Planet Hockey: First Star of the Game

Written by J. Torres

Illustrated by Tim Levins

Scholastic Canada

978-1-4431-2889-6

132 pp.

Ages 8-12

October 2020

After catching an edge, falling into the goalie and breaking his arm, Isaac is desolate about costing his team the hockey game. As he recovers, he gets into playing a multiplayer online game called SHOT a.k.a. Super Hockey Online Tournament at which he excels. However, months later, after he has recovered, Isaac refuses to return to hockey, gratified to reach the top of the online game's ranking as GOAT789. But the universe seems to have a different plan for Isaac.

From Planet Hockey: First Star of the Game by J. Torres, illus. by Tim Levins

As popular as hockey may be in Canada and elsewhere on our planet, it's also a favourite on Galaxia where its Supreme Leader, Emperor Mad Maroon, claims to be the self-proclaimed #1 hockey fan in the universe. But playing in the Galaxian Hockey League is intensive. Teams like the Streek, the Blast, the Muck, the Crag and the Stalks overwhelm the last place team, the Zeazide Pods, with their extraordinary speed, hitting and powers like electricity and the stink of gas. On a planet where the more hockey games you lose, the more taxes you pay, and the last place team cleans everyone else's gear, the Pods are determined to improve their chances. Unfortunately, paying so much in hockey tax, all they can do is purchase an outmoded robotic scout, SKOU7, that mistakenly captures Isaac and his new neighbour Lily to help out the team.

From Planet Hockey: First Star of the Game by J. Torres, illus. by Tim Levins

Lily, an extraordinary goalie, is happy to help out the Pods, sympathetic to their plight, though Isaac is reluctant, worried they'll learn he's not any good at playing the actual game anymore. But with Lily's enthusiasm and determination to help the Pods, and Isaac's finesse at online hockey which allows him to coach and play strategy, the teal-coloured and tentacled creatures with heart finally become stars of the game.

From Planet Hockey: First Star of the Game by J. Torres, illus. by Tim Levins

For kids who love a good hockey story and graphic novels, Planet Hockey: First Star of the Game is sure to score big. And for those who aren't big sports fans, it still has something that is in short supply nowadays and makes for an entertaining middle-grade read: humour. From an alien emperor who considers himself the Boss of Everyone (really) to the best hockey player who is actually a goat, not just the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), and hockey players called Crowsby, Grootzky and Stickenheiser, J. Torres will score giggles and snorts while sharing lessons in reaching beyond your fears and helping others, even aliens.

From Planet Hockey: First Star of the Game by J. Torres, illus. by Tim Levins

The fun is even livelier because of Tim Levins's illustrations, having created J. Torres's characters as "normal" humans and outrageous aliens of all shapes and colours. It's entertaining checking out every new element, like a flying ref with a red goal light, a colour commentator with the head of a microphone and arena snacks like Mackerel Jacks and rockcorn.

If you’re missing playing hockey or watching hockey, take in a game or two at Planet Hockey and find out who the First Star of the Game really is. (Hint: it’s not the goat.)