THE GOOD OLD HOCKEY GAME
By B.E. Russell

“A riveting tale of grit and heart, reminding us that even the smallest pond can create the brightest star.”

Doug Mansfield’s journey begins on a frozen pond in small-town Ontario, where an unremarkable boy first tastes the rush of skating. From that moment, hockey becomes his life’s calling, igniting a dream to bring the Stanley Cup back to his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. In this sweeping, heartfelt novel, follow Doug’s rise from childhood pick-up games to the pressure-packed world of professional hockey.

Across twenty-six vivid chapters, Doug’s path weaves through backyard rinks, the cauldron of Junior hockey, and the intense scrutiny of Canada’s biggest hockey market. He faces early trade rumors that nearly derail his dream, learns hard-won lessons from veteran mentors, and eventually claims the spotlight as a pivotal piece in Toronto’s quest for a championship. From wild bus trips and bruising rivalries to the dizzying media frenzy and the triumph of lifting the Cup, Doug’s story is a testament to grit, loyalty, and the simple wonder that first sparked his passion for the game.

As the seasons pass and his body begins to show the wear of countless battles, Doug wrestles with the looming specter of retirement. Yet amid injuries, leadership changes, and the relentless demands of a Cup-starved city, he discovers that his impact runs far beyond goals and assists—he has inspired a new generation to lace up skates and chase their dreams. In his final moments on the ice, Doug Mansfield—forever tied to the city’s hockey tapestry—leaves behind a legacy that shines as brightly as the championship banner hanging in the rafters.

In “The Good Old Hockey Game,” readers follow Doug’s lifelong passion for hockey, from the innocence of his early years to the high-octane world of the NHL. His journey is filled with adversity, heartbreak, and triumph, all set against the backdrop of Canada’s love affair with the sport. Through bruises, victories, and that unforgettable feeling of carving his skates into fresh ice, Doug’s story resonates with anyone who’s ever dared to dream big.

Chapter Summaries

Part 1: Early Years

Chapter 1: On the Pond

Doug, a shy eleven-year-old, laces up his skates on a local frozen pond for the first time alongside his older brother, Mike. Despite Doug’s limited experience, he glides across the ice with surprising ease. The chapter sets the tone for Doug’s budding passion, capturing the magic of that first moment when the cold air on his cheeks and the crisp scrape of skates on ice awakens something inside him.

Chapter 2: The Obsession Begins

Doug’s mind becomes completely consumed by the sport. When he isn’t shoveling the backyard rink, he’s learning as much as he can about different hockey strategies by watching games on TV. His parents notice his newfound dedication—and worry over his single-minded focus. Mike, recognizing Doug’s talent, encourages him to try out for a local peewee team. Their bond strengthens as they both delve deeper into a shared love of hockey.

Chapter 3: Maple Leafs vs the Montreal Canadiens

One cold Saturday night, Doug and his dad sit down to watch the longtime rivalry game: the Toronto Maple Leafs versus the Montreal Canadiens. Doug sees the speed, physical play, and roaring crowds of the NHL. He imagines himself out there on the ice, hearing the echoes of thousands of screaming fans. This chapter sets up Doug’s life-long dream—to someday pull on the Maple Leafs sweater and face off against the Canadiens on Hockey Night in Canada.

Chapter 4: The Hockey Card Expo

Eager to immerse himself further in the sport, Doug visits a local hockey card expo with Mike and their father. Doug is mesmerized by vintage cards, rare collectibles, and stories about famous players. He meets a retired minor-league player who shares some valuable advice on perseverance and seizing every opportunity. Doug walks away with a new prized possession: a well-worn rookie card of his Maple Leafs hero.

Chapter 5: Used Equipment

Financial constraints become a reality when Doug realizes his growth spurt means none of his gear fits. The family visits a second-hand sports equipment shop, where Doug experiences a mixture of gratitude and embarrassment. He acquires battered but still usable pads, skates, and a helmet. Doug’s resolve only grows stronger—he’ll make the most of whatever resources he has to achieve his dream.

Chapter 6: The First Fight

In a tense house-league game, Doug gets into his first scrap on the ice. Caught in the middle of a scuffle over a hard check, Doug reacts instinctively to protect a teammate. After being sent to the penalty box, he’s wracked with both guilt and exhilaration. It’s a defining moment that forces him to grapple with the inherent violence of the sport he loves.

Chapter 7: Tryouts

Emboldened by his progress, Doug finally signs up for a competitive youth league tryout. Facing off against more experienced players, he fights nerves, self-doubt, and the harsh judgment of coaches. Despite a shaky start, Doug displays flashes of brilliance—sharp reflexes and a tenacious desire for the puck—that grab the attention of the team’s head coach.

Chapter 8: The First Season

Doug makes the team, and the transition to more rigorous practices and a grueling schedule tests his dedication. As he bonds with new teammates, he discovers an intense camaraderie that only comes from shared sweat and bruises. Although the season is filled with ups and downs—fierce rivalries, big wins, crushing losses—Doug ends up emerging as a standout forward.

Chapter 9: Scouts Take Notice

Toward the end of the season, whispers begin circulating that junior scouts are watching Doug. Conflicted between his dream of playing in the big leagues and his concern for his family’s finances, Doug wrestles with what a future in hockey might mean. With his parents’ cautious blessing, Doug steps onto the ice for the final game, determined to show everyone—and himself—that he’s ready for the next level.

Part 2: For the Love of the Game

Chapter 10: Junior Tryouts

Doug is invited to try out for both Junior ‘A’ and Major Junior ‘A’ OHL teams. The stakes are higher than ever—scouts, media members, and seasoned coaches scrutinize every move. The intensity of the tryouts pushes Doug to train harder than he ever has. In this chapter, Doug experiences the harsh realities of elite-level competition: older players with bigger bodies and more refined skills.

Chapter 11: The First Hat Trick

Doug earns a spot in the OHL, suiting up for a small-market team in northern Ontario. Early in the season, he notches his first junior hat trick in a thrilling come-from-behind victory. The local fans adopt him as a hometown hero overnight. While relishing the praise, Doug also feels the new weight of expectations—and his teammates’ occasional resentment of his sudden spotlight.

Chapter 12: Bus Trip

Life in junior hockey means endless miles on drafty buses. En route to a winter away game, the team bus gets stranded during a blizzard. Tensions rise, players get stir-crazy, and tempers flare. Doug becomes the peacemaker, helping to keep morale up with card games and jokes. The forced detour tests the team’s resilience, building the camaraderie essential for a deep playoff run.

Chapter 13: Bench Clearing Brawl

A fierce rivalry game against a neighboring OHL team erupts into a massive bench-clearing brawl after a dirty hit. Doug, caught in the melee, earns a suspension and must learn to handle the public scrutiny—especially from the league’s disciplinary board. Though shaken, Doug grows from the incident, understanding the consequences of aggression and the fine line between protecting your teammates and going too far.

Chapter 14: Making the Playoffs

Despite the ups and downs of the regular season, Doug’s team squeaks into the postseason. The pressure is palpable. Doug’s performance has been steady, but this is his first taste of truly high-stakes hockey. He embraces the intensity, immersing himself in game tape and extra drills. Still, he can’t help but feel the anxiety and weight of the team’s expectations.

Chapter 15: First Round of Playoffs

Facing off against a physical opponent in the opening series, Doug learns that playoff hockey demands a new level of grit. Hard hits, close scores, and short tempers define each game. Doug’s wrist shot becomes a key weapon, helping his team secure a tight series victory in seven games. Exhausted yet exhilarated, Doug celebrates his first playoff series win.

Chapter 16: Second Round of Playoffs

The competition ramps up in the second round. A big-market rival with deeper lines tests Doug’s resilience. Injuries mount, and Doug’s top linemate suffers a devastating concussion. Facing adversity, Doug rises to the occasion by scoring clutch goals. The exhausting schedule and physical toll begin to wear on him mentally, but he pushes through, determined to help lead the team forward.

Chapter 17: Third Round Playoffs

As the team approaches the conference finals, they face a stacked powerhouse. The series becomes an all-out war of attrition—long nights, multiple overtimes, battered bodies. Doug emerges as a leader in the locker room, giving pre-game speeches and rallying the bench. Although overshadowed by a star forward on the opposing team, Doug’s steady performances and key assists keep his team competitive.

Chapter 18: Championships

Miraculously, Doug’s team clinches the conference title and makes it to the league championship. The final series is the pinnacle of Doug’s junior career, marked by a heroic game-winning goal in overtime. Though his team eventually comes up short in a thrilling final game, scouts and agents alike take note of Doug’s skill, passion, and resilience. His journey in junior hockey ends on a high note—he’s earned recognition and, with it, the chance to go pro.

Part 3: The Professional Career

Chapter 19: The Draft

Doug attends the NHL Draft with his family in Montreal. Tension builds as he sits through the first few rounds without hearing his name. Finally, the Toronto Maple Leafs call him in the late first round. It’s a surreal moment—his childhood dream realized in an instant. But Doug quickly learns that getting drafted is only the beginning of the battle.

Chapter 20: Rookie Season

After signing an entry-level contract, Doug dives into his rookie season. He’s wide-eyed in the Leafs locker room, surrounded by established veterans and big personalities. The pace and skill at the NHL level shocks him at first, but he adapts quickly. Every game is a learning experience—dealing with media pressure, forming new friendships, and managing expectations from a city desperate for a Stanley Cup.

Chapter 21: The Off Season

After a grueling first season, Doug heads home to Ontario, relieved to rest and see family. He trains with old coaches, visits former teammates, and rediscovers his love for the game on the same pond where it all began. Still, the break isn’t all calm; Doug’s confronted with the pressures of self-improvement, endorsement opportunities, and the possibility of looming trade talks.

Chapter 22: Trade Rumours

Early into his second season, rumblings of a potential trade start swirling around Doug. The Maple Leafs’ management is under pressure to rebuild or land a superstar, creating uncertainty for everyone. Doug struggles to block out the chatter and remain focused on his performance. An intense confrontation with a longtime teammate leads Doug to question his future in Toronto.

Chapter 23: A New Contract

With trade rumours quelled, the Leafs offer Doug a contract extension. Negotiations are tense—his agent pushes for fair value, while management tries to keep the team’s payroll under control. In the end, Doug signs a multi-year deal that cements his place as a core piece of the Maple Leafs’ roster. The city celebrates as he publicly declares his devotion to bringing a Cup to Toronto.

Chapter 24: The Grind

Seasons pass, and Doug cements himself as a reliable two-way forward. He battles through injuries, leadership changes, and the relentless demands of Toronto’s hockey media. On the ice, rivalries flare, and Doug experiences the grind of 82-game seasons that bleed into bruising playoff runs. Now a veteran, Doug mentors younger players, passing on lessons learned from his days on that small-town pond.

Chapter 25: The Quest for the Cup

Everything comes down to a pivotal season where the Maple Leafs boast one of their best lineups in decades. Doug, wearing an ‘A’ on his sweater, helps lead the team through the tense postseason. From heart-stopping Game 7s to thrilling overtime finishes, fans rally behind him. An emotional final series against a Western Conference powerhouse tests Doug’s physical endurance and mental fortitude. The promise he made as a kid echoes in his mind: to bring a Cup back home.

Chapter 26: Leaving a Legacy

In the final chapter, Doug reflects on his long career and the path that took him from a frozen pond to NHL stardom. Now in the twilight of his playing days, he contemplates retirement, uncertain about life without the game. Ultimately, he realizes that his impact stretches beyond goals and assists—he’s inspired a new generation of small-town kids to lace up their skates and follow their dreams. As he exits the ice for the last time in a Maple Leafs sweater, Doug leaves behind a legacy woven into the fabric of Toronto hockey.