The Red Kelly Story

by Leonard “Red” Kelly, L. Waxy Gregoire (Primary Contributor), David M. Dupuis (Primary Contributor)

The life and times of the eight-time Stanley Cup winner

When Boston coach Lynn Patrick was asked who he’d pick between Rocket Richard or Gordie Howe he answered, “Neither! I’ll take Red Kelly!” The only player to have won eight Stanley Cups without playing for Montreal, Red began his life in hockey on the cedar swamps near Port Dover, Ontario, and went on to win accolades and championships as a Detroit Red Wing and Toronto Maple Leaf.

Go back in time with Red as he reminisces about his childhood: the time he nearly drowned; when he brought St. Michael’s College to three provincial championships; and his jump into a career with the NHL where sportsmanlike conduct won him multiple Lady Byng trophies. While playing with the Leafs, he served as member of parliament in Lester Pearson’s government. After retiring in 1967 as a player, Red coached for a decade in the NHL with Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, and Toronto. This is a fascinating biography of a life well lived — on and off the ice.

Genres: Hockey, Sports, Biography, Nonfiction, Canada

384 pages, Hardcover

Published October 11, 2016

Reviews

[Kevin]

I'm unsure why I read autobiographies and expect them to be anything more than a well-painted picture of a person's life. This book would be no exception. As autobiographies go is good, very readable, and somewhat insightful.
I did appreciate some of the insights but it felt at times when the story was about to get interesting, Kelly would "leave the room" and start talking about hockey again. Specifically some of the interworkings of the NHL and the Red Wings in those days.
Oddly absent from this autobiography was any kind of rival or villain, any person, team, or even a personal challenge that suggested something that Kelly would need to overcome in order to achieve the greatness he did as a hockey player, politician, and person.
I did learn a bit about the Canadian flag debate and Canadian politics of the 1960s.
Seems like a good guy, but much like the Gordie Howe book, I don't feel like I've gained much from the version of events presented here.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually tend to read hockey biographies of players related to my favorite team, the Montreal Canadiens. But this bio came highly recommended, by and about the player in the NHL who has won the most Stanley Cups without ever playing for the Canadiens. What is unique about this book is that it is presented as an autobiography written with two other writers, but the subject is always referred to in the third person like a biography. What swings this more towards an autobiography is the fact that Kelly is extensively quoted throughout. His story covers growing up and playing hockey in a small town, his years as arguably hockey's best defenseman with the Detroit Red Wings, his Stanley Cup winning years as a center with the Maple Leafs (one of the rare hockey players or even athletes who switched position in mid-career and played at an all-star level in both), his years where he was a sitting MP in the Canadian parliament while playing for the Leafs in the 60s (wouldn't happen today) his years as an NHL coach and his retirement from hockey. Kelly comes across as an extremely nice guy who has put family and his Catholic faith at the top of his priority list in life. This book was further proof that biographies of "nice guys" are not boring. Highly recommended read for the hockey fan

[Aurora Dimitre · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I had a bit of a rough start with the writing style of this one--it felt kind of choppy at first, and I've found, in reading the million and six hockey books I've been reading, you really need a writing style suited to play-by-plays of games to write a decent hockey book--I did end up having a bit of fondness. It was interesting, because Red Kelly did play hockey... like, a long time ago, the difference in hockey then and hockey now. It was interesting.

But, it wasn't my favorite, both in terms of hockey biographies or just plain old hockey books. Interesting, though, and I did leave it feeling fond of it.

Also, shit, didn't know that the Canadian flag/national anthem was so young .

[Lance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read much like the typical sports biography. Not too bad but this book is much better for fans of the Red Wings and Maple Leafs as those are the teams he played for and therefore are written about most frequently.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say this is someone that I had never heard of before. He won eight Stanley cups without playing with the Montreal Canadians. He played for the Detroit Red Wings from 1947 to 1960 he was going to be traded to the New York Rangers and he said he would rather retire than play for them. He was then traded to the Maple Leafs even though they passed on him because a scout said he would only last 20 games. That was before he signed with the Red Wings. Now he was going to Toronto and would play there for 8 seasons and they would win 4 Stanley Cups. After his retirement, he would become the King's first coach and lead them to the playoffs two years in a row. He would then leave and go, coach Pittsburgh, he would also lead them to their first-ever playoff appearance. He would coach other teams and finally be done with hockey at the end of the 76 -77 season after 30 years. He was also a member of the Canadian Parliament from June of 62 – November of 65. Kelly passed away on May 2 of 2019 at the age of 91, this was not in the book. I found this to be an interesting book and an easy read about old-time hockey. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Joe Seliske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apparently this is the first real biography of Leonard "Red" Kelly. It's about time - the guy is almost ninety years old. The only player to win eight Stanley Cups who is not a Montreal Canadien. I was aware that he was an MP but did not know any of the details. He was a glutton for punishment. I did not realize that he was granted entry into the Hockey Hall of Fame early - what an honour. A great narrative about a great man - AND Toronto Maple Leaf.

[Howie · Rating 5 out of 5]

full of terrific behind the scenes stories from a Legend of the game. enjoyed each chapter and couldn't wait to read the next chapter.

[Joe Corrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The autobiography of my favourite NHL player from the days of my youth. Very much enjoyed the book.

[John Smith]

Good