Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned hockey rinks into literary arenas—meet Roy MacGregor! A celebrated author and journalist, MacGregor has spun tales that capture the heart of Canada’s favorite sport. From his gripping non-fiction to the wildly popular Screech Owls series, his work blends adrenaline-pumping action with heartfelt storytelling, earning him a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame for media.
Born in Whitney, Ontario, MacGregor’s love for hockey and storytelling has made him a national treasure. His ability to weave cultural insights with sports drama has hooked readers young and old, cementing his place as a pillar of Canadian literature.
The Making of Roy MacGregor
Roy MacGregor was born on June 4, 1948, in Whitney, Ontario, and grew up in Huntsville, where hockey was more than a game—it was a way of life. Playing against future legends like Bobby Orr, MacGregor honed his passion for the sport. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Laurentian University and a journalism diploma from the University of Western Ontario in 1972, he dove into a career that blended his two loves: writing and hockey. His early days at Maclean’s magazine and later at the Ottawa Citizen sharpened his knack for vivid storytelling, setting the stage for a prolific career.
Roy MacGregor’s Unforgettable Stories
MacGregor’s bibliography is a love letter to Canada, with nearly 40 books ranging from non-fiction to children’s mysteries. His non-fiction gem, Home Game: Hockey and Life in Canada, co-authored with Ken Dryden, became a national bestseller, exploring hockey’s deep roots in Canadian culture. Another standout, A Life in the Bush, won the U.S. Rutstrum Award for its poignant memoir of wilderness and family. For young readers, the Screech Owls series—29 volumes of hockey-fueled mysteries—has sold over two million copies, captivating kids with its mix of rink rivalries and sleuthing adventures.
His novels, like Canoe Lake and The Last Season, showcase his versatility, diving into the enigmatic life of artist Tom Thomson and the emotional depths of a hockey player’s career. MacGregor’s style is vivid yet accessible, blending fast-paced action with introspective themes of identity, community, and resilience. Whether he’s chronicling NHL road trips or a peewee team’s heroics, his stories resonate with authenticity and warmth.
Why Roy MacGregor Matters
Roy MacGregor’s impact goes beyond the page. Named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2005, he’s been hailed as one of Canada’s “most gifted storytellers.” His journalism, earning four National Magazine Awards and eight National Newspaper Award nominations, has shaped how Canadians see their sports and culture. The Screech Owls series, adapted into a hit YTV show, introduced countless kids to reading through hockey’s universal appeal. MacGregor’s work captures the soul of Canada—its rinks, rivers, and resilient spirit—making him a cultural icon.
- Born: June 4, 1948, Whitney, Ontario
- Key Works: Home Game, A Life in the Bush, Screech Owls series
- Awards: Officer of the Order of Canada, Hockey Hall of Fame media inductee (2012)
Snag Mystery at Lake Placid or Home Game and dive into Roy MacGregor’s thrilling world of hockey and heart!