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  • The Grim Reaper

  • The Life and Career of a Reluctant Warrior
  • Written by: Stu Grimson
  • Narrated by: Stu Grimson
  • Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (58 ratings)

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The Grim Reaper cover art

The Grim Reaper

Written by: Stu Grimson
Narrated by: Stu Grimson
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Publisher's Summary

A powerful memoir from an NHL heavyweight champion who moved from the dressing room to the courtroom.

NHL tough guys all tell the same story.

They all grew up dreaming of skating in the big league as stars. Then one day, a coach tells them the only way to make it is to drop the gloves. And every guy says the same thing: I'll do whatever it takes to play in the NHL.

Not Stu Grimson, though. When he was offered a contract to patrol the ice for the Calgary Flames, he said no thanks, and went to university instead. And that's the way Grimson has approached his career and his life: on his own terms. He stared down the toughest players on the planet for 17 years, while working on his first university degree. He retired on his own terms, and went on to practice law, including a stint as in-house counsel for the NHLPA.

This has put him in a unique position when it comes to commenting on the game. He's seen it from the trenches, and he's seen it from the courtroom. This puts him in the eye of the storm surrounding fighting and concussions. And he handles that the way he does everything: on his own terms. When Don Cherry called him out on televison, it was the seemingly indomitable Cherry who backed down. Hockey fans will be fascinated by his data-driven defence of fighting.

But in the end, this is not a book about fighting and locker-room stories. It's the story of a young man who ultimately took on the toughest role in pro sports and came out the other side. Where many others have not.

©2019 Stu Grimson (P)2019 Viking

What the critics say

"Whether you followed Grimson's career or simply knew the weight his reputation carried, The Grim Reaper should give you a better appreciation and understanding of Stu Grimson, a reluctant warrior, who found his place on and off the ice." (NHL.com)

"Excellent.... [Grimson] does a fine job sketching out his remarkable life's arc." (The Toronto Star)

"[The Grim Reaper] is much more than a sports book." (Vancouver Sun)

What listeners say about The Grim Reaper

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Nice Hockey Book

A nice book, enjoyed his story. Very interesting to learn about his career and journey.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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truly enjoyable story

you follow athletes as a sports fan but seldom do you know much about them or their personal life. I found this very interesting to hear the path that's too took to the NHL and Beyond. I have read other numerous books about athletes often their stories are slow or fragmented I thought this book was very well written

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Good hockey career story

Good listen. Watched Grimson back in high school during his Regina Pat's WHL days, followed his career, and now have heard the rest of his story with insights on a pro hockey enforcer career and life afterwards. Enjoyed it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great listen and highly entertaining!

This book is all heart. Loved the honesty as well as stories of being in the NHL and what came with being a NHL tough guy. I'll never look at the NHL the same again after listening to this audible. Highly recommend and I'd love to meet Stu one day to thank him for the amazing insights!

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Best part is it’s narrated by the author. Great introspective bio, and a glimpse into the tough side of pro sports.

Overall just enjoyed the whole book … listened to it in the tractor on the farm … I just wanted to keep working lol!!

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Smart Goon

Not very often do you come across a role player like Stu who is versatile in life. He did a great job writing this book and doing the narrative himself. Excellent perspective of what it was like to take on the heavy weights in his era at the top level of hockey. Highly recommended for not only hockey people but also people transitioning into a new career path.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Was hoping for more

Interesting path. Good for him for exposing his life story. That takes guts. But i couldnt shake the feeling that he takes himself way too serious. Could be completely wrong but sounds like a narcissist.

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