Advance praise for Hammered:
“Hammered is Dave Schultz’s toughest act yet. His piercing memoir is about much more than hockey. Schultz reveals the unseen wounds he endured before, during, and after he became the NHL’s most feared legend. His raw honesty and surprising vulnerability are an inspiration to anyone who knows the toll of addiction and abuse—and the courage it takes to fight those demons.”
—Clint Malarchuk, bestselling author of The Crazy Game
“Schultz’s unflinching self-portrait of his athletic afterlife recounts myriad tragic turns and captures the looming existential threats that face those who earned their living with their fists. It took bravery to the point of recklessness to drop the gloves hundreds of times, but his most courageous act will be telling his cautionary story.”
—Gare Joyce, bestselling author and creator of hit TV series Private Eyes
“Dave was a teammate who cared a lot. Cared about winning. Cared about your safety. Cared about working to make himself the best at his role. Off the ice, he was laidback and funny, a good friend. He’s had a lot of battles in his life, and some hard times. But he comes through them and wants to pass along what he’s learned so he can help others. I’m proud to call him my friend.”
—Reggie Leach, Flyers Hall of Fame, Order of Canada (CM)
“Dave played one of the hardest and most misunderstood roles in hockey. He did it like no one else before him. Schultzy was an important part of our success. Here’s the thing people didn’t understand: Dave fought for his teammates, not for himself. He wasn’t born to fight, but he’s a born fighter.”
—Bob Clarke, former Philadelphia captain and GM
“In Hammered, Dave Schultz brings the same raw energy and candor to this authentic account of the battles he faced on and off the ice as he did when he was providing backbone for one of the most successful teams in the league. Recommended reading for anyone who follows the game and aspires to understand the toll it can take—separate from the glory layered across its surface.”
—Stu Grimson, broadcaster, former NHLer, and bestselling author of The Grim Reaper
“Sometimes you’re the hammer, sometimes you’re the nail—even when you’re as tough as Dave Schultz. This book takes you down a road I know well, and there is some pretty raw stuff inside these covers. But most of all, I am proud of Dave for getting un-hammered. Dave’s most impressive knockout.”
—Brantt Myhres, former NHLer and bestselling author of Pain Killer
“I wish Dave nothing but the best. He is an all-time great Flyer with courage and guts. A real team player who would always be there if you needed him. Lots of laughs!”
—Bob Kelly, former NHLer and teammate
“To win the Stanley, it takes every player to understand and play his role. Dave supplied courage, muscle, and toughness to our team. He created space for our most skilled players to do what they did best. Opponents knew if they went after Clarke, Barber, MacLeish—or any Flyer—Dave wouldn’t stand for it. He earned his Cup rings and helped us all earn ours.”
—Joe Watson, former NHLer and teammate
“I’ve known Dave since the year we turned pro together. My first impression? He was a beast and had an insatiable desire to brawl. I soon learned he was a gentle person and a born ‘protector’—always sensitive to others and honest to a fault. You will see that honesty in these pages as he reveals his life story.”
—Bill Clement, former NHLer and teammate
“Dave Schultz changed the game of hockey for over fifty years. He was the first true power forward, who could change momentum with his hands or his fists. Opponents feared him. Teammates were glad he was on their side. I saw it from both sides. But most of all, I’m proud to have him as a friend.”
—Rick Dudley, NHL player, coach, scout, and general manager
