Clint Malarchuk

Clint Malarchuk is a former NHL goalie and author known for surviving one of hockey's most graphic on-ice incidents when his jugular vein was severed by a skate blade during a 1989 game. After his playing career, Malarchuk worked as a goalie coach while privately battling severe PTSD, OCD, depression and alcoholism related to the injury trauma. He survived a suicide attempt in 2008 and subsequently became an advocate for mental health awareness. His 2014 memoir "The Crazy Game" (released as "A Matter of Inches" in the US) details both his hockey career and his struggles with mental illness. The book provides an unvarnished look at professional sports, trauma recovery, and the reality of living with psychological conditions. Malarchuk continues to work in hockey while speaking publicly about mental health, drawing from his experiences to help others facing similar challenges. His story has been featured in multiple documentaries and sports programs focused on athlete mental health and resilience.

Readers connect strongly with Malarchuk's raw honesty about mental health struggles in his memoir "The Crazy Game" (titled "A Matter of Inches" in the US). Many reviews note the emotional impact of his detailed accounts of anxiety, OCD, and PTSD from his hockey career and shooting accident. Liked: - Straightforward, conversational writing style - Balance of hockey stories with personal struggles - Insight into professional sports' mental health stigma - Practical discussion of treatment and recovery Disliked: - Some repetition in later chapters - Hockey terminology can be unclear for non-fans - A few readers found certain medical details too graphic Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (280+ ratings) Sample review: "Malarchuk doesn't hide behind flowery language or self-pity. He tells his story plainly and shows others they're not alone." - Goodreads user

The Crazy Game: How I Survived in the Crease and Beyond (2014) An autobiography detailing Malarchuk's NHL career, his near-fatal on-ice injury, and his struggles with OCD, depression, and alcoholism.

A Matter of Inches: How I Survived in the Crease and Beyond (2014) The U.S. edition of "The Crazy Game," containing the same content about Malarchuk's life as a professional hockey goalie and his personal battles with mental health.