Off Mike: How a Kid from Basketball-Crazy Indiana Became America's NHL Voice

by Mike Emrick, Kevin Allen (Contributor)

Genres: Hockey

Unknown Binding

Published December 1, 2020

Reviews

[Andrew Langert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three hockey memoir books have come out in the last few weeks and I have now read them all. In order of how I read them, they were by Brian Burke, Nick Kypreos and Mike Emrick. I enjoyed all three books at a time when the 2020-21 NHL season does not even have a scheduled start date yet.
Mike "Doc" Emrick has just retired after a long career as a hockey play-by-play man. He is known for his rich vocabulary, a subtle sense of humor and a love and knowledge of the game of hockey. His presence as the announcer for a game signified the game's importance.
The book takes him from his roots in small-town Indiana through his years realizing his dream of being a hockey play-by-play man. His passion and determination were undeniable. Plus he was a good guy, which helped him earn the many breaks he was given along the way.
Doc is a very self-effacing guy, so much of the book was spent talking about others: players, coaches, team and league executives and other broadcasters. Doc thrived in the sport where, more than any other sport, most players remain at least somewhat humble and willing to use their success to other good ends.
Lots of stories from one of the WORLD's real good guys.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars: the extra half star because there was a chapter about Ernie Harwell.

[Judy Aulik · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you follow televised ice hockey in the USA, you know the single play-by-play announcer who stands heads above the meatballs of the occupation. "Doc"--yes, he holds an earned doctorate--had a fascinating career before the combination of COVID-19 lockdowns and the aggravations of commercial travel led him to a well-deserved 2021 retirement.
My only knock on the book is the chapters on minor league hockey in the 1970s. Perhaps the majority of the book was written then? Today it seems like either padding or else irrelevant, but they're easy enough to skip.

[Chainsaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written with the same cadence, humility, and wit the author used in calling hockey play-by-play during his long and distinguished career. This reviewer, a typically slow reader, couldn't help but read the book in the author's unique voice, and completed the reading in a single day. It's an excellent and interesting read...highly recommended!

[Geoffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you follow the national hockey league, it is interesting to learn more about Emrick's background and career path. Beyond that, this book is not exactly a page turner, albeit it contains a handful of interesting stories.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic memoir of Doc's incredible career calling hockey (and a few other sports as well) from the most minor of minor leagues to the NHL and even Olympic competition. I miss his distinctive voice on big hockey games.

[Sandy KPMP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. He’s a Mazeroski fan. That’s all I needed to know. Actually it was pretty interesting to read all his stories. He’s a great guy.