10 Best-Selling Hockey Players Books Millions Love

Endorsed by experts like Vanity Fair, Library Journal, and Kirkus Reviews, these Hockey Players books deliver best-selling insights and stories from legends and stars.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love — especially in the world of hockey players. When millions of readers and top experts agree on a set of books, it signals proven value and deep insight into this beloved sport. Hockey players’ stories and guides offer more than stats; they reveal resilience, passion, and the human side behind the ice.

Experts like Vanity Fair praise Wayne Gretzky’s "99" memoir for its vivid storytelling of hockey’s highs and lows, while Library Journal calls it essential for fans of all levels. Meanwhile, timeless figures like Gordie Howe and Bobby Orr provide personal reflections that have shaped hockey history and inspired generations.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks and memorable stories, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Hockey Players needs might consider creating a personalized Hockey Players book that combines these validated approaches with your unique background and goals. This way, you can deepen your connection to the sport on your own terms.

Best for hockey legacy enthusiasts
Gordie Howe, known as Mr. Hockey, boasts a remarkable career spanning five decades including four Stanley Cup wins and multiple MVP awards. His autobiography offers a firsthand look at what it takes to sustain excellence in professional hockey while maintaining a grounded, generous character off the ice. This book draws from Howe’s extensive experience and personal reflections, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in hockey’s greatest legends and the human stories behind the sport.
Mr. Hockey: My Story book cover

by Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr··You?

What started as a desire to share the life journey of a sports icon became an intimate look into the world of professional hockey through Gordie Howe's eyes. You get more than just game stats; this book reveals the grit behind four Stanley Cups, unique family dynamics playing alongside his sons, and the character that made Howe a respected figure beyond the rink. Chapters detailing his Depression-era upbringing and his longevity in the NHL offer insights into resilience, dedication, and sportsmanship. If you're drawn to authentic stories about perseverance in hockey or sports history, you'll find this autobiography both enlightening and grounded.

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Best for hockey memoir readers
Vanity Fair, a respected culture and lifestyle publication, highlights how Wayne Gretzky’s memoir "99" captures a lifetime of intense moments on and off the ice. Their praise, "Wayne Gretzky’s99 glides across a lifetime of high sticks and higher stakes," reflects how the book resonates with those who appreciate hockey’s complex history and drama. This endorsement aligns with the widespread acclaim from other authorities like Library Journal, which calls it essential for all hockey fans. If you've ever wanted to see the game through Gretzky’s eyes, this memoir offers a candid, vivid journey that deepens your connection to hockey's history and heroes.

Recommended by Vanity Fair

Wayne Gretzky’s99 glides across a lifetime of high sticks and higher stakes. (from Amazon)

99: Stories of the Game book cover

by Wayne Gretzky, Kirstie McLellan Day··You?

2016·416 pages·Hockey Players, Professional Hockey, Ice hockey, Sports Biography, Athlete Memoirs

What started as Wayne Gretzky's desire to share the untold stories behind his legendary career became a richly woven memoir that takes you inside the world of professional hockey from the perspective of its most iconic player. You'll gain firsthand insights into the game’s nuances, the personalities behind the sport, and the moments that shaped hockey history. The book introduces you to mentors, teammates, and rivals who influenced Gretzky, revealing the human side of the sport. If you want to understand hockey beyond stats and highlights, this book gives you an intimate look at what shaped "The Great One" and the game itself.

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Best for personal skill plans
This AI-created book on hockey skills is crafted based on your background and skill level. You share which areas of hockey player improvement you want to focus on and your specific goals. The book then covers exactly what you need to develop your game, blending proven concepts with insights tailored just for you. It’s a great way to get focused knowledge that matches your unique hockey journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Hockey Players, Hockey Fundamentals, Skating Techniques, Stickhandling Skills, Shooting Accuracy

This tailored book explores battle-tested techniques and insightful approaches to elevate your hockey skills, focusing on your specific interests and background. It examines key areas such as skating agility, stickhandling finesse, shooting precision, and game strategy, all while considering your unique goals and current experience. By combining widely validated knowledge with personalized insights, the book reveals how to enhance your performance efficiently and effectively. This personalized guide addresses crucial elements like mental toughness, physical conditioning, and tactical awareness, helping you advance your game in a way that resonates with your individual profile. Through this focused learning experience, you gain a deeper understanding of what drives hockey mastery.

Tailored Guide
Performance Enhancement
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for hockey history buffs
This book marks a significant milestone by commemorating The Hockey News' fiftieth anniversary through a carefully curated list of the top 100 NHL players, selected by fifty respected hockey observers. Its full-color presentation and expert-driven rankings invite passionate hockey fans to revisit and debate the sport's greatest figures, from Wayne Gretzky to Maurice Richard. By exploring the nuances behind each player's placement, the book offers a unique window into hockey history and culture, making it a valuable addition for anyone eager to deepen their connection to the game.
The Top 100 NHL Players of All-Time book cover

by Hockey News, Steve Dryden·You?

1998·160 pages·Hockey Players, NHL, Player Rankings, Hockey History, Sports Analysis

Hockey News and Steve Dryden compiled this book to celebrate The Hockey News' fiftieth anniversary by spotlighting the top 100 NHL players, selected by a panel of fifty seasoned hockey experts including Scotty Bowman and Glen Sather. You gain detailed insights into the legacies and rankings of legendary players like Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr, along with spirited debates about the order of greatness that have long engaged fans. This book offers a rich historical perspective and fosters discussion, making it ideal if you're passionate about hockey history or want to deepen your understanding of the sport's most influential figures. It’s a solid choice if you appreciate thoughtful analysis and colorful presentation, though casual fans might find the depth more suited to dedicated enthusiasts.

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Best for aspiring NHL players
Road to the NHL stands out in hockey literature by focusing on the unique stories of 25 players from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island who made it to the NHL. Penned by Philip Croucher, a respected sports journalist from Nova Scotia, this book offers readers a close-up view of the sacrifices and determination these athletes faced on their way to professional hockey. Its appeal lies in the heartfelt storytelling that resonates with fans interested in the personal journeys behind the sport's biggest stage, making it a valuable addition for anyone wanting to understand hockey beyond the rink.
2013·260 pages·Professional Hockey, Hockey Players, Hockey Biography, Hockey, Biography

Drawing from his extensive experience as a Nova Scotia sports journalist, Philip Croucher captures the grit and determination behind 25 Maritimers' journeys to the NHL. You gain intimate access to stories that trace these players from humble beginnings in small Maritime towns to the exhilaration of wearing an NHL jersey, revealing the sacrifices and resilience required along the way. The book delves into personal chapters detailing figures like Sidney Crosby and Brad Marchand, offering insights into what it truly takes to break into professional hockey from this region. If you’re passionate about hockey or intrigued by athlete biographies that go beyond stats, this offers a grounded, heartfelt perspective.

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Best for goalie skill development
The Hockey Goalie's Handbook sets itself apart in hockey literature through its focused attention on the goalie position, a role often overlooked despite its critical importance. Authored by Jim Corsi, a seasoned goaltending coach for the Buffalo Sabres, the book combines practical coaching wisdom with detailed drills and psychological insights. Its guidance on equipment selection and tailored training methods benefits not only players but also coaches aiming to develop talent at every level. This authoritative guide meets the growing demand for specialized knowledge in hockey, offering a valuable resource for those eager to elevate their game or coaching approach.
2002·256 pages·Hockey Players, Hockey, Coaching, Sports Training, Goalie Techniques

After analyzing decades of coaching experience with the Buffalo Sabres and various hockey programs, Jim Corsi developed this guide to address the unique challenges goalies face. You’ll learn about the mental resilience needed for the position, how to select gear tailored to your playing style, and drills that enhance timing and agility. Specific chapters delve into psychological preparation and equipment choices, making it practical for both players and coaches. If you’re serious about mastering goaltending or coaching goalies at any level, this book provides targeted insights that go beyond generic hockey advice.

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Best for rapid skill gains
This AI-created book on goalie training is tailored to your current skills and the specific areas you want to improve. By sharing your experience level and goals, you get a guide focused on the drills and mental preparation that matter most to you. Customizing this way means you spend less time on what doesn’t fit your needs and more on fast-tracking your development as a goalie. It’s like having a coach who understands exactly what you want to achieve and how to help you get there.
2025·50-300 pages·Hockey Players, Goalie Fundamentals, Positioning Techniques, Reflex Training, Mental Preparation

This tailored book explores step-by-step goalie techniques combined with mental preparation to fast-track your skill development. It covers essential drills that focus on agility, positioning, and reaction time while weaving in mindset training to build resilience and confidence under pressure. By matching your background and goals, this personalized guide zeroes in on methods that align with your experience and ambitions, ensuring you gain practical knowledge that fits your unique journey. The content reveals how to blend physical skills with mental readiness, making it easier to achieve quick, tangible improvements on the ice. It embraces both fundamental movements and focused mental conditioning, delivering a learning experience crafted specifically for you.

Tailored Guide
Mental Conditioning
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for fans of historic NHL eras
Hockey's Original 6: Great Players of the Golden Era stands out by blending vivid photography and expert commentary to spotlight a pivotal chapter in hockey history. This book showcases the passion and skill of NHL stars from the 1950s and '60s through over 120 rare images by Harold Barkley, a pioneering sports photographer. Mike Leonetti's essays provide valuable context, while Jean Béliveau's foreword adds a personal touch from one of the era's icons. Perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the sport's formative years, it captures the spirit and legacy of the Original Six teams in a way few other books do.
Hockey's Original 6: Great Players of the Golden Era book cover

by Mike Leonetti, Charles Barkley, Jean Beliveau·You?

2011·144 pages·Hockey Players, Sports History, Photography, NHL History, Player Biographies

Hockey's Original 6: Great Players of the Golden Era offers a vivid journey into the NHL's most storied period, capturing the passion and skill of legends like Rocket Richard and Gordie Howe. Mike Leonetti, a respected hockey historian, combines detailed essays with Harold Barkley's captivating photography to bring this golden era to life. You gain insights into the personalities and moments that defined the Original Six teams, enriched by Jean Béliveau's reflective foreword. This book suits anyone eager to understand hockey's roots through both imagery and narrative, especially fans who appreciate the sport's cultural impact during the mid-20th century.

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Best for young goalie fans
"We Are the Goalies" stands apart as a vibrant celebration of the NHL's starting netminders, created by the NHLPA to introduce young and eager fans to their favorite players. With a rich collection of full-color photos and detailed histories, the book captures the essence of thirty NHL teams through their goalies, offering an engaging way to appreciate these athletes beyond the rink. Its approachable format and focus on star players make it a great resource for anyone looking to deepen their connection to the game and understand the importance of the goalie position in hockey.
2013·72 pages·Hockey, NHL, Professional Hockey, Hockey Players, Goalies

Unlike most hockey books that emphasize game strategy or player stats, "We Are the Goalies" offers a focused lens on the NHL's top netminders, bringing their stories and images to young fans eager to connect with their heroes. The NHLPA's involvement ensures authentic insights into each team's starting goalie, blending history and player profiles with vibrant, full-color photography. You get a clear sense of each goalie's role and significance within their team, making it a great introduction for anyone wanting to understand the importance of this position beyond the game tape. If you want a glimpse into the lives and legacies of these star players, this book delivers without overwhelming you with technical jargon.

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Best for in-depth athlete biographies
Bobby Orr's memoir, "Orr: My Story," stands out as a singular contribution to hockey literature by offering a firsthand account from one of the game's greatest players. This book goes beyond career highlights to reveal the complexities behind Orr's rise and the unforeseen hardships he faced, including financial setbacks and the pressures of fame. It's a compelling read for anyone interested in the personal side of professional hockey and the factors that shape an athlete's life both on and off the ice.
Orr: My Story book cover

by Bobby Orr·You?

Bobby Orr's memoir opens a rare window into the life of a hockey legend whose impact transcended the sport. You learn not just about his record-breaking career and revolutionary style as a defenseman, but also the personal trials behind the headlines—his struggles with betrayal and financial ruin, and the pressures of sudden fame from a small-town start. This book offers insights into the making of a man shaped by triumphs and setbacks, appealing to anyone intrigued by the human story behind athletic greatness. If you're looking for a candid, reflective account that goes beyond statistics and trophies, this memoir delivers with honest storytelling and thoughtful reflection.

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Best for hockey nutrition guidance
This handbook offers a focused approach to sports nutrition tailored for hockey players, emphasizing foods that boost energy and endurance. It guides athletes and parents through practical choices to improve performance and health, addressing common challenges in fueling around busy practice and tournament schedules. The book’s straightforward advice fills a niche in hockey-focused nutrition, making it a useful resource for anyone serious about improving their game through better diet.
2014·142 pages·Hockey Players, Sports Nutrition, Energy Management, Muscle Building, Performance

What happens when a registered dietitian with a passion for hockey turns her focus to sports nutrition? Roxanne Tuomela Aadp wrote this handbook to cut through confusion about fueling athletes for peak performance on the ice. You’ll learn which foods enhance energy, build muscle, and boost endurance specifically tailored for hockey players navigating intense practice and game schedules. The book offers practical guidance on overcoming poor eating habits and understanding the impact of nutrition on long-term health, making it ideal if you're ready to take control of your diet and performance. Parents and young athletes alike will find clear examples and quick-reference suggestions that demystify sports nutrition.

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Best for fans of hockey superstar stories
This book offers a unique take on Sidney Crosby’s journey, focusing on his growth as both an athlete and a person. It goes beyond typical sports narratives by highlighting his community impact and family roots, making it a meaningful read for anyone interested in what shapes a hockey star. The approachable format makes it accessible for fans eager to learn about Crosby’s early years and ongoing legacy within the NHL and beyond.
2014·66 pages·Hockey Players, Hockey Biography, Hockey, Sports Biography, Athlete Development

Unlike most sports biographies that focus heavily on stats and game highlights, Bill Redban offers a concise glimpse into Sidney Crosby's life beyond the rink. You get insight into Crosby's youth, family background, and charitable efforts, painting a fuller picture of the man behind the hockey superstar. Chapters cover his pre-NHL years and personal life, making it clear this book is as much about character as it is about athletic achievement. If you want to understand what shapes one of hockey’s most renowned players, this book offers approachable storytelling suited for fans and young readers alike.

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Conclusion

The collection of these 10 best-selling Hockey Players books highlights a few clear themes: authentic personal stories, expert-driven historical analysis, and practical guidance for players and fans alike. Whether it’s the legendary career of Gordie Howe, the detailed goalie coaching from Jim Corsi, or the inspiring journeys of NHL hopefuls from the Maritimes, these books offer validated knowledge and inspiration.

If you prefer proven methods and heartfelt memoirs, start with "Mr. Hockey" and "99" for a rich player perspective. For validated approaches to skill and nutrition, combine "The Hockey Goalie's Handbook" with "The Puck Stops Here." Fans interested in hockey’s roots will appreciate "Hockey's Original 6" and "The Top 100 NHL Players of All-Time."

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Hockey Players book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed, making your next hockey read both impactful and personal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Starting with "Mr. Hockey" offers a foundational look at one of the sport’s greatest, Gordie Howe, blending legacy and personal stories that resonate widely. It's a great entry point to understand hockey's heart through a true legend’s eyes.

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

Not at all. Books like "We Are the Goalies" and "Sidney Crosby" are approachable for newcomers, offering engaging stories and basics without overwhelming technical detail, perfect for fans just getting into hockey.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Both have value. Classics like "Hockey's Original 6" provide historical context, while newer memoirs like "99" share fresh perspectives. Balancing both gives a fuller picture of hockey’s past and present.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick what resonates most with you. Each book has its unique focus—from player biographies to goalie coaching—so select based on your interests, whether history, skills, or personal stories.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"The Hockey Goalie's Handbook" and "The Puck Stops Here" lean toward practical advice on skills and nutrition, while books like "The Top 100 NHL Players of All-Time" explore history and rankings, offering theoretical insights.

Can I get tailored Hockey Players insights without reading multiple books?

Yes! While expert books like "Mr. Hockey" provide valuable wisdom, creating a personalized Hockey Players book lets you combine proven methods tailored to your goals. Learn more here.

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