~ Hardcover
Gretzky's Tears: Hockey, Canada, and the Day Everything Changed
Renowned sportswriter Stephen Brunt reveals how Wayne Gretzky (colloquially known as “the Great One”), who was bought and sold more than once, decided that the comfortable Canadian city where hockey ruled couldn’t compete with the slushy ice of a California franchise . . .
Beginning with his dad, Walter, and continuing with Nelson Skalbania, Peter Pocklington, Bruce McNall, Jerry Buss (and with the CBC’s Peter Gzowski as chronicler for the eager masses) the enormity of Gretzky’s talent attracted all sorts of people who were after a variety of vicarious thrills.
"Brunt captures the feelings of shock and betrayal set off by 'The Trade' better than anything I've ever read. Long the consensus pick as Canada's best sportswriter, Brunt has probably earned the right to be called one of our best writers, period." -- The Gazette