The Hockey Song, by Stompin' Tom Connors and pictures by Gary Clement. Greystone Kids, 2026. $14.95 ages 4 and up

"SECOND PERIOD! 

Where the players dash, 
with skates aflash, 
the home team 
trails behind. 

But they grab the puck, 
and go bursting up, 
and they're down across 
the line."

This book was originally published in 2016 as a hardcover. I did not see it then, and I again am grateful to Sydney for sending it to me in this board book format. It is inspired by our Canadian love for hockey, and written by Stompin' Tom Connors. It is routinely heard when crowds gather to watch a hockey game played anywhere in Canada. 

Gary Clement says that his "intention in illustrating this book was to basically ignore the references to professional hockey and instead focus on the game as a true, all-inclusive and very Canadian community activity". That he does, in spades. The game starts with two players on an outside city rink ... a father and son? In no time at all, two more players join, then two more, and on it goes until there are 11, with two waiting outside the boards. Spectators continue to arrive, waiting for a chance to join the contest. 

First period is done; second period is called. All the while, the words of the song play on pages filled with action and great enjoyment. In one spread, as all players race toward readers, the excitement and energy grow until a perspective change shows what the game looks like from above. When tied, a host of players face each other as play then moves into the third period. It's the last game in the playoffs! One final flick of the wrist and the game is won - just before every single player, young and old, men and women, girls and boys, finds a place together on the rink's surface for a final photo! 

“Oh! The good ol’ hockey game,
is the best game you can name.” 

There is so much to see and appreciate as readers pore over the pages that show a community coming together over the love of a national pastime. 

Once you listen to this, you will not be able to get it out of your head. 

https://youtu.be/v8zeB7b1uFY?si=Tcyf9o2YWpvi7IbC