• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 6

"He shoots, he scores!"

Hockey has a language unique to the game that has developed over the past hundred years. The patter of play-by-play and colour commentators shape how the fans understand and relate to the game. Hockey Talk introduces young readers-both seasoned hockey enthusiasts and novices alike-to the unique terminology of hockey with over 150 terms, clear explanations, an illustrated cast of characters, and sidebars of fun facts. Short profiles of ten influential commentators, including Don Cherry, Danny Gallivan, Foster Hewitt, and Mike Lange, highlight their contributions to the language of this great winter sport.

Printable activities available online at: www.fitzhenry.ca/hockeytalk

ohn Goldner grew up in the Town of Mount Royal, Quebec where he was a regular on the outdoor rinks and at the Recreation Center. John began playing minor hockey at an early age and continued competing in the TMR leagues until he was eighteen. One summer, he attended Haliburton Hockey Haven near Haliburton, Ontario. Growing up, John always rooted for the Montreal Canadiens, and his favourite player was Henri (Pocket Rocket) Richard.

John Goldner's profile page

Ted Heeley is best known as an animation artist and sculptor. He has contributed his artistic talents to such television shows as Sesame Street, Lunar Jim, Life's a Zoo, and many more. His new animated television series, Nerdland, will air in Fall 2009. Hockey Talk is his first children's book. Ted lives in Toronto with his wife, Alex Mooreshead.

Ted Heeley's profile page

"Dictionaries are normally not the stuff of middle schoolers recreational reading, but, when it's a dictionary of hockey terms and phrases, then it becomes much more acceptable to be seen with such a "reference" book. . . Heeley's cartoon-like illustrations, generously scattered throughout the book, provide a humourous, often literal, interpretation of Goldner's definitions.
Highly Recommended."
— CM Magazine

"Goldner covers more than 300 such terms, employing a straightforward dictionary format. His writing is clear and entertaining. . . Hockey Talk is extremely readable, and entertaining enough to hold a young readers attention."
— Quill & Quire

"This book is aimed at a younger audience so is constructed in a manner that will keep their attention. Loaded with cute pictures and caricatures - its a fun, fun trip through the world of hockey. . . This book is a joy and great for all the young sports lover."
— bookshipper.blogspot.com

"Goldner clearly explains over 150 hockey terms and provides biographical sketches of 10 well-known commentators, including Gene Hart, the voice of the Flyers. Ted Heely's humorous cartoons are most enjoyable. Hockey enthusiasts, young and old, will enjoy reading this Canadian import. Hockey novices may want to take this book to their next game."
— Pennsylvania School Library Association

"There seems to be a number of different books in recent years dedicated to hockey terminology. But this one is special in that it is specifically geared at younger readers, specifically kids in elementary and middle schools. And hey, aren't those the people that who would best appreciate a book a hockey dictionary? The book, which features a foreword by noted children's hockey author Mike Leonetti, is an excellent choice for the young reader/hockey fanatic on your shopping list."
— hockeybookreviews.com

"Being a hockey fan, I loved reading this book with its 300 defined terms, 10 biographical sketches of great hockey radio and tv announcers, and humorous color illustrations. The Canadian slant and spelling added even more flavor to the information and phrases (although there is fair mention of US hockey). . . Not sure how children would react to the book, I gave it to one of my fifth grade hockey players (who happens to be Canadian, too) to learn of his opinion. He came racing into the library after looking through the book with a huge grin on his face, clearly giving the book a "thumbs up." Nick said he knew "lots of kids who play hockey who would check out this book." Sounds like a winner to me!"
— Puget Sound Council

Hockey Talk: The Language of Hockey from A-Z