One Game at a Time: My Journey from Small-Town Alberta to Hockey's Biggest Stage

by Harnarayan Singh

INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLERFrom the distinct and vibrant voice behind Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi comes the story of pursuing a dream and defying the odds, reminding us all of hockey's power to unite.BoninoBoninoBonino!Ask a hockey fan if they have heard the wonderfully electric call of Nick Bonino's overtime-winning goal from the 2016 Stanley Cup Final and they will almost surely answer with a resounding yes! That's because video clips of the Hockey Night in Punjabi broadcast immediately went viral, amplifying the profile of Harnarayan Singh, the voice behind the call. Growing up in small-town Alberta, Harnarayan was like many other kids who dreamed about a life within the sanctum of the game they idolized. There was only one small difference--he didn't look like any of the other kids. And when he sat down on Saturday nights to tune in to Hockey Night in Canada with the rest of the nation, he couldn't ignore the fact that the broadcasters or analysts didn't look like him either. Undeterred, Harnarayan worked his way from calling imaginary hockey games with his plastic toy microphone as a child, to funding secret flights from Calgary to Toronto every weekend in the early days of Hockey Night in Punjabi, to making history as the first Sikh to broadcast an NHL game in English. Full of heart, humour, and bursting with personality (and maybe a few family prayers for Wayne Gretzky), One Game at a Time is the incredible and inspiring story of how Harnarayan Singh broke through the longstanding barriers and biases of the sport he loves. But more than that, Harnarayan blends his unabashed love of hockey with a refreshing and necessary positive message about what it means to be a Canadian in the world, making him one of the most influential ambassadors of the game today.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Hockey, Biography, Memoir, Canada, Audiobook

320 pages, Hardcover

First published September 22, 2020

Reviews

[Gail Amendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a huge sports fan, but whenever I see clips of Hockey Night In Canada Punjabi Edition, I am amazed by the enthusiasm of the announcers for the game of hockey. I find it heart warming that Hockey Night In Canada sees the importance of making Canada's most popular sport accessible to new Canadians. When I found out that one of the co-hosts, Harnarayan Singh, is from Brooks, Alberta, I was intrigued. I grew up just down the road from Brooks. I didn't go to school there, but it was where we did most of our shopping and business. While Brooks is a pretty multicultural place today, the Brooks of my childhood was overwhelmingly white and pretty redneck. Harnarayan is sixteen years younger than I am, and I wondered what his childhood was like there, and how he managed to get to where he is today. Thankfully he wrote a book to satisfy my curiosity. In it he describes what it was like being the only Sikh family in Brooks, and how his interest in hockey provided common ground and broke the ice with his classmates. A few lucky breaks and a lot of hard work and sacrifice led him into a career in broadcasting. It was interesting to see the birth and growth of the Punjabi edition of Hockey Night In Canada, and the early struggles to keep the show going. Along with this story, Harnarayan also shares a lot about his faith and the Sikh religion, and how his family kept their faith and culture alive while living in Brooks. I really enjoyed this book, with its easy to read style, and positive and upbeat attitude. My only complaint is that the timeline is a bit disorganized and skips around a lot, which gets a little confusing.

[Simon Vacca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable book! Harnarayan Singh's optimism is contagious.

Highly recommended for all hockey fans.

[Amanie Johal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The positivity radiating from Harnarayan Singh's stories is enough to keep a smile on your face for days.

I'm not a sports fan, so my interest in this came from being a Sikh Punjabi Canadian like Singh (though I grew up in a BC city whereas he grew up in an Albertan small town). I'm not as connected to my culture and religion as Singh is, so it was really heart-warming to hear how much of an impact Sikhism has had on his life and how he tries to emody the teachings of Sikhism in all aspects of his life. I was near tears reading some sections of the book because I was just so happy to read about someone from my background thriving -- I think I probably would have burst into tears if I'd listened to the audiobook instead!

Even with the difficulties he's faced trying to pursue his dream job, Singh manages to focus on the positives in his life, always maintaining a humbleness and being thankful to God, his culture, and his friends and family for providing him with the support he needed to get to where he is today.

[Johnathan McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Game at a Time is so much more than just a hockey book — it’s a celebration of what makes Canada truly special. Harnarayan Singh’s story opened my eyes and my mind to the incredible beauty of the diversity in this country, and how our shared love of hockey can bring people from all walks of life together.

This book is touching, heart-felt, and genuinely entertaining. Singh tells his story with warmth, honesty, and humor, never shying away from the hard moments but always framing them with hope and perseverance. His journey is a powerful reminder of what can happen when you chase your dreams without letting obstacles define you — and it’s also a moving tribute to the role that family, culture, and community play in shaping who we become.

It’s not just a memoir — it’s an inspiration. If you’re a hockey fan, or just someone who believes in the power of dreams and determination, this is a must-read. Singh’s voice belongs in the national conversation, and I’m so glad I took the time to listen.

[Shirley Freeman]

If asked who Wayne Gretzky was, I would have known enough to answer 'a famous hockey player' but that was the extent of my hockey knowledge. But what a fun and charming memoir... and it was especially fun to listen to Singh's narration. He just can't contain his enthusiasm for hockey and for life. While Singh grew up in the only Sikh family in a small town in Alberta, Canada, he was surrounded by a loving family and broad extended faith community. To say he was obsessed by hockey is an understatement. His life-long dream to become an hockey announcer seemed unlikely considering he's a brown skinned, turban-wearing Sikh man. But this is the story of how he got there with the support of family, community, faith, hard work and a seriously extroverted personality. I learned a lot about hockey, the Sikh religion and even the broadcasting business. Fun story.

[Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Harnarayan did a wonderful job of taking us through the ups and downs of his career while brining us with him every step of the way. It's nice to know he is so down to earth and funny. He really gave someone like me who has no idea about Sikhism a good idea about his religion and spirituality. I had no idea about a lot of it and if he were to ever write a book about Sikhism I would read it as soon as it came out. I was also very surprised that he plays the tabla. It is an instrument that I have long respected and find the music very soothing. All and all One Game at a Time is a great read. I grew up in the same time frame and loved Gretzky as well. Although I wasn't in Alberta at the time I was in Los Angeles and it was such a great ride.

[Lawrence Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story of achieving your dreams through adversity, perseverance, and seva.

Hockey Night in Punjabi has been life changing for not only the Sikh community, but for hockey and the diversity of the sport as a whole. Whether you love hockey or not, you will enjoy the passion and spirit of his words regardless of your own likes and dreams.

One of my favourite moments of the book was when Harnarayan tells the story of of a grandmother who could not speak English but who was able to make a connection with their grandchild through Hockey Night in Punjabi.

Thank you for the inspiration and for sharing your very personal story, Mr. Singh.

[Robert Nagel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring story of a man who fought thru prejudice to become a great ambassador of hockey to all races and religions. This autobiography tells the story of Harnarayan Singh from his childhood in small town Alberta to becoming a leading hockey broadcaster as well as a active participant in several charities. While I was open to learning some things about Sikh culture I could have done without a whole chapter on turban tying and a whole chapter on Punjabi/Sikh music and instruments. But as a fan of his play by play work on Hockey Night in Canada I found reading the book very worthwhile and enjoyable.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harnaryan Singh’s sunny and engaging personality make his book a delight to read. Although I have never watched his show « Hockey Night in Punjab », his infectious obsession with hockey could make a hockey fan out of anyone.

Harnaryan’s account of growing up in the only Sikh family in a small town in Alberta is very interesting. His stories of being a hockey-mad kid obsessed with Wayne Gretzky are hilarious. How he built a successful career as a hockey broadcaster is inspiring and quintessentially Canadian.

This book was entertaining, educational and inspiring.

[Janice Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a highly enjoyable book to listen to on Libby. It was read by the author and his sincerity, pride in his culture and his joyful outlook about everything... his humble, earnest, open account of. how he became a hockey broadcaster was super engaging. I loved it. I initially chose it because my husband and I listen to audiobooks together and he loves hockey and I thought he'd really enjoy this story, but I enjoyed it. as much as. he did.

[Rhonda Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this very much. Lots of insight into the behind the scenes broadcasts. Harnarayan Singh does an excellent job covering the games and we feel one of the very best.
Enjoyed the stories of his family and his life as a child.
Was extremely disappointed that the last part of the book he stated his political views. It is a hockey book and that part of it was very uncalled for.
Just my opinion.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been interested in stories about hockey, especially outliers. The author is the first Sikh to broadcast NHL games in Punjabi, then English. From a very young age, he was obsessed with hockey in his small home town in Alberta. He describes his successes and obstacles, all the while respecting his culture and love of Canada. He is definitely a spokesperson for Canadian multiculturalism and Canadian hockey.

[Ka ling L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I randomly picked up the book at the library but it is a very good read! The book goes from his childhood watching hockey to him pursuing his dream to work as a sportscaster. I watched a lot of hockey as a kid with my dad, so when he mentioned those games he watched as a kid in the book, I remembered some of them~

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wholesome, thorough and entertaining story. Written with passion and purpose, I truly loved Harnarayan's telling of his childhood, the history of Sikh's in Canada and his career. Loved this book, and listening to it as an audiobook was a great way to better understand the language. Canada is so lucky to have such a passionate and kind person working in sports media!!

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a few Hockey books over the past year or so and though I've enjoyed all of them, this one is by far my favourite.
Not only does he talk about Hockey, he talks about his background and how difficult it was growing in Canada even though he's Canadian. I will be recommending this book for a long time coming.

[Kathy Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good: even though I'm not a fan of hockey, I very much enjoyed reading about Haranaryan's great love of the game and his journey to achieve his dream of being a sports announcer. His story shows that it doesn't matter rom where Canadians originate, just that we all share the same values and passions. A very heartwarming story and a must-read for all Canadians, hockey fans or not.

[Kyle Brebner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful read. I’m a massive hockey fan so I was intrigued at how Harnarayan carved his path into the sport. What I got was an interesting story that shows that racism is still alive in Canada and Harnarayan dealt with it himself when he was young. I highly recommend this book for any hockey fan

[Revista Panenka]

El canadiense Matt Hern hace en este libro una súplica apasionada y entretenida para que la sociedad tenga un compromiso más activo con el deporte, a veces menospreciado al no considerarse cultura. Una oda a lo que el deporte nos ha enseñado y lo que nos queda por aprender de él.

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Puedes encontrar esta review en el #Panenka48. Disponible en
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[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was as if I was sitting with Singh & asked him to tell me about himself & this book was his response. He's so comfortable with himself that it made for a very relaxed feel. What an interesting life he's had - so far.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know Hockey Night in Canada had a Punjabi version. I am not a sports fan, and I loved this book! Singh has made many connections for people via hockey, with heartwarming examples in the book. What a positive book, and a positive talented man.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harnarayan Singh not only talked about what it was like broadcasting a hockey game for Hockey Night in Canada, but he showed the challenges that he faced growing up in Canada. It is a good that more people need to read to understand that we are all Canadians.

[Dan Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only does this book share the story of Singh from a small town boy reaching his goal of being a national hockey broadcaster, but shares many stories of his faith as a Sikh. It is clear to see from the book the support that Singh had from his family, especially is closest sibling.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing storytelling and a great personal perspective on life in small-town Alberta as a Sikh youth, the big city(s) as a turban-wearing journalist, and the world stage as an unapologetic hockey commentator who stands up for kids and diversity.

[Penny Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harnarayan Singh has a talent for storytelling and his story is wonderful! I feel as though I know him and his family after reading his book. His enthusiasm for hockey (and everything else he does) is infectious and uplifting. Every Hockey Night in Canada fan MUST read this!

[Sherry Dhillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parts of this book are repetitive and too detailed. Perhaps I feel that way since I'm Punjabi and familiar with Sikhism. However, Harnarayan's story is truly inspiring, and for that reason, I'm inclined to rate it four stars.

[Dan Forsyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a good Canadian story, this one is as Canadian as it gets. My only small complaint was a that a couple of section felt like a bad wedding speech.

[Jodie Siu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book with lots of hockey and also some insight into Sihkism.

[forky wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet coming to Canada story.

[Scott Paterson]

Good book. Very upbeat. An amazing story of success from hardwork and passion.

[Shannon Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this audiobook! If you listen to it, you're in for a special treat in the last 10-15 minutes (but I won't say what it is and spoil the surprise). Highly recommend!