knee along the way. Speaking of Gretzky, you'll love a story about a childhood friend signed him to a "book contract" - in high school. There are also tales about some of the other people in hockey - officials and administrators and a broadcaster and parents, including the remarkable story of the father of Zenon Konopka.
Does it all work? Not completely. A few of the stories aren't that interesting to an outsider. Some of the tales don't have happy endings, if you are looking for such work. And in a few cases, such as the subchapter on Eric Lindros, more information would have been nice.
While MacLean does write introductions to the chapters, he doesn't seem to have too much involvement with most of the stories themselves. Based on the credits, it seems like the two names on the cover had plenty of help putting this together. That puts a little distance between the authors and their stories in some cases, and a more personal touch might have worked better.
Put it all together, and "Hockey Towns" is a pleasant enough read for hockey fans. I wouldn't go much farther than that, though.
His first book was something of an autobiography, "Cornered," which was a rather entertaining look at his career and his encounters with interesting people along the way.
In 2015, MacLean came back with "Hockey Towns." My guess, and it's only a guess, that MacLean probably was even more comfortable with the approach this time around. Here he pretty much stays out of the picture, and tells stories about some people in hockey across Canada.
CBC has traveled across the country over the years to look at the relationship of Canada and its national pastime. The hockey community really is closely knit up there. While the format salutes a variety of locations crossing this giant nation, MacLean and Kirstie McLellan Day stick to other people here.
Some of the best stories here answer the question "Whatever happened to ...?" There are a variety of NHL players who pass through our lives as fans, sometimes not stopping long enough in one place for us to get to know them. There's Trent McCleary, who almost died after blocking a shot but recovered enough to give the sport one last shot. Steve Bozek scratched out 12 years in the NHL, a few more than even he hoped for. Brad Dalgarno's career didn't work out the way he hoped, but he did get to play guitar on stage with Garth Brooks.
There are tales about names you know. Doug Wickenheiser was a No. 1 overall draft choice who drew comparisons to Wayne Gretzky, but that's a rather high bar to reach - particularly when you get hit by a car that wrecks your knee along the way. Speaking of Gretzky, you'll love a story about a childhood friend signed him to a "book contract" - in high school. There are also tales about some of the other people in hockey - officials and administrators and a broadcaster and parents, including the remarkable story of the father of Zenon Konopka.
Does it all work? Not completely. A few of the stories aren't that interesting to an outsider. Some of the tales don't have happy endings, if you are looking for such work. And in a few cases, such as the subchapter on Eric Lindros, more information would have been nice.
While MacLean does write introductions to the chapters, he doesn't seem to have too much involvement with most of the stories themselves. Based on the credits, it seems like the two names on the cover had plenty of help putting this together. That puts a little distance between the authors and their stories in some cases, and a more personal touch might have worked better.
Put it all together, and "Hockey Towns" is a pleasant enough read for hockey fans. I wouldn't go much farther than that, though.
February 2, 2022
Hockey fans love to tell stories and, while there must be tens of thousands of them, Ron MacLean chose those with a personal connection, in different ways. I really liked that most of the stories are about people who aren’t well known; young stars whose lives ended tragically, referees, and coaches whose NHL dreams wound up being something else. He also showed us glimpses of post-hockey lives for some players and, yes, there are anecdotes about a few famous players.
As someone who’s watched hockey on and off (mostly on in the last twenty years) some of those names brought back memories of my own childhood, watching hockey night in Canada with my father and grandparents. For me, this book is a nostalgic look at names I’d forgotten.
Some of the chapters contain a lot of names associated with a specific player, and it was difficult to keep track of them all. Few of the stories are told in the player’s own words. Most of them are polished, professionally written pieces with few actual quotes, and I would have liked to have heard more from the individuals themselves. Still, these are fun, heartwarming, poignant tales that say a lot about the culture of hockey in Canada. As the book was published in 2015, a few things have changed since then, so maybe it’s time for a Hockey Towns sequel.
As someone who’s watched hockey on and off (mostly on in the last twenty years) some of those names brought back memories of my own childhood, watching hockey night in Canada with my father and grandparents. For me, this book is a nostalgic look at names I’d forgotten.
Some of the chapters contain a lot of names associated with a specific player, and it was difficult to keep track of them all. Few of the stories are told in the player’s own words. Most of them are polished, professionally written pieces with few actual quotes, and I would have liked to have heard more from the individuals themselves. Still, these are fun, heartwarming, poignant tales that say a lot about the culture of hockey in Canada. As the book was published in 2015, a few things have changed since then, so maybe it’s time for a Hockey Towns sequel.
June 9, 2017
was a good hockey read. about small towns and hockey players. enjoyed it quite a bit. MacLean is one of the personalities that when you read a book by that person, you can hear his voice in your head as you read it.
December 6, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this read. A bunch of hockey stories I'd never heard of. It felt like a rounding off of hockey in Canada. It was an easy read, and each story was interesting and kept me engaged from start to finish.
April 13, 2021
It is a 4 for a hockey story book. Nothing deep and certainly has nothing to do with hockey towns but almost every story is interesting. For an easy read with some good (both happy and sad) stories, it is worth a read.
October 6, 2023
This book was a good solid read
If you’re in to hockey and Candian history building up to it this booms for you
Shoutout to Ron for writing this novel and doing the research this book was good !
Highly recommend
If you’re in to hockey and Candian history building up to it this booms for you
Shoutout to Ron for writing this novel and doing the research this book was good !
Highly recommend
July 13, 2017
One of the best hockey books I've ever read. It's as simple as that. True hockey fans, especially those from Canada will appreciate the stories in this book.
January 17, 2018
quick easy kind of read, turned out a bit better than a I thought after the first few pages. Some good stories but not a lot to sink the teeth into here.
January 25, 2018
Good writer
November 28, 2018
I’ve got to say, I love hockey stories. I find that, books about hockey are usually uplifting. However this collection of stories I found;rather dark. It’s not what I expected at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2019
This was a great read about hockey, life and much more. A truly wonderful book.
June 19, 2021
I enjoyed this book more than I thought. I must admit alot of the names didn't ring a bell. The stories were sad and a jaw dropping moment.
April 2, 2021
Some interesting stories, but mostly a mishmash that seemed to have little connection to the city in question. Probably the most interesting story was the first one focusing on the University of Lethbridge National Championship team. Some stories were literally pointless, specifically the London - Eric Lindros one. Just an okay read and more on the disappointing side.
December 12, 2015
There are some great stories in this book. Unfortunately, the way they are told could put you to sleep. Too many times the narrative is interrupted for pointless name-dropping and backstories—like stopping mid-fight to tell you who the linesman involved is.
I was inspired to read this book after I heard Ron MacLean on the radio telling the amazing story of Brad Dalgarno's career. However, I think the book would be much better if it got rid of the folksy, dithering tone and concentrated on the amazing player stories.
I was inspired to read this book after I heard Ron MacLean on the radio telling the amazing story of Brad Dalgarno's career. However, I think the book would be much better if it got rid of the folksy, dithering tone and concentrated on the amazing player stories.
January 16, 2016
Much like his previous book "Cornered", Hockey Towns is filled with plenty of interesting stories, anecdotes, and hockey culture. It's a good read for anyone who is a hockey fan. MacLean has a skill for combining equal parts intrigue, hockey action and memories, and touching stories that are in many ways uniquely Canadian. Of particular not in my mind are the final story about Aurele Bourgeois, Michel Goulet's story told in his own words, and a story of a promising young goaltender beset by tragedy. It was certainly an entertaining read, and it helps to be a fan of Ron MacLean.
November 4, 2015
It's like sitting down and having a few beers with Ron MacLean. Read it over the weekend. Just couldn't put it down. Fantastic stories. Most I hadn't heard before. Made me tear up and laugh at the same time. My wife is a teacher. She read a couple of the stories and said the reason it's so good is because it's not just a hockey book, it's literature.
January 10, 2016
This is a wonderful and eclectic look at the struggles and sacrifices that many lovers of the sport have endured for the passion of the game. Ron MacLean's "Hometown Hockey" tells of interesting places and stories spanning from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Moncton, New Brunswick and beyond. A very enjoyable read from an under appreciated man.
September 4, 2016
A collection of short anecdotes about various hockey players from various places across Canada. The book has Ron McLean on the cover but feels very ghost-written. Some of the stories are compelling but many leave the reader waiting for a payoff that doesn't come. At best it can be said that McLean is more suited to the television than print medium.
January 20, 2016
This is a great collection of stories about hockey people. As in real life, most are not NHL stars who made millions of dollars playing pro hockey; they're just people with a story and Ron MacLean does a great job of telling those stories.
March 27, 2016
Very sombre and poignant stories about individuals in the hockey world. In several cases gives a glimpse into the competitive world of trying to make it in the NHL, and the struggles some players had to undergo in order to do it, often in a marginal role like an enforcer.
October 2, 2016
Nothing flashy, but good Canadiana.
December 31, 2016
I got this book from my oldest brother and his wife for christmas. It is about some of the famous hockey towns in Canada that have well known hockey players. I enjoyed reading it. It was a good book.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews