Wind up for a slapshot with these hockey podcasts and audiobooks

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. 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 comprehensive autobiography, he reflects on all of it, from his childhood during the Depression to the experience of playing hockey alongside his two sons. Narrator Don Hagen beautifully brings his legacy to life.

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 candor, humor, 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.

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.

The moment the 1980 US Men's Olympic Hockey team beat the USSR—and then went on to win the gold—is one of the most extraordinary sports stories of the 20th century. In this honest and spirited memoir, team captain Mike Eruzione paints a vivid portrait of that incredible game, and of the scrappy team that pulled it off. He also opens up about the rest of his career, from his childhood in Winthrop, Massachusetts, to the series of events that led to his selection for that history-making US team. Narrated by George Newbern, this audiobook is a must-listen for all hockey fans and anyone who loves a feel-good underdog story.

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.

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.

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.

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.