Game Change

Game Change examines the life and death of NHL player Steve Montador, who was diagnosed with CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) after his passing. Ken Dryden, former NHL goaltender and Hall of Famer, uses Montador's story as a focal point to investigate the broader impact of head injuries in hockey. The book traces the evolution of hockey from its origins to the present day, documenting how increased speed and physical contact have changed the nature of the sport. Dryden draws on his experience as both a player and observer of the game to analyze these transformations and their consequences. Through interviews with players, medical experts, and hockey officials, the book presents a comprehensive look at the culture of hockey and its approach to player safety. The narrative moves between Montador's personal story and the wider context of how the NHL has handled concussion-related issues. Game Change stands as both a tribute to a fallen player and a call to action about the future of hockey, raising questions about the balance between maintaining the sport's intensity and protecting its players.

Readers describe Game Change as an examination of hockey concussions through Steve Montador's story. Many found the medical research and policy discussion thorough but accessible to non-hockey fans. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanation of brain injury science - Personal narratives that humanize the issue - Dryden's insider perspective as former player/executive - Specific recommendations for rule changes Common criticisms: - Repetitive points and arguments - Too much focus on policy over storytelling - Structure feels disorganized at times Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (100+ ratings) From reader reviews: "Dryden connects dots between science, policy and real human impact" -Goodreads "Important message but could have been shorter" -Amazon "Makes complex medical concepts understandable" -Chapters/Indigo Several readers noted the book works better as an advocacy piece than a traditional sports biography.

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🏒 Ken Dryden is a Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender who won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens before becoming a bestselling author and Member of Parliament in Canada. 🧠 Steve Montador's brain examination after his death at age 35 revealed extensive CTE damage, making him one of the youngest NHL players diagnosed with this condition. 📚 The author drew from over 100 interviews with players, coaches, medical experts, and family members to create this comprehensive account of hockey's concussion crisis. 🎯 During his 10-year NHL career, Steve Montador played 571 games and recorded 69 fights, highlighting the physical toll professional hockey can take on players. 🏆 Ken Dryden's previous hockey book, "The Game" (1983), is widely considered one of the best sports books ever written and was named one of the greatest hockey books by The Hockey News.