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Our 2025 Oxford Reads Title was...

Life in Two Worlds: A Coach's Journey from the Reserve to the NHL and Back by Ted Nolan

Cover of Life in Two Worlds by Ted Nolan

Life in Two Worlds: A Coach's Journey from the Reserve to the NHL and Back by Ted Nolan

An inspiring memoir about perseverance, identity, and the power of staying true to oneself. Born and raised in the Garden River First Nation, Nolan overcame adversity to reach the highest levels of professional hockey, winning the NHL’s Coach of the Year award. But his journey was never just about the game—it was about navigating two worlds, facing discrimination, and ultimately returning to his roots to uplift Indigenous youth. Candid and deeply personal, this book is a must-read for hockey fans and anyone moved by stories of resilience and leadership.

About the Author

TED NOLAN grew up on the Garden River First Nation Reserve and played three seasons in the NHL for the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins. He served as an assistant coach with the Hartford Whal­ers and as head coach for the Buffalo Sabres from 1995 to 1997 and from 2013 to 2015; he was also head coach for the New York Islanders from 2006 to 2008. Ted has coached internationally, taking Team Latvia to the Sochi Olympic Winter Games in 2014.

Previous Oxford Reads Selections

2025 - Life in Two Worlds: A Coach's Journey from the Reserve to the NHL and Back by Ted Nolan
2024 - Everyone in this Room Will Someday be Dead by Emily Austin
2023 
- The Maid by Nita Prose
2022
- Driven by Marcello di Cintio
2021 - Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
2020 - Crow by Amy Spurway
2019 - Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
2018 - The Purchase by Linda Spalding