Fighting Back: The Chris Nilan Story Hardcover – November 15, 2013

Fantastic read, professional seller? Item arrived as described

I enjoyed the chronology of how Chris told his story. I'm a huge HABS fan who lived in Montreal during Chris' playing career! He's right Montreal fans loved him and still do. Ironically, I now live in Massachusetts, so I could also really relate to the Boston side of his story. I'm glad he's in recovery and able to enjoy this pay of his life. I know that it has been a very long road that he has traveled and will continue to travel.career

Chris Nilan entertained thousands of hockey fans over his entire career and was very successful.unfortunately he made some very bad decisions that only he can explain why The book was a great read And I can only hope that he remains sober and rebounds a real champion in the game of life. Many of our hockey enforcers have exited the game and turned to drugs and alcohol.although I support fighting in hockey I firmly believe that there is evidence in the need for the NHL to continue to watch over these individuals at the end of your careers. Numerous hockey enforcers who have left the game have similar stories which in my opinion leaves a black eye for the league.Pk

Being a city kid from Boston and the same age as Chris, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the story that Chris told. I recommend it for everyone based on the life lessons told and the courage and tenacity in over coming obstacles and challenges and getting back up and fighting through when knocked down. Only wish we had drafted Chris as a "B" vs the dreaded HABS. I also wish he had the opportunity to coach the providence "B's" to extend his stay with the Bruins. But knowing Chris's story and struggles he is probably better off residing in Montreal. Great book Knuckles, thanks for sharing your story and for telling it like it was and not pulling any punches. JB from JP.

Knuckles Nilan is a tremendous person, who is honestly up-front with the reader about his life and its twists and turns. He was a very effective NHL player, not just as a tough guy, but part of a great checking line with the Canadiens. His story of the transition from player to citizen deserves reading, and his insights into the game today need to be shared everywhere. People in Montreal are fortunate to be able to hear from him throughout the week on TSN Radio.

This is an excellent book from a frank and honest person. Even if you don't care for hockey, you have to admire Nilan's courage and desire to succeed. His work ethic, coupled with his commitment to success helped him beat the odds. And he beat very long odds. Also, I loved his account of his first meeting with Whitey Bulger. Priceless.

Great read - finished in 2 days. Very honest portrayal of growing up in Boston and in the NHL. Great read even if you are not a hockey fan. As someone who grew up a mile from Chris and loved the game it is even better. Chris discusses the code of fighters in hockey and a similar one outside the game, namely he didn't fight anyone who didn't want to fight or who was a bully. I found his discussion of his post professional hockey career and how it spiraled out of control interesting as well. Recommended to many friends already.

This was a much better read than I expected! I had only heard the about the Pills and the shoplifting when it came to Chris. This book really told me there was much more to Chris than what the Papers said

Great book. His story shows hardworking and the will to be better in sport and life. Esp life.Will re read it again another time. His podcast on YouTube is also a good time.

I have mixed feelings about this book. There's some great hockey stories here yet it's difficult to tell how honest he is being and how much some of the stories are embellished. For example, he gives 'his' version of what happened when he was arrested for shop lifting but it doesn't add up and a quick google search lead to a quote of him telling the judge he 'just wanted to save a few bucks' while in the book Chris Nilan professes his innocence. One thing is for sure, his rise to the NHL via the route he took at that time is nothing short of a miracle. And that car ride he gave to his future Montreal Canadien teammates is the kind of hockey story you'll never forget.

Having worked with many people who suffer from substance abuse issues, reading Chris's story did not teach me anything I had not already seen or dealt with. But what it did do was demonstrate that no matter how tough you are you should never think you are tougher than the drugs. That you can "handle them". They don't come much tougher or more practical than Chris Nilan and his story is both a cautionary tale and inspirational. I loved watching Chris play back in the day with the Habs and to hear some of the stories from that time was riveting and nostalgic. Chris writes this story from the heart and you feel like he is there sharing these moments on a personal level directly with you. He does not sugar coat anything, accepts full responsibility for his actions and shows his heart and determination. My only complaint is I wanted to hear more. And hopefully there will be a sequel with Chris still being clean and giving us more "behind the scenes" stories. Well done Chris.

Being a Habs fan I've read most every book out there on them. This is one of the better ones. Nilan is smart in ways. But his fearlessness made his NHL career but also got him into a lot of trouble in life. Bonus was a bit in there on Whitey Bulger

Very uplifting story. I thought I knew Chris Nilan, boy was I wrong. I'm 50 years old and as a kid, I idolized Nilan. Now, after reading this book, I like him even more. Life is a beautiful thing, but it is also one fight after another. The biggest lesson is to never give up. Talking about our struggles is never easy, but by doing so, we can help so many. Way to go Chris. The book also arrived on time and in perfect condition.