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Bleeding Blue: Giving My All for the Game
Funny, fierce, and gritty, Bleeding Blue recounts every struggle and success of Wendel Clark’s rough-and-tumble journey to becoming one of hockey’s greatest heroes.
As a young boy growing up in Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Wendel Clark never dreamed of an NHL career. The pro league just seemed too far away from the young man’s small-town life in the Prairies. But Wendel had a talent for hockey that was surpassed only by his love for the sport, and it wasn’t long before he embarked on a path that would take him away from his hometown to a new life.
Wendel honed his talents in cities across western Canada and earned a reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the ice. Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs first overall in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft, Wendel burst onto the pro scene and immediately made an impact, all the while staying true to his roots. As he learned from the players around him, Wendel steadily matured into a respected leader. He soon assumed the mantle as the Leafs captain, and his willingness to lay it all on the line transformed him into a player who could inspire courage in his teammates and fear in his opponents in equal measure. The future seemed limitless for the young star.
But just as Wendel’s talents were set to peak, everything unraveled. Years of no-holds-barred, physical play were taking their toll, and soon his greatest competitor wasn’t anyone on the ice, but his own body. Every movement brought agony, every shift was a challenge, and every game meant the decision to keep fighting. But as Wendel’s body broke down, his resolve only grew. Determined to succeed no matter what the cost, Wendel set out on a course that would allow him to keep doing what he loved and that would turn him into one of the most beloved hockey players of all time.
Emotional and uplifting, Bleeding Blue is the story of a man who refused to say no, who wore his heart on his sleeve, and who would do anything to keep going, even when everything told him to quit.
As a young boy growing up in Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Wendel Clark never dreamed of an NHL career. The pro league just seemed too far away from the young man’s small-town life in the Prairies. But Wendel had a talent for hockey that was surpassed only by his love for the sport, and it wasn’t long before he embarked on a path that would take him away from his hometown to a new life.
Wendel honed his talents in cities across western Canada and earned a reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the ice. Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs first overall in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft, Wendel burst onto the pro scene and immediately made an impact, all the while staying true to his roots. As he learned from the players around him, Wendel steadily matured into a respected leader. He soon assumed the mantle as the Leafs captain, and his willingness to lay it all on the line transformed him into a player who could inspire courage in his teammates and fear in his opponents in equal measure. The future seemed limitless for the young star.
But just as Wendel’s talents were set to peak, everything unraveled. Years of no-holds-barred, physical play were taking their toll, and soon his greatest competitor wasn’t anyone on the ice, but his own body. Every movement brought agony, every shift was a challenge, and every game meant the decision to keep fighting. But as Wendel’s body broke down, his resolve only grew. Determined to succeed no matter what the cost, Wendel set out on a course that would allow him to keep doing what he loved and that would turn him into one of the most beloved hockey players of all time.
Emotional and uplifting, Bleeding Blue is the story of a man who refused to say no, who wore his heart on his sleeve, and who would do anything to keep going, even when everything told him to quit.
224 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2017
15 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 17, 2022
Bleeding Blue is the story of the career of Wendel Clark.
Drafted first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1986, Clark went on to play in the NHL until 2000 when he was forced to retire due to injuries. While he didn’t win a Stanley Cup, Clark was an absolute force during his tenure terrorizing opponents with crushing hits and clutch goals. He’s widely regarded as one of the most beloved Maple Leafs players in franchise history having three separate stints with the team in the 90s. Bleeding Blue takes you through the many ups and downs over his relatively short career.
While I thought Bleeding Blue was a decent read, I’m not sure there’s a whole lot here for non-Leafs fans. Clark, while loved by the Toronto faithful, didn’t play with flash, didn’t smash records, and didn’t leave a memorable mark on the sport. However, that isn’t to say he was a bad player by any means. He often left everything on the ice and when he wasn’t injured, he was a complete player that coaches and teammates alike could count on.
If you’re a die-hard Leafs fan who jumped on the bandwagon during their memorable 1992-1993 season, then there will be enough here to grab your attention. However, if you’re not, well, it’s likely a skippable read.
GO LEAFS GO!
Drafted first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1986, Clark went on to play in the NHL until 2000 when he was forced to retire due to injuries. While he didn’t win a Stanley Cup, Clark was an absolute force during his tenure terrorizing opponents with crushing hits and clutch goals. He’s widely regarded as one of the most beloved Maple Leafs players in franchise history having three separate stints with the team in the 90s. Bleeding Blue takes you through the many ups and downs over his relatively short career.
While I thought Bleeding Blue was a decent read, I’m not sure there’s a whole lot here for non-Leafs fans. Clark, while loved by the Toronto faithful, didn’t play with flash, didn’t smash records, and didn’t leave a memorable mark on the sport. However, that isn’t to say he was a bad player by any means. He often left everything on the ice and when he wasn’t injured, he was a complete player that coaches and teammates alike could count on.
If you’re a die-hard Leafs fan who jumped on the bandwagon during their memorable 1992-1993 season, then there will be enough here to grab your attention. However, if you’re not, well, it’s likely a skippable read.
GO LEAFS GO!
October 25, 2016
There can't be a more enjoyably Canadian book than one on hockey and a kid growing up on a farm in Saskatchewan.
It brings back nostalgic memories for me of winters in childhood that always involved skating with friends, and cheering on the Leafs during their playoff runs in the '90s and early 2000s (Yes it's been a while, but I still have faith in my favourite team!).
Wendel Clark humanizes the sport of hockey. To the players, the game is fun, but it's also a lot of work... painful work. And he shows how appreciated the fans are - they're a part of the game.
If you were a fan of the Leafs through the '80s and '90s, you'll love all the behind-the-scenes stories from the ice and dressing rooms.
It brings back nostalgic memories for me of winters in childhood that always involved skating with friends, and cheering on the Leafs during their playoff runs in the '90s and early 2000s (Yes it's been a while, but I still have faith in my favourite team!).
Wendel Clark humanizes the sport of hockey. To the players, the game is fun, but it's also a lot of work... painful work. And he shows how appreciated the fans are - they're a part of the game.
If you were a fan of the Leafs through the '80s and '90s, you'll love all the behind-the-scenes stories from the ice and dressing rooms.
November 14, 2016
To be honest I have never been a Toronto Maple Leaf’s Fan! That being said I have always appreciated the play and leadership of Wendel Clark. I always enjoyed watching him play. And to be honest I think the biggest mistake Toronto has made in my lifetime was trading Clark the first time to give Gilmour the ‘C’! But that is jumping ahead a bit. In many ways this book is like Clark’s NHL Career, it is tightly written and written from the heart. I remember hearing rumour about an addendum to NHL rule 56 that is the hands were taped and you fought you got an extra game misconduct. When I was a kid we were told this was the Clark rule. I can remember him dropping the gloves and having his hands taped like a boxer.
I have always respected Wendel Clark, not just for his play but also his leadership and from all I had heard he was a good guy who loved what he was doing. As a man who served three different stints in Toronto, starting with being drafted by Toronto to his third time in the blue and white and retiring form the game. Clark entered the league with a bang, in the 1985-86 season he has 45 points and 227 penalty minutes in 66 games. In his final season he played 33 games and had a total 6 points and 34 penalty minutes. But I remember this older more mature Clark providing leadership on and off the ice. Clark played with 6 teams during his time in the NHL but the vast majority of that was with the Leaf’s and as such the majority of this book focuses on that time.
The chapters in this book are:
Introduction
Chapter 1: Growing Up in Kelvington
Chapter 2: Hitting the Road
Chapter 3: 1985 World Juniors
Chapter 4: Welcome to the NHL
Chapter 5: International Play
Chapter 6: Captain Crunch
Chapter 7: Breaking Down
Chapter 8: Leaving Home
Chapter 9: Journeyman Years
Chapter 10: Making an Exit
Chapter 11: Life After Hockey
Conclusion
A Tribute to My Dad
The story follows a farm boy from Kelvington to playing in the world juniors to a long career in the NHL. Clark was not a fighter growing up; it was something that just ended up coming to him until he was a junior. Before reading this I was unaware that Clark started and played on defense until he played in the world juniors. And as he states that is one of the things that gave him an advantage, he often knew what an opponent defensive player would do in ways that someone who always played forward would not. The book has lots of great stories, mostly from on the ice.
Clark is pretty open and honest with us; about his successes and his mistakes. He also shares about what the years of abuse did to his body. What it took to play so long, with the style of play he lived and with all the fights. But Clark was determined, determined to keep playing, determined to heal his body. I believe few people get to pursue their dreams the way Clark did. For him hockey appears to always have been fun. And that enjoyment of time on the ice, and after hockey come through in this great read. This is the biography of a gifted man, and a good man. It was well worth the time to read it. Even if you are not a Leaf’s fan.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
I have always respected Wendel Clark, not just for his play but also his leadership and from all I had heard he was a good guy who loved what he was doing. As a man who served three different stints in Toronto, starting with being drafted by Toronto to his third time in the blue and white and retiring form the game. Clark entered the league with a bang, in the 1985-86 season he has 45 points and 227 penalty minutes in 66 games. In his final season he played 33 games and had a total 6 points and 34 penalty minutes. But I remember this older more mature Clark providing leadership on and off the ice. Clark played with 6 teams during his time in the NHL but the vast majority of that was with the Leaf’s and as such the majority of this book focuses on that time.
The chapters in this book are:
Introduction
Chapter 1: Growing Up in Kelvington
Chapter 2: Hitting the Road
Chapter 3: 1985 World Juniors
Chapter 4: Welcome to the NHL
Chapter 5: International Play
Chapter 6: Captain Crunch
Chapter 7: Breaking Down
Chapter 8: Leaving Home
Chapter 9: Journeyman Years
Chapter 10: Making an Exit
Chapter 11: Life After Hockey
Conclusion
A Tribute to My Dad
The story follows a farm boy from Kelvington to playing in the world juniors to a long career in the NHL. Clark was not a fighter growing up; it was something that just ended up coming to him until he was a junior. Before reading this I was unaware that Clark started and played on defense until he played in the world juniors. And as he states that is one of the things that gave him an advantage, he often knew what an opponent defensive player would do in ways that someone who always played forward would not. The book has lots of great stories, mostly from on the ice.
Clark is pretty open and honest with us; about his successes and his mistakes. He also shares about what the years of abuse did to his body. What it took to play so long, with the style of play he lived and with all the fights. But Clark was determined, determined to keep playing, determined to heal his body. I believe few people get to pursue their dreams the way Clark did. For him hockey appears to always have been fun. And that enjoyment of time on the ice, and after hockey come through in this great read. This is the biography of a gifted man, and a good man. It was well worth the time to read it. Even if you are not a Leaf’s fan.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
January 3, 2017
Bit of a disappointment, considering it's coming from a super intense hockey legend, but I probably should have realized this was going to be the result. Wendel is too classy to really divulge much dirt on anyone, so most of the insight you get is a few chapters on his upbringing and pre-NHL hockey experiences and a couple eye-opening passages related to self-administered rehabilitation services.
The book features not a bad word uttered against universally-maligned Leaf magistrate Harold Ballard, nor much in the way of to say of his biggest enemies (Behn Wilson) and only slight references to say that things were not perfect with one of the most heralded Leaf Coaches (Pat Burns).
Bleeding Blue, unfortunately, is written without a lot of insight that other hockey books are filled with. Clark spends considerable time saying that he never gave much of anything much thought. He didn't watch much NHL hockey when he was a kid because Saskatchewan seemed so far away from it. When he was traded from the Leafs for the first time, instead of telling us how he really felt, we get something more along the lines of shrugged shoulders.
While you'd be hard-pressed to find a more intense player in the history of the game, Bleeding Blue unfortunately spends too much time just going through the motions. Momentous moments are recalled like Clark watched YouTube videos before describing them to his co-writer and gaps in fans knowledge where he went to play in Quebec, New York and Detroit are passed over in a few paragraphs, at most.
A must read for the die-hard fan, but don't expect an All-Access Pass to revelations you didn't know.
The book features not a bad word uttered against universally-maligned Leaf magistrate Harold Ballard, nor much in the way of to say of his biggest enemies (Behn Wilson) and only slight references to say that things were not perfect with one of the most heralded Leaf Coaches (Pat Burns).
Bleeding Blue, unfortunately, is written without a lot of insight that other hockey books are filled with. Clark spends considerable time saying that he never gave much of anything much thought. He didn't watch much NHL hockey when he was a kid because Saskatchewan seemed so far away from it. When he was traded from the Leafs for the first time, instead of telling us how he really felt, we get something more along the lines of shrugged shoulders.
While you'd be hard-pressed to find a more intense player in the history of the game, Bleeding Blue unfortunately spends too much time just going through the motions. Momentous moments are recalled like Clark watched YouTube videos before describing them to his co-writer and gaps in fans knowledge where he went to play in Quebec, New York and Detroit are passed over in a few paragraphs, at most.
A must read for the die-hard fan, but don't expect an All-Access Pass to revelations you didn't know.
March 28, 2017
This is pretty much your standard hockey player biography. No fancy prose, nothing controversial. I learned a few things about Clark that I never knew (he played in Tampa?!) and he tells a few interesting stories (self-administered acupuncture - yuck!), but it's all very paint-by-numbers.
Having said that, I do think it's an accurate reflection of Clark's personality. He seems like a genuine, humble, aw-shucks kind of guy. I doubt he'd ever say an unkind word about a fellow player or coach, that's just not his style.
Still, I'd recommend this for fans of the player. I was just getting into hockey as a kid in Toronto when Clark was finishing up his first stint there. I enjoyed thinking back on those times as I read the book. It definitely made me nostalgic.
Having said that, I do think it's an accurate reflection of Clark's personality. He seems like a genuine, humble, aw-shucks kind of guy. I doubt he'd ever say an unkind word about a fellow player or coach, that's just not his style.
Still, I'd recommend this for fans of the player. I was just getting into hockey as a kid in Toronto when Clark was finishing up his first stint there. I enjoyed thinking back on those times as I read the book. It definitely made me nostalgic.
January 18, 2018
Quick, entertaining read. I grew up watching the very end of his career, and seems like he was one of the players who lived by the 'old code.' I'm not a Leafs fan (I actually despise them), but still found the history interesting. Did not have overbearing references to the glory (ha!) of the Leafs or any hints of elevated self-importance. Hard to tell if the book was written in the voice of Wendel or the ghost author, but nonetheless his story projected well. Better than most hockey biographies that I've read, but the best enforcer biography is Bob Probert's in terms of realism and feeling as if you are along for the ride.
December 13, 2016
Loved the book! One of my favorite Leaf captains
August 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and learned quite a bit about Wendyl Clark's career that I wasn't even aware of. As a Leaf's fan I didn't realize he had left and returned to the Leafs 3 times, but what I enjoyed the most was the detailing of the 1993 season when the Leafs beat the Red Wings to move on to the second round of the playoffs. One of my very best friends was at my house to watch game 7 with me. The Wings were expected to win that series no matter who you asked. I remember the Leafs winning in overtime. We were both shocked, me positively, my buddy Al, not so much. He was a huge Wings fan. I remember him leaving the room and walking to the kitchen where he just started out the window. He was devastated. Being a long time Leafs fan, I knew the feeling, and later in the playoffs I would live it myself when Gretzky high-sticked a Leafs player in OT (game 6) cutting the player's face open. No penalty was called and moments later Gretzky scored the game-winner. It still bothers me to this day, because had the Leafs won they would have taken the series and met Montreal to play for the Stanley cup. It was the most exciting and most devastating season I can remember, and Wendyl describes it perfectly from a players perspective. I loved getting to read that!
May 27, 2024
As a casual non-Canadian pro hockey fan, I will forever have a lot to learn about notable players from the past, and the Leafs #17 definitely falls into that category. Even without previous knowledge of this book's subject, I still appreciated Wendel's story, especially in regards to the lengths he had to push his body in order to live another day in the NHL. Not every celebrated athlete can have a 5 star autobiography, though they can still pack 5 star anecdotes into a few pages here and there - Wendel, again, falls into this latter category.
November 12, 2016
Wendel Clark is a Toronto Maple Leafs Icon,it's a great injustice to the leafs that his career was plagued by injure. He gave his best effort night in & night out despite being in pain nearly every step of the way.Wendel was a special player, you'll never see another Wendel Clark in the NHL.
I highly recommend reading this book & watching Youtube highlights of his career.
I highly recommend reading this book & watching Youtube highlights of his career.
March 28, 2018
For anyone that was a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1980's and early 1990's, this book would resonate with you. Clark does a great job telling the reader about his life growing up in Saskatchewan, his time in Junior, and the successes and struggles in the NHL. This book is a quick read and I recommend it.
January 4, 2017
It was a great book. I was quite surprised at some of the information And detail that was given in the book. If you are a hockey fan and like the Toronto Maple Leafs this is an excellent book for you.
April 15, 2018
Great read, from humble beginnings throughout his life maintained humility. Definitely a man for the people. Brought back some early childhood and teenage memories from my playing days. Thoroughly enjoyed the book.
July 20, 2019
A not-so-detailed account of Wendel Clark's life. A lot of generalities with a few specific anecdotes. As during his entire career, one would not know that he was married and had kids. He keeps his immediate family (wife and kids) quite private. An east read.
August 10, 2020
It was good and very enlightening as a Leaf fan (although I was very young and not into sports during Clarks time).
At times almost too feel-good/positive. I know that sounds weird. I wanted to hear more about the tilts he had with people and how much he hated playing certain teams.
At times almost too feel-good/positive. I know that sounds weird. I wanted to hear more about the tilts he had with people and how much he hated playing certain teams.
April 6, 2021
I felt this book was well written and Wendal knew how to tell a story but there was nothing revolutionary about it. They were all stories for most part I knew about, such as the 93 playoff run, ect. It was an enjoyable read, just nothing really overly special about it.
August 8, 2024
One of my personal faves of all time. I loved Wendel because my dad did and we spent a lot of my childhood watching Hockey Night in Canada. What a phenomenal player, and a great man (we got to meet him at his book signing).
June 14, 2017
A very enjoyable biography of Toronto Maple Leaf great, Wendel Clark. If you're a Leafs fan, this is a must read.
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August 29, 20206/10
October 21, 2022
A nice Canadian story. It has Hockey which is good, and it ends well.
December 13, 2022
The writing isn't great and it's not particularly well organized but damn I loved every page.
January 3, 2023
As a Maple Leafs fan, Wendel is a sentimental team favourite. It was a great summary of his playing days; however, not much of a story outside of his hockey milestones.
February 29, 2024
Some nice vignettes on one of the fan favourite Leafs of the last 40 years. The storyline was a bit choppy.
January 13, 2025
Great look at Wendel's Career.
October 21, 2025
What a trip down memory lane reading this about one of my all time fav Leafs!!!
March 12, 2017
Couple interesting stories from the dressing room. Fun read for Nostalgic Leafs fans from one of the most passionate to ever wear the blue and white.
January 23, 2025
Watching back Wendel Clarks highlights is hilarious because you’ll immediately see why he was one of the most beloved Leafs of his generation. The man hit like a bus and was an extremely clutch story. Really liked how this book dove into how, even though he was often the one delivering crushing hits as opposed to receiving, his body was the one that broke down. Also really interesting to see how his mindset evolved over his career (ex. fighting less as his career went on to preserve his body despite the fact he probably still could’ve beaten most guys in the league). Wish I’d gotten the chance to watch him live!
May 13, 2018
I personally liked this book a lot. It gave me great new insight into the world of hockey but also into the world of Wendel Clark. It was a book about Wendel Clark's life and his up and downs I also recommend that you read this book because I enjoyed it very much.
January 7, 2017
A must read for all Maple Leaf fans. Even though 'ghost written', you believe it's written in Wendel's own words. Brutally honest about the injuries and back problems that plagued him throughout his career, his courage and tenacity on the ice were all the more impressive.
November 22, 2016
Awesome. Took me back to when I first started watching the Leafs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews