Outstanding book for all hockey fans

Excellent book for hockey lovers! Personally, I love the sport, and I know a lot about this specific era, so for me it was worth it. I especially loved the second part of the book while the part on the history and on the evolution of the rules for the game was excellent. The different strategies in comparing Canadian hockey versus the Russians' style of play was also great. However, if you aren’t a fan of Dryden or if you aren’t old enough to know about the players during his era that he discusses you may find this listen a little boring as Dryden is somewhat dry as a narrator. Nevertheless, I loved the book and was left wanting to hear more!

5 people found this helpful

MUST READ for Hockey/Sports Fans

What did you love best about The Game?

The depth and insight Ken Dryden provides as we look into the life and locker room of a professional athlete. His honest and introspective perspective is powerful, as well as his knowledge and understanding of the history and trends of the game. As a goaltender myself, his description of a goalie mentality is spot-on!

What other book might you compare The Game to and why?

I've never read a book like this but thoroughly enjoyed it.

Which scene was your favorite?

The locker room scenes were hilarious, but I think my favorite part was hearing Ken talk about the goalie's mentality and how each player evolves over time.

2 people found this helpful

A Brilliant Book

After listening to 'Season on the Brink' I did not think there could be a better sports book but then I heard 'The Game' by Ken Dryden and was blown away.

Dryden is not only considered one fo the greatest goalies ever (5 Vezina trophies) on one of the best teams ever 1970s Montreal Canadiens (6 Stanley Cups) but he is also extremely intelligent and articulate. A graduate of Cornell/McGill law school Dryden is a jock with an excellent ability to express himself and articulate his views of the game.

This book is not so much an autobiography as much as a collection of intelligent/articulate/accesible streams of consiousness about The Game of hockey. Dryden goes into great detail about among other things the workmanlike aspect of being a proffesional athlete; the changes to the game and its rules; the influence of the Europeans on what used to be 'Canada's game'; life on the road; the thoughts that go through an athlete's head in the midst of "the game''; the role hockey plays in Canadian identity (especially amongst youth) and why Canada has fallen behind as a hockey power; the business of hockey; and most importantly the colorful menagerie of teammates and locker room shenanigans/memories/camraderie from those great teams from the 70's (Lafleur, Shutt, Robinson, Gainey Lapointe, and of course the legendary coach Scotty Bowman).

Dryden has a modest view of himself as a player constantly questioning his ability and his need to never let the team down. He gives some honest psychological insight in to the high pressure/eccentric position of being a goalie.

I would reccomend this book to any sports/hockey fan (even layman) or person that values high quality non-fiction writting. This is not only a great sports book but an excellent piece of non-fiction literature; it is very rare that someone with this level of skill in his chosen field (hockey) is so clear, intelligent, and articulate in giving a first person view of his passion.

Dryden himself narrates the book and he is not exactly as articulate in his speaking as his writting but he manages to do the job.

2 people found this helpful

Unique & Insightful

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes

What did you like best about this story?

Dryden provides an insight to hockey, and being both a Canadian and un Canadien that few have, and fewer can express has he does.

Have you listened to any of Ken Dryden’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The last chapter, entitled OVERTIME, was particularly enjoyable

Any additional comments?

In 1971, Dryden broke my heart as he and the Canadiens beat my Blackhawks in game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. At the same time, he was an inspiration to a 15 year old goaltender who, at 6'6", was shown how that size could offer unique ways to play the position as never before. Now, as a 61 year old, his insight on the game and his experiences brought back many memories, proved prophetic in regards to hockey decades later, and provided me with hours of entertainment.

1 person found this helpful

Stunning!

I came to be a hockey fan later in my life, and quite by accident. I didn't grow up following the sport. Ken Dryden's wonderful book has "filled in the blanks" for me. Not just a wonderful book about hockey, it is also a wonderful book about life. My strongest recommendation!

1 person found this helpful

C'est magnifique: 1970’s NHL & the Montreal Canadiens

Great book about the sport of hockey from back in The day. Focuses on the Montreal Canadiens Dynasty and the climate of the NHL in the 1970’s told through the eyes ( and voice ) of the Habs goalie, Ken Dryden. A classic period piece for Pro Hockey. This was during the first decade of expansion for the NHL. The league transitioned from the Original 6 teams to merging with the World Hockey Association and expanding to 21 teams by decades end . A decade in which saw the rise of player free agency in North American pro sports and the last decade of dominance for the Montreal Canadiens.

Sports as a child? This is your pivot…

From an aspiring child sports romantic, it’s that book… Love and live the results of your memories…

More than just a game

Starts a little slow, but once it picks up around chapter five it does not stop! Such a great book with solid insight into what lies beneath the surface of hockey.

Best sports book out there

Hockey is probably the one sport I have not coached. As of lately, it is the one sport that has captivated me. During my 20 plus years of coaching, I’ve read tons of coaching and sports books. This one is in the top two. The other being “Scotty”. Dreyden is storyteller like no other. He speaks from the heart. His love of the game and those who played it, pour through every page. Don’t read this one without picking up the other. It’s the perfect one-two punch.

I’m currently in the middle of “Home Game”. Another Dreyden book. I don’t know what it is about this author, but very few have ever grabbed me like he does. His writings have brought out truth that I knew were there, but hadn’t discussed. These books are pullout me back into coaching.

Fantastic

Still the best hockey book ever. Ken Dryden is a lethal wordsmith that keeps you engaged the entire book.