What do you think?
Rate this book
Off Mike: How a Kid from Basketball-Crazy Indiana Became America's NHL Voice
“Emrick loves stories and loves to tell them. Yesterday in broadcasting. Tomorrow in book form.” —Steve Simmons, Toronto Sun After nearly 50 years behind the microphone, the voice of hockey in America opens up in a must-read memoir. Mike “Doc” Emrick has seen everything there is to see in a hockey game. Sizzling slap shots. Commitment, courage, and camaraderie. Pugnacious pugilists. Game-winning goals. To hockey fans across the country, his voice—and vocabulary—have become synonymous with the game they love.
In Off Mike, Doc takes readers back to the beginning, detailing how a Pittsburgh Pirates fan from small-town Indiana found himself in the wild world of professional hockey, calling games for the New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers, and finally NBC.
He’s covered All-Star Games, Stanley Cup Finals, the Olympics, and everything in between, rubbing shoulders with hockey’s immortals both on and off the ice. Yet Doc’s life has had its share of ups and downs, from almost leaving behind the love of his life to the passing of beloved companions to personal health scares. After years of being welcomed into our homes, in this autobiography Doc welcomes us into his, revealing the stories, wit, and wisdom that have made him one of the most beloved figures in sports.
In Off Mike, Doc takes readers back to the beginning, detailing how a Pittsburgh Pirates fan from small-town Indiana found himself in the wild world of professional hockey, calling games for the New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers, and finally NBC.
He’s covered All-Star Games, Stanley Cup Finals, the Olympics, and everything in between, rubbing shoulders with hockey’s immortals both on and off the ice. Yet Doc’s life has had its share of ups and downs, from almost leaving behind the love of his life to the passing of beloved companions to personal health scares. After years of being welcomed into our homes, in this autobiography Doc welcomes us into his, revealing the stories, wit, and wisdom that have made him one of the most beloved figures in sports.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 20, 2020
42 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 22, 2020
During a four decade career that spanned from the Port Huron Flags of the International Hockey League to being the lead voice of American telecasts of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Mike "Doc" Emrick has lived a charmed life. One aspect of his telecasts that has made him popular with American hockey fans is his storytelling skill and that characteristic is on full display in this memoir co-written with Kevin Allen.
Even though he grew up in Indiana, basketball wasn't really a big deal in Emrick's childhood. He shares his love of baseball, both playing and listening to the Pittsburgh Pirates games as his radio picked up their station. But when his father took him to a minor league hockey game, that set the wheels in motion for a different sport which he could love.
While Emrick's story of his rise through the hockey broadcasting ranks doesn't sound very different than that of other broadcasters who have done work for NHL games, the manner in which he tells that story and what happened at every stop along the way makes for wonderful reading. Fellow hockey fans who have heard Emrick broadcasts will hear his voice while reading this as the stories are just as entertaining on the page as they are on the air when he peppers his call of the hockey game being televised with similar stories.
It is clear from these stories that Emrick is a people person as he not only shares stories about the many people with whom he has worked or worked for, but also gives every single one of them credit for his success when he was employed with or for them. Whether the story was about his first salary negotiation that he didn't handle so well, his gratitude to people like Flyers owner Ed Snider (his first NHL job was due to Snider's backing) and current partner in the NBC broadcast booth Ed Olcyzk, readers will enjoy learning about the people who are important to him.
While there are stories about his personal life, they are not too long in comparison to his hockey stories. The reader will learn how he met and courted his wife Joyce, their love for animals and his recovery from prostate cancer. While not as numerous or long, these stories are just as heartfelt. One particular touching story is the one in which Emrick declined broadcasting for NBC in the 2002 Winter Olympics in order to be with Joyce and Katie – Katie being their three year old dog who had kidney issues and had to be eventually put down. It was touching to read not only his love for his dog, but the support he received from the hockey world when they learned of Katie's death.
There are just so many great tales in this book. From his interview with Wayne Gretzky where Gretzky uttered his famous "Mickey Mouse organization" quote about the New Jersey Devils, Emrick's employer at the time, to the day he spent with Detroit Tigers broadcasting legend Ernie Harwell when preparing his master's dissertation, any hockey fan will love to read about Emrick's wonderful career in the sport.
I wish to thank Triumph Books for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
Even though he grew up in Indiana, basketball wasn't really a big deal in Emrick's childhood. He shares his love of baseball, both playing and listening to the Pittsburgh Pirates games as his radio picked up their station. But when his father took him to a minor league hockey game, that set the wheels in motion for a different sport which he could love.
While Emrick's story of his rise through the hockey broadcasting ranks doesn't sound very different than that of other broadcasters who have done work for NHL games, the manner in which he tells that story and what happened at every stop along the way makes for wonderful reading. Fellow hockey fans who have heard Emrick broadcasts will hear his voice while reading this as the stories are just as entertaining on the page as they are on the air when he peppers his call of the hockey game being televised with similar stories.
It is clear from these stories that Emrick is a people person as he not only shares stories about the many people with whom he has worked or worked for, but also gives every single one of them credit for his success when he was employed with or for them. Whether the story was about his first salary negotiation that he didn't handle so well, his gratitude to people like Flyers owner Ed Snider (his first NHL job was due to Snider's backing) and current partner in the NBC broadcast booth Ed Olcyzk, readers will enjoy learning about the people who are important to him.
While there are stories about his personal life, they are not too long in comparison to his hockey stories. The reader will learn how he met and courted his wife Joyce, their love for animals and his recovery from prostate cancer. While not as numerous or long, these stories are just as heartfelt. One particular touching story is the one in which Emrick declined broadcasting for NBC in the 2002 Winter Olympics in order to be with Joyce and Katie – Katie being their three year old dog who had kidney issues and had to be eventually put down. It was touching to read not only his love for his dog, but the support he received from the hockey world when they learned of Katie's death.
There are just so many great tales in this book. From his interview with Wayne Gretzky where Gretzky uttered his famous "Mickey Mouse organization" quote about the New Jersey Devils, Emrick's employer at the time, to the day he spent with Detroit Tigers broadcasting legend Ernie Harwell when preparing his master's dissertation, any hockey fan will love to read about Emrick's wonderful career in the sport.
I wish to thank Triumph Books for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
February 16, 2023
Sometimes good things just happen. The goal to read 24 bucks this year started as a way to get out of the house and drive to Barnes & Noble during Christmas break. Well, I wandered, I saw Mike Emerick’s smile and subconsciously purchased the book.
For over a month, it sat in my room until two days ago, when my girlfriend recommended this be my next book, it was a great read at a time I didn’t know I needed one.
I am a sports nerd, that’s why I went to college and got my communications degree, and why I still run a microsize podcast each week. Voice is like Mike “doc“ Emrick, who are the vehicles that the big moments drove in. He decides what to say, when to say it, or when there’s nothing to say.
It can be hard to remember sometimes since he’s been broadcasting for 50 years, but he did have to start somewhere. For him that was recording himself broadcasting action of games he went to, 1950s podcasting. From there he worked for scraps, growing relationships until he made his own luck .
“You cannot put your foot in the same river twice.“ Meaning, if you refuse to be happy, unless everything stays the same, then you can never be happy. Change is natural, whether in a running river or in life.
If you embrace change, you can choose to be happy. My two big is takeaways are: be driven, because look, can come at any time. Be happy in prison, because each day is a gift
For over a month, it sat in my room until two days ago, when my girlfriend recommended this be my next book, it was a great read at a time I didn’t know I needed one.
I am a sports nerd, that’s why I went to college and got my communications degree, and why I still run a microsize podcast each week. Voice is like Mike “doc“ Emrick, who are the vehicles that the big moments drove in. He decides what to say, when to say it, or when there’s nothing to say.
It can be hard to remember sometimes since he’s been broadcasting for 50 years, but he did have to start somewhere. For him that was recording himself broadcasting action of games he went to, 1950s podcasting. From there he worked for scraps, growing relationships until he made his own luck .
“You cannot put your foot in the same river twice.“ Meaning, if you refuse to be happy, unless everything stays the same, then you can never be happy. Change is natural, whether in a running river or in life.
If you embrace change, you can choose to be happy. My two big is takeaways are: be driven, because look, can come at any time. Be happy in prison, because each day is a gift
February 16, 2023
Great read!
November 16, 2025
Doc is the greatest to ever do it.
April 1, 2022
I was so disappointed to find that the thrill I get from hearing Doc tell stories was not present in this written account. I was crushed when he retired, and I was looking for more of him in this autobiography, but it didn’t feel like he was there.
June 15, 2023
Reading this was a no-brainer for me. Doc Emerick was my favorite national hockey play-by-play man. He retired in 2020, sadly for many of us. In this autobiography he says that the grind of travel was the biggest factor in his decision to call it a day.
The book was co-written with hockey writer and handicapper Kevin Allen. As a baseball-loving boy, Mike played games with his brother in their front yard while they "announced" full lineups of then-current major leaguers. But he saw his first hockey game as a 14 year-old in 1960 - a minor league Ft. Wayne Komets game with barefaced goalies. That night he was treated to a late game-tying goal, overtime and a fight. It was a "life-altering event". I get it. I had a similar experience at my first St. Louis Blues game as an 11 year-old in 1968, and I was hooked. It remains by far my favorite team sport. There is absolutely nothing like the intensity and excitement of hockey come playoff time.
Doc and I also share a common life experience in that we both got lost driving our then-girlfriend / now-wife to a restaurant on the first date. Not "lovers' lane" lost. Really lost. Oops. Both of those kind women let that slide.
There was an unexpected and moving section on Doc and his wife Joyce's beloved dogs and horses.
I learned or was reminded of so much hockey history in Doc's book. The NHL's longest game (Doc called the 10th longest) which occurred in the 1936 playoffs, was ended in the sixth overtime by Mud Bruneteau's goal in his first-ever NHL game !
I was so glad to see that Doc won 7 Emmy Awards - very highly deserved. The average fan really doesn't hear about those.
I loved the photo section, especially the one from 2017 w Doc and legends Sidney Crosby, Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr, Wayne Gretzky and Jonathan Toews.
His long-time cohort in the booth, Eddie Olczyk, mentioned in the book and also in a documentary on Doc as he retired, how well-prepared Doc made sure he was when he showed up to call a game. Eddie would look at his tiny notes crammed onto one side of a large sheet of paper and shake his head, both at the detail of his prep AND the eyesight needed to make sense of the notes !
The book was co-written with hockey writer and handicapper Kevin Allen. As a baseball-loving boy, Mike played games with his brother in their front yard while they "announced" full lineups of then-current major leaguers. But he saw his first hockey game as a 14 year-old in 1960 - a minor league Ft. Wayne Komets game with barefaced goalies. That night he was treated to a late game-tying goal, overtime and a fight. It was a "life-altering event". I get it. I had a similar experience at my first St. Louis Blues game as an 11 year-old in 1968, and I was hooked. It remains by far my favorite team sport. There is absolutely nothing like the intensity and excitement of hockey come playoff time.
Doc and I also share a common life experience in that we both got lost driving our then-girlfriend / now-wife to a restaurant on the first date. Not "lovers' lane" lost. Really lost. Oops. Both of those kind women let that slide.
There was an unexpected and moving section on Doc and his wife Joyce's beloved dogs and horses.
I learned or was reminded of so much hockey history in Doc's book. The NHL's longest game (Doc called the 10th longest) which occurred in the 1936 playoffs, was ended in the sixth overtime by Mud Bruneteau's goal in his first-ever NHL game !
I was so glad to see that Doc won 7 Emmy Awards - very highly deserved. The average fan really doesn't hear about those.
I loved the photo section, especially the one from 2017 w Doc and legends Sidney Crosby, Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr, Wayne Gretzky and Jonathan Toews.
His long-time cohort in the booth, Eddie Olczyk, mentioned in the book and also in a documentary on Doc as he retired, how well-prepared Doc made sure he was when he showed up to call a game. Eddie would look at his tiny notes crammed onto one side of a large sheet of paper and shake his head, both at the detail of his prep AND the eyesight needed to make sense of the notes !
April 14, 2025
So, if it isn't evidenced by my reading history on my profile, I'm a sports fan through-and-through. If I'm completely honest, it's about a 90-10 split between the categories of "ball sports" and "other", so I wouldn't be able to pretend that I've been an avid and informed follower of the NHL for my near 25 years of life. What I can say with full transparency is that when I think of the soundtrack of what I know as NHL hockey is voiced almost entirely by Mr. Mike Emrick. I've watched a lot of sporting events. My Philadelphia Eagles have been in 3 Super Bowls (won 2 , Go Birds) in my conscious lifetime, I've watched World Series, Champions League Finals, NBA Finals, and most things in between. There is simply nothing like the sound of the crowd, the horn, and the "SCORRREEEEE" that Doc Emrick so famously belts out after a playoff hockey goal.
What I wanted out of Emrick's memoir was two fold. I wanted the ins and outs of a career that's spanned 50 years of hockey, through almost every league you can imagine, and I wanted to get to know who the voice of the NHL is aside from hockey. I think I got both of those things to a satisfactory level. I knew sort of nothing about Emrick outside of the game, so every tidbit and story was an exponential increase in my knowledge of him on a personal level. I won't judge his character in a book review, how silly, but he's as good a guy as I thought to sum it up. From a hockey perspective, this book is really a treasure chest.
I wish there was a little more meat on the bones literarily but that's forgivable, and there's some unnecessary repetition, but I think that's hardly Emrick's fault. Overall, a very solid read for a sports fan and probably a non-negotiable for a hockey fan.
What I wanted out of Emrick's memoir was two fold. I wanted the ins and outs of a career that's spanned 50 years of hockey, through almost every league you can imagine, and I wanted to get to know who the voice of the NHL is aside from hockey. I think I got both of those things to a satisfactory level. I knew sort of nothing about Emrick outside of the game, so every tidbit and story was an exponential increase in my knowledge of him on a personal level. I won't judge his character in a book review, how silly, but he's as good a guy as I thought to sum it up. From a hockey perspective, this book is really a treasure chest.
I wish there was a little more meat on the bones literarily but that's forgivable, and there's some unnecessary repetition, but I think that's hardly Emrick's fault. Overall, a very solid read for a sports fan and probably a non-negotiable for a hockey fan.
May 5, 2021
Absolutely fantastic biography written by the most famous NHL broadcaster himself, the almighty Doc! His humble and enthusiastic attitude for hockey and life in general is further portrayed through his writing. Following his retirement, he will be greatly missed by the hockey community and NBC, and he deserves a long and happy retirement. The man gave the game of hockey everything he had, and he will always be remembered for his witty and dynamic vocabulary while announcing games! An all around good person and family man.
February 27, 2021
So, I have to be honest, I’m a bit biased. I’m from the same area of Indiana as Doc Emrick, and I’m also a hockey fan. I remember Doc calling the Olympics, Stanley Cup playoffs, and my beloved Blackhawks. I also happen to know his step mom and step sister, although I never had the privilege of meeting him. So, needless to say, I’m at least a little biased. Still, this is an amazing read for anyone who likes hockey, or just sports memoirs. I’m so grateful that I got to read this book.
November 6, 2021
I was a Mike Emrick fan before reading this book. After reading it I'm an even bigger fan. I really didn't know that much about Mike Emrick except that he was, in my opinion, the best hockey announcer. This book gave me a greater understanding of who Mike Emrick is and how he became the announcer he is. This book had the added bonus of bringing back memories of my Mom reminiscing about the IHL hockey games in Muskegon and watching Moose Lallo play. A great read for any hockey (or sports) fan.
May 6, 2024
Autobiography of one of the greatest broadcasters, and certainly the greatest hockey broadcaster, in professional sports. Emrick tracks his life from small town Indiana, through the minor leagues and up to his decades of work in the NHL. Shares funny, interesting and moving stories about he many players, writers, executives and coaches he has covered and many that he has befriended. Quick, solid read.
October 28, 2020
This was a fun read of the life of a hockey legend. He tells a lot of interesting stories. Being from Michigan, it was fun to hear all about the Port Huron Flags and the old IHL. If you are a hockey fan looking for a light entertaining book, I’d highly recommend this book.
I also endorse Lance’s more complete review of this book.
I also endorse Lance’s more complete review of this book.
Read
June 29, 2021Great insight into a true pro broadcaster and human being
Mike Emrick is one of those rare individuals that enjoys life, family, friends and pets. He is the best at what he did for so many years and seemed since I never met him, To be, one of the true Sincere nice people in our crazy world. Good Luck and God Bless you Doc!
Mike Emrick is one of those rare individuals that enjoys life, family, friends and pets. He is the best at what he did for so many years and seemed since I never met him, To be, one of the true Sincere nice people in our crazy world. Good Luck and God Bless you Doc!
January 6, 2021
This is a great read for anyone who likes the game of Hockey. Emrick is charming, witty, and sincere. His additional detail of the hockey world over his broadcasting career add so much color to an already colorful game.
January 19, 2021
I’m a huge fan of Doc, and also a crazy NJ Devils fan!
Everyone in the sports world knows who Doc is, and was really cool hearing his story. He’s the best at what he does, and if you are a hockey fan this is a must read!
Everyone in the sports world knows who Doc is, and was really cool hearing his story. He’s the best at what he does, and if you are a hockey fan this is a must read!
July 2, 2021
A must read for not only hockey fans.
The voice of hockey for me writes a book that shows how a small town person becomes a big time personality and never forgets how he got there. Entertaining read from start to finish.
The voice of hockey for me writes a book that shows how a small town person becomes a big time personality and never forgets how he got there. Entertaining read from start to finish.
March 2, 2023
A great story and can especially be an example for anyone looking to get into the field. He takes you through his entire career path starting in school and uses the story telling you know and love about him to add to it. He's a legend!
November 5, 2020
You can tell when reading the book that this is a man with dedication and a love of the sport and his work. A great read.
November 5, 2020
The best hockey announcer ever. He made the game even more interesting. A good man.
November 24, 2020
Thank you, Doc!
I so appreciate the inspiration to me and countless others for your gentlemanly manner, ultra professionalism, and love personified. God bless you and yours always.
I so appreciate the inspiration to me and countless others for your gentlemanly manner, ultra professionalism, and love personified. God bless you and yours always.
January 14, 2021
An excellent book by one of hockey’s all-time great announcers.
August 30, 2022
I enjoyed reading Mike's journey from a small town in Indiana, to radio broadcasting from high school to eventually going to be main play by play man for nhl hockey on nbc
October 24, 2022
Reading Doc’s writing is almost as much fun as listening to him call a game. This isn’t a substantial book, but if you love hockey, it is a delight.
January 7, 2023
Must read for anyone who likes hockey, sports broadcasting or stories told in a humble and wise manner. The best voice in hockey, thanks again, Doc.
January 22, 2024
Thoroughly entertaining and funny.
February 4, 2024
The warmth and humanity of Mike Emrick come through despite a book aimed at Fanboys on a 7th grade level of intellect.
August 9, 2024
Packed with hockey stories spanning decades of history. It truly was a pleasure to read through these as a fan of hockey & broadcasting in general. Definitely would recommend to anyone who’s a fan of the sport or is looking to increase their knowledge on sports broadcasting.
November 3, 2025
was not a fan of his announcing but the books was really decent if you’re a fan of hockey i recommend it
March 2, 2021
Doc Emerick is a GOOD PERSON. You can just feel it in the way he carries himself, and in the way he wrote this book. I love that he went beyond his career and talked about his deep love for animals, those were some of my favorite parts. His journey to being the “voice of hockey” is so interesting, but it does remind me of how much the world has changed. It was really refreshing that he went out of his way to thank so many of the people behind the scenes. Enjoyable and interesting, I would recommend this to those who are interested in his story.
December 23, 2020
Great book on a sportscaster who has had an amazing career!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews