They Call Me Killer: Tales from Junior Hockey's Legendary Hall-of-Fame Coach

by Brian Kilrea, James Duthie

An intimate, humorous look at Brian Kilrea's 60-year career in junior hockey With more wins than any coach in junior hockey history, and a personality as large as his winning record, Brian Kilrea is more than a hockey legend, he's one of the most beloved figures in the game. With veteran sportswriter, James Duthie, Kilrea gives fans a rink-side view of his early days as a player with the Red Wings and what it was like to score the first-ever goal in the history of the L.A. Kings; as well as his role as a coach for the Ottawa 67s and as a mentor to young stars of the future. With stories and comments from famous NHLers who played for Killer, including Bryan Trottier and Dennis Potvin, as well as coaches, trainers, and general managers, readers will get a taste of Kilrea's hardnosed coaching style, as well as the knowledge and dedication that has made him last so long.

Genres: Hockey, Sports, Biography

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 20, 2010

Reviews

[Bradley Proctor]

Brian ‘Killer’ Kilrea: It’s these stories of hockey personalities who make out a career on the periphery of the game that truly make for compelling reading. His playing days were highlighted by playing for Eddie Shore in Springfield and a couple cups of coffee in the NHL. He lead a players strike while in Springfield which germinated the seeds of the NHLPA with the help of a young Alan Eagleson.

32 seasons as head coach of the Ottawa 67’s (missing the playoffs only once). Inducted into the HHOF in 2023 as a builder.

[Brian Bahnsen]

Excellent Read, Heartfelt and True

Not knowing much about Killer before this book, he's like so many yet not many in hockey. If you played, you know what I mean. A litany of tales spun by Killer himself and a lot more from his supporting cast of characters. To a player, there's not one who wouldn't go through a wall for the man and that says a great deal.

If a fan of hockey or someone looking for a laugh, I recommend this book.

[Nick Wilson]

Despite not being very interested in sports, I enjoyed this book. The way the chapters were written was interesting, and there was a few times that made me really laugh. Overall a wonderful book, and I even felt emotionally connected to Brian Kilrea.

[William J Brock]

Loved it!

Great book I laughed out loud several times while reading Seems that Killer was a great person and very effective coach but also had fun while winning championships. Highly recommend!

[Nikolas]

the best coach in junior hockey's history. This book is a real page turner. Brang me back memories of watching Killer coaching the 67s. interesting and funny stories all throughout the book.

[James Hussey]

A thrilling read full of incredible stories for old school hockey fans.

[Rich]

Great stories from one of hockey's greatest coaches. James Duthie does an admirable job collecting and organising the various tales. An insightful, and often hilarious, look into Brian Kilrea's life as a player and, later, junior hockey's winningest coach.

[Stephen Gower]

An excellent look into Brian Kilrea's life as a player and as a coach. Fantastic stories!

[Joe Kapraszewski]

Absolutely awesome book about life as a great hockey coach, some of the things he taught and learned, and a great conversation. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

[Kevin Keast]

A quick read, lots of great insight into daily life in junior hockey.