8 Hockey Record Books That Define the Sport's Legacy

Discover Hockey Record Books authored by the National Hockey League, Jim Hynes, and other authorities revealing rich history and detailed statistics.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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What if you could hold a century of hockey history in your hands? Hockey record books aren't just about numbers; they're chronicles of triumphs, heartbreaks, and moments frozen in time. As hockey continues to evolve, understanding its records helps you connect with the sport on a deeper level, whether you're a fan, analyst, or historian.

The books featured here are written by the National Hockey League itself and respected authors like Jim Hynes. They offer more than stats — they provide authoritative snapshots of seasons, players, and iconic moments. These volumes reflect decades of careful record-keeping and storytelling that shape how we view hockey's legacy.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific hockey interests might consider creating a personalized Hockey Record book that builds on these insights. Custom books can focus on your favorite teams, eras, or player stats, giving you a unique edge in understanding the game.

The National Hockey League (NHL) stands as the premier professional ice hockey league globally, with a rich history dating back to 1917 and a presence across the United States and Canada. Headquartered in New York City, the NHL brings its authoritative expertise to this official guide and record book, meticulously documenting player stats, retired legends, and rising stars. This publication reflects the league's deep commitment to preserving and sharing the sport's heritage and current developments, offering you a trusted resource grounded in the NHL's unmatched experience.

The National Hockey League, with its century-long legacy and position as the leading authority in professional ice hockey, presents this official guide and record book as a definitive resource. Within its 672 pages, you find detailed statistics from the 2017–2018 season, comprehensive indexes of every retired player since 1917, and insights into emerging talent poised to shape the league's future. This book offers you a clear snapshot of the sport's evolving landscape, making it ideal if you want deep historical context alongside up-to-date player evaluations. Whether you're a dedicated fan, analyst, or historian, the guide delivers precise data and profiles that enrich your understanding of hockey's professional dimension.

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Best for historic team legacy insights
Jim Hynes, a Montreal native, offers a rich narrative chronicling the Montreal Canadiens' most memorable moments across more than a century. This book invites you to experience the franchise’s landmark events, iconic players, and defining games, making it a go-to for anyone interested in hockey record and team history. Through his detailed storytelling, you get a feel for the passion surrounding the Canadiens and why their legacy resonates with fans around the world.
2016·200 pages·Hockey Record, Sports History, Player Profiles, Team Legacy, Stanley Cup

After exploring decades of Montreal Canadiens history, Jim Hynes captures twenty-four pivotal moments that shaped one of hockey's most storied franchises. You get a vivid sense of the highs and lows—from Joe Malone's record-setting night to Saku Koivu's inspiring cancer battle—alongside insights into legendary players and key organizational decisions. Chapters traverse regular seasons, playoffs, and off-ice events, offering not just stats but context that enriches your understanding of the Canadiens' enduring legacy. This book suits anyone eager to dive deep into hockey history with a focus on one iconic team’s turning points and cultural impact.

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Best for detailed stat mastery
This AI-created book on hockey statistics is crafted based on your specific interests and goals within the NHL's rich history. By sharing your background and preferred focus areas, you receive a book that dives deeply into the stats and record history that matter most to you. This personalized approach helps make sense of complex data and historical narratives, guiding you to a clearer understanding of hockey's evolving legacy.
2025·50-300 pages·Hockey Record, NHL Overview, Hockey Records, Player Statistics, Team Histories

This personalized book explores the rich tapestry of NHL statistics and hockey record history, crafted to match your background and specific goals. It covers key historical milestones, player achievements, and evolving trends within the NHL, providing a tailored pathway through complex data and record narratives. By focusing on your unique interests—whether specific teams, eras, or player stats—it reveals connections and insights that deepen your understanding of the sport's legacy. Through a careful synthesis of collective knowledge, this book guides you to master the intricacies of hockey records with clarity and enthusiasm, making the learning experience both engaging and uniquely yours.

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The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book 2006 stands as an authoritative resource for anyone serious about the sport’s statistical fabric. This extensive volume consolidates official NHL data, offering a meticulous catalog of player stats, team records, and season highlights. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of hockey’s competitive history or need a trusted reference for analysis, this book serves as a solid foundation. Its thorough approach ensures it meets the needs of enthusiasts, analysts, and historians who value accuracy and detail in the realm of hockey records.

What happens when the official custodians of the sport compile decades of data and records into a single volume? This guide from the National Hockey League offers a deep dive into the history and statistics that define professional hockey, presenting your best shot at understanding player achievements, team records, and season nuances. Spanning over 600 pages, it provides detailed stats that can sharpen your appreciation for the sport's evolution and competitive landscape. Whether you're analyzing player performance or tracing the league’s milestones, this book delivers precise reference material for enthusiasts and analysts alike.

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The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book 1998-99 stands out as a definitive source for anyone interested in hockey records. Compiled by the NHL, this book compiles official statistics, player profiles, and team achievements, offering a structured and reliable resource. Whether you’re following player career arcs or analyzing season-by-season results, this guide provides the foundational data necessary for informed insights. Its focus on factual accuracy and comprehensive coverage makes it essential for statisticians, sports journalists, and fans seeking to understand the game's historical context.
Hockey Record, NHL, Ice hockey, Player Statistics, Team Histories

The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book 1998-99 offers you a detailed snapshot of NHL history and statistics curated by the league itself. You get access to official records, player stats, and team histories that serve as an authoritative reference for anyone keen on the sport's legacy. While it doesn’t dive into narrative storytelling, its value lies in the precision and breadth of data, making it indispensable for analysts, historians, and dedicated fans tracking performance trends and milestones. If you want a factual, data-driven resource to deepen your understanding of NHL's past seasons, this guide is tailored for you.

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Best for engaging record storytelling
Shane Frederick has been writing about sports since his high school days in Wisconsin and currently covers college hockey and other sports for The Free Press in Mankato, Minnesota. With awards from the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists, Frederick brings seasoned expertise to this concise guide. His background in sports journalism and authorship of multiple sports books uniquely position him to illuminate the stories behind hockey's most memorable records, making this book a handy companion for any hockey enthusiast eager to deepen their appreciation of the game's historic milestones.
2019·64 pages·Hockey Record, Hockey, Sports, Records, Scoring Records

Unlike most sports records books that merely list stats, Shane Frederick brings a storyteller's eye to pro hockey records, weaving in the context behind milestones like Wayne Gretzky's 215-point season and Tiger Williams' penalty minute record. You get more than numbers; you learn how these feats shape the game's history and culture. The book distills complex achievements into engaging snapshots accessible to both passionate fans and newcomers curious about hockey's legendary moments. Whether you're memorizing top scorers or exploring penalty records, Frederick's approachable style ensures you grasp the significance behind each stat. This slim volume is perfect if you want a quick yet insightful dive into hockey's record-breaking lore without wading through dry data.

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Best for rapid stats mastery
This AI-created book on hockey statistics is tailored to your specific goals and background. You share which aspects of hockey records and stats you want to focus on, your current understanding, and your learning objectives. The book then provides a clear, personalized roadmap through the complex world of hockey analytics, making it easier for you to grasp key insights quickly without sifting through unrelated information.
2025·50-300 pages·Hockey Record, Hockey Statistics, Player Records, Season Trends, Performance Metrics

This tailored book explores hockey statistics and player records through a focused, accelerated learning path designed specifically for your background and interests. It reveals how key metrics and trends have shaped the sport, offering an engaging journey through essential stats and record milestones. By matching content to your skill level and goals, it provides a clear, personalized pathway to understand hockey analytics without overwhelming detail. The approach examines player achievements, season highlights, and statistical patterns in a way that connects expert knowledge with your unique learning needs. You'll engage deeply with hockey's statistical landscape, uncovering insights that bring the game’s history and current dynamics into sharper focus through your own lens.

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Best for early 90s NHL season stats
The NHL Official Guide & Record Book, 1990-91 offers a thorough catalog of statistics and records directly from the National Hockey League, making it a unique resource in the hockey record category. It serves those with a keen interest in the precise data of the 1990-91 NHL season, providing organized access to player stats, team results, and league milestones. This guide addresses the need for an accurate, official reference point, ideal for historians, statisticians, and dedicated fans looking to deepen their understanding of that hockey season’s landscape.
NHL, Hockey Record, Ice hockey, Player Statistics, Team Performance

Drawing from the authoritative expertise of the National Hockey League itself, this guide compiles an extensive array of records, statistics, and official data covering the 1990-91 season. You gain precise insights into player performances, team histories, and game outcomes, making it an indispensable reference for analysts and enthusiasts alike. The book’s detailed organization allows you to track trends and milestones across the league, serving those invested in the statistical and historical dimensions of hockey. If you seek a factual, well-documented resource capturing a pivotal NHL season, this guide meets that need without editorializing or fanfare.

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The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book 1989 - 90 serves as a definitive archive of the NHL's 1989-1990 season, offering official statistics and records compiled by the league itself. This guide stands out by providing authoritative and detailed coverage of player stats, team results, and season highlights, making it essential for anyone invested in hockey history or statistical accuracy. Whether you're a historian, analyst, or dedicated fan, this book meets the need for precise and comprehensive data from that pivotal season in NHL history.
Hockey Record, NHL, Player Statistics, Team Standings, Season Analysis

Drawing from the NHL's authoritative role in professional hockey, this guide and record book compiles the official statistics and records for the 1989-1990 season. You gain detailed insights into player performances, team standings, and historical milestones within that season, making it a critical reference for anyone looking to understand that era of the NHL. The inclusion of official data ensures accuracy and reliability, ideal for sports historians, statisticians, and avid hockey fans who appreciate precise record keeping. While it focuses on a single season, the depth of information provides a snapshot that benefits those studying the evolution of the sport or verifying historical records.

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The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book 1993-94 offers a unique, in-depth look into the sport’s records and player histories for that season. This official publication compiles comprehensive data, from player appearances and lifetime records to Hall-of-Fame listings and updates on that year’s rule changes. If you’re passionate about hockey statistics or need reliable historical information, this guide serves as a trusted resource. It helps enthusiasts and professionals alike maintain a clear understanding of the league’s developments and player achievements during the 1993-94 NHL season.
Hockey Record, NHL, Player Statistics, Hall Of Fame, Rule Changes

The National Hockey League assembled this official guide to offer an exhaustive reference for anyone deeply invested in the sport’s history and statistics. You’ll find detailed listings of every player’s career and seasonal records, alongside Hall-of-Fame inductees and year-specific rule changes, making it a precise snapshot of the 1993-94 NHL season. Whether you're a historian, statistician, or avid fan, this book equips you with authoritative data and context, such as all-star team selections and retired player achievements. It’s especially useful if you want to trace player careers or understand how the league evolved during that period.

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Conclusion

These 8 books collectively highlight hockey's rich tapestry — from the latest NHL data to memorable moments in Montreal Canadiens history. If you’re looking to grasp official season statistics, the NHL’s guides are unparalleled. For narrative depth about iconic games and player legacies, Jim Hynes’ work stands out.

If you face the challenge of sifting through vast stats, start with the most recent NHL Official Guide & Record Book 2018 to get a clear, contemporary picture. Combine it with "Pro Hockey Records" for engaging stories behind the numbers. For historical context, the mid-90s and late-80s NHL guides offer precise season snapshots.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Hockey Record book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and deepen your appreciation for hockey's evolving story.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with the "National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book 2018" for the most current and comprehensive NHL stats. It gives you a solid foundation before exploring historical or narrative-focused volumes.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Hockey Record?

Not at all. While some books dive into detailed stats, titles like "Pro Hockey Records" present records with engaging storytelling accessible to newcomers.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with the latest NHL guide for updated data, then explore historical editions and narrative books like "Miracle Moments in Montreal Canadiens History" to enrich context.

Do these books assume I already have experience in Hockey Record?

They cater to a broad audience. Official NHL guides focus on precise data, while other books provide stories and context useful for both beginners and enthusiasts.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Hockey Record changes?

Older editions capture important historical seasons and player records. For current stats, newer guides like the 2018 edition provide up-to-date information reflecting recent developments.

Can I get a personalized Hockey Record book tailored to my interests?

Yes! While these authoritative books offer broad insights, you can create a personalized Hockey Record book that aligns with your favorite teams, eras, or player stats for a focused learning experience.

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