I'd Trade Him Again

by Terry McConnell, Wayne Gretzky (Foreword), J'lyn Nye

As one of Canada's foremost captains of industry, Peter Pocklington is both revered and reviled - depending on whom (and where) you ask. But while achieving a consensus about feelings for the man may prove elusive, one thing is for Peter Pocklington has never been dull.
Few alive today exceed the influence he has brought to bear on the world of commerce, politics, sport, and culture. He has lived a colourful and privileged life - though it wasn't always that way.
Pocklington's story is one of triumph, failure, and perseverance in the face of adversity. In many ways, it is a primer on free-market capitalism. It also chronicles one man's pursuit of "the deal" and how that pursuit helped shape him and the ideals he continues to hold today. His story is told here, for the first time, in intimate detail and with a passion that will engage hockey fans, sports fans, and those with business interests. It is a tale that will resonate with anyone who enjoys a rise-from-the-ashes story that witnesses one man's dedication, commitment, and resolve - a combination that enabled him to achieve his dream and attain the goals he set out for himself at a young age.

Genres: Hockey, Nonfiction, Sports, Biography, History

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Dave Cottenie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is interesting to be able to look at a sport through the eyes of the owner. Even more so when that owner is one of the most infamous in sports history. The story of Peter Pocklington is very interesting, with plenty of curves and swerves. The former owner of the Edmonton Oilers is, of course, famous for being the one who traded Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings. Almost as interesting as the story behind the trade is, the continued vitriol Pocklington suffered through as a result is even more interesting. At times, the text is too self serving, specifically an entire chapter on who Pocklongton’s famous friends were, but his dealings with the Alberta government and US business interests makes up for it. Definitely an interesting read!

[Cameron Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty interesting story, but the book is almost not about the Gretzky trade at all. Also, if the goal of the book was to make me like Pocklington it failed. Guy blames everything that goes wrong in his life on someone or something else, primarily the government. Almost seems negligent to not acknowledge that maybe he was a mediocre businessman who hit it big on an Alberta oil boom and rode the coattails of that for as long as he could.

[Nathan Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's as much a business book as it is a hockey book.
It gives powerful insight into the mind of a growth focused business mind.

[Denis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Pocklington may be the most hated man in Canada. It is a label earned for the man who traded Wayne Gretzky from Edmonton to Los Angeles.

But as fans and journalists threw brickbats at Pocklington, the man stayed mostly quiet.

In I'd Trade Him Again, authors Terry McConnell and J'Lyn Nye examine the man's life. McConnell and Nye treat the reader to his thinking by adding his voice--blustery and bold--throughout. Simply, I'd Trade Him Again is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at a man who is neither a villain nor a hero.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. While many people in the hockey world hate on Pocklington for the trade, this book really gives you an insight into business at that time and what was involved in the running of the Oilers. It really was an eye opener and changed the way i looked at the entire trade.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating look at an intriguing man. He's not the devil incarnate he is often made out to be, and he is a long ways from being a saint. He's as human as the rest of us, I guess, but there is no doubt he has led an amazing life to date. Never dull.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A neat little "hockey book" that consists of just 7 chapters from the complete biography The Puck Talks Here. The price is right and it's a quick and interesting read.