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The McDavid Effect: Connor McDavid and the New Hope for Hockey
Step into the streets, arenas, coffee shops, and offices of Edmonton, and witness how the arrival of a teenage hockey phenomenon is changing the city’s fortunes.
Once known as the City of Champions, Edmonton is at a crossroads. As oil prices continue to plummet, the economic outlook grows bleaker by the day. Political changes have ushered in an era of uncertainty. And, as though mirroring the city’s fortunes, the Edmonton Oilers continue to struggle on the ice, offering little solace or escape to the city’s long-suffering hockey fans.
But on June 26, 2015, hope was reborn in Edmonton. With the first overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft, the Edmonton Oilers selected Connor McDavid, a once-in-a-generation talent who, at only eighteen years old, was already being compared to the Great One who had preceded him twenty-five years earlier. Sparked by the arrival of McDavid, the construction of a new state-of-the-art hockey arena, and the development of a revitalized downtown core, a new sensibility began to emerge in Edmonton. Sensing an opportunity, the city started to rebuild and rebrand itself in search of a new future.
Through exclusive access, uplifting anecdotes, and colourful interviews, The McDavid Effect traces the renewal of not just a hockey team, but of an entire city. Reflecting the multitude of viewpoints that make up Edmonton—from Connor himself to construction crews at work on the downtown development to business executives directing the new shape of the Albertan capital— T he McDavid Effect paints a portrait of the city as it is being reimagined, captures the near-religious reverence people have for sports, and shows how the people of Edmonton are coming to hope again.
Once known as the City of Champions, Edmonton is at a crossroads. As oil prices continue to plummet, the economic outlook grows bleaker by the day. Political changes have ushered in an era of uncertainty. And, as though mirroring the city’s fortunes, the Edmonton Oilers continue to struggle on the ice, offering little solace or escape to the city’s long-suffering hockey fans.
But on June 26, 2015, hope was reborn in Edmonton. With the first overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft, the Edmonton Oilers selected Connor McDavid, a once-in-a-generation talent who, at only eighteen years old, was already being compared to the Great One who had preceded him twenty-five years earlier. Sparked by the arrival of McDavid, the construction of a new state-of-the-art hockey arena, and the development of a revitalized downtown core, a new sensibility began to emerge in Edmonton. Sensing an opportunity, the city started to rebuild and rebrand itself in search of a new future.
Through exclusive access, uplifting anecdotes, and colourful interviews, The McDavid Effect traces the renewal of not just a hockey team, but of an entire city. Reflecting the multitude of viewpoints that make up Edmonton—from Connor himself to construction crews at work on the downtown development to business executives directing the new shape of the Albertan capital— T he McDavid Effect paints a portrait of the city as it is being reimagined, captures the near-religious reverence people have for sports, and shows how the people of Edmonton are coming to hope again.
- GenresHockeySportsNonfiction
240 pages, Hardcover
Published October 11, 2016
9 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 15, 2024
For someone who absolutely loves McJesus this book was a great read. You really see everything he did to get to where he is now, plus he seems to have been such a cute kid! I loved hearing about the story behind Roger’s place as well as what Connor was like when he first began his career. It’s time for the Oilers to bring home lord Stanley, and now with him we have a huge chance. Let’s Go Oilers! Play La Bamba baby!
August 18, 2017
The McDavid Effect is that I gave this book (two-star at best) three full stars.
Okay, first things first: this is a book only tangentially about Connor McDavid. It is, to a certain extent, about what Connor McDavid means to the Oilers and what the Oilers mean to Edmonton, but from the perspective of someone who isn't in the thick of it. (Or doesn't write with the passion of someone with an emotional investment, at any rate.)
Klinkenberg makes several elementary errors. For example, ATB is the Alberta Treasury Branch, not the Alberta Treasury Bank. (I'll admit I find this somewhat hilarious because ATB markets themselves as different from the other big banks, and as far as I know, are governed by different regulations.) He also says the Oilers had won the lottery three times prior to picking Connor, which is sadly false. Jersey won the lottery in 2011 (and picked Larsson ironically enough), but the old rules only allowed a team to move up 4 places in the rankings, and Jersey had been previously positioned in 8th. Granted, these are minor little annoyances, but if the main thrust of the marketing of this book is to Oilers fans, these are also things they know. To me, it shows a certain sloppiness in preparation.
The book itself is nothing special. Klinkenberg may have followed Connor around for his rookie year, but almost none of his personality is apparent. Indeed, you see more of Messier and Gretzky than you do McDavid. (And I'd bet they get more column inches as well.)
As a sort of history of the Edmonton Oilers, this book works passably well. It glosses over the terrible years, by and large, which thank God because living them was enough.
There were certain little insights into McDavid in this that I enjoyed (him talking about getting his first bank card, for example), but by and large this is a book about commercialized sports. And it's not even a great one at that.
Klinkenberg also chooses to spend a lot of time talking about Rogers Place and how wonderful it is. He talks about how it was commissioned--glossing over the fact that Katz threatened to move the team to get the extra, superfluous funding he wanted and had that backfire in his face--and all the amenities present and how everyone loves it. This is definitely the OEG PR story, but it's hardly the whole truth, or even part of the truth. I know a great many people, myself included, who do not love Rogers Place. Sitting in the upper concourse is rather like climbing Mt. Everest, with the vertigo to go with it. There aren't enough washrooms anywhere in the building (probably because OEG was more concerned about shoving merchandising stands into every available corner), Aramark can rarely keep up with demand for products (from cups to fries, they never seem to have it; probably because there's no warehouse in Rogers Place), the concourses are just as crowded as at Northlands, and the building itself is not the high point of construction Klinkenberg would have you believe. The concrete floor in Ford Hall moved during the 2017 playoffs, which should really never happen when the fall will land you in the street. In short, Klinkenberg seems more concerned with presenting Katz's views than actually trying to find out the whole picture, which makes him a lot less believable.
Klinkenberg is right about the fact that McDavid offers a beacon of hope, as evidenced by his monster 8 year/$100 million extension, but I think he largely missed the point in trying to tell a sanitized, team approved version of the tale.
Okay, first things first: this is a book only tangentially about Connor McDavid. It is, to a certain extent, about what Connor McDavid means to the Oilers and what the Oilers mean to Edmonton, but from the perspective of someone who isn't in the thick of it. (Or doesn't write with the passion of someone with an emotional investment, at any rate.)
Klinkenberg makes several elementary errors. For example, ATB is the Alberta Treasury Branch, not the Alberta Treasury Bank. (I'll admit I find this somewhat hilarious because ATB markets themselves as different from the other big banks, and as far as I know, are governed by different regulations.) He also says the Oilers had won the lottery three times prior to picking Connor, which is sadly false. Jersey won the lottery in 2011 (and picked Larsson ironically enough), but the old rules only allowed a team to move up 4 places in the rankings, and Jersey had been previously positioned in 8th. Granted, these are minor little annoyances, but if the main thrust of the marketing of this book is to Oilers fans, these are also things they know. To me, it shows a certain sloppiness in preparation.
The book itself is nothing special. Klinkenberg may have followed Connor around for his rookie year, but almost none of his personality is apparent. Indeed, you see more of Messier and Gretzky than you do McDavid. (And I'd bet they get more column inches as well.)
As a sort of history of the Edmonton Oilers, this book works passably well. It glosses over the terrible years, by and large, which thank God because living them was enough.
There were certain little insights into McDavid in this that I enjoyed (him talking about getting his first bank card, for example), but by and large this is a book about commercialized sports. And it's not even a great one at that.
Klinkenberg also chooses to spend a lot of time talking about Rogers Place and how wonderful it is. He talks about how it was commissioned--glossing over the fact that Katz threatened to move the team to get the extra, superfluous funding he wanted and had that backfire in his face--and all the amenities present and how everyone loves it. This is definitely the OEG PR story, but it's hardly the whole truth, or even part of the truth. I know a great many people, myself included, who do not love Rogers Place. Sitting in the upper concourse is rather like climbing Mt. Everest, with the vertigo to go with it. There aren't enough washrooms anywhere in the building (probably because OEG was more concerned about shoving merchandising stands into every available corner), Aramark can rarely keep up with demand for products (from cups to fries, they never seem to have it; probably because there's no warehouse in Rogers Place), the concourses are just as crowded as at Northlands, and the building itself is not the high point of construction Klinkenberg would have you believe. The concrete floor in Ford Hall moved during the 2017 playoffs, which should really never happen when the fall will land you in the street. In short, Klinkenberg seems more concerned with presenting Katz's views than actually trying to find out the whole picture, which makes him a lot less believable.
Klinkenberg is right about the fact that McDavid offers a beacon of hope, as evidenced by his monster 8 year/$100 million extension, but I think he largely missed the point in trying to tell a sanitized, team approved version of the tale.
June 2, 2022
"The Next One" Connor McDavid. He is now the best player in the league, NHL. One man changed the NHL, the people and the hockey world. Everyone began to know McDavid and everyone wants to be like him. Edmonton Oilers never got Stanley Cup since 1990. And what he changed this team, NHL, what he affects, is the whole story for this book.
This book, THE McDAVID EFFECT is a non-fiction book about the man who changed himself and the hockey society.
Even reading only the 1st chapter, I can see what the McDavid effect is and what is important for the team. I can know the past of him. What kind of kid he was. "A slight kid who was so talented he had to play against boys several years older to feel challenged." He challenged himself to become better.
This book brings my motivation up. After I read this book, I feel like I could do the same as him. No, more than him. I want to be like McDavid. No, I will be better than him. I will be the best.
This book, THE McDAVID EFFECT is a non-fiction book about the man who changed himself and the hockey society.
Even reading only the 1st chapter, I can see what the McDavid effect is and what is important for the team. I can know the past of him. What kind of kid he was. "A slight kid who was so talented he had to play against boys several years older to feel challenged." He challenged himself to become better.
This book brings my motivation up. After I read this book, I feel like I could do the same as him. No, more than him. I want to be like McDavid. No, I will be better than him. I will be the best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2017
I was skeptical when I picked up this book about Connor McDavid. I mean there is no doubt that this young man is a special player. I am a life long fan of the game and cannot recall seeing an ice hockey player quite like him who actually gets faster when he has the puck on his stick. I sure as heck don't! He is exciting to watch and I look forward to following the Oilers over the next few years. But a book about a 19 year old? I was pleasantly surprised to find that Marty Klinkenberg has given us more than a story about Connor MDavid. The book has a lot of additional subtext on the Alberta economy, oilers history and the germ of excitement and hope that this generational player has brought to northern Alberta. Skeptical readers will be pleasantly surprised at the narrative and McDavid fans will be thoroughly delighted. I am glad I read it
February 14, 2018
Fantastic book chronicling Connor McDavid's first NHL season in Edmonton, as well as the rich and vibrant hockey history of the Alberta city. If #97 goes on to reach the great heights we all expect he will (Stanley Cup titles, Conn Smythe trophies, MVP awards and Olympic gold) Klinkenberg's work here will take on even more significance.
February 1, 2025
“The McDavid Effect” looks at the early life of Connor McDavid with a focus on his first season with the Edmonton Oilers. What makes the story a bit more interesting is that it is interwoven with how the Oilers affect the city of Edmonton and how the arrival of McDavid changed things leading to their moving into Rogers Place. Not a ton of detail for any particular part of this story. Well written and interesting enough.
January 15, 2020
3.5 stars. A bit of a puff piece at times but overall a good hockey read.
February 1, 2022
Living in Alberta, and watching these events unfold firsthand, this book was a great recap.
February 25, 2022
i really felt like i got to know connor mcdavid and the oilers through this book. what a guy and what a team.
August 22, 2022
The book was largely based on the entire history of The Edmonton Oiler franchise, not just Connor McDavid. Still a pretty good read for the avid Oiler fan.
August 23, 2025
For a real oilers fan, not just about the man. Nicely written though, interesting to hear the history
June 23, 2018
I am a sports fan, not an Oiler's fan. I appreciate McDavid as a very good player but he is not the be all end all for me. Is there anyone better right now - Syd and Ovi maybe but he is definitely top Three and in a few short years will be the best. I am not arguing that.
this book on the other hand is not. this book is in fact about McDavid's first season and there is precious little of that in there. This book is more a history of hockey in Alberta and the old Oilers.
What it really seems like to me is an author looking to grab a quick buck and getting a book out there about the next phenom as quickly as possible. There is a little bit of reveal of the private side of McDavid and his family. The growing up years and his junior exploits.
In my humble opinion this book is too soon. One year of an NHL career and one where he missed half the season.
for me it was definitely a money grab.
this book on the other hand is not. this book is in fact about McDavid's first season and there is precious little of that in there. This book is more a history of hockey in Alberta and the old Oilers.
What it really seems like to me is an author looking to grab a quick buck and getting a book out there about the next phenom as quickly as possible. There is a little bit of reveal of the private side of McDavid and his family. The growing up years and his junior exploits.
In my humble opinion this book is too soon. One year of an NHL career and one where he missed half the season.
for me it was definitely a money grab.
February 6, 2017
This book should have really been called Edmonton's Hockey History, it talked very little about McDavid himself and all about prior hockey players that made Oilers great. It talked a lot about the upgrades to the Hockey Arena and also how they chose to relocate it. I feel like if you're going to base a book on an up and coming star you should probably make most of the book about that. Bearing that in mind, this book was in fact well written, I learned a lot about the hockey team from a city I hold dear to my heart, I learned a lot about how they plan to make that city and the team great again. And it is my fervent hope that should Canada ever have a Stanley Cup again that Edmonton be able to win it, that is of course if my beloved Canadiens cannot.
February 6, 2017
This is a great book if you are an Oilers fan like myself. All the old stories that are told and all the history that is talked about is really cool. The excitement that is now around the team can only increase as Mcdavid matures. Can't wait to watch the Oilers play for years now.
Read
April 7, 2020This book is written by a newsprint journalist and reads like a newspaper article over 218+ pages. Very redundant and has an odd style combining stories of Edmonton restaurants (???), Edmonton Oiler stories from the past, and the story of Connor McDavid's first season.
Read
December 30, 2016It's grammatically correct.
February 18, 2025
Review for The McDavid Effect can be found on Hockey Blog In Canada.
December 12, 2017
Really opened my eyes. Very brave of connor to be open about his homosexual lifestyle. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to be the second gay player in the NHL since brian gibbons.
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