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Burke's Law: A Life in Hockey
#1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER
The gruffest man in hockey opens up about the challenges, the feuds, and the tragedies he's fought through.
Brian Burke is one of the biggest hockey personalities--no, personalities full-stop--in the media landscape. His brashness makes him a magnet for attention, and he does nothing to shy away from it. Most famous for advocating "pugnacity, truculence, testosterone, and belligerence" during his tenure at the helm of the Maple Leafs, Burke has lived and breathed hockey his whole life. He has been a player, an agent, a league executive, a scout, a Stanley Cup-winning GM, an Olympic GM, and a media analyst. He has worked with Pat Quinn, Gary Bettman, and an array of future Hall of Fame players. No one knows the game better, and no one commands more attention when they open up about it.
But there is more to Brian Burke than hockey. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School, and an accomplished businessman with hard-earned lessons that comefrom highly scrutinized decisions made at the helm of multi-million-dollar companies.
And despite his brusque persona on camera and in the boardroom, he is nevertheless a father with a story to tell. He lost his youngest son in a car accident, and has had to grapple with that grief, even in the glare of the spotlight. Many Canadians and hockey fans knew Brendan Burke's name already, because his father had become one of the country's most outspoken gay-rights advocates when Brendan came out in 2009.
From someone whose grandmother told him never to start a fight, but never to run from one either, Burke's Law is an unforgettable account of old beefs and old friendships, scores settled and differences forgiven, and many lessons learned the hard way.
The gruffest man in hockey opens up about the challenges, the feuds, and the tragedies he's fought through.
Brian Burke is one of the biggest hockey personalities--no, personalities full-stop--in the media landscape. His brashness makes him a magnet for attention, and he does nothing to shy away from it. Most famous for advocating "pugnacity, truculence, testosterone, and belligerence" during his tenure at the helm of the Maple Leafs, Burke has lived and breathed hockey his whole life. He has been a player, an agent, a league executive, a scout, a Stanley Cup-winning GM, an Olympic GM, and a media analyst. He has worked with Pat Quinn, Gary Bettman, and an array of future Hall of Fame players. No one knows the game better, and no one commands more attention when they open up about it.
But there is more to Brian Burke than hockey. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School, and an accomplished businessman with hard-earned lessons that comefrom highly scrutinized decisions made at the helm of multi-million-dollar companies.
And despite his brusque persona on camera and in the boardroom, he is nevertheless a father with a story to tell. He lost his youngest son in a car accident, and has had to grapple with that grief, even in the glare of the spotlight. Many Canadians and hockey fans knew Brendan Burke's name already, because his father had become one of the country's most outspoken gay-rights advocates when Brendan came out in 2009.
From someone whose grandmother told him never to start a fight, but never to run from one either, Burke's Law is an unforgettable account of old beefs and old friendships, scores settled and differences forgiven, and many lessons learned the hard way.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published October 13, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
September 8, 2020
Burke’s Law: A Life in Hockey is the memoir of “the gruffest man in hockey”, Brian Burke.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I first came to appreciate Brian Burke when he took over my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs as general manager in 2008. Like many other Leafs’ fans, I saw him as a potential franchise savior. I mean, the man won a Stanley Cup the year before! Surely he would end the drought and bring respect back to the NHL’s punching bag!
While things didn’t pan out like we had all hoped, I still enjoyed Burke’s time at the helm of The Buds. He brought a no-nonsense approach to dealing with the ruthless Toronto sports media that I wish more people would. There are some scummy reporters that cover the Leafs – Steve Simmons being the absolute worst. I was glad to see Burke call him out on more than a few occasions.
I guess I should talk about the book, right? This was an absolute joy to read. It’s no secret that I tend to prefer hockey books that cover a specific event or time in the sports history rather than a player’s memoir. The memoirs of hockey players usually end up becoming these weird play-by-play recaps like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s insipid DVD commentary on Total Recall where he just describes what’s happening on the screen. With this book, it’s akin to sitting down with Burke and having a few beers while he tells you about his life. The conversational tone is the book’s biggest asset and the best reason to read it, by far.
Unlike other hockey personalities, Burke has done it all – he was a player, a player representative/agent, an assistant GM, a member of the NHL’s disciplinary committee, a GM of several teams, a president of hockey operations and now a broadcaster on Hockey Night in Canada. He has more than enough to talk about in the book’s brisk three hundred plus pages. Burke is a master storyteller using just enough colorful language to add some spice to some of his biggest moments. A few highlights include having to talk one time Vancouver Canucks GM Pat Quinn down from fighting a referee, the insane trade he pulled off to draft the Sedin twins, and challenging Edmonton Oilers GM Kevin Lowe to a fight in a barn in upstate New York.
There are, of course, a few tragic moments including the untimely passing of Burke’s son Brendan following a horrific car accident. He also gets candid about his divorces – which he takes full responsibility for given his workaholic personality that led to him alienating his spouses. Despite the combative way in which he comes across in dealing with the media, Burke has no problem in admitting mistakes or when he was wrong, which is refreshing.
Burke’s Law is one of the best hockey memoirs I’ve ever read. I give a lot of credit to co-writer Stephen Brunt for managing to perfectly capture Burke’s voice; just outstanding work. I cannot recommend this enough.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I first came to appreciate Brian Burke when he took over my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs as general manager in 2008. Like many other Leafs’ fans, I saw him as a potential franchise savior. I mean, the man won a Stanley Cup the year before! Surely he would end the drought and bring respect back to the NHL’s punching bag!
While things didn’t pan out like we had all hoped, I still enjoyed Burke’s time at the helm of The Buds. He brought a no-nonsense approach to dealing with the ruthless Toronto sports media that I wish more people would. There are some scummy reporters that cover the Leafs – Steve Simmons being the absolute worst. I was glad to see Burke call him out on more than a few occasions.
I guess I should talk about the book, right? This was an absolute joy to read. It’s no secret that I tend to prefer hockey books that cover a specific event or time in the sports history rather than a player’s memoir. The memoirs of hockey players usually end up becoming these weird play-by-play recaps like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s insipid DVD commentary on Total Recall where he just describes what’s happening on the screen. With this book, it’s akin to sitting down with Burke and having a few beers while he tells you about his life. The conversational tone is the book’s biggest asset and the best reason to read it, by far.
Unlike other hockey personalities, Burke has done it all – he was a player, a player representative/agent, an assistant GM, a member of the NHL’s disciplinary committee, a GM of several teams, a president of hockey operations and now a broadcaster on Hockey Night in Canada. He has more than enough to talk about in the book’s brisk three hundred plus pages. Burke is a master storyteller using just enough colorful language to add some spice to some of his biggest moments. A few highlights include having to talk one time Vancouver Canucks GM Pat Quinn down from fighting a referee, the insane trade he pulled off to draft the Sedin twins, and challenging Edmonton Oilers GM Kevin Lowe to a fight in a barn in upstate New York.
There are, of course, a few tragic moments including the untimely passing of Burke’s son Brendan following a horrific car accident. He also gets candid about his divorces – which he takes full responsibility for given his workaholic personality that led to him alienating his spouses. Despite the combative way in which he comes across in dealing with the media, Burke has no problem in admitting mistakes or when he was wrong, which is refreshing.
Burke’s Law is one of the best hockey memoirs I’ve ever read. I give a lot of credit to co-writer Stephen Brunt for managing to perfectly capture Burke’s voice; just outstanding work. I cannot recommend this enough.
October 24, 2020
Brian Burke's memoir of his life and career is interesting, honest and informative.
He is a Harvard Law School graduate, an accomplished businessman, and someone who has participated in every aspect of the hockey world. His many lessons learned along the way are worth passing along.
The most meaningful memoirs rise above the memorable careers. Brian Burke's dedication to his family is boundless. He became an outspoken gay-rights activist when his youngest son Brendan came out in 2009. Tragically, a year later he lost Brendan in a car accident and he ensures Brendan's legacy lives on.
Gruff exterior aside, Brian Burke has a very caring heart.
I highly recommend this book to the diehard hockey fan or anyone that enjoys a page turning memoir.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada/Viking for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
He is a Harvard Law School graduate, an accomplished businessman, and someone who has participated in every aspect of the hockey world. His many lessons learned along the way are worth passing along.
The most meaningful memoirs rise above the memorable careers. Brian Burke's dedication to his family is boundless. He became an outspoken gay-rights activist when his youngest son Brendan came out in 2009. Tragically, a year later he lost Brendan in a car accident and he ensures Brendan's legacy lives on.
Gruff exterior aside, Brian Burke has a very caring heart.
I highly recommend this book to the diehard hockey fan or anyone that enjoys a page turning memoir.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada/Viking for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
October 18, 2020
I could not wait to read this book, which came out just this week. I find Brian Burke to be one of the most interesting, insightful and distinct minds in sports. This memoir lived up to my high expectations. I devoured it in not much more than one day.
I became interested in Brian Burke when I had a small personal experience with him over 30 years ago when he was running a summer hockey camp in St. Louis. My son John was about 9 years old and attended the week long camp. I had always tightened John's skates at that young age before he would jump on the ice. Brian would not allow that. It was time for John to be able to do that on his own. I also would grab his hockey bag after a tough practice and carry it out of the rink to the car. Until Brian Burke stood by the exit door and forbade that also! This guy obviously had some strong convictions and attention to detail and I have followed his hockey career closely ever since.
This book is full of inside stories on his life and long career as a hockey executive. He pulls no punches. For me. Brian Burke is one of the few people in sports who I cannot help but pay attention to. He always has something meaningful to say, something you usually weren't expecting to hear.
He is a hard-ass. No doubt about it. I normally am not attracted to people who fit that description. But underneath that is a very caring heart. If he is your friend you could not have a better one. But you better be able to recognize and accept tough love.
A fantastic book. One of the best sports books I have ever read.
I became interested in Brian Burke when I had a small personal experience with him over 30 years ago when he was running a summer hockey camp in St. Louis. My son John was about 9 years old and attended the week long camp. I had always tightened John's skates at that young age before he would jump on the ice. Brian would not allow that. It was time for John to be able to do that on his own. I also would grab his hockey bag after a tough practice and carry it out of the rink to the car. Until Brian Burke stood by the exit door and forbade that also! This guy obviously had some strong convictions and attention to detail and I have followed his hockey career closely ever since.
This book is full of inside stories on his life and long career as a hockey executive. He pulls no punches. For me. Brian Burke is one of the few people in sports who I cannot help but pay attention to. He always has something meaningful to say, something you usually weren't expecting to hear.
He is a hard-ass. No doubt about it. I normally am not attracted to people who fit that description. But underneath that is a very caring heart. If he is your friend you could not have a better one. But you better be able to recognize and accept tough love.
A fantastic book. One of the best sports books I have ever read.
April 10, 2021
Honestly, I don't think me and Burkie would be friends, but I have a lot of respect for the guy. He has principles - maybe a bit too harsh for my liking but principles regardless - and he sticks by them. And he's always willing to learn, whether that's about gay issues or mental health. That's all I really need to respect someone, and we don't need to be friends for that.
I can only echo what he's already said in the conclusion because I did think that "This guy has had an interesting life and an interesting career" and it was also fascinating to read, so thank you for that. Also, getting a behind-the-scenes look into the world of a hockey GM? Hell yeah.
I can only echo what he's already said in the conclusion because I did think that "This guy has had an interesting life and an interesting career" and it was also fascinating to read, so thank you for that. Also, getting a behind-the-scenes look into the world of a hockey GM? Hell yeah.
February 11, 2021
I liked this book. Thanks for lending it to me Liam.
I’ve always been a fan of Brian Burke. He had me at pugnacity, testosterone, truculence, and belligerence.
I learned a lot about the inside dealings of hockey. And learned more about Brian’s personal back ground. Some of the stories were hilarious. And some were quite sad. A full life lived in hockey and the world and he’s still going. He still comes across as the arrogant prick. Which I expect is intentional. Just way too many self congratulations and not near enough reflective learning moments. But why would I have imagined anything different?
He has a Stanley Cup. And no one can take that away from him. Let’s hope he can now bring another one to Pittsburg.
I’ve always been a fan of Brian Burke. He had me at pugnacity, testosterone, truculence, and belligerence.
I learned a lot about the inside dealings of hockey. And learned more about Brian’s personal back ground. Some of the stories were hilarious. And some were quite sad. A full life lived in hockey and the world and he’s still going. He still comes across as the arrogant prick. Which I expect is intentional. Just way too many self congratulations and not near enough reflective learning moments. But why would I have imagined anything different?
He has a Stanley Cup. And no one can take that away from him. Let’s hope he can now bring another one to Pittsburg.
November 21, 2020
Rather enjoyed this book. Burke does a fantastic job sharing his history in the NHL and experiences with his family. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars - was that I didn’t enjoy the section on Matthew Tkachuk. Yuck.
November 21, 2022
I always admired Brian Burke and his ability to build tough and talented teams. While not everywhere he went resulted in the ultimate prize in hockey, he was always able to make improvements to the teams he was involved with.
Was interesting to learn about his beginnings in the sport, his non-hockey persona, as well as other issues he had to deal with…a tip of the hat him for handling everything better than most could dream.
Also, getting a glimpse behind the curtain of NHL team ownership, the management of the teams, players and the internal struggles between them was fascinating.
Was interesting to learn about his beginnings in the sport, his non-hockey persona, as well as other issues he had to deal with…a tip of the hat him for handling everything better than most could dream.
Also, getting a glimpse behind the curtain of NHL team ownership, the management of the teams, players and the internal struggles between them was fascinating.
January 28, 2021
Excellent and well written book !
This book was hard to put down as Brian masterfully tells his many stories in a way that keeps you interested all the way through.
Very highly recommended book
This book was hard to put down as Brian masterfully tells his many stories in a way that keeps you interested all the way through.
Very highly recommended book
August 31, 2025
I think the best way to summarize my feelings on this book is by using Burke's own words:
"What I do hope is that you found the book interesting, that you couldn't put it down, that you thought, 'This guy had an interesting life and an interesting career,' and maybe that you decided to do some things differently based on the way I've done things."
In short, a must-read for hockey people.
"What I do hope is that you found the book interesting, that you couldn't put it down, that you thought, 'This guy had an interesting life and an interesting career,' and maybe that you decided to do some things differently based on the way I've done things."
In short, a must-read for hockey people.
March 28, 2021
Great read from a guy that has been a part of the NHL at many different level. His take on a couple of major events (Bertuzzi - Moore Incedent and Dennis Wideman hitting a linesman) I found very controversial and I completely disagree with them but you’ll have to read it yourself to decide.
February 5, 2023
I knew somewhat of Brian Burke headed into this read, thinking he was an uptight, out of touch sports commentator. My naivety became very obvious to me after the first chapter.
Burke is a principled GM and person, although hard on the surface, he is actually incredibly thoughtful and has made an enormous impact in the world of hockey. This autobiographical account shows the details behind the scenes of major moments in the hockey management world, to me the second most entertaining aspect of the read.
The best part of the book however, is how Burke details his thought processes surrounding relationships personally, professionally and with the communities in which he’s operated in. There are plenty of admirable stories that exemplify his hard-nosed style to managing these relationships and notes that can be taken as a reader to what constitutes someone who successfully grabbed life by the reigns. My favourite aspect to his writing is he is never afraid to say how he feels, good or bad - and that is truly what makes the read so captivating.
Burke is a principled GM and person, although hard on the surface, he is actually incredibly thoughtful and has made an enormous impact in the world of hockey. This autobiographical account shows the details behind the scenes of major moments in the hockey management world, to me the second most entertaining aspect of the read.
The best part of the book however, is how Burke details his thought processes surrounding relationships personally, professionally and with the communities in which he’s operated in. There are plenty of admirable stories that exemplify his hard-nosed style to managing these relationships and notes that can be taken as a reader to what constitutes someone who successfully grabbed life by the reigns. My favourite aspect to his writing is he is never afraid to say how he feels, good or bad - and that is truly what makes the read so captivating.
Read
November 17, 2020Thoroughly enjoyable. Brian Burke's a fascinating dude, and Burke's Law does a great job of telling his story in hockey and beyond. The "beyond" bit was especially interesting to me. I was especially moved by the chapter on the death of Brendan Burke, which was both heart-wrenching and - in the way Burke and his other children kept Brendan's legacy alive through their advocacy work - uplifting. It was also interesting to note the number of times Burke referred to his colleagues as "good family men." I disagreed with a lot of Burke's personnel moves while he was the GM of my favourite team, but the fact he's seemingly got his priorities in the right places is a much bigger deal than his hockey decisions.
Two other points. One, the bits about Steve Simmons were priceless (ironically, I first learned about Burke's Law by reading Simmons' Sunday notes column). Two, I'd forgotten all about the barn.
Two other points. One, the bits about Steve Simmons were priceless (ironically, I first learned about Burke's Law by reading Simmons' Sunday notes column). Two, I'd forgotten all about the barn.
November 26, 2024
Burkie provides a compelling narrative that touches all aspects of hockey and life. From being a player at Providence College to a law student at Harvard, from a player agent to the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Brian Burke shows the true nature of someone who goes beyond the call of duty and puts forth what he believes into every role he occupied.
Brian Burke provides immense insight into the operations of the NHL head office, Collective Bargaining Agreement discussions with the NHLPA and league, draft day activities, trades, the importance of GM and owner common understanding, job terminations, contract discussions, dealing with the media and the impact of being an NHL executive at home. As an avid viewer of hockey, I can confidently say that these are facets that don’t cross the mind of a hockey fan and are merely not considered. Being able to read from the perspective of someone who was so involved in them all was truly an insightful and novel experience. I thank Brain Burke for his novel and the extended knowledge I now hold on the NHL.
Brian Burke provides immense insight into the operations of the NHL head office, Collective Bargaining Agreement discussions with the NHLPA and league, draft day activities, trades, the importance of GM and owner common understanding, job terminations, contract discussions, dealing with the media and the impact of being an NHL executive at home. As an avid viewer of hockey, I can confidently say that these are facets that don’t cross the mind of a hockey fan and are merely not considered. Being able to read from the perspective of someone who was so involved in them all was truly an insightful and novel experience. I thank Brain Burke for his novel and the extended knowledge I now hold on the NHL.
August 6, 2025
pretty good audio book. I could listen to Burkie talk forever, and fortunately, this is self narrated. This is probably more interesting to die hard hockey fans or fans of teams he helped build, but either way, the man has led an extremely interesting life and has put in some serious work to achieve his success. It's not overly preachy, but there are some takeaways aside from an entertaining life lived.
I've never really liked auto biographies or memoirs, but I'm only now realizing they make great audiobooks I might have to see about some more hockey related books while I wait in the doldrums of the NHL off season
I've never really liked auto biographies or memoirs, but I'm only now realizing they make great audiobooks I might have to see about some more hockey related books while I wait in the doldrums of the NHL off season
June 2, 2024
I love Brian Burke, he's in my opinion one of the best hockey minds. His team always improved from where he inherited them and I really value the way he promotes charity and work in the community as well as his involvement in the you can play movement. This book goes really into depth into every part of Brian's life and you can tell he wrote it as it sounds exactly like every interview he's ever given it's very blunt and insightful and he's always going to tell you his opinion on something. I highly recommend for anybody interested more in Brian Burke.
January 10, 2021
I have read a lot of biographies from people in hockey over the years. Many of them bland, but not Burke. He comes off with as much bravado as he does on TV for Sportsnet or his former press conferences with Toronto and Vancouver. He's opinionated and honest in his memoir and touches on everything from the Bertuzzi saga to the unfortunate death of his one of his sons. Brian could have put this out in two or three books but I hope he does another.
February 22, 2021
As a hockey fan, I thoroughly enjoyed this book as Brian Burke really did deep dives and had a no holds bar approach. Learnt some fun stories on Krutov/Larionov joining Canucks, the late great Pat Quinn, Pavel Bure, the Sedins and more
I do feel there was a puff piece when he spoke of Gary Bettman, but generally it was from his point of view and back to no holds bar honesty which I greatly respected
A must read for any sports fan!
I do feel there was a puff piece when he spoke of Gary Bettman, but generally it was from his point of view and back to no holds bar honesty which I greatly respected
A must read for any sports fan!
February 8, 2021
Very candid and direct account of his life and career in hockey as told by himself. May be too cliche, but this book changed my opinion of Mr. Burke - not that he would care, nor should he. Highly recommend to any hockey fan, or even business readers, especially those that haven't got over the loss of Don Cherry on HNIC.
December 31, 2021
A take no prisoners toned auto-biography with a lot of interesting insights into the game I love, and learnings about the character that is Brian Burke. At times it felt like he was trying to justify himself more than tell stories, and the cursing was a bit much (especially the homophobic slur which went against the grain), but all in all it was a page-turner for this long-time hockey fan.
February 20, 2023
Like Brian Burke says in his conclusion, he is not trying to make people like him with this book. As a polarizing hockey personality I am not sure where I stood on Burke before reading the book. However, after reading the book I have a great appreciation for all he has accomplished to date with his life. He’s had a strong set of values and principles which he hasn’t deviated from. For that I commend him.
August 18, 2021
Good, fast read. I was a little disappointed that almost all of the stories for Sportnet's animated Burkie videos on YouTube were pulled from the book, so they were kind of a rehash for me. For some of the story beats a little background work will give a more objective impression that makes Burke look a little worse, but in any case it's an entertaining account from an old school guy who has managed to move with the times (although maybe still needs to work on modern hockey team building).
May 24, 2024
Great book. Awesome hockey stories, Bure, Phaneuf, cup in Anaheim. Mix of reading and listening to the book made it a joy. Hearing him talk about his family and son really got to me. Overall time well spent.
July 6, 2025
More realistically a 3.7. It was fascinating to learn more about Brian’s life and get insider info into the NHL system (and clearly I read it in 24 hours) but I feel the rating is accurate for my reading experience
March 24, 2022
Great book for hockey fans. I loved it. Brian Burke is a pretty cool guy. He does not give a shit…but he also cares so much about the “right” things, in my opinion. Highly recommend to hockey people. 👍🏻
August 5, 2024
For years I thought that Brian Burke was a self-serving maniac. This book has taught me that he just wants to be a regular guy that accomplishes something.
December 5, 2020
Amazing book !!! Listening to Brian Burke talk about his life and hockey was inspirational. I know it’s only for his perspective it there is lots to learned about hockey and life in general.
Read
October 10, 2020Thanks you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an advanced digital copy of this book.
Burke's Law is a fascinating look behind the NHL curtain, giving us behind the scenes info on the life as a player agent, General manager and finally as a media personality. Told in a more conversational manner than your normal sports autobiography which generally read the same, this is more like having a chat with Brian at the pub which works to make him appear more human. The only downside to this style is that the book does jump all over the place in very short stretches of time. At one point we moved from talking about drafting players for the Canucks directly to his son coming out as gay. However it is a great read for hockey lovers and sports lovers in general and gives a lot of interesting behind the scenes looks at big events in the game of the last 30 years.
Burke's Law is a fascinating look behind the NHL curtain, giving us behind the scenes info on the life as a player agent, General manager and finally as a media personality. Told in a more conversational manner than your normal sports autobiography which generally read the same, this is more like having a chat with Brian at the pub which works to make him appear more human. The only downside to this style is that the book does jump all over the place in very short stretches of time. At one point we moved from talking about drafting players for the Canucks directly to his son coming out as gay. However it is a great read for hockey lovers and sports lovers in general and gives a lot of interesting behind the scenes looks at big events in the game of the last 30 years.
November 5, 2020
Being a Montreal Canadiens fan, I did not know much about Brian Burke. I discovered one of the most influential individual in hockey! He does not shy away from sharing his opinions. And he has so much to tell!
From his GM days recruiting Pavel Bure, the Sedin twins or Matthew Tchakuk to his 5 years as chief disciplinarian with the NHL, his tales are truly interesting. You get to hear about many hockey greats such as Lou Lamoriello, Pat Quinn, Mike Keenan, Marc Crawford, Ron Wilson, Mark Messier and Gary Bettman to name a few.
Not always told in a structured chronological way, you feel you are having a drink while chatting with him in a pub!
I found a devoted father, who lost a son, who cares deeply about communities, a man with principles. I am so glad I read this book as I have a new admiration for the business man but even more for the family man. He vowed to have his kids every other weekend and kept that promise wherever he worked on the hockey planet. This is truly inspiring!
If you enjoy hockey, do not miss this one. A true 5 stars! I have read a lot of hockey biographies and this one along Serge Savard’s is one of the best!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
From his GM days recruiting Pavel Bure, the Sedin twins or Matthew Tchakuk to his 5 years as chief disciplinarian with the NHL, his tales are truly interesting. You get to hear about many hockey greats such as Lou Lamoriello, Pat Quinn, Mike Keenan, Marc Crawford, Ron Wilson, Mark Messier and Gary Bettman to name a few.
Not always told in a structured chronological way, you feel you are having a drink while chatting with him in a pub!
I found a devoted father, who lost a son, who cares deeply about communities, a man with principles. I am so glad I read this book as I have a new admiration for the business man but even more for the family man. He vowed to have his kids every other weekend and kept that promise wherever he worked on the hockey planet. This is truly inspiring!
If you enjoy hockey, do not miss this one. A true 5 stars! I have read a lot of hockey biographies and this one along Serge Savard’s is one of the best!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 6, 2020
Is Burke really this obnoxious? It’s a quick read. Thankfully, borrowed from the library and didn’t pay any money for this self-serving biography. It’s not all bad — the courage of his son and the tragedy of his death is dealt with honestly and Burke’s pain feels very real. That is an unimaginable loss, talking about it openly and his son coming out really has to be applauded.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2021
Very interesting read about an interesting life. I loved reading about his year in the nhl, the pronger and sedin picks, and the story about the almost barn fight. The loss of his son was hard to see from a distance when it happened and it was nice to get a window into who Brendan was to his father and his family.
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