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Calling the Shots: Ups, Downs and Rebounds – My Life in the Great Game of Hockey
Few people have had a better front row seat to hockey history than Kelly Hrudey, whose former teammates include Mike Bossy, Denis Potvin, Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey and Wayne Gretzky, among many others of the game’s greats.
In 1987, he stood tall in net during the Easter Epic, the longest playoff game in Islanders history. Kelly made seventy-three saves (to this day an NHL record for most saves made in a playoff game) against the Capitals before Pat LaFontaine scored the winner in the fourth overtime period of Game Seven at two o’clock in the morning. Later that year, Kelly was in the Canada Cup lineup of one of the most talented teams ever assembled on ice. In 1989, he joined Wayne Gretzky and Marty McSorley on a team that took Los Angeles by the Kings went all the way to the Stanley Cup final against the Canadiens in 1993.
Hrudey is now a well-respected hockey analyst and broadcaster and has watched with a keen eye as the game continues to evolve. Through it all, he has seen greatness and missed opportunities, inspiring moments and outright craziness. Working with bestselling author Kirstie McLellan Day, Kelly delivers a lively and thoughtful memoir, rich in behind-the-scenes anecdotes, humour and insight.
In 1987, he stood tall in net during the Easter Epic, the longest playoff game in Islanders history. Kelly made seventy-three saves (to this day an NHL record for most saves made in a playoff game) against the Capitals before Pat LaFontaine scored the winner in the fourth overtime period of Game Seven at two o’clock in the morning. Later that year, Kelly was in the Canada Cup lineup of one of the most talented teams ever assembled on ice. In 1989, he joined Wayne Gretzky and Marty McSorley on a team that took Los Angeles by the Kings went all the way to the Stanley Cup final against the Canadiens in 1993.
Hrudey is now a well-respected hockey analyst and broadcaster and has watched with a keen eye as the game continues to evolve. Through it all, he has seen greatness and missed opportunities, inspiring moments and outright craziness. Working with bestselling author Kirstie McLellan Day, Kelly delivers a lively and thoughtful memoir, rich in behind-the-scenes anecdotes, humour and insight.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 18, 2018
For a hockey fan who loved the NHL in the 90s, this is a book for you.
I know Kelly Hrudey as the LA Kings goalie who thwarted my Leafs from the Stanley Cup finals in the early 90s. He's now a colour analyst with Hockey Night in Canada. And, I guess now an author.
The book was similar to other books I've read by ghost writer Kristen Mclelland Day - like Bob Probert's book or Tie Domi' book. A great book full of inside stories about what happens in the changeroom, during games, etc.
I love the recaps of big games Kelly played, b/c I remember watching them, so reading about them from a different perspective was awesome.
I also liked his overall theme about being a team player and leadership.
I know Kelly Hrudey as the LA Kings goalie who thwarted my Leafs from the Stanley Cup finals in the early 90s. He's now a colour analyst with Hockey Night in Canada. And, I guess now an author.
The book was similar to other books I've read by ghost writer Kristen Mclelland Day - like Bob Probert's book or Tie Domi' book. A great book full of inside stories about what happens in the changeroom, during games, etc.
I love the recaps of big games Kelly played, b/c I remember watching them, so reading about them from a different perspective was awesome.
I also liked his overall theme about being a team player and leadership.
December 28, 2017
Who doesn't like Kelly Hrudey? He's a terrific broadcaster and was once one of the top goalies in the NHL. His book has great stories and insights from his years in the league. He was a lot more fierey as a player than I expected which made for some good anecdotes about the game and lots of the big names that played during his time with the NYI, LAK, and SJS. Fun read!
December 3, 2017
I was never a fan of teams that Kelly played for. I have been a lifelong Habs fan, and in the last few decades have usually picked a western expansion team to cheer for out west. But I was always a fan of his play. And to be honest he is one of my favorite hockey commentators of all time. I remember watching Hrudey with the Islanders when I was in High school, and following him in LA when I was in university. He was always an entertaining goalie to watch, and on camera either in front of the interview of behind he has consistently been engaging and entertaining. But reading his book opened my eyes up to a lot that I was completely unaware of.
His insight into his own struggles with depression. His openness about his personal struggles is tremendously encouraging. He tells it like it is. He speaks about his own struggles, struggles teams he was on have had. And He speaks about his forty plus years playing and commentating on the game of hockey.
The sections in this book are:
Dedication
Foreword
Prologue
1 Just a Warrior
2 I Hate the Shake
3 It’s All in the DNA
4 Living Large
5 Agent Orange
6 In All His Naked Glory
7 Character
8 The Islanders Love Wayne’s Story
9 It Made My Toes Curl
10 Brown-Eyed Girl
11 I’m Not Doing This by Myself Again
12 Grace Under Fire
13 Tunes
14 Q-tips in His Ears
15 The Worst Goalie in the League
16 Right to the Point
17 The Gretzky High Stick on Gilmour
18 Crushed
19 Delivering Newspapers
20 The Adventures of Bruce McNall
21 I Was Petrified
22 A Fun Night Turned Ugly
23 One Point
24 An A-Hole Move
25 It Killed Me
26 Can You Read Effin’ Minds?
27 Oh, Woe Is Me—Our Goaltender Isn’t Doing His Job
28 An Absolute Stud
29 I Knew I Was Going to Be in Trouble
30 The Goalie Who Cried Wolf
Epilogue
Acknowledgements
Index
Photo Section
Kelly speaks from the heart in this book. He defends a lot of players, coaches, and management personnel that he worked with in his career. But there are a few people he is very open about his disdain, dislike, or disgust with. Though for at least one of those, he tells a story about years later where his opinion radically changed, because of a different event. He shares a story about his family taking in a young player and having him live with them through his rookie season. He speaks about some of the true gentlemen in the sport and a few of the nobs. But for the most part he focuses on the positive in others and the negatives in his own character or personal struggles.
Over the last few years I have read a few other hockey memoirs, specifically Domi and Clark. And though I enjoyed both of those books, I really believe this is by far a better read. Kelly’s being open about his struggles in many ways makes this book more real, more touching. I Appreciate Hrudey even more than I did before reading this book. This book is an excellent read, for fans of Kelly’s or just people who grew up watching Hockey in that era. Or fr fans of him as a commentator on hockey Night in Canada!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
His insight into his own struggles with depression. His openness about his personal struggles is tremendously encouraging. He tells it like it is. He speaks about his own struggles, struggles teams he was on have had. And He speaks about his forty plus years playing and commentating on the game of hockey.
The sections in this book are:
Dedication
Foreword
Prologue
1 Just a Warrior
2 I Hate the Shake
3 It’s All in the DNA
4 Living Large
5 Agent Orange
6 In All His Naked Glory
7 Character
8 The Islanders Love Wayne’s Story
9 It Made My Toes Curl
10 Brown-Eyed Girl
11 I’m Not Doing This by Myself Again
12 Grace Under Fire
13 Tunes
14 Q-tips in His Ears
15 The Worst Goalie in the League
16 Right to the Point
17 The Gretzky High Stick on Gilmour
18 Crushed
19 Delivering Newspapers
20 The Adventures of Bruce McNall
21 I Was Petrified
22 A Fun Night Turned Ugly
23 One Point
24 An A-Hole Move
25 It Killed Me
26 Can You Read Effin’ Minds?
27 Oh, Woe Is Me—Our Goaltender Isn’t Doing His Job
28 An Absolute Stud
29 I Knew I Was Going to Be in Trouble
30 The Goalie Who Cried Wolf
Epilogue
Acknowledgements
Index
Photo Section
Kelly speaks from the heart in this book. He defends a lot of players, coaches, and management personnel that he worked with in his career. But there are a few people he is very open about his disdain, dislike, or disgust with. Though for at least one of those, he tells a story about years later where his opinion radically changed, because of a different event. He shares a story about his family taking in a young player and having him live with them through his rookie season. He speaks about some of the true gentlemen in the sport and a few of the nobs. But for the most part he focuses on the positive in others and the negatives in his own character or personal struggles.
Over the last few years I have read a few other hockey memoirs, specifically Domi and Clark. And though I enjoyed both of those books, I really believe this is by far a better read. Kelly’s being open about his struggles in many ways makes this book more real, more touching. I Appreciate Hrudey even more than I did before reading this book. This book is an excellent read, for fans of Kelly’s or just people who grew up watching Hockey in that era. Or fr fans of him as a commentator on hockey Night in Canada!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
January 6, 2018
Well....look at me. I finished a book. And it only took less than two weeks. I’m on fire to start 2018!!
This was a good, easy, quick read that took me back to some great moments from the game - moments I still remember vividly. Like the marathon OT playoff game vs. Washington to his recollection of the floater drifting over Vernon’s glove to knock out the Flames. Names like Bossy, Trottier, Potvin, Arbour, Gretzky, Melrose, Sutter just to name a few have this read full of solid hockey talk. Some really good stories both on the ice and away from the rink.
I felt like I got to know a little more about what makes Kelly Hrudey tick and what kind of player he was both physically and mentally. I guess if I had a beef it would be that I struggled sometimes to hear his “voice” when reading the book. There were times when I could hear him 100% and the flow in the paragraph or page was there. Other times I felt like I was hearing more the co-author as we were segueing to a new topic or story. It messed a bit with the flow.
My only other beef is that it ended abruptly. His time in San Jose was given a good amount of pages, but there was no talk about those first few months after retirement. Barely anything about his venture into broadcasting post-playing days. I feel a lot of people know Kelly Hrudey and his hockey knowledge because of his time on HNIC. I would have liked some insight there. I thought that is what would have come in the epilogue but was surprised with the direction it took.
Overall, it was a fun read. Felt a little like “just another hockey book” but because I knew his name quite well from his Western Conference rivalries, I was engaged. If your an Islanders fan from the 80’s or a Kings fan from the 90’s....I’d say it’s a must-read.
This was a good, easy, quick read that took me back to some great moments from the game - moments I still remember vividly. Like the marathon OT playoff game vs. Washington to his recollection of the floater drifting over Vernon’s glove to knock out the Flames. Names like Bossy, Trottier, Potvin, Arbour, Gretzky, Melrose, Sutter just to name a few have this read full of solid hockey talk. Some really good stories both on the ice and away from the rink.
I felt like I got to know a little more about what makes Kelly Hrudey tick and what kind of player he was both physically and mentally. I guess if I had a beef it would be that I struggled sometimes to hear his “voice” when reading the book. There were times when I could hear him 100% and the flow in the paragraph or page was there. Other times I felt like I was hearing more the co-author as we were segueing to a new topic or story. It messed a bit with the flow.
My only other beef is that it ended abruptly. His time in San Jose was given a good amount of pages, but there was no talk about those first few months after retirement. Barely anything about his venture into broadcasting post-playing days. I feel a lot of people know Kelly Hrudey and his hockey knowledge because of his time on HNIC. I would have liked some insight there. I thought that is what would have come in the epilogue but was surprised with the direction it took.
Overall, it was a fun read. Felt a little like “just another hockey book” but because I knew his name quite well from his Western Conference rivalries, I was engaged. If your an Islanders fan from the 80’s or a Kings fan from the 90’s....I’d say it’s a must-read.
November 23, 2017
I like hockey, I like Kelly Hrudey, I like sports memoirs but...
This one felt like something was missing. I had hope for a little more Kelly and a little less hockey games. There was very little of his family life - which is his prerogative but part of the draw, for me, in sports memoirs is hearing how such a focused and determined personality makes family life work. He and his wife have been married for 30+ years - I would have liked to hear a bit about that.
He does convey the respect and affection he feels for his teammates, his coaches - his love of the game and all it entails is evident in every single page.
This one felt like something was missing. I had hope for a little more Kelly and a little less hockey games. There was very little of his family life - which is his prerogative but part of the draw, for me, in sports memoirs is hearing how such a focused and determined personality makes family life work. He and his wife have been married for 30+ years - I would have liked to hear a bit about that.
He does convey the respect and affection he feels for his teammates, his coaches - his love of the game and all it entails is evident in every single page.
September 12, 2018
I picked this book up because it was about a hockey goalie who I knew and watched as a kid and currently watch today as an Analyst for Hockey Night In Canada. For further details on my review check out my video book review on my YouTube Goalie Czar channel.
So let me start off with my initial biases of Kelly Hrudey because I think that is important to be open about. First of all, I never like him as a goalie. In fact I hated him, with his underwear bandana, his brutally ugly box Jofa helmet and the fact he played for the Islanders and dreaded LA Kings who dispatched my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1993 Stanley Cup Conference Finals Game 7 Playoffs. Still one of the biggest emotional scars that Leaf fans have from the 90's.
So I put those emotions aside and jumped right into this book and I have to say it's really really good. So who would like this book? 1.) If you are a goalie who likes hearing NHL history it's a great read. 2.) You are a fan of history of the New York Islanders, LA Kings or San Jose Sharks each of the key teams where he played. 3.) You are a general hockey fan and want to learn more about some of the teams from the 80's and 90's.
As Goalie:
I found it so fascinating how he built relationships with the greats from the 80's of the New York Islander like Al Arbour, Nystrom, Bossy,Trottier, Gilles, Billy Smith, Duane Sutter, Denis Potvin etc.
The story of the 1987 Easter Epic 6 hours 18 minutes Playoff Game vs. Washington Capitals was a great highlight. I liked hearing his great stories from when he was traded to LA, all the Celebrities, Gretzky, etc. He was on Team Canada one year which I was stunned by. Details on how he had to battle and what he had to do to stay on top when other goalies challenged him for #1
As a Leaf Fan:
I got new appreciation for who Kelly was as a player and his personality. He was actually a likeable guy. I got more insights on the Leaf's series we won and how fans still bug him about it.
Overall, really well written by Kelly and Kristine McLellan Day and a quick read.
So let me start off with my initial biases of Kelly Hrudey because I think that is important to be open about. First of all, I never like him as a goalie. In fact I hated him, with his underwear bandana, his brutally ugly box Jofa helmet and the fact he played for the Islanders and dreaded LA Kings who dispatched my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1993 Stanley Cup Conference Finals Game 7 Playoffs. Still one of the biggest emotional scars that Leaf fans have from the 90's.
So I put those emotions aside and jumped right into this book and I have to say it's really really good. So who would like this book? 1.) If you are a goalie who likes hearing NHL history it's a great read. 2.) You are a fan of history of the New York Islanders, LA Kings or San Jose Sharks each of the key teams where he played. 3.) You are a general hockey fan and want to learn more about some of the teams from the 80's and 90's.
As Goalie:
I found it so fascinating how he built relationships with the greats from the 80's of the New York Islander like Al Arbour, Nystrom, Bossy,Trottier, Gilles, Billy Smith, Duane Sutter, Denis Potvin etc.
The story of the 1987 Easter Epic 6 hours 18 minutes Playoff Game vs. Washington Capitals was a great highlight. I liked hearing his great stories from when he was traded to LA, all the Celebrities, Gretzky, etc. He was on Team Canada one year which I was stunned by. Details on how he had to battle and what he had to do to stay on top when other goalies challenged him for #1
As a Leaf Fan:
I got new appreciation for who Kelly was as a player and his personality. He was actually a likeable guy. I got more insights on the Leaf's series we won and how fans still bug him about it.
Overall, really well written by Kelly and Kristine McLellan Day and a quick read.
December 1, 2025
This is a must read for hockey fans of the 1990s when LA Kings goalie Kelly Hrudey ruled the ice and took the Kings to the Stanley Cup in 1993. He was also with the NY Islanders during their Cup run and it was interesting reading of those days as well.
At first, the book began a big mushy for me. I thought it would be another autobiography on how great everyone was in his hockey life. I'm not some curmudgeon wanting gloom all the time, but books that extol everyone get boring. But, Hrudey opened up in his feelings about his dislike of some coaches and it made for balanced reading. Despite being a superstar, he was humble as well.
This was a fun book about an era I felt hockey was at its best. There's Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Wendell Clark, Patrick Roy, et al, from that time that makes reading this book like a fun memory.
At first, the book began a big mushy for me. I thought it would be another autobiography on how great everyone was in his hockey life. I'm not some curmudgeon wanting gloom all the time, but books that extol everyone get boring. But, Hrudey opened up in his feelings about his dislike of some coaches and it made for balanced reading. Despite being a superstar, he was humble as well.
This was a fun book about an era I felt hockey was at its best. There's Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Wendell Clark, Patrick Roy, et al, from that time that makes reading this book like a fun memory.
June 2, 2020
If you're a hockey fan and missing the game, this is a terrific way to spend a day or two out in the yard or balcony enjoying Kelly's time in the net as an elite goaltender. His years with the Kings are legendary with Gretzky at the lead. Day has perfectly captured Kelly's voice as he takes us from start to finish of his career, the mostly ups, some downs, major plays, coaches, managers, personal anecdotes. Now a colour commentator (or was pre pandemic) with CBC, Kelly Hrudey has emerged as an articulate, respected and knowledgeable leader especially in goalie circles and in the game of hockey in Canada. I'll confess I bought this book for my husband but I really wanted to read it myself having always loved Kelly's style of play and the person he presented. A great read.
May 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this book as someone who spent my whole life playing goal and being obsessed with hockey with was a very enjoyable read. Kelly goes into lots of detail about his time with the Islanders and Kings which I really appreciated as he shares lots of behind the scenes stories and information about the league and those teams. I enjoyed him sharing his stories about Al Arbour and the rest of the Stanley Cup New York Islanders and then his time with Wayne Gretzky in LA. Kelly I found was a great story teller.I recommend this book for anybody interested in either of those teams, goaltending or the NHL during that era.
January 16, 2018
Not bad. The stories were good and the writing was done in a very conversational way. Not my preference for writing style, but it was good. I found it interesting that Hrudey wasn't afraid to criticize people, especially coaches and management. It's refreshing to hear someone talk about the challenges of being on some of these championship teams as well as all the good things.
Overall an enjoyable read, particularly as someone who watched him play a lot.
Overall an enjoyable read, particularly as someone who watched him play a lot.
December 15, 2017
I don't see how you wouldn't enjoy this if you're a hockey fan. He gives interesting insights into being a goalie as well as regarding team chemistry and dynamics. He also doesn't spare the coach in his analysis of what makes a successful team. Although it's outside of what the book is covering I'd have liked to hear a bit about his post NHL career in broadcasting.
March 22, 2020
Certainly a nostalgic read for those of us who cut our teeth on NHL hockey in the late 80s or early 90s. It's an engaging memoir, not highly personal, for the most part focused on the game and it's players, coaches, and owners. Kelly was a goalie for the New York Islanders in the late 80s and Los Angles Kings and San Jose Sharks in the 90s.
March 13, 2025
Well written book, Mr Hrudey! Loved the way he told his stories and many of them brought me back to when I originally fell in love with hockey. mid 80’s era right through the 90s. Great insights and details behind the scenes of Kelly’s career and many of the great players he played with over the years.
January 14, 2022
Confirmed what I thought already - Kelly Hrudey is a real nice guy!
Lots of great anecdotes about his career before and during the NHL, and interesting insights into the world of hockey from a player's perspective!
Lots of great anecdotes about his career before and during the NHL, and interesting insights into the world of hockey from a player's perspective!
January 1, 2018
Loved this book. Love Kelly Hrudey on HNIC! Any hockey fun of the 99 era in LA will enjoy this book!!!
March 29, 2018
Very easy read. Kelly clearly wrote the book as it is written like he talks on TV. Short chapters, with interesting stories from his entire career.
July 22, 2018
Decent book, although Kelly Hrudey writes as if he was an elite goalie. Self-centered.
October 15, 2020
Good book, would read again, Keeps you turning the pages.
November 23, 2021
A very good book - interesting to learn about the game of hockey from a goalie's perspective.
April 29, 2022
OK recounting of one player’s journey to pro hockey with a couple of interesting behind the scenes stories along the way. An easy read as a change of pace or time filler.
April 22, 2023
Very enjoyable and interesting hockey biography
June 18, 2023
Absolutely a great read. Definitely recommend for any one who loves hockey.
October 7, 2023
Easy read. A lot story-telling without meat; We won, I played great. We lost, I played poorly. Coach was mad. Coach was encouraging.
Enjoyable if you enjoyed late 80s and early 90s hockey. Also enjoyable if you were a goalie.
Enjoyable if you enjoyed late 80s and early 90s hockey. Also enjoyable if you were a goalie.
July 17, 2018
As an NHL Hockey fan and Leafs fan who remembers the 90s and the Leafs run in '93 I was interested in Kelly Hrudey's take on that special series as well as insights into the game when he started, the game today and his whole hockey background, breaking into the NHL with the Islanders. Overall I thought it was a very enjoyable read.
February 11, 2025
Review for Calling the Shots can be found on Hockey Blog In Canada.
February 18, 2018
I have always admired Kelly Hrudey as a keeper and a solid voice on Hockey Night in Canada. I found this book a little brief and simple as a read though and it didn't go into areas I wasn't already familiar with.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews