Life in Two Worlds: A Coach's Journey From the Reserve to the NHL and Back by Ted Nolan with Meg Masters

I just read this autobiographical book, Life in Two Worlds: A Coach's Journey from the Reserve to the NHL and Back - Ted Nolan tells of his childhood in a low income large family on a reserve in Ontario. How he got his start playing competitive hockey and his fight to be an NHL player.

In it, he speaks of the racism he faced, the challenges he over came and those he did not. His love of family and of his heritage was dominant in his decision making. That he was successful as a coach in spite of his detractors is a source of inspiration for all. Nolan played professional hockey in the NHL and AHL for a combined eight seasons before retiring in 1986. That’s when he discovered his true calling as a head coach. He led the Ontario Hockey League’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds to three consecutive Memorial Cup tournaments, and won the National Junior Championship in 1993. Colleagues and players praised Nolan for his deep understanding of how to motivate his players.

He founded The Ted Nolan Foundation to help Indigenous youth to pursue academic growth. He created the Rose Nolan Foundation, in honour of his mother, to aid Indigenous women in their academic pursuits. A hockey program, called 3 Nolans, was formed with Jordan Nolan, a three time Stanley Cup winner, and his other son Brandon, also a former NHLer. The goal of 3 Nolans is to help Indigenous youth with hockey and life skills.

Well worth reading.