Al Strachan

Al Strachan is a Canadian sports journalist and author known for his extensive coverage of hockey, particularly during his tenure at the Toronto Sun and The Globe and Mail newspapers. His career in sports journalism spans over 40 years, during which he built a reputation for providing insider perspectives on the NHL and professional hockey. Strachan authored several books about hockey, including "Why the Leafs Suck and How They Can Be Fixed," "99: Gretzky: His Game, His Story," and "Don Cherry's Hockey Stories and Stuff," which he co-wrote with Don Cherry. His work frequently focused on providing behind-the-scenes insights into the sport and its prominent figures. As a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee, Strachan contributed to the recognition and preservation of hockey history. His columns and commentary regularly appeared on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada, and he was a frequent presence on various sports radio programs across Canada. Beyond his writing, Strachan became known for his sometimes controversial opinions and his willingness to criticize teams, players, and management when he felt it was warranted. His direct writing style and insider access made him an influential voice in Canadian hockey journalism throughout his career.

Readers respect Strachan's insider knowledge but criticize his writing style. Online reviews note his access to key hockey figures and ability to share behind-the-scenes stories, particularly in "99: Gretzky" and his collaborations with Don Cherry. Liked: - Detailed anecdotes about players and coaches - First-hand accounts of major hockey moments - Honest criticism of team management decisions - Humor in "Why the Leafs Suck" Disliked: - Writing described as "too casual" and "newspaper-style" - Repetitive storytelling - Some fact-checking errors noted by hardcore fans - Perceived bias against certain teams/players Review Metrics: Amazon: "99: Gretzky" - 3.8/5 (87 reviews) "Why the Leafs Suck" - 3.5/5 (42 reviews) Goodreads: "Don Cherry's Hockey Stories" - 3.6/5 (156 ratings) One reader summarized: "Great stories, average writing. Worth reading for the hockey insights but don't expect literary excellence."

Why the Leafs Still Suck (2009) Analysis of the Toronto Maple Leafs' management decisions and organizational culture from 1967 to 2009.

I Am Not Making This Up: My Favourite Hockey Stories (2011) Collection of behind-the-scenes stories from NHL players, coaches, and management gathered during Strachan's journalism career.

99: My Life in Pictures (2013) Co-authored with Wayne Gretzky, a photographic biography documenting Gretzky's hockey career and personal life.

Don Cherry's Hockey Stories and Stuff (2008) Co-authored with Don Cherry, a compilation of hockey anecdotes and memories from Cherry's playing and coaching days.

Go to the Net: Eight Goals That Changed the Game (2018) Examination of eight significant goals in hockey history and their impact on the sport's development.

Ken Dryden writes about hockey from an insider's perspective as a former NHL goalie. His books combine detailed hockey analysis with broader cultural observations about the sport in Canada.

Roy MacSkimming focuses on Canadian hockey history and the business side of the NHL. His work includes deep research into the origins of professional hockey and profiles of key figures who shaped the league.

Bruce Dowbiggin covers hockey media, broadcasting and behind-the-scenes NHL operations. He examines power dynamics between teams, players, and league management through investigative reporting.

Stephen Brunt writes about Canadian sports with emphasis on hockey's role in national identity. His books explore the intersection of sports, business, and culture while profiling major hockey personalities.

Bob McKenzie provides NHL insider coverage and scouting analysis based on decades of hockey reporting. His writing focuses on player development, trades, and the internal workings of NHL front offices.