Hockey Dad: True Confessions of a (Crazy?) Hockey Parent

by Bob McKenzie

Book Overview

A revealing look at the good, the bad and the ugly of the minor hockey culture as seen through the eyes of a Hockey Dad cum Hockey Coach who just happens to be one of the most recognized hockey personalities in North America. This Hockey Dad, Bob McKenzie, is not afraid to look into the mirror and candidly assess and reveal his own strengths and weaknesses. He has anecdotes that will make you laugh, stories that will bring a tear to your eye, and insights into this minor hockey world that can only come from having lived through the highs and the lows and everything in between with two boys who grew up in an environment where minor hockey was their epicenter. Michael is now a 22-year-old entering his junior year playing NCAA hockey on scholarship, one step away from the professional ranks. Shawn, now 19, had his competitive minor hockey life cut drastically short at age 14 because of complications from multiple concussions. While Michael has attempted to, and continues to try to, scale the heights within hockey, Shawn has, at times, had to navigate the depths. Their deeply personal stories, and how their father dealt with them (sometimes well, sometimes not so well), are a compelling look into the world of minor hockey--a major Canadian passion. From hysterically funny anecdotes, to debates on numerous hockey issues, praise and criticism for the system, and personal reflections on the game, this book is an insightful, irreverent, and moving look at a slice of hockey culture that is not so much a recreation as it is a way of life.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0470159391
• ISBN13: 9780470159392
• Release Date: September 2009
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Length: 276 Pages
• Weight: 1.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Great Read

A thoroughly entertaining and informative book that reads almost like a diary. I recommend it to all the hockey parents out there as well as their children when they're old enough to understand and appreciate all the trouble their parent's went through. Although it isn't preachy, there are stories with subtle morals that can be used by anyone.

Hockey Dad; True Confessions of a (Crazy) Hockey Parent

Bob does a great job of sharing his view on being a parent, coach, and member of the world of youth hockey and sports in general. He reminds us in many suttle and not so suttle ways at the end of the day, its just a game. That being the case, our goal as parents and coaches is to simple embrace our kids and encourage them as they use sports to develop their character. Must read for anyone involved in youth sports. Must read even if you're nothing more than a simple parent.

A MUST READ FOR ANY HOCKEY FAN WHO IS ALSO A DAD!

This is a must read for any hockey fan who is also a dad. Bob M. is my hockey GOD! I have watched him for many years and have always put my 100% complete faith in his knowledge of the game. His information is timely and is a big help in my keeping up with the current situations that arise during the hockey season. If you are a dad and especially a hockey dad you will feel what Bob feels when it comoes to his sons and their hockey lives. He is a proud dad and his sons are so lucky to have an "in" when it comes to the inner workings of hockey at ALL levels. There are dozens of new hockey books being published these days and the FIRST one that should be on your reading list is HOCKEY DAD!