One of the most recognizable figures in hockey, both on-ice and off, former NHL referee Kerry Fraser is giving fans a first-hand look into some of the memorable moments of his 30-year career in his new book, The Final Call: Hockey Stories from a Legend in Stripes.

Fraser joined the NHL in 1980 and his career spanned over 1,900 regular season games and 260 Stanley Cup playoff games — giving him a lot of content for the book.

And for those who have asked, that infamous 1993 call where he missed Wayne Gretzky's high stick is included.

“The book turned out great,” said Fraser, on the phone from Toronto where he launched his book on October 23. “The hockey stories stand alone. I take people to my arena, to ice level. These are never-been-told stories.”

Fraser, born in Sarnia, retired after the 2009-2010 season. His last game was officiating the Philadelphia Flyers against the New York Rangers. Shortly after, he wrote up an outline of his book, met with publishers and got down to work with an 18-hours-a-day, 7- days-a-week writing regime.

The book's 30 chapters highlight his key moments with different teams. The book starts with his last game, making his way down the rubber mat and holding onto a puck that he struggled to let go. It ends at the same game when, during commercial time-outs, he found himself reminiscing about his career.

“A lot of emotion was transmitted from my heart into the writing of this book. It shows the human side of what someone does for 30 years. There was so much emotion

on that last day,” he said. Hockey die-hards will be happy to see all the controversial plays that made up his career are written about. Providing the first-hand details was part of the book's purpose, said Fraser.

“After a game, I'd go to a restaurant or bar to eat. I'd see the stares, the whispers, some aggressive demeanor in my direction, and I would meet that head-on from an open (perspective),” he said. “They might have been upset but all they wanted to know was what happened at ice-level.”

“I had a desire to communicate what people really want to know, give them the gift to skate on that ice (too),” he added.

Some notable topics include his experience with the Oilers and Gretzky. Fraser and Gretzky “didn't always get along,” said Fraser. But they developed a professional relationship. Gretzky appears not only in stories, but also as the author to the book's foreword, something Fraser called a “tremendous honour” as Gretzky spent hours on it, he said.

Theo Fleury is another player who makes a notable appearance in the book. “It's an amazing look at someone who, fortunately, has gotten his life together,” said Fraser. “The demons he fought and projected elsewhere … I was the recipient of many of those demons.”

One night at Madison Square Garden, Fleury found himself in the recipient position, after being attacked by former player Tyson Nash. Fraser stepped in between the altercation and later received word from Nash that the situation had been a “life-altering experience” for him. “(The chapter) is a great lesson for young players as to what is appropriate,” said Fraser.

Another fond memory was in 1986, in St. Louis, MO. — the Monday Night Miracle. In game six of the semi-finals, the St. Louis Blues needed to beat the Calgary Flames. Fraser received a death threat at the end of the second period. But the story is a happy one — the Blues beat the Flames six to five. “It's a meaningful chapter. The energy that night, I still remember it, people still talk about it,” said Fraser.

The book is full of these stories, and some are not just entertaining, there are lessons involved. Dealing with negativity, being respectful and having a sense of humour were all important aspects Fraser wanted to cover. “Situations on the ice can be funny if you want them to be.”

Canadian hockey fans, in particular, will get a sense of nostalgia from the book.

“As a Canadian, growing up, loving the game as all young Canadians do ... the start we get, the rink in the backyard, the formation of the love of the game,” he said. “(The book) will take people back to their youth … the tradition of the game as a Canadian.”

And Fraser's infamous hair? It may not get its own chapter, but he's still proud of his calling card. “It's a defining characteristic,” he laughed. “Don Cherry is known for his flashy jackets and Kerry Fraser is the man with the hair!” The Final Call: Hockey Stories from a Legend in Stripes is available at all major book stores and independent stores, as well as online.