Book Review: King of Russia by Dave King

I read another hockey book this week, again with a Calgary Flames connection; King of Russia by Dave King.  King, who coached the Canadian national team for almost ten years and coached the Flames for three seasons, was the first North American coach in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League.


The book reads as a journal from King’s season in Russia, while he coached Mettallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL, from the start of training camp (in July!) through the end of the season in April.  He details his difficulties with language and cultural barriers, and his relationship with the players (including a 20-year old Evgeni Malkin), all the while chronicling his team’s season.

Heading into this book, I was quite interested to learn about playing hockey in Russia.  I’ve heard so many stories, be it about mafia connections, briefcases of cash, or dodgy arenas.  It’s always seemed like such a culture change for anybody who goes over there.