There's no denying that hockey is a popular and beloved sport across the globe. And as the Stanley Cup final heats up, the sport's popularity is soaring. Across the United States and Canada alike, fans are avidly following their favourite teams, cheering them on as they vie for the game's Holy Grail. Whether you're a casual fan or a diehard glued to each pass of the puck, tune into these excellent hockey audiobooks and podcasts to learn everything you want to know about what goes on out on the ice – interviews, analysis, history, behind-the-scenes details and so much more.
In this Audible Original, Sidney Crosby opens up about his 2005-2006 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins – one of the most talked-about rookie seasons in the NHL. With candour, humour, grace and plenty of passion, Crosby recalls the ups and downs – the pressure he was under as an 18-year-old player, the scrutiny from the press, his relationship with his childhood role model and more. Alongside celebrity host and Penguins fan Joe Manganiello, Crosby gives listeners a never-before-seen glimpse into an unforgettable year.
The Athletic Hockey Show is The Athletic's flagship hockey podcast, featuring hosts Ian Mendes, Craig Custance, Hailey Salvian, Sean Gentille, Sean McIndoe, CBC's Rob Pizzo, Jesse Granger, Sara Civian, Max Bultman and Corey Pronman. Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and some Fridays, this podcast is dedicated to bringing you all the hockey content your podcast-listening heart could ever desire, from previews of the week's best match-ups to interviews with league insiders to analytics, prospect rankings, betting picks and more.
Many sports fans consider Wayne Gretzky the greatest hockey player of all time. It's hard to imagine how anyone could capture such a long and storied career in an audiobook, but Gretzky does so with warmth, wit and clarity. He shares an eclectic selection of stories, moments and memories from a life in hockey. He reflects on memorable games, pivotal moments in hockey history and the people – teammates, coaches, friends and rivals – who made his career what it was.
NHL @TheRink is a fun and informative weekly podcast from hosts Dan Rosen and Shawn Roarke of @nhldotcom. Join Dan and Shawn as they bring you an in-depth analysis of all the biggest NHL news. Plus, you'll get insightful interviews with hockey scribes, broadcasters, players, coaches and front-office personnel.
Gordie Howe is the very definition of a legend. His groundbreaking career set record after record, sending him to the Hall of Fame and inspiring generations of players and fans alike. He was also known for his human decency – Howe was not just a great hockey player but a truly compassionate and admirable man. In this touching memoir, Howe's son, Murray, reflects on his father's deeply human spirit and his own endeavor to model such everyday heroism. This tremendous ode to a father's legacy sees Murray Howe grappling with his father's death and immortalizing the lessons left behind.
If you're a fan of hockey history and love a great story, you're going to want to listen to View from the Penalty Box. Host Cam Connor is a former NHL player who won the Stanley Cup and, in addition to his reputation as a tough enforcer, he's known for being a great storyteller. On this podcast, Cam is joined by his son Kristofer Connor as he shares some classic hockey stories, drawing on his experiences playing with Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe, growing up with "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and many of his memorable encounters on the ice and off – including the time, in the dead of night in the Nevada desert, he spotted a UFO.
In this clear-sighted and inspiring memoir, Willie O'Ree, the first Black player in the NHL, recounts his long career: from his first game in 1958 – when he was called up from the minors to play for the Boston Bruins – to his retirement in 1979. He shares the challenges he faced as a Black player in a sport traditionally dominated by white men, the lessons he learned along the way and his remarkable post-NHL career helping thousands of kids from diverse backgrounds participate in the sport. Narrator Everett Fitzhugh is more than up to the task of capturing O'Ree's gravitas and charisma – it may not be O'Ree himself narrating, but with all the warmth Fitzhugh musters, it often feels like it is.
Nostalgic for historic hockey matches? With Best of NHL on NBC, you can travel back in time and relive the most exciting moments of your favourite NHL games of the past several years – including the NHL Winter Classic, the NHL All-Star Game and, of course, the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Hosted by top sports anchors, this podcast gives fans the chance to repeat experiencing the thrill of outstanding games or listen to what they missed the first time around.
The name Mark Messier is pretty much synonymous with hockey. The legendary Hall of Famer helped claim the Stanley Cup six times in the course of his quarter-of-a-century career with the NHL. In No One Wins Alone, Messier recounts his journey with the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks, exploring the lessons learned and memories made along the way. He meditates thoughtfully on his upbringing, considering all he learned from his father, Doug, and his relationships with fellow greats and teammates Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey, and what it means to be a leader and the grace it takes to overcome adversity. This memoir is as uplifting as it is inspiring.
If you're a hockey player looking for a podcast to help you up your game and dominate the ice, then tune into Hockey Performance Unleashed. Every Monday, Coach Dan Garner delivers solid information on training, nutrition and the mindset you need to be the best hockey player you can be. In short episodes, most around 15 minutes, you'll get everything from weight-gaining and fat-loss tips to strategies for staying motivated, adapting your off-season schedule and performing at your peak when the pressure is on.
Aaron Volpatti has a comeback story like no other. In 2005, he was just another average hockey player, fighting for time on the ice and hoping for the best. Then, after suffering a devastating burn, he became even more determined to make his dreams come true. In this poignant memoir, he shares the story of his surprising journey from the burn unit to the NHL, opening up about what helped him through, both physically and emotionally. His narration is open, inviting and familiar – despite the extraordinary events of his life, it feels like a dear friend sharing a story.
Sports fans may have a reputation for taking a game too seriously, but most also know how to have a good time – especially hockey fans. If you're looking for a fun, irreverent and highly entertaining listen, this hilarious history of hockey by sports writer Sean McIndoe is for you. McIndoe knows just how weird the NHL is, and he's not afraid to talk about it. In this audiobook, he shares some of the wildest and most bizarre moments in hockey history. His narration is full of exuberance and his comedic timing is excellent. The obvious pleasure he takes in joking about a sport he loves makes this audiobook irresistibly fun.
If you're the parent of a kid who plays hockey, then you need your own podcast! And you've got it with Our Kids Play Hockey. It's hosted by a trio of hockey experts – Christie Casciano Burns is a USA Hockey columnist and TV news anchor; Mike Bonelli is a USA Hockey coach; and Lee M.J. Elias is an author and consultant on teamwork who has coached hockey at the collegiate and youth levels. Most important, all three are the parents of kids who play hockey. Listen in every week as three hockey parents share tips on everything from boosting your hockey IQ to supporting team bonding.
Bestselling sports writer and Hockey Hall of Famer Ken Dryden has written some of the best books about the history, culture and legacy of hockey, especially in Canada. In this listen, he focuses on the story of one player – Steve Montador, who was diagnosed with the degenerative brain condition CTE (often associated with concussions or repeated head traumas) after his tragic death. Dryden recounts Montador's story with care and nuance, exploring the inherent risk of the game and what it means for hockey's future. His love for and deep knowledge of hockey comes through loud and clear in his narration. This is a moving, riveting listen that's not to be missed.
This post was originally published on Audible.com.
