The Game

20th Anniversary Edition

By: Ken Dryden

Narrated by: Ken Dryden

Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Widely acknowledged as the best hockey book ever written and lauded by Sports Illustrated as one of the Top 10 Sports Books of All Time, The Game is a reflective and thought-provoking look at a life in hockey. Intelligent and insightful, former Montreal Canadiens goalie and former President of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ken Dryden captures the essence of the sport and what it means to all hockey fans. He gives us vivid and affectionate portraits of the characters - Guy Lafleur, Larry Robinson, Guy Lapointe, Serge Savard, and coach Scotty Bowman among them - that made the Canadiens of the 1970s one of the greatest hockey teams in history. But beyond that, Dryden reflects on life on the road, in the spotlight, and on the ice, offering up a rare inside look at the game of hockey and an incredible personal memoir. This commemorative edition marks the 20th anniversary of The Game's original publication. It includes black and white photography from the Hockey Hall of Fame and a new chapter from the author. Take a journey to the heart and soul of the game with this timeless hockey classic.

© 1983, 1993, 1999, 2003, 2005 Ken Dryden (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

a bit Dry... den again very thoughtful.

Cool to see inside the mind of a great thinking pro hockey player. Had me thinking of Carey Price and the pressure that playing in a fanatical market must bring. The game has become a corporate business where winning every 32nd year would be an equitable outcome. This creates a lack of patience from fans, team administrators, press, and coaches which actually benefits smaller markets IMHO. looking forward to listening to the Bowman book 🙂✌️

Historic book on hockey

An excellent (though starting to get dated) book about the ins and outs of hockey as a profession. The structure is not suited to the audiobook format. Buy Kindle/paper versions, instead.

Best sports book out there

Hockey is probably the one sport I have not coached. As of lately, it is the one sport that has captivated me. During my 20 plus years of coaching, I’ve read tons of coaching and sports books. This one is in the top two. The other being “Scotty”. Dreyden is storyteller like no other. He speaks from the heart. His love of the game and those who played it, pour through every page. Don’t read this one without picking up the other. It’s the perfect one-two punch.

I’m currently in the middle of “Home Game”. Another Dreyden book. I don’t know what it is about this author, but very few have ever grabbed me like he does. His writings have brought out truth that I knew were there, but hadn’t discussed. These books are pullout me back into coaching.

Brilliant, Insightful Dryden at his best

well, almost..the book is so enjoyable, riveting at times..for a fan of Les Canadians in the 70s, incredible, allowing me to touch the team..for a fan of hockey, or, the casual fan, a chance to look inside and maybe become a fan..I loved it..

An excellent book.

I read the paperback many years ago, the reading in Ken Dryden's own voice brings a special cadence and emotion to this audible book.

incredible book

This book is by far the best sports book I've ever read. I'm newly obsessed with hockey and have started listening to hockey books. I foolishly avoided this book, thinking I wouldn't enjoy reading a book from an era of hockey I knew nothing about. If anybody actually reads this review and you have the same doubts that I had, forget them and buy this book. You won't regret it. Now I'm going to start my second Ken Dryden book.

The thinking man's hockey book

Would you consider the audio edition of The Game to be better than the print version?

Dryden is an terrific narrator, someone who obviously wanted to create a great listening experience. In that he succeeded, and you can tell that he truly relished re-reading his story and telling it again.

What did you like best about this story?

Not a whole lot of play by play narration - instead, Dryden focuses on his identity as a Canadian living in Quebec, his feelings about being part of a team and the challenges that come with being a professional athlete. Dryden is a true student of the game, and his description of the changes through the years are equally compelling.

What does Ken Dryden bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A true narrator's touch, plus an inflection and emphasis that I found to be quite wonderful.

A Great Story Told by the author.

I’ll keep this short—Ken Dryden tells a great story of his playing career… as well as a look at the history of the sport. It truly does live up to its name as the greatest hockey book ever. Also, I’d respectfully disagree about Mr. Dryden’s reading—his pace is solid and I’d always rather have the author read it then someone else. He doesn’t disappoint.

The Best Hockey Book of it's Time

Ken Dryden starts off highlighting the stories and life of a professional hockey player in the 1950's, 1960's, and 1970's, and finishes by covering the evolution and meaning of the game of the course of it's history. Dryden is brutally honest about the inter-generational politics as the game evolved from it's roots, into the national sport of Canada, into the North American and European game that drove passion and energy between the United States and the U.S.S.R. Easily the most interesting analysis of the game, the league, and it's players written when this book was published!

More than just a game

Starts a little slow, but once it picks up around chapter five it does not stop! Such a great book with solid insight into what lies beneath the surface of hockey.