King of Russia: A Year in the Russian Super League

This book is essentially the coach's daily diary, describing his year in Russia and organized around the four seasons (although Spring was incorrectly labeled as Winter in my copy). Because of the diary format, it's easy to put down and pick up again at your leisure, without losing the thread. Having lived a couple of years in the former Eastern bloc, it jogged memories of my experiences and some of the struggles. You'll get observations and insight on a wide range of different aspects of daily life and nuances of the culture. The discussion of youth hockey in Russia (page 103 and following) is fascinating. It's no surprise that so many Russian-trained players are excelling in the NHL. Be sure to read the Epilogue and Afterward, which put the whole adventure in nice perspective.

Avid hockey fans will definitely enjoy this entertaining, easy to read account of Dave King's experiences coaching the Metallurg Magnitogorsk team in the Russian Super League. While there are many books that describe exciting games and great players, what sets this one apart is the thoughtful discussions of modern Russian society, and the ongoing changes that are taking place there. We have friends from the Ukraine who say that the book's insights are spot on. And, as a fan who watched the 72 Summit Series on live TV, and has followed international hockey ever since, I enjoyed the numerous references to players and coaches from different eras whom Dave King knows personally. Viktor Tikonov, Vladimir Tretiak, Igor Larionov, Slava Fetisov . . . right up to Evgeny Malkin, who grew up in Magnitogorsk, and played for King in his last season in Russia before transferring to the NHL.

This book is a terrific almost day-by-day account of the experience Dave King had coaching in Russia. I was particularly interested in this title because, besides being an avid hockey fan from Minnesota -practically a Canadian province in terms of hockey- I am also someone who has been interested in first, the Soviet Union as a teenager, and now Russia and its transition away from communism. Before I read it, I wondered how the Russian players, media and fans would treat him. I also wondered whether or not and to what extent he would succeed in this literally foreign hockey league, if he would be mugged or meet the Russian mafia (as Russia has a bit of a reputation for "lawlessness"). I also wondered how he would manage to reside in a country and if he would be insulated from some of its problems. ALL of these questions are answered, but you'll have to read it to find out! It is a GREAT and EASY read!! I highly recommend it!

I really enjoyed reading this book. Had to put it down once in a while to get some sleep! I had read an earlier book about the first NHL player that went to Russia. This fits in well with that book. A very good update about the players. The world hockey that you don't hear about in the States, and Canada. You will recognize the names. A good book.