99: Stories of the Game

Wayne Gretzky's "99: Stories of the Game" presents significant moments and figures from hockey's history through the lens of his career and personal experiences. The book combines historical accounts with firsthand observations from Gretzky's time as a player, coach, and lifelong student of hockey. The narrative moves through different eras of the sport, from its origins on frozen ponds to the modern NHL. Gretzky shares insights about players who shaped the game before his time, his contemporaries, and the evolution of playing styles and strategies. The stories feature encounters with hockey legends, behind-the-scenes glimpses of historic games, and perspectives on how the sport has changed. Gretzky examines key developments in equipment, training methods, and team dynamics that transformed professional hockey. This collection goes beyond standard sports autobiography to explore broader themes of tradition, innovation, and the connections between generations of players. The book serves as both a historical document and a personal reflection on hockey's enduring impact on North American culture.

Readers appreciate Gretzky's personal stories and behind-the-scenes perspectives on hockey history. Many note his conversational tone and ability to share memories of games, players, and moments from multiple eras. Fans highlight the book's coverage of both well-known and obscure hockey moments, with several readers mentioning they learned new details about familiar stories. Multiple reviewers point out the depth of research and historical context. Common criticisms include repetitive anecdotes and a somewhat disorganized structure. Some readers wanted more personal stories from Gretzky's own career rather than his observations of others. A few note that co-writer Kirstie McLellan Day's voice sometimes overshadows Gretzky's authentic tone. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (850+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.5/5 (100+ ratings) The most frequent complaint among lower reviews is that the book feels more like a general hockey history than Gretzky's memoir.

The Game by Ken Dryden A Montreal Canadiens goalie shares observations from inside NHL locker rooms and on the ice during hockey's most transformative era of the 1970s.

Playing With Fire by Theoren Fleury, Kirstie McLellan Day A Calgary Flames star reveals his path through hockey's ranks while battling personal demons and finding redemption through the sport.

Orr: My Story by Bobby Orr The Boston Bruins legend chronicles his journey from small-town Canada to NHL stardom while providing insights into hockey's evolution through the 1960s and 70s.

All The Way by Jordin Tootoo The first Inuk NHL player details his path from Nunavut to professional hockey while navigating cultural barriers and personal loss.

Mr. Hockey by Gordie Howe Detroit Red Wings icon Gordie Howe recounts six decades in professional hockey with stories from Original Six era through the NHL's expansion period.

🏒 Wayne Gretzky wrote this book to coincide with the NHL's 99th anniversary, matching his iconic jersey number. 🏆 The book includes personal stories from Gretzky's interactions with hockey legends like Gordie Howe, Mark Messier, and Mario Lemieux. 📚 Unlike his previous autobiography, this book focuses more on the game's history and other players rather than Gretzky's own achievements. 🌟 The stories span from the NHL's founding in 1917 to modern day, including pivotal moments like the 1972 Summit Series between Canada and the Soviet Union. 🤝 Gretzky collaborated with bestselling author Kirstie McLellan Day, who has co-written books with several other NHL stars including Theo Fleury and Bob Probert.