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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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Wow

This was honestly the best read I’ve had in a long long time. I couldn’t stop listening to it once I got started .. he gets right to rhe point , He isn’t shy about his work in cities .. If you’re a hockey fan especially of Burke or any city he worked in youd love this one . I don’t leave reviews like this often .

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This is a "hockey" book worth the listen!

Brian Burke as the narrator makes this a book every hockey fan needs to listen to. It's about hockey, but as every person who loves the game knows, hockey is about life. I always wondered, as a Canadian, why I liked Brian Burke as much as I did. He's a brash American, the type I usually despise because with the brashness generally comes an uninformed ignorance. There is none of that with Burkie. Read this book if you love him or you hate him, there is something in there for everyone. The only hockey person who shouldn't read this is Steve Simmons but he already knows that. Set aside some time over a weekend and you'll be done in no time. Point of caution, don't listen to this when you're in the car when he speaks about his late son Brendan. This section will gut even the most stoic of us. If this section doesn't get you, you have serious questions to answer about yourself in the mirror. Enjoy this truly memorable book about a great honourary Canadian!

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Great story

With it being read by Brian, himself, you only have to add your own beverage of choice to feel like you are sitting around telling stories and having a beer with him. He tells it like he only can and doesn’t pull his punches.

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  • BL
  • 2020-11-05

Good Behind the Scenes Look at Hockey

Good stories, relevant, personal, and The Three Pillars are an admirable ethos everyone should follow.

The swearing. Sure, that might be who Burke is. Swearing is effective when used rarely. I can understand why George Copeland said what he said. The boardroom and the dressing room are different rooms.

I would give this hockey book 5 stars, but the excessive swearing bumped it down one spot on my review. it would be better if he used his television vernacular - no swearing.

Thank you.

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Self-Mythology Aside, A Must Read for Hockey Fans

The audible version of this book is very unique as its read by Mr. Burke himself, who adds a layer of authenticity to a book that seems dumbed down in some sections for mass appeal. His narration of the chapter about his son is particularly impactful as you can hear his emotion coming through.

The book overall is a must for hockey fans. Whether or not you like or agree with Burke isn’t his concern. This is merely a walk in his shoes, which is an interesting exercise because of where he’s been in the world of professional hockey: Agent, League Official, Assistant GM, GM, President, Senior Advisor, Television Personality etc. For those seeking insider stories, there is no shortage of blood spilled and scores settled. Pierre McGuire, Kevin Weekes, John McCaw, Bob Goodenow, and members of the Leafs Upper Brass all receive a dose of Burkie’s bile. The stories are told in his trademark erudition with a lot of swears tossed in. If you are a serious hockey fan of the last 25 years, you may be skeptical in parts, but you’ll enjoy the book. Just know Burke doesn’t care what you think.

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Must listen for all hockey fans

I’m so glad that I bought the audio version instead of the printed one. Brian is a great story teller, and he made it extra entertaining with all the swearing!! As a Canucks fan I’ve always admired him because he brought my team to profitability and respectability with many of his strewd moves like the Bure negotiations and the Sedins trade, which he described in great details in this audiobook. More importantly he described his relationship with his children with love and humility, especially the part about his late son Brendan. He delivered that part with a mostly cracked voice which I find to be extremely touching. My respect for him went up to another level. Thanks for telling your story Brian. I enjoyed this book immensely.

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great story about and interesting leader

Brian's delivery is certainly un polished but If i learned anything from this book he doesnt care.

He may be brash and un apologetic but he is authentic. His story of how he came to be who he is today is truly fascinating and will engage and sports fan or aspiring leader.

He shows a small glimpse into his heart and soul and I personally feel Inspired by his rules and ethics.

But he doesnt care what I think and I wouldnt have it any other way.

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An Exceptional Sports Autobiography

I've always liked Brian Burke, he just comes across as a take-no-prisoners straight-shooter who just knows how to get the job done. This autobiography turns this exceptional leader into a legend as far I am concerned. He tells plenty of hockey stories but they are all encased in life lessons that transform this book from just an interesting hockey history account to an education about leadership showcased a sports memoir. The book is candid, pulls no punches and as a result works on all levels. It is funny, engaging and brings a tear to the eye more than once. What pushes this book over the edge and makes it not only my favourite book of 2020 but one of my favourite books of all time is that Brian Burke narrates the book, it just comes to life from the first word and just let go until the end. Brian Burke has been one of the most interesting people in sports management for decades and he lets you in on all the key stories whilst teaching you a thing or two, you can't ask for more than that. Get it, give it a listen as you won't be disappointed.

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A must read for anyone but especially hockey fans

Being a huge Brian Burke fan, my expectations for this book couldn’t of been any higher and they were still exceeded. Anytime I catch him speaking on the tv or radio I’m absolutely glued, this book was no different. I believe he is unmatched when it comes to hockey minds in media. The stories are great and the raw honesty much appreciated by this listener. Having Burkie narrate it himself was also a highlight. I recommend this book for any hockey fan or just anyone interested in sports and business. Thanks for the great book Brian!

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Like having a beer with Burke!

listening to Brian read this is like having him tell hockey stories over a beer.

1 person found this helpful

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  • VyTri
  • 2020-11-11

I couldn’t put it down

If you enjoyed Brian Burke’s press conferences, you’ll love this. He’s inspired me to be more upfront with people and stand up if something isn’t right.

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  • Audrey
  • 2020-11-10

Full of truculence, and then some.

Full of surprises but, most of all, truth. A great listen. Highly recommended for any fan of the sport.

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  • Phil
  • 2020-11-03

Great Story

Brian told nice story. Bottom line, hard worker and no BS. Cares about his Family first and not what others think.

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  • Curt in Va.
  • 2020-10-31

Thoroughly enjoyed it 👌

In a world where spared feelings are not on the menu, Brian Burke is a likeable asshole

1 person found this helpful

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  • calgary shopper
  • 2020-10-27

He’s a grumpy fuck!

I’m a season ticket holder with the Flames. I’ve attended several ticket holder functions and listened to Burkey multiple times. He’s the real thing and I was sad to have him leave the organization if only for the entertaining talks and interviews he gave. I’m glad he’s with the media now so we can all enjoy his take on the game!! This book is excellent especially as it was read by himself!

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  • Brian Harms
  • 2020-10-26

A Very Good Book

For anyone who follows the NHL this is a most informative book and Burke does a great job of telling ‘his’ story by relating the many things he’s faced through his very diverse roles in the league. I was sorry when it was over.

1 person found this helpful

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  • JayEss
  • 2020-10-20

Solid look under the hood of the bombastic Burke

I really like Burke’s approach to story telling. He’s blunt and doesn’t hide his point of view. I gave it 4 stars, because he was quick to attack people he disagreed with while doubling down on his failures (95 lockout, poor handling of suspensions, etc). He’s a bit too quick to toot his own horn. That being said, he’s had a remarkable career which was well documented.

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  • Csilla Kittlinger
  • 2020-10-18

2020 just got so much better

What a career... Just wow! I'm so inspired all of a sudden. Exactly what I needed.

1 person found this helpful

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  • David J. Henning
  • 2020-10-17

Everything I expected, but a little more

it was all the stories you have heard Burke tell, but with full detail. His values do shine through and make me think of what I want to do with my time here on earth a little more.

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  • Robb sernecky
  • 2023-01-31

This was an awesome book

Brian Burke did an awesome job. It’s a must listen. What a career he had