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99: Stories of the Game
First he rewrote the record book. Now, to mark the NHL's 99th anniversary, Wayne Gretzky has written the story of our game.
No one has been as close to the game as Wayne Gretzky. When he first laced up skates in the NHL, he changed the league. And by the time he had hung up his skates, he had re-written the record book.
There can be no doubt what he means to the game. What we haven't seen is what the game means to him.
For the first time, Wayne Gretzky will tell us about the NHL's great moments from his point of view. We will meet the people who inspired him and motivated him. We'll read the stories of the players who ignited his imagination, just as Gretzky himself inspired the dreams of so many young players and fans.
Seen through the eyes of the player whose name has come to stand for greatness in the game of hockey, 99: Stories of the Game brings to life the NHL's glorious past, from its fierce early battles on natural ice, through its mythical golden era, when the Howes and Richards, Hulls and Orrs defined greatness, through the unforgettable dynasties in Montreal, New York, and of course, Edmonton, through to the present day.
Written with all the insight of someone who knows what it feels like when your lungs burn at the end of a long shift, and the pain of bruises at the end of a long playoff series, who knows what it feels like to fall short against a bitter rival, and also the incomparable feeling of lifting the Stanley Cup over your head, 99: Stories of the Game doesn't just tell the history of the NHL's 99 years. It relives them.
No one has been as close to the game as Wayne Gretzky. When he first laced up skates in the NHL, he changed the league. And by the time he had hung up his skates, he had re-written the record book.
There can be no doubt what he means to the game. What we haven't seen is what the game means to him.
For the first time, Wayne Gretzky will tell us about the NHL's great moments from his point of view. We will meet the people who inspired him and motivated him. We'll read the stories of the players who ignited his imagination, just as Gretzky himself inspired the dreams of so many young players and fans.
Seen through the eyes of the player whose name has come to stand for greatness in the game of hockey, 99: Stories of the Game brings to life the NHL's glorious past, from its fierce early battles on natural ice, through its mythical golden era, when the Howes and Richards, Hulls and Orrs defined greatness, through the unforgettable dynasties in Montreal, New York, and of course, Edmonton, through to the present day.
Written with all the insight of someone who knows what it feels like when your lungs burn at the end of a long shift, and the pain of bruises at the end of a long playoff series, who knows what it feels like to fall short against a bitter rival, and also the incomparable feeling of lifting the Stanley Cup over your head, 99: Stories of the Game doesn't just tell the history of the NHL's 99 years. It relives them.
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First published October 18, 2016
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About the author
Wayne Gretzky
29 books50 followersWayne Douglas Gretzky is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach. He played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for four teams from 1979 to 1999. Nicknamed "The Great One", he has been called "the greatest hockey player ever" by many sportswriters, players, and the NHL itself. He is the leading scorer in NHL history, with more goals and assists than any other player. He scored more assists than any other player scored total points, and is the only NHL player to total over 200 points in one season – a feat he accomplished four times. In addition, he tallied over 100 points in 16 professional seasons, 14 of them consecutive. At the time of his retirement in 1999, he held 61 NHL records: 40 regular-season records, 15 playoff records, and six All-Star records. As of 2014, he still holds 60 NHL records.
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February 7, 2017
In 99: Stories of the Game, Wayne Gretzky celebrates the 99th anniversary of the NHL by penning short stories that help to illuminate the history of the league. Intertwining his own career with that of several legendary players like Maurice Richard, Gordie Howe, Mark Messier and Bobby Orr, Gretzky presents a compelling take on the often brutal history of the sport.
I wouldn’t consider myself a hockey aficionado by any means, but having read a handful of books and having watched the excellent CBC series Hockey: A People’s History (which, if you haven’t seen, you need to), I would say that I know a bit more than an average fan. With Gretzky somewhat akin to that of a folk-hero in Canada, the biggest moments of his career and those of the NHL are well known among even the most casual of hockey fans so I thought, what more could he bring to the table? Turns out, I didn’t know quite as much as I thought I did.
Did you know that early on, games were played in two thirty minute halves? This was later changed by the owners to three twenty minute periods so that fans would empty their pockets at the concessions more often. Even infamous Leafs’ owner Harold Ballard would go so far as to shut off the water fountains to force fans to buy more drinks after the first intermission. In keeping with the business side of the sport, Wayne talks about some of the failed expansion franchises (The California Golden Seals was a terrible name) and the NHL’s battle with the World Hockey Association (WHA) in the 1970s. While this isn’t mind-blowing information, it’s little trivia tidbits like this that help to fill out the book between big, historical moments in the game’s history.
As far as recollections of his own career, there’s a lot here for his fans to sink their teeth into. For example, when he had advised the New York Rangers of his intent to retire at the end of the 1998/1999 season, the then Rangers GM Glen Sather passed Wayne a cheque for one million dollars asking that he reconsider his decision for another week and if he still decided to retire, he could keep the million. He declined the cheque. Wayne’s a stronger man than me. He also covers events like his trade to Los Angeles, the controversial high-sticking call from the 1993 playoffs and his chase to surpass Gordie Howe’s 801 career goals.
Gretzky doesn’t limit himself to just his NHL career, he also discusses his own role on the world stage with his three consecutive Canada Cup appearances and the disastrous 1998 Olympics. He also reminisces about Canada’s presence in international hockey with the ‘72 Summit Series with Russia as well as the 2002 team where he served as GM winning Olympic gold.
If I had to list a negative, it would be that there is no mention of the consistently strong Canadian women’s international team throughout the years. Yes, I know this book is grounded in the all-male NHL but with Gretzky’s tangents into amateaur hockey in the Olympics, it wouldn’t have hurt to throw a little praise the way of the women. They won silver in Nagano in 1998 and have dominated every Olympic games since with gold medal wins in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. Then again, maybe Wayne isn’t as knowledgeable in that area.
With the exception of the stories about Willie O’Ree breaking the color barrier and the first aboriginal player Fred Sasakamoose’s troubled history with Residential Schools, Wayne keeps the subject matter rather light (that’s not a knock on those stories as I feel they’re absolutely essential). What we end up with is an easy and enjoyable read that didn’t allow itself to get bogged down by massive information dumps, which tends to happen with many large nonfiction books. 99: Stories of the Game is one of the better hockey books I’ve read.
I wouldn’t consider myself a hockey aficionado by any means, but having read a handful of books and having watched the excellent CBC series Hockey: A People’s History (which, if you haven’t seen, you need to), I would say that I know a bit more than an average fan. With Gretzky somewhat akin to that of a folk-hero in Canada, the biggest moments of his career and those of the NHL are well known among even the most casual of hockey fans so I thought, what more could he bring to the table? Turns out, I didn’t know quite as much as I thought I did.
Did you know that early on, games were played in two thirty minute halves? This was later changed by the owners to three twenty minute periods so that fans would empty their pockets at the concessions more often. Even infamous Leafs’ owner Harold Ballard would go so far as to shut off the water fountains to force fans to buy more drinks after the first intermission. In keeping with the business side of the sport, Wayne talks about some of the failed expansion franchises (The California Golden Seals was a terrible name) and the NHL’s battle with the World Hockey Association (WHA) in the 1970s. While this isn’t mind-blowing information, it’s little trivia tidbits like this that help to fill out the book between big, historical moments in the game’s history.
As far as recollections of his own career, there’s a lot here for his fans to sink their teeth into. For example, when he had advised the New York Rangers of his intent to retire at the end of the 1998/1999 season, the then Rangers GM Glen Sather passed Wayne a cheque for one million dollars asking that he reconsider his decision for another week and if he still decided to retire, he could keep the million. He declined the cheque. Wayne’s a stronger man than me. He also covers events like his trade to Los Angeles, the controversial high-sticking call from the 1993 playoffs and his chase to surpass Gordie Howe’s 801 career goals.
Gretzky doesn’t limit himself to just his NHL career, he also discusses his own role on the world stage with his three consecutive Canada Cup appearances and the disastrous 1998 Olympics. He also reminisces about Canada’s presence in international hockey with the ‘72 Summit Series with Russia as well as the 2002 team where he served as GM winning Olympic gold.
If I had to list a negative, it would be that there is no mention of the consistently strong Canadian women’s international team throughout the years. Yes, I know this book is grounded in the all-male NHL but with Gretzky’s tangents into amateaur hockey in the Olympics, it wouldn’t have hurt to throw a little praise the way of the women. They won silver in Nagano in 1998 and have dominated every Olympic games since with gold medal wins in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. Then again, maybe Wayne isn’t as knowledgeable in that area.
With the exception of the stories about Willie O’Ree breaking the color barrier and the first aboriginal player Fred Sasakamoose’s troubled history with Residential Schools, Wayne keeps the subject matter rather light (that’s not a knock on those stories as I feel they’re absolutely essential). What we end up with is an easy and enjoyable read that didn’t allow itself to get bogged down by massive information dumps, which tends to happen with many large nonfiction books. 99: Stories of the Game is one of the better hockey books I’ve read.
December 22, 2016
Mixed feelings about this book - on the one hand, who wouldn't want to hear about hockey stories from the greatest player of our generation and arguably ever to lace up the skates? Except if you ask him and some others, that honor goes to Gordie Howe, who is frequently mentioned and praised throughout the book.
The information is great, Gretzky is not a braggart or conceited in any way and fans will love hearing about the entire history of the NHL through his viewpoint. However, as a book, I had trouble following it. It isn't strictly chronological and that is okay, but he skips around a lot - the narration goes from the early 20th century to the early 21st century and back. Also, the chapters may have certain titles, but they certainly are not exclusive to that subject. The section of the book that seems to have this issue is when he talks about the expansion teams of 1967. For example, the chapter on the Minnesota North Stars has nine pages in the electronic version - only three of these pages are about the North Stars and the other six are about some of his Edmonton teammates who have no connection to the North Stars (or Dallas Stars). Therefore, how can this be a chapter about that team? The stories are great - just not organized well.
Because of this, I stopped listening to the audio book about halfway through and picked up the e-book but that didn't help either - still was getting lost during each chapter. If this were a long conversation that one has with Gretzky over a couple of beers, this would be great, but to try to read it or just listen - it fell short. Giving it three stars because of the content - that alone made it at least worth the time to read or listen.
The information is great, Gretzky is not a braggart or conceited in any way and fans will love hearing about the entire history of the NHL through his viewpoint. However, as a book, I had trouble following it. It isn't strictly chronological and that is okay, but he skips around a lot - the narration goes from the early 20th century to the early 21st century and back. Also, the chapters may have certain titles, but they certainly are not exclusive to that subject. The section of the book that seems to have this issue is when he talks about the expansion teams of 1967. For example, the chapter on the Minnesota North Stars has nine pages in the electronic version - only three of these pages are about the North Stars and the other six are about some of his Edmonton teammates who have no connection to the North Stars (or Dallas Stars). Therefore, how can this be a chapter about that team? The stories are great - just not organized well.
Because of this, I stopped listening to the audio book about halfway through and picked up the e-book but that didn't help either - still was getting lost during each chapter. If this were a long conversation that one has with Gretzky over a couple of beers, this would be great, but to try to read it or just listen - it fell short. Giving it three stars because of the content - that alone made it at least worth the time to read or listen.
July 31, 2023
Perhaps one of the great hockey players of my time, Wayne Gretzky has experienced the game from many perspectives. Gretzky penned this book, working with Kirstie McLellan Day, to present some NHL history during the league’s 99th year. Filled with history, anecdotes, and wonderful storytelling Gretzky and Day entertain the reader throughout.
In the early stages of the book, the authors tell of the various leagues that flooded North America, trying to create a strong foundation for hockey across the continent. Early leagues had teams across different cities, as they tweaked the rules and developed the foundation for the National Hockey League, which was still decades away. As hockey fever intensified, players and businessmen began feeling the need for a strong and central league that would attract fans and sponsors alike. The early teams fought hard battles, both amongst themselves and with various local businessmen, hoping to etch a place in their hockey psyche that would propel a handful of teams to create a centralised league.
By post-Great War times, such a league emerged with a core group of teams. They played, four in the US and two in Canada, growing and intensifying as the years progressed. The authors explore these early teams and how their owners sought to forge a league that was both entertaining and profitable. Biographies of teams, players, and owners emerge in this section, giving the reader something worth reading and connecting some of the dots as they relate to the League’s progress.
As the book progresses, new players and scenarios emerged, including the rivalries that are still present today, with some players becaming the greatest of their time. The core Original Six (Toronto, Montreal, Boston, New York, Detroit, and Chicago) became a highly entertaining group, but the itch for more developed and soon the NHL went from six to twelve teams in the 1967-68 season. This first expansion proved a major change for the League and the authors address these moments effectively. Thereafter, the ball of expansion continued to roll and new teams emerged, before a merger between the WHL and NHL in 1979 brought new and even more exciting changes.
Gretzky entered professional sports at this time, as the narrative shifts to his personal experiences, which adds new depth and flavouring to things. From battles on home ice and the road, to international tournaments, and even Olympic experiences, Gretzky was in the middle of a major move for hockey, both on the world scene and for Canada as a country. They book explores these in depth and provides a needed narrative turn to show how things are changing the more they stays the same.
As the final chapters explore a post-Gretzky world, the authors try to forecast what is to come and where the League will be in the coming years. While there is no addressing the monster that is Gary Bettman, others have penned books about how this one man is trying to remove the core gamesmanship of the League and turn it strictly into a business of the super-wealthy. The game is no longer about the fans, but the amount of money that can be sucked out of those who love the game, as well as trying to force hockey into regions where ice is as foreign as sand atop the ocean. But, that’s for another day! A stellar piece of work by Gretzky and Day that offered up many exciting twists for me, a lover of the game of hockey.
While I never really had an affinity for Wayne Gretzky or the Edmonton Oilers (or even the LA Kings, St. Louis Blues, or NY Rangers), I do appreciate anyone who can offer behind the scenes glimpses into the world of hockey, both NHL and international. I thoroughly enjoyed as Gretzky and Day spun tales and offered context to a number of experiences, filling in cracks and holes to entertain the reader. In well-plotted chapters, the authors develop a strong narrative and allow things to flow. Well researched and thoroughly entertaining in its presentation, Gretzky and Day should be proud of their accomplishments. I wonder where the next 99 years will take the League, and how it will develop, both good and bad.
Kudos, Mr. Gretzky and Madam Day, for shedding some much needed light on things and entertaining a history buff/hockey fan like me.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
In the early stages of the book, the authors tell of the various leagues that flooded North America, trying to create a strong foundation for hockey across the continent. Early leagues had teams across different cities, as they tweaked the rules and developed the foundation for the National Hockey League, which was still decades away. As hockey fever intensified, players and businessmen began feeling the need for a strong and central league that would attract fans and sponsors alike. The early teams fought hard battles, both amongst themselves and with various local businessmen, hoping to etch a place in their hockey psyche that would propel a handful of teams to create a centralised league.
By post-Great War times, such a league emerged with a core group of teams. They played, four in the US and two in Canada, growing and intensifying as the years progressed. The authors explore these early teams and how their owners sought to forge a league that was both entertaining and profitable. Biographies of teams, players, and owners emerge in this section, giving the reader something worth reading and connecting some of the dots as they relate to the League’s progress.
As the book progresses, new players and scenarios emerged, including the rivalries that are still present today, with some players becaming the greatest of their time. The core Original Six (Toronto, Montreal, Boston, New York, Detroit, and Chicago) became a highly entertaining group, but the itch for more developed and soon the NHL went from six to twelve teams in the 1967-68 season. This first expansion proved a major change for the League and the authors address these moments effectively. Thereafter, the ball of expansion continued to roll and new teams emerged, before a merger between the WHL and NHL in 1979 brought new and even more exciting changes.
Gretzky entered professional sports at this time, as the narrative shifts to his personal experiences, which adds new depth and flavouring to things. From battles on home ice and the road, to international tournaments, and even Olympic experiences, Gretzky was in the middle of a major move for hockey, both on the world scene and for Canada as a country. They book explores these in depth and provides a needed narrative turn to show how things are changing the more they stays the same.
As the final chapters explore a post-Gretzky world, the authors try to forecast what is to come and where the League will be in the coming years. While there is no addressing the monster that is Gary Bettman, others have penned books about how this one man is trying to remove the core gamesmanship of the League and turn it strictly into a business of the super-wealthy. The game is no longer about the fans, but the amount of money that can be sucked out of those who love the game, as well as trying to force hockey into regions where ice is as foreign as sand atop the ocean. But, that’s for another day! A stellar piece of work by Gretzky and Day that offered up many exciting twists for me, a lover of the game of hockey.
While I never really had an affinity for Wayne Gretzky or the Edmonton Oilers (or even the LA Kings, St. Louis Blues, or NY Rangers), I do appreciate anyone who can offer behind the scenes glimpses into the world of hockey, both NHL and international. I thoroughly enjoyed as Gretzky and Day spun tales and offered context to a number of experiences, filling in cracks and holes to entertain the reader. In well-plotted chapters, the authors develop a strong narrative and allow things to flow. Well researched and thoroughly entertaining in its presentation, Gretzky and Day should be proud of their accomplishments. I wonder where the next 99 years will take the League, and how it will develop, both good and bad.
Kudos, Mr. Gretzky and Madam Day, for shedding some much needed light on things and entertaining a history buff/hockey fan like me.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 24, 2017
99 years of hockey history told by #99, "The Great One", Wayne Gretzky. Gretzky retraces the early days of hockey in North America, from the debated origins of the game to the very modern technology of player equipment and training styles.
I've followed hockey closely for nearly 18 years. Unfortunately, this was the exact time that Gretzky retired from the NHL, so I was not able to see him play live, but have seen many clips, snippets, documentaries, and a few alumni events where he laced up again. The book reiterates that Wayne may be the most gracious and humble of sports superstars - always crediting the strength of the team, the coaching, the training and equipment, and the decades of history before him.
His greatest accolades are for Gordie Howe, whom he idolized at a very young age...
...but he spends pages and pages of this history on many players and coaches who you may never have heard of or read about, but who changed the game and the way it was played.
I enjoyed the early history before the League was formed, and the later recounting of early Original 6 days. I liked the in-depth histories of the players who represented cultural shifts in the game - the first black and First Nations players.
Some chapters focus on specific teams and their players and staff, while others focus on movements or tournaments. In this way, the book is not chronological and shifts through 99 years of history rapidly. He usually reorients the reader, but it can be a pretty quick time shift in some cases.
The latter half of the book focuses more specifically on Gretzky's time in the NHL, as well as in team and Olympic management. There is very little about his stats and plays; instead, he lauds the players around him, the coaches and strategists he worked with, and the strong hockey cultures of several cities and teams. The Canada Cup series stories of the 80s and early 90s were quite fun to listen to - both in the talk about the Russian players and the rise of American players. Several of the players in this era are ones I am more familiar with for their later play. It's always fun to hear funny side stories about bus trips, dinners out, and all the things that happen off the ice.
After finishing the audiobook, we spent some time watching old YouTube clips and looking up some of the old photos, and that really enriched the whole experience! It gives me a greater appreciation for the game I've enjoyed and followed (and traveled to many arenas to watch in person!) for years. It made me admire Gretzky even more.
A must for any fan of hockey and sports history.
---
Read for 1) my love of hockey and 2) the Book Riot 2017 "A book about sports" category
I've followed hockey closely for nearly 18 years. Unfortunately, this was the exact time that Gretzky retired from the NHL, so I was not able to see him play live, but have seen many clips, snippets, documentaries, and a few alumni events where he laced up again. The book reiterates that Wayne may be the most gracious and humble of sports superstars - always crediting the strength of the team, the coaching, the training and equipment, and the decades of history before him.
His greatest accolades are for Gordie Howe, whom he idolized at a very young age...
...but he spends pages and pages of this history on many players and coaches who you may never have heard of or read about, but who changed the game and the way it was played.
I enjoyed the early history before the League was formed, and the later recounting of early Original 6 days. I liked the in-depth histories of the players who represented cultural shifts in the game - the first black and First Nations players.
Some chapters focus on specific teams and their players and staff, while others focus on movements or tournaments. In this way, the book is not chronological and shifts through 99 years of history rapidly. He usually reorients the reader, but it can be a pretty quick time shift in some cases.
The latter half of the book focuses more specifically on Gretzky's time in the NHL, as well as in team and Olympic management. There is very little about his stats and plays; instead, he lauds the players around him, the coaches and strategists he worked with, and the strong hockey cultures of several cities and teams. The Canada Cup series stories of the 80s and early 90s were quite fun to listen to - both in the talk about the Russian players and the rise of American players. Several of the players in this era are ones I am more familiar with for their later play. It's always fun to hear funny side stories about bus trips, dinners out, and all the things that happen off the ice.
After finishing the audiobook, we spent some time watching old YouTube clips and looking up some of the old photos, and that really enriched the whole experience! It gives me a greater appreciation for the game I've enjoyed and followed (and traveled to many arenas to watch in person!) for years. It made me admire Gretzky even more.
A must for any fan of hockey and sports history.
---
Read for 1) my love of hockey and 2) the Book Riot 2017 "A book about sports" category
May 24, 2017
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take - Wayne Gretzky" - Michael Scott
January 10, 2025
reading about the history and traditions of hockey from one of the greatest to ever play the game?? easily 10/10.
also yes reading what Gretzky had to say about Alex Ovechkin nine years ago melted my heart knowing the player Ovechkin is now. it felt like a full circle moment and i love it.
also yes reading what Gretzky had to say about Alex Ovechkin nine years ago melted my heart knowing the player Ovechkin is now. it felt like a full circle moment and i love it.
October 23, 2016
I love hockey (especially the oilers) and history books so I knew I would enjoy this and I did. I love all the stories; however, the story telling is a little frenetic and all over the place. I appreciate it as a piece of hockey history though and if you are a fan of the game you should check it out.
October 16, 2019
Cool book of the general history of hockey, growth of the NHL, and various players though history. Good book for those wanting to learn more about the Gabe with enjoyable stories along the way
July 20, 2022
Title:
99: Stories of the Game
Author: Wayne Gretzky
Genre: Non Fiction Sports
Rating: 3.25
Pub Date: October 18, 2016
T H R E E • W O R D S
Interesting • Informal • Informative
📖 S Y N O P S I S
There is no doubt in anyone's mind what Wayne Gretzky has meant to the game of hockey. In celebration of the NHL's 99th anniversary, 99: Stories of the Game Gretzky offers a history of the game over the eras from his own point of view, and what the game has truly meant to him.
💭 T H O U G H T S
As a fan of the game, I was looking forward to picking up 99: Stories of the Game. The information within these pages is great, exploring memorable moments throughout the history of the game, not only offering on-ice stories, but a behind the scenes glimpse into life off-the-ice and in the dressing room. One of the aspects I liked the most is the comradery and rivalry developed throughout his career.
This is by no means a book about Gretzky himself, and there's a lot of historical information but it is delivered in a simple and readable way. At times it felt like the flow wasn't completely there, even though it attempts to go through in a chronological order.
Overall, 99: Stories of the Game is filled with many general historical anecdotes of the game from Gretzky's perspective that fans of the game will definitely appreciate. Worth the read in physical and/or audio format.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Hockey enthusiasts
• Sports history buffs
Author: Wayne Gretzky
Genre: Non Fiction Sports
Rating: 3.25
Pub Date: October 18, 2016
T H R E E • W O R D S
Interesting • Informal • Informative
📖 S Y N O P S I S
There is no doubt in anyone's mind what Wayne Gretzky has meant to the game of hockey. In celebration of the NHL's 99th anniversary, 99: Stories of the Game Gretzky offers a history of the game over the eras from his own point of view, and what the game has truly meant to him.
💭 T H O U G H T S
As a fan of the game, I was looking forward to picking up 99: Stories of the Game. The information within these pages is great, exploring memorable moments throughout the history of the game, not only offering on-ice stories, but a behind the scenes glimpse into life off-the-ice and in the dressing room. One of the aspects I liked the most is the comradery and rivalry developed throughout his career.
This is by no means a book about Gretzky himself, and there's a lot of historical information but it is delivered in a simple and readable way. At times it felt like the flow wasn't completely there, even though it attempts to go through in a chronological order.
Overall, 99: Stories of the Game is filled with many general historical anecdotes of the game from Gretzky's perspective that fans of the game will definitely appreciate. Worth the read in physical and/or audio format.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Hockey enthusiasts
• Sports history buffs
December 7, 2016
I'm not really a hockey fan but Gretzy's passion for the game makes it universal. I didn't quite make it though all 99 stories (did some skimming in the third section) but beyond the endless litany of player's names and the extensive history of the shifting teams and political landscape, there are many interesting anecdotes and a deep look at the drive, determination, fitness, and strategy required to make hockey happen. My favorite anecdote ends the book, where Wayne describes his grandmother taking him to his first NHL game. For the fan in the fam, it's time well spent.
December 23, 2021
Gretzky is the greatest hockey player ever but he's not much of a storyteller.
This book is essentially a mixture of NHL history delivered like simple trivia sprinkled with Gretzky's recollections of some of his memorable (often kind of random) interactions with other NHL legends. There's little coherence overall but it has some good nuggets from time to time. It's especially strong with Gretzky's personal insights on Gordie Howe but not with much else.
This book is essentially a mixture of NHL history delivered like simple trivia sprinkled with Gretzky's recollections of some of his memorable (often kind of random) interactions with other NHL legends. There's little coherence overall but it has some good nuggets from time to time. It's especially strong with Gretzky's personal insights on Gordie Howe but not with much else.
February 6, 2017
An entertaining read for any NHL hockey fan who has an interest in the league's past history. The book intersects between Wayne's career and the players in hockey's past that shaped it. Lots of great behind the scenes stories that shaped the images I caught on TV while growing up.
February 2, 2023
This book was written to celebrate the 99th anniversary of the NHL. It contains a collection of stories about players, teams, dynasties, growth and development of players and teams, and so many other aspects of the game. While many stories include Gretzky, the book is not actually about him. Stories about other players, both on and off the ice, were fascinating. It jumps around somewhat so it can be a little difficult to follow at times.
It not only provides insight into players and teams, rule changes, and how the salary cap affected the players, teams, and the game, but is about so much more than the NHL. It includes information on the early beginnings of the game of hockey prior to the NHL, the Olympics, national and international competitions, and specific events like the ‘Miracle on Ice, and other events, It devotes a story to the formation and influence that the WHA had on many aspects of the NHL and hockey as a sport. It shows that influence in other stories as well. The WHA was able to offer larger salaries, signing bonuses, as well as draft younger talent not yet available to the NHL due to age restrictions. Many of these younger players may not have gotten the same start without the WHA. I never realized that the expansion, including the NY Islanders, was created specifically to keep the WHA out of the NY market.
It gives homage to the inclusion of minorities, such as Willie O’Ree, the first black player in the NHL,opening the door to PK Subban and others, It describes the inclusion of the First Nation players and their influence on the game that includes players like Cary Price, T J Oshie, and others. Lastly, it includes the introduction of players from other countries, especially Russia. The stories of games between Russia and Canada, the rivalry with the United States, are fascinating, including those impacted by the Cold War Period.
It not only provides insight into players and teams, rule changes, and how the salary cap affected the players, teams, and the game, but is about so much more than the NHL. It includes information on the early beginnings of the game of hockey prior to the NHL, the Olympics, national and international competitions, and specific events like the ‘Miracle on Ice, and other events, It devotes a story to the formation and influence that the WHA had on many aspects of the NHL and hockey as a sport. It shows that influence in other stories as well. The WHA was able to offer larger salaries, signing bonuses, as well as draft younger talent not yet available to the NHL due to age restrictions. Many of these younger players may not have gotten the same start without the WHA. I never realized that the expansion, including the NY Islanders, was created specifically to keep the WHA out of the NY market.
It gives homage to the inclusion of minorities, such as Willie O’Ree, the first black player in the NHL,opening the door to PK Subban and others, It describes the inclusion of the First Nation players and their influence on the game that includes players like Cary Price, T J Oshie, and others. Lastly, it includes the introduction of players from other countries, especially Russia. The stories of games between Russia and Canada, the rivalry with the United States, are fascinating, including those impacted by the Cold War Period.
July 31, 2023
I listened to the audiobook and while it’s long it’s amazing.
I fell in love with hockey during the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid and witnessed THE MIRACLE ON ICE as a kid and watched, the rebroadcast because it wasn’t aired live, if Team USA beat the Russian team and then went on to beat Finland in the gold medal game.
Years later in 2002 I was 5 rows behind the right shoulder of goal tender Tommy Salo when a Belarusian player loosed a shot from the blue line that won the game and this goal is described in this book.
I listened to this book getting goose bumps from picturing many of the players and games Gretzky described in this book.
I learned a ton about the game too, stuff I didn’t know and realized that Wayne Gretzky loves the game too and is an oracle of facts. I learned that Patrick Roy, the best goalkeeper to ever play the game in my opinion, wasn’t the first NHL goaltender to play the butterfly style in the NHL despite reports crediting this to Roy.
If you are a hockey fan or want to learn about the game I highly recommend this book.
I fell in love with hockey during the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid and witnessed THE MIRACLE ON ICE as a kid and watched, the rebroadcast because it wasn’t aired live, if Team USA beat the Russian team and then went on to beat Finland in the gold medal game.
Years later in 2002 I was 5 rows behind the right shoulder of goal tender Tommy Salo when a Belarusian player loosed a shot from the blue line that won the game and this goal is described in this book.
I listened to this book getting goose bumps from picturing many of the players and games Gretzky described in this book.
I learned a ton about the game too, stuff I didn’t know and realized that Wayne Gretzky loves the game too and is an oracle of facts. I learned that Patrick Roy, the best goalkeeper to ever play the game in my opinion, wasn’t the first NHL goaltender to play the butterfly style in the NHL despite reports crediting this to Roy.
If you are a hockey fan or want to learn about the game I highly recommend this book.
November 21, 2019
When arguably the greatest hockey player ever wants to tell stories about the game, people are going to want to hear them. In 99, Gretzky illuminates the first 99 years of the National Hockey League with inside information about the players, personalities, and teams that have made their mark for almost a century. The Great One is at his best when talking about the league's great players and game builders. The book's weakness is that each chapter includes too many comparisons and analogies to his teammates over the years - mostly on the Edmonton Oilers. A story about Jean Beliveau will end with a Mark Messier anecdote, Vladislav Tretiak leads to a Grant Fuhr story, etc. At times, it feels like the full title could have been 99: All about Wayne & Friends. Still, lots of enjoyable nuggets here for hockey fans.
November 11, 2017
If you're looking for a book with stories about Gretzky, then you best look elsewhere. While this book has many great stories, it is what it says on the cover. A wide variety of historical anecdotes that are about each team in the NHL and many from the WHL. He kind of does a sweeping coverage of each team. Mostly including just one or two stories about a lot of teams. As such, the overall book doesn't have any flow. It really is just a bunch of different stories packed together. If you want to just hear a bunch of fun stories about hockey history, great! Otherwise, it's not a very strong book.
July 1, 2017
A wonderful book for any hockey enthusiast that is more than just about Wayne Gretzky, but includes bits and pieces from ninety-nine years of the National Hockey League.
I won an uncorrected proof advanced reading copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to a friend who has shared his love of sports with his father and now his son.
I won an uncorrected proof advanced reading copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to a friend who has shared his love of sports with his father and now his son.
October 30, 2017
I enjoyed this book, for the most part, the only bad part about it was that there were so many different players and coaches that it would get confusing. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the game of hockey. Wayne Gretzky narrates the story mainly talking about exciting stories and games that he played that makes you sit on the edge of your seat to see how it all panned out. This book also talks about how the game was way different back then since there were fewer teams and teams could be stacked since there wasn't any form of a salary cap. This book was extremely interesting and grew my knowledge about the game and makes me wish there was a second book.
January 24, 2019
My book was informational. Wayne Gretzky is the best hockey player who ever lived. I think a theme for this book could be love. I picked love because Wayne Gretzky loves the game of hockey. He told 99
(99 was his number) stories of the game of hockey, he would not know all of them without determination and the love for the game.
(99 was his number) stories of the game of hockey, he would not know all of them without determination and the love for the game.
May 28, 2018
Any hockey fan will love this book. I love how they blended past, present and future of the sport. Great collection of stories. I am a huge Ted Lindsey fan. Who f thought he would be a feminist? Get this book for any hockey lover in your life.
February 4, 2024
Still not sure what this book is supposed to be
Autobiography? Memoir? Hockey history book? I'm still not sure what this book is supposed to be. Touches all three genres superficially but none in enough depth to make this book as great as it could've been.
Autobiography? Memoir? Hockey history book? I'm still not sure what this book is supposed to be. Touches all three genres superficially but none in enough depth to make this book as great as it could've been.
July 18, 2019
3.75☆
August 5, 2019
I read this on the beach...a great beach read for hockey fans. Read a story, take a break. read a story and take another break. Some great insights. Enjoyed it!
October 22, 2025
Pretty solid overview of the history of professional hockey. Wish I knew 10 percent more about the sport, woulda gotten a little more out of it.
November 9, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book and if you like nonfiction books, hockey, and biography's you should enjoy this book.
December 14, 2024
It was interesting learning about the history of hockey but I wish Wayne Gretzky talked more about his life.
December 30, 2019
Great read. Brought me back to my childhood. Also, pushed me to literally look up every person on YouTube bc the feels
January 30, 2022
One of the best collection of NHL history and stories from the greatest player to play the game.
September 9, 2017
I really loved learning about the beginning of the NHL. It has been an exciting 99 years and with that the hockey greats are always present. The stories of the players as well as the teams building into what they are now was definitely exciting to read.
I could put this book down and pick it up and a new story in each chapter did not puzzle me.
I could hear Wayne Gretzky speaking as I read. It was like I was listening to him talk. A great book for any hockey fan.
I could put this book down and pick it up and a new story in each chapter did not puzzle me.
I could hear Wayne Gretzky speaking as I read. It was like I was listening to him talk. A great book for any hockey fan.
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