Chris Therien: Road to Redemption

by Chris Therien, Wayne Fish

In Philadelphia Flyers orange and black, Chris Therien cut an imposing figure on the ice, a stalwart physical presence for over a decade in the NHL. But by the end of his playing career, he was concealing a much greater battle with alcoholism which bled into his professional and family life. 

The defenseman-turned-analyst now opens up candidly and completely, reflecting on his life and career with perspective gained from over 10 years of sobriety. Therien takes readers from the blue line to the broadcast booth, sharing untold stories from life in pro hockey while laying bare his private struggle with addiction, including his ultimate low in 2006 after the death of his sister. 

Road to Redemption also details Therien's deep bond with the city of Philadelphia and his new path helping others find recovery from drug or alcohol abuse. 

Hockey fans will not want to miss this heartfelt and vulnerable tale.

336 pages, Hardcover

Published October 25, 2022

Reviews

[Joe Kucharski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bundy was a helluva hockey player. And he went through hell fighting through his alcoholism. Road To Redemption is full of tales from both the good, the bad, and the ugly in his life.

But you ever a read a biography and it flows like you are being told a story? The same happens here. More or less. Maybe a little less flow. Road To Redemption comes across like a stream of consciousness.

Or a slapshot.

Again. Powerful book. And a good read. Just needed a solid line editing read through it all.

All the best you, Bundy. And go Flyers!

[David Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could give this 3.5 stars, as that would probably be a more accurate reflection of how I felt. I enjoyed many of the hockey stories as well as Therien's openness about his life struggles. The writing itself isn't great, and the stories feel choppy at times without any great flow. Many of the stories are so specific that you might need to be a Flyers fan to really enjoy it, or at least a big hockey fan in general. His honesty about his journey and appreciation for life do shine through on the page.

[Shirl Fazio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very Honest and Informative Book

I enjoyed reading Chris’ (Bundy) Book. I found it a very interesting and moving story. I’m 82yrs old and started watching the Flyers with my Husband at their beginning 1967. I Love the Flyers and Chris was always one of my Favorites. I Love to watch him now on Snow the Goalie. Keep up the good work Chris.

[Calvin Daniels · Rating 3 out of 5]

you really need to be a Therien fan

[Olga Kagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book with many details including behind the scenes of hokey players’ games culture.

[Howie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read through Therien's hockey career & struggles.

[Tom Wallace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting stories or Flyers fans, but book really needed an editor

[Ryan Novalski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really honest look into life in hockey and battling your demons. Really vulnerable and has cool inside knowledge of the 90s hockey world