I, Wayne Gretzky : Short Stories by

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Liebling's The Sweet Science , regarded as the best sports book ever written. Liebling wrote, "I trace my rapport with the historic past through the laying-on of hands," while Gretzky says, "Pretty much everything is connected to everything else in the history of the NHL. He reminds readers that his first faceoff was against Stan Mikita and that he once got to play alongside Howe and developed such a friendship with Maurice Richard that the only trophy Gretzky has in his house is the one the Rocket gave him.

Gretzky may be somewhat of a player-historian, but many of the stories in 99 are perhaps assisted by his co-author, Kirstie McLellan Day, who has worked on some of the biggest hockey books of the past decade, including Theo Fleury's Playing with Fire. Readers more interested in a Gretzky memoir will still find what they're looking for. Many chapters end with him linking himself to whatever historic character or event he's talking about. The result is a book peppered with personal anecdotes.

Such as that he used to mould his skates to his feet in a hot tub. Or that his dad's friend once stood outside the trophy room at the family home, keeping KGB agents away while Gretzky handed out beers to visiting Soviet players at a barbecue during the Canada Cup.

For all the insights, details of what it was like for the Great One to be relegated to fourth-line plugger at the Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan, aren't quite as emotional to read as they were to watch. As are anecdotes of opposing players warning him to get out of the way during his final season when no one wanted to be the one to end his career.

The most interesting athletes are never the stars on the ascent or the gods at the top of the game, but rather the humans on the other side. For all he was in his prime, 99, and the stories he shares, are about as human as they get. Brett Popplewell is co-author of The Escapist. This is a space where subscribers can engage with each other and Globe staff. Non-subscribers can read and sort comments but will not be able to engage with them in any way.

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99: Stories of the Game

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Stories of the Game by Wayne Gretzky ,. First he rewrote the record book.

No one has been as close to the game as Wayne Gretzky. When he first laced up skates in the NHL, he changed the league. And by the time he had hung up his skates, he had re-written the record book. There can be no doubt what he means to the game. What w First he rewrote the record book. What we haven't seen is what the game means to him. We will meet the people who inspired him and motivated him. We'll read the stories of the players who ignited his imagination, just as Gretzky himself inspired the dreams of so many young players and fans.

Review: Wayne Gretzky writes hockey’s history in 99

Seen through the eyes of the player whose name has come to stand for greatness in the game of hockey, Stories of the Game brings to life the NHL's glorious past, from its fierce early battles on natural ice, through its mythical golden era, when the Howes and Richards, Hulls and Orrs defined greatness, through the unforgettable dynasties in Montreal, New York, and of course, Edmonton, through to the present day.

Written with all the insight of someone who knows what it feels like when your lungs burn at the end of a long shift, and the pain of bruises at the end of a long playoff series, who knows what it feels like to fall short against a bitter rival, and also the incomparable feeling of lifting the Stanley Cup over your head, Stories of the Game doesn't just tell the history of the NHL's 99 years.

Hardcover , pages. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about 99 , please sign up. Is this book suitable for a 16 year old boy? No language and a good history of hockey. Lists with This Book.

Jan 26, Brandon rated it liked it Shelves: Stories of the Game, Wayne Gretzky celebrates the 99th anniversary of the NHL by penning short stories that help to illuminate the history of the league. Intertwining his own career with that of several legendary players like Maurice Richard, Gordie Howe, Mark Messier and Bobby Orr, Gretzky presents a compelling take on the often brutal history of the sport.

With Gretzky somewhat akin to that of a folk-hero in Canada, the biggest moments of his career and those of the NHL are well known among even the most casual of hockey fans so I thought, what more could he bring to the table? Did you know that early on, games were played in two thirty minute halves?

This was later changed by the owners to three twenty minute periods so that fans would empty their pockets at the concessions more often. He declined the cheque. They won silver in Nagano in and have dominated every Olympic games since with gold medal wins in , , and View all 3 comments. Jan 08, Lauren rated it really liked it Shelves: Gretzky retraces the early days of hockey in North America, from the debated origins of the game to the very modern technology of player equipment and training styles.

I've followed hockey closely for nearly 18 years. Unfortunately, this was the exact time that Gretzky retired from the NHL, so I was not able to see him play live, but have seen many clips, snippets, documentaries, and a few alumni events where he laced up aga 99 years of hockey history told by 99, "The Great One", Wayne Gretzky. Unfortunately, this was the exact time that Gretzky retired from the NHL, so I was not able to see him play live, but have seen many clips, snippets, documentaries, and a few alumni events where he laced up again.

The book reiterates that Wayne may be the most gracious and humble of sports superstars - always crediting the strength of the team, the coaching, the training and equipment, and the decades of history before him. His greatest accolades are for Gordie Howe, whom he idolized at a very young age I enjoyed the early history before the League was formed, and the later recounting of early Original 6 days.

I liked the in-depth histories of the players who represented cultural shifts in the game - the first black and First Nations players. Some chapters focus on specific teams and their players and staff, while others focus on movements or tournaments. In this way, the book is not chronological and shifts through 99 years of history rapidly. He usually reorients the reader, but it can be a pretty quick time shift in some cases. The latter half of the book focuses more specifically on Gretzky's time in the NHL, as well as in team and Olympic management.

There is very little about his stats and plays; instead, he lauds the players around him, the coaches and strategists he worked with, and the strong hockey cultures of several cities and teams. The Canada Cup series stories of the 80s and early 90s were quite fun to listen to - both in the talk about the Russian players and the rise of American players.

Several of the players in this era are ones I am more familiar with for their later play. It's always fun to hear funny side stories about bus trips, dinners out, and all the things that happen off the ice. After finishing the audiobook, we spent some time watching old YouTube clips and looking up some of the old photos, and that really enriched the whole experience! It gives me a greater appreciation for the game I've enjoyed and followed and traveled to many arenas to watch in person!

It made me admire Gretzky even more. A must for any fan of hockey and sports history. Mixed feelings about this book - on the one hand, who wouldn't want to hear about hockey stories from the greatest player of our generation and arguably ever to lace up the skates? Except if you ask him and some others, that honor goes to Gordie Howe, who is frequently mentioned and praised throughout the book.

The information is great, Gretzky is not a braggart or conceited in any way and fans will love hearing about the entire history of the NHL through his viewpoint. However, as a book, I had Mixed feelings about this book - on the one hand, who wouldn't want to hear about hockey stories from the greatest player of our generation and arguably ever to lace up the skates? However, as a book, I had trouble following it. It isn't strictly chronological and that is okay, but he skips around a lot - the narration goes from the early 20th century to the early 21st century and back. Also, the chapters may have certain titles, but they certainly are not exclusive to that subject.

The section of the book that seems to have this issue is when he talks about the expansion teams of For example, the chapter on the Minnesota North Stars has nine pages in the electronic version - only three of these pages are about the North Stars and the other six are about some of his Edmonton teammates who have no connection to the North Stars or Dallas Stars. Therefore, how can this be a chapter about that team? The stories are great - just not organized well. Because of this, I stopped listening to the audio book about halfway through and picked up the e-book but that didn't help either - still was getting lost during each chapter.

If this were a long conversation that one has with Gretzky over a couple of beers, this would be great, but to try to read it or just listen - it fell short. Giving it three stars because of the content - that alone made it at least worth the time to read or listen. May 24, Jon Kaplan rated it it was amazing. Dec 07, Berenice rated it it was amazing. I'm not really a hockey fan but Gretzy's passion for the game makes it universal. I didn't quite make it though all 99 stories did some skimming in the third section but beyond the endless litany of player's names and the extensive history of the shifting teams and political landscape, there are many interesting anecdotes and a deep look at the drive, determination, fitness, and strategy required to make hockey happen.

My favorite anecdote ends the book, where Wayne describes his grandmother t I'm not really a hockey fan but Gretzy's passion for the game makes it universal. My favorite anecdote ends the book, where Wayne describes his grandmother taking him to his first NHL game. For the fan in the fam, it's time well spent. Oct 22, Allison rated it liked it. I love hockey especially the oilers and history books so I knew I would enjoy this and I did. I love all the stories; however, the story telling is a little frenetic and all over the place.

I appreciate it as a piece of hockey history though and if you are a fan of the game you should check it out. Jan 31, Glenn Humplik rated it liked it.

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An entertaining read for any NHL hockey fan who has an interest in the league's past history. The book intersects between Wayne's career and the players in hockey's past that shaped it. Lots of great behind the scenes stories that shaped the images I caught on TV while growing up. Jun 06, Derek Harmsworth rated it it was amazing Shelves: Having received a copy of " Stories Of The Game" as one of my Christmas gifts, I looked at it intrigued, but assumed it was an autobiography of Wayne Gretzky and kind of set it aside, in my to-be-read pile. After reading the first 50 pages by happenstance one day not at my house, and not my gifted copy , I was hooked and fascinated, and set out immediately to devour the books content.

In the book, Gretzky takes readers on a history of the game of hockey, from its earliest roots, to the creat Having received a copy of " In the book, Gretzky takes readers on a history of the game of hockey, from its earliest roots, to the creation of the league's trophies, to expansion, dynasties, the game's greatest players, and more! Sharing insights only he can, The Great One is surprisingly candid throughout though it still is not a tell-all , as he turns each history lesson into anecdotal stories from his hall-of-fame career.

Gretzky's passion for the game seeps through every page, and his love of the game and it's rich history is abundantly clear in the enthusiasm for which he tells his stories, facts, and recollections of the game's most pivotal moments. Stories Of The Game" is a shining achievement in both hockey history and literature in general. Equal parts hockey history book and love letter to the game, fans new and old will enjoy. Nov 11, Erick rated it liked it. If you're looking for a book with stories about Gretzky, then you best look elsewhere.

While this book has many great stories, it is what it says on the cover.

He kind of does a sweeping coverage of each team. Mostly including just one or two stories about a lot of teams. As such, the overall book doesn't have any flow. It really is just a bunch of different stories packed together. If you want to j If you're looking for a book with stories about Gretzky, then you best look elsewhere. If you want to just hear a bunch of fun stories about hockey history, great!

Otherwise, it's not a very strong book. Jul 01, Kathy Heare Watts rated it it was amazing. A wonderful book for any hockey enthusiast that is more than just about Wayne Gretzky, but includes bits and pieces from ninety-nine years of the National Hockey League. I won an uncorrected proof advanced reading copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily.

So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to a friend who has shared his love of sports with his father and now his son. Oct 29, Alec rated it it was amazing. I enjoyed this book, for the most part, the only bad part about it was that there were so many different players and coaches that it would get confusing.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the game of hockey. Wayne Gretzky narrates the story mainly talking about exciting stories and games that he played that makes you sit on the edge of your seat to see how it all panned out. This book also talks about how the game was way different back then since there were fewer teams and teams c I enjoyed this book, for the most part, the only bad part about it was that there were so many different players and coaches that it would get confusing.

This book also talks about how the game was way different back then since there were fewer teams and teams could be stacked since there wasn't any form of a salary cap. This book was extremely interesting and grew my knowledge about the game and makes me wish there was a second book.

May 28, Lorilee rated it it was amazing. Any hockey fan will love this book. I love how they blended past, present and future of the sport. Great collection of stories. I am a huge Ted Lindsey fan. Who f thought he would be a feminist? Get this book for any hockey lover in your life.

Nov 09, Caroline B. I really enjoyed reading this book and if you like nonfiction books, hockey, and biography's you should enjoy this book. Jun 04, Lisa rated it really liked it. I enjoyed this book because I'm a hockey fan and a Gretzky fan. His love for the game shows in the variety of interesting stories. The literary quality isn't the greatest, but it's not bad either. Reading this has me wanting to read his autobiography. Sep 08, Brenda rated it really liked it Shelves: I really loved learning about the beginning of the NHL. It has been an exciting 99 years and with that the hockey greats are always present.

The stories of the players as well as the teams building into what they are now was definitely exciting to read. I could put this book down and pick it up and a new story in each chapter did not puzzle me. I could hear Wayne Gretzky speaking as I read. It was like I was listening to him talk. A great book for any hockey fan.

Dec 30, Boni rated it it was amazing. I've always loved the game, and as an 8-yr old was absolutely thrilled to read about heroes I never even saw play, replicating their greatest exploits on the local pond. These stars were as romantic to Canadians as the Duke and the Cartwrights were to Americans. I thought I'd read and heard locker room gossip about everything there was in hockey, but was very pleasantly surprised to discover new anecdotes of this book, typically ringing the bell of those values, ethics, or whatever that draws I've always loved the game, and as an 8-yr old was absolutely thrilled to read about heroes I never even saw play, replicating their greatest exploits on the local pond.

I thought I'd read and heard locker room gossip about everything there was in hockey, but was very pleasantly surprised to discover new anecdotes of this book, typically ringing the bell of those values, ethics, or whatever that draws many fans to the sport. Gretzky's historical vignettes add much to understanding the hockey cultures that flow towards this common passion.

It also made me crave for a sequel book that further opens the door to other countries' perspectives like Finland and Sweden, Germany and Switzerland, Korea and Japan Jan 03, David rated it it was amazing. Wasn't really sure what to expect going into this one. Thought it might be just a chronicle of some of his most memorable career moments. That likely would have been great, too, coming right from the man himself. However, the book delves into the NHL's deep history quite a bit.

Gretzky's reflections on the NHL were not the usual, same old-same old stories that I'd heard a thousand times before Some of them were familiar, yes, but if they were, there was always Very enjoyable read! Some of them were familiar, yes, but if they were, there was always something new added that I hadn't heard before. Or Gretzky put his own perspective on it that made the story unique. Adding to this, he nicely wove in some stories from his own career that related to many of the topics he was writing about.

It's a great, fun, entertaining read. For a book of stories about the NHL's history, I can't think of one that is better. Nov 06, Kim rated it really liked it. Gretzky's love for the game, and the people who play it, shows throughout this book. I listened to the audio version, and would sometimes lose track of the evolution of the teams during the early chapters devoted to pre-NHL times. When I listen to it again I will take a break in between chapters to help avoid the "this team begat that team" fatigue.

My son said that worked well for him; and as he is even more of a hockey fan than I am he has cats named Gretzky and Kariya I'll take his suggesti Gretzky's love for the game, and the people who play it, shows throughout this book. My son said that worked well for him; and as he is even more of a hockey fan than I am he has cats named Gretzky and Kariya I'll take his suggestion: Dec 27, Dynah Thirst rated it really liked it.

I listened to the audiobook so it was a bit hard to keep track of all the names but the stories were interesting as was listening to how the NHL developed. I wasn't crazy about the narrator but he was better when I had him on 1.

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Mar 18, Matt Graupman rated it it was amazing. With its breakneck pace, controlled violence, and fluid creativity, I think ice hockey is much more deserving of the moniker. So, as the best professional league in hockey, the NHL, prepares to celebrate its one hundredth year of existence, who better than its best player to look back on its first century of history, characters, and controversies?

Hockey may lag behind the other major sports in terms of viewership and ticket sales but hockey fans are a crazy bunch. Dec 21, Carey P.

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