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Offside cover art

Offside

Written by: Sean Avery, Michael McKinley
Narrated by: Sean Avery
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Publisher's Summary

Hockey's most polarizing figure takes us inside the game, shedding light on not only what goes on behind closed doors but also what makes professional athletes tick.

As one of the NHL's most polarizing players, Sean Avery turned the rules of professional hockey on their head. For 13 seasons, he played for some of the most storied franchises in the league, including the Detroit Red Wings, the Los Angeles Kings, and the New York Rangers, making his mark in each city as a player who was sometimes loved, sometimes despised, and always controversial.

In Offside, Avery displays his trademark candor about the world of pro hockey and does for it what Jim Bouton's game-changing Ball Four did for baseball. Avery goes deep inside the sport to reveal every aspect of pro athletes' lives, from how they spend their money and their nights off to how they stay sharp and conditioned and employed. Avery also examines his singular career path - while playing the talented villain on ice, he skated out of character in the off-season, taking on unexpected and unprecedented roles: Vogue intern, fashion model, advertising executive, restaurateur, gay rights advocate, and many more.

Rollickingly honest and compelling throughout, Offside transcends the sports book genre and offers a rare, unvarnished glimpse into the world of 21st-century hockey through the eyes of one of its most original and memorable players.

©2017 Sean Avery (P)2017 Viking

What the critics say

"Offside... may be described as Ken Dryden's The Game rewritten by Hunter S. Thompson." (Globe and Mail)

“[A] lively, dishy bildungsroman on skates.” (Sports Illustrated)

“[Avery] pulls no punches... Love him or loathe him, Avery is unapologetically himself in his tell-all.” (TSN)

Featured Article: 16 Inspirational Audiobooks about Athletes Everyone Should Listen To

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What listeners say about Offside

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Amazing

Been a huge fan of Sean's throughout his career and so happy for his transition in life after hockey and for anyone who loves this audiobook , definitely checkout his Podcast No Gruffs Given been phenomenal since episode 1 !!

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Renaissance Canadian

Avery gets it. Hockey was a game and he was playing a role. Like many before him……you hated him in opposition but loved him if he was on your team. Intelligent, well read, well spoke, and most importantly; a decent man and compassionate to other human beings.

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Good Read!

Good book, gives you a good inside view of the highly controversial player that Is Sean Avery. The #Audible1 experience was a good one.

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Avery?!?!?!👍

I hated Avery when he played , but he’s an interesting guy with an interesting story, he contraversal and opinionated, which made for a very good read. He narrates it himself which was a good choice.. wish there was more books bout guys just telling hockey stories!

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Good

An interesting perspective for what an NHL player goes through on the ice & off.

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Solid Book

Loved hearing Sean’s side of things. I do think his memory of things is somewhat biased, especially the “Fight” with Ladislav Smid. Sean’s version is a little different than the reality. I really enjoyed the book and saw a different side him. I would recommend this book.

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Avery turns out to be a great storyteller!

Solid listen. Fascinating perspective and insight into the world of the NHL, hockey and accompanying celebrity from one of the leagues most (in)famous outsiders. Gained a whole new respect for Avery after listening this. He’s got a lot of great stories too!

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I'd sign him

As a lifelong hockey fan it's interesting to see what's beyond what we see on the surface and the way it's presented to us through media. An agitator, not a goon.

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great story

one of my favorite hockey books. excellent behind the scenes info but narrated at times sounds like he is reading.

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Even if you hated him, you’ll love this book

I had a love/hate relationship with him as a player. I am a die-hard Leafs fan and he was a leaf killer. I hated when he’d come into Toronto, bury two goals and then tune Darcy Tucker. I hated when he was chirping Dion about his “sloppy seconds.” However, I love this book and I am now a big fan of Sean’s. If you think you know enough about who Sean Avery is think again. If you’re a hockey fan at all you’ll enjoy this book. His stories about legends like Brett Hull, Brendan Shanahan, and many others are full value. He also does a great job reading the book himself. I highly, highly recommend this book. Any fan of modern era hockey will enjoy hearing his stories. #LookGoodFeelGood

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