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Burke's Law

Written by: Brian Burke, Stephen Brunt - contributor
Narrated by: Brian Burke
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Publisher's Summary

Number One National Best Seller

The gruffest man in hockey opens up about the challenges, the feuds, and the tragedies he's fought through.

Brian Burke is one of the biggest hockey personalities - no, personalities full-stop - in the hockey media landscape. His brashness makes him a magnet for attention, and he does nothing to shy away from it. Most famous for advocating "pugnacity, truculence, testosterone, and belligerence" during his tenure at the helm of the Maple Leafs, Burke has lived and breathed hockey his whole life. He has been a player, an agent, a league executive, a scout, a Stanley Cup-winning GM, an Olympic GM, and a media analyst. He has worked with Pat Quinn, Gary Bettman, and an array of future Hall of Fame players. No one knows the game better, and no one commands more attention when they open up about it.

But there is more to Brian Burke than hockey. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School and an accomplished businessman with hard-earned lessons that come from highly scrutinized decisions made at the helm of multimillion-dollar companies. And despite his brusque persona on camera and in the boardroom, he is nevertheless a father with a story to tell. He lost his youngest son in a car accident and has had to grapple with that grief, even in the glare of the spotlight. Many Canadians and hockey fans knew Brendan Burke's name already, because his father had become one of the country's most outspoken gay-rights advocates when Brendan came out in 2009.

From someone whose grandmother told him never to start a fight but never to run from one either, Burke's Law is an unforgettable account of old beefs and old friendships, scores settled and differences forgiven, and many lessons learned the hard way.

©2020 Brian Burke (P)2020 Penguin Random House Canada

What the critics say

“Brian Burke is first and foremost a father and community activist. He’s also a brilliant storyteller who’s led an extraordinary life. You’ll enjoy this book!” (Rick Mercer, best-selling author and host of The Mercer Report)

“'Truculent' doesn't begin to describe my friend Brian Burke. He brings that and hard-boiled honesty to every aspect of his life - including his friendships. But if you can't take his truculence as a friend, you definitely wouldn't want him as an enemy. The most belligerent and entertaining book you'll read this year.” (Mike Milbury, former NHL player, coach, GM, and broadcaster)

“If you've only ever heard Brian Burke talking at a press conference, you probably think he's a gruff, old-school hockey hardass who could care less about other people. You would be only half-right. I have known Brian since he was getting into the agenting business, and I can tell you he will never take a step backwards if he thinks he's right. But he's also a big teddy bear. If he gives you his word, you can take it to the bank, and you have to respect someone who believes in equality the way he does. Brian is an enigma wrapped in a riddle. This book may help some of us figure him out.” (Glen Sather, former NHL player, Stanley Cup-winning coach, and GM of the Edmonton Oilers)

Featured Article: Top 13 Canadian Sports Players of All Time

Sid the Kid, The Great One, Burkie and more are waiting in this selection of amazing audiobooks paying homage to Canada’s great sporting heroes.

What listeners say about Burke's Law

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What a ride

Brian explains his journey through life and hockey like no other. An absolute must read for any fan of hockey and especially any fan of Brian. Old school = best school

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Great book from a great man

Burkey probably comes off as a bit of a grumpy curmudgeon in passing but read this book and you will understand how he is a brilliant hockey man with a huge heart. I first realized this watching him on sportsnet the last couple years, I'm a canucks fan and have always loved the guy, I knew he was an intelligent hockey mind but i never knew much about him.
i couldn't stop listening, I finished it within 24 hrs.

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Excellent book, I couldn't stop listening.

I never really knew too much about Brian Burke but I did have a brief knowledge of him. After, listening to him read his own book I must say I am impressed. I love the honesty.

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Fantastic audiobook

Absolutely loved it! started it in the morning, couldn't stop listening untill It was finished

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fantastic

couldn't stop listening. fantastic stories, even if you don't like him. I hope to shake his hand one day

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Burke’s Law

A great book, enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone interested in a man committed to family, honest hard work and energy.

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Great story!

I am glad I bought the audio version of this book. Listening to Brian tell the story was much more impactful than if I had read his words.

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Great hockey book

I couldn’t stop listening to this book and one story led to another. Love the respect and integrity he has for the game we all love.

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Must read for any hockey fan

Quickly jumped up my list of all time sports books. Honest and extremely open account of a true hockey legend.

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Excellent hockey insight into behind the scenes

I loved it. A fascinating story of Brian Burke's professional and personal life. Uplifting and inspiring.

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