Bobby Orr and Me

This personal reflection on hockey's place in Canadian identity blends memoir with cultural analysis, tracing the author's childhood experiences playing in the Muskoka/Parry Sound region alongside the broader story of hockey's globalization. Martin Avery weaves together his own boyhood games with the iconic presence of Bobby Orr, creating a narrative that is part sports history and part national soul-searching. The book examines how the sport functions as a core component of the Canadian psyche, moving beyond simple nostalgia to explore what the game truly means to the people who live and breathe it.

What sets this work apart is its seamless fusion of the personal and the universal, using one man's relationship with hockey to illuminate a larger conversation about national character. Readers who appreciate sports writing that delves into cultural significance will find a thoughtful companion here, while anyone curious about Canada's relationship with its defining winter pastime will discover profound insights. Avery doesn't just recount memories; he invites readers to consider how shared passions shape collective identity, making this a compelling read for both hockey enthusiasts and those interested in the sociology of sport.