7 Best-Selling Hockey Books Millions Love

Top Hockey Books recommended by Jeff Marek, John Feinstein, and Bill Littlefield reveal proven insights and captivating stories.

Jeff Marek
Updated on June 28, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in hockey where passion runs deep and stories inspire generations. Hockey remains one of the most cherished sports worldwide, and these seven bestselling books have captured its spirit and complexity, resonating with millions. Their proven value shows in how they've helped fans, players, and coaches understand the game's heart and history.

Jeff Marek, NHL host on Sportsnet, champions Ed Willes's The Rebel League for its vivid portrayal of the WHA's turbulent era, connecting readers to hockey’s evolving culture. Meanwhile, John Feinstein, a bestselling sports author, praises Wayne Coffey’s The Boys of Winter for its honest look at the 1980 U.S. Olympic team. Their endorsements highlight books that have become pillars in hockey literature.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific hockey needs might consider creating a personalized Hockey book that combines these validated approaches. This way, you get expert-backed knowledge crafted just for your background and goals.

Best for Olympic hockey history fans
John Feinstein, a New York Times bestselling author known for his insightful sports narratives, highlights how Wayne Coffey’s book illuminates the true characters behind the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team mythos. Feinstein praises the book's depth beyond familiar retellings, noting it offers a clear picture of who these remarkable athletes really were. His appreciation for this fresh perspective aligns with widespread reader admiration, making it a compelling choice if you want to understand the human stories behind the Miracle on Ice. NPR's Bill Littlefield also underscores the excitement Coffey re-creates, emphasizing the enduring improbability of the team's Olympic run, reinforcing why this book remains relevant for hockey fans and history buffs alike.

Recommended by John Feinstein

New York Times bestselling sports author

The 1980 U.S. hockey team has been mythologized in print and on screen for almost twenty-five years. Wayne Coffey’s The Boys of Winter goes much deeper than that and, for the first time, gives us a clear picture of who these remarkable boys—and men—were . . . and are. It is a very fine book. (from Amazon)

Wayne Coffey, an award-winning sportswriter for the New York Daily News, offers a deep dive into the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team's journey that transcended sport and politics. You’ll gain insights into the team dynamics shaped by coach Herb Brooks and the cultural backdrop of the Cold War, which adds layers to their underdog victory. Chapters detail not only the famous “Miracle on Ice” match but also the personal paths of players and their Soviet rivals, giving you a nuanced understanding of this iconic event. If you’re drawn to stories of resilience, teamwork, and historical context within sports, this book will resonate with your interests.

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Best for hockey history enthusiasts
Jeff Marek, NHL host on Sportsnet and a respected voice in hockey media, points you to this vivid recounting of the WHA’s turbulent years. His recommendation, "That is a great book. Ed Willis is the author," connects the dots between fan enthusiasm and expert approval. Marek’s endorsement highlights how the book’s anecdotes and insider stories deepen your understanding of hockey’s transformative era, making it a compelling pick if you want to grasp the sport beyond the ice.
JM

Recommended by Jeff Marek

NHL host on Sportsnet and podcast

@labattblueleaf @SmokesIndoors That is a great book. Ed Willis is the author. (from X)

2004·288 pages·Hockey, Professional Hockey, Ice hockey, Sports History, Player Contracts

Ed Willes, a seasoned hockey journalist with years covering the sport in Canada, brings to life the chaotic and colorful era of the World Hockey Association (WHA) in this richly detailed narrative. You’ll discover the behind-the-scenes deals, legendary players, and wild incidents—from Bobby Hull's record-setting contract to the infamous naked Birmingham Bulls—painting a vivid picture of hockey’s evolution through the 1970s. This book is ideal if you're fascinated by hockey history and want to understand how the WHA challenged the NHL’s dominance, changed player rights, and shifted the sport’s geography and culture. You won’t just get stats; you get stories that reveal how hockey’s modern era was shaped.

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Best for custom skill development
This AI-created book on hockey skills is tailored to your specific interests, background, and goals. By sharing what areas of hockey you want to improve and your current skill level, you receive a focused guide that covers exactly what you need. This personalized approach ensures you explore the techniques and performance insights most relevant to your hockey journey, making your learning both efficient and motivating.
2025·50-300 pages·Hockey, Hockey Fundamentals, Skating Techniques, Puck Handling, Shooting Skills

This personalized book explores battle-tested techniques for improving hockey skills and performance, tailored to your unique background and goals. It covers key areas such as skating agility, puck control, shooting accuracy, and game tactics, blending proven insights with your specific interests to help you develop a focused mastery of the game. By concentrating on what matters most to you, this tailored guide reveals how to enhance your on-ice consistency and elevate your overall play. The content matches your skill level and desired areas of improvement, creating a deeply engaging and relevant learning experience that captures the essence of hockey excellence.

Tailored Guide
Skill Enhancement
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for leadership in hockey
Mike Eruzione is the director of special outreach at Boston University, a former hockey coach, and motivational speaker. Drawing from his unique experience as captain of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, he offers a firsthand narrative of one of sports' greatest upsets. His background and personal journey enrich this memoir, providing you with an insider's perspective on the challenges and triumphs that defined that historic moment.
2020·288 pages·Hockey, Hockey Teams, Sports, Leadership, Team Building

During the 1980 Winter Olympics, Mike Eruzione discovered firsthand what it takes to defy expectations and lead a team to victory against overwhelming odds. His memoir not only chronicles the iconic "Miracle on Ice" upset over the Soviet hockey team but also explores the grit required to progress from a blue-collar upbringing to Olympic captaincy. You gain insight into the mental toughness, leadership dynamics, and team camaraderie that defined that historic run, with vivid anecdotes about influential figures like coach Herb Brooks and legendary Soviet players. This book suits anyone eager to understand how underdog spirit and strategic resilience can shape both sports history and personal character.

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Best for hockey autobiography lovers
Gordie Howe, celebrated as Mr. Hockey for his unmatched career spanning five NHL decades and multiple Stanley Cups, shares his life story in this autobiography. His status as a six-time Hart Trophy winner and inaugural NHL Lifetime Achievement Award recipient underscores the depth of experience he brings to this book. Howe's journey from Depression-era roots to hockey legend unfolds with honesty and warmth, giving you a vivid look at the sport's greatest eras and the man behind the legacy.
Mr. Hockey: My Story book cover

by Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr··You?

2014·256 pages·Hockey Biography, Professional Hockey, Hockey Players, Hockey, Sports History

Drawing from decades as one of hockey's most iconic figures, Gordie Howe offers a firsthand look at his remarkable career and life in Mr. Hockey: My Story. You gain insight into what it took to remain a top scorer for 20 consecutive seasons and the balance he maintained between fierce competition and personal integrity. Chapters detailing his Depression-era upbringing and his unique experience playing alongside his sons reveal perspectives not often captured in sports biographies. This book suits anyone fascinated by the human side of professional hockey, especially those curious about the evolution of the sport through the eyes of a legend.

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Best for hockey strategy seekers
Hockey For The Coach, The Player, And The Fan offers a thorough exploration of hockey techniques and strategies that appeal widely to enthusiasts and professionals alike. This book’s enduring popularity stems from its practical approach to teaching both field and ice hockey, with clear instructions on drills, exercises, and conditioning programs. Its detailed focus makes it a valuable resource for coaches shaping their teams, players aiming to refine skills, and fans eager to deepen their understanding of the game’s intricacies. By addressing multiple perspectives within hockey, it fills a unique niche and continues to be a trusted reference.
1980·384 pages·Hockey, Strategy, Skill Development, Conditioning, Drills

Fred Shero, a pioneering NHL coach known for his innovative tactics, teamed with Andre Beaulieu to craft a guide that goes beyond typical hockey manuals. This book drills into the technical nuances of strategy and technique relevant to both field and ice hockey, teaching you how to respond effectively to various in-game situations. It offers detailed exercises and conditioning programs designed to elevate your performance on the ice or field. Whether you coach, play, or simply follow the game, you’ll gain clear insights into the mechanics that shape winning teams and skilled players.

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Best for daily skill advancement
This AI-created book on hockey training is tailored to your skill level and goals for improving quickly. You share your current abilities and which areas you want to focus on, and the book is crafted to guide you through daily drills and tactics that fit your needs. Personalization matters here because hockey skills develop best with targeted practice that matches your strengths and growth areas. This custom book helps you avoid one-size-fits-all advice, giving you focused, actionable steps to accelerate your hockey game within just 30 days.
2025·50-300 pages·Hockey, Hockey Fundamentals, Skill Development, Daily Drills, Performance Tracking

This tailored book explores a focused, step-by-step journey to boost your hockey performance within a month. It combines proven, reader-validated knowledge with your unique interests and background to craft a personalized path toward skill enhancement. Through daily targeted drills and tactics, the book reveals how each practice session builds upon the last, emphasizing practical skill development and game awareness. By addressing your specific goals, this book ensures you engage with content that matches your current abilities while pushing you toward measurable improvement. Its approach balances foundational techniques with advanced insights, making your training both efficient and effective.

Tailored Guide
Performance Sequencing
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for hockey coaching professionals
Coaching Hockey by Gerald Walford offers a comprehensive approach to leading hockey teams, proven by its enduring popularity among coaches and hockey enthusiasts. This book compiles motivation methods, strategic insights, and skill development tips into a single resource designed to help you maximize your team’s potential on the ice. Its practical framework benefits coaches focused on improving player performance and building cohesive teams, addressing the unique demands of hockey as a fast-paced sport. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of hockey coaching and elevate your team's success, this volume stands as a solid guide in the field.
Coaching Hockey book cover

by Gerald Walford·You?

1993·224 pages·Hockey Coaching, Ice hockey, Hockey, Team Strategy, Player Development

What happens when decades of coaching experience meets a fast-paced sport like hockey? Gerald Walford developed Coaching Hockey to address the challenges coaches face in motivating players and honing their skills effectively. You’ll find practical strategies for building team cohesion, motivation techniques that resonate on and off the ice, and detailed insights on skill development that go beyond basics. Chapters on strategy and player psychology offer tools to elevate your coaching game whether you’re leading youth teams or more advanced players. While it’s designed for coaches, anyone keen on understanding the nuances of hockey coaching will find it insightful.

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Best for regional hockey history buffs
Jim Mancuso's "Hockey in Springfield" explores one of North America's richest hockey traditions, tracing the city's teams from the Springfield Indians to the Falcons. This book’s detailed account captures the evolution of professional hockey leagues, spotlighting legendary players and championship triumphs. Its appeal lies in celebrating Springfield's enduring impact on the sport, making it a valuable read for those intrigued by hockey's regional roots and its broader development.
2005·130 pages·Hockey, Professional Hockey, Hockey Teams, Sports History, Team Legacy

After tracing the extensive 80-year history of hockey in Springfield, Jim Mancuso offers a detailed narrative of the city's pivotal teams and legendary players. You step into the world of the Springfield Indians, key founders of the American Hockey League, and experience their record-setting Calder Cup victories. The book also explores the arrival of major-league hockey with the New England Whalers and the ongoing legacy maintained by the Springfield Falcons. Mancuso's work is ideal if you want to understand how a local hockey scene shaped broader professional leagues and appreciate the impact of hall of fame players like Gordie Howe and Eddie Shore.

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Conclusion

The collection of these seven books reveals clear themes: the power of resilient leadership, the rich history shaping hockey’s identity, and the strategic depth of coaching and playing. If you prefer proven methods, start with Coaching Hockey and Hockey For The Coach, The Player, And The Fan for practical skills. For validated approaches to hockey’s culture and history, combine The Boys of Winter and The Rebel League.

For those eager to weave these insights into your personal journey, you can create a personalized Hockey book to blend expert knowledge with your unique experiences and challenges. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed on and off the ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with The Boys of Winter if you're interested in the iconic 1980 Olympic story, or Coaching Hockey for practical coaching insights. Both offer accessible entry points into hockey’s rich world.

Are these books suitable if I'm new to hockey?

Yes, many books like Hockey For The Coach, The Player, And The Fan provide clear strategy and fundamentals ideal for newcomers, while also engaging seasoned fans.

Do these books focus more on theory or practical application?

They strike a balance: Coaching Hockey emphasizes practical coaching strategies, while The Rebel League and Mr. Hockey delve into historical and personal narratives enriching your understanding.

How do I know if a book is worth my time?

Look for expert endorsements like those from Jeff Marek or John Feinstein. Their recommendations often highlight books with deep insights and enduring relevance.

Should I read these books in any particular order?

No strict order is needed. Choose based on your interest—history, coaching, or personal stories—to get the most relevant insights for you.

How can I get hockey knowledge tailored to my specific goals?

While these expert books offer valuable perspectives, personalized Hockey books allow you to combine proven strategies with your unique background and objectives. Try creating your own tailored Hockey book for focused learning.

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