Saved
Sportswriter Falla knows a lot about hockey, and this novel is a hilarious look at how players, coaches and owners get through a grueling season in their quest for the trophy. Boston Bruins goaltender Jean Pierre Savard has no illusions about the hockey profession, and at age 31, Savard knows this year may be his best (and last) chance to win the Stanley Cup. He must deal with age, injuries and the grief of losing his young wife to cancer as he and best friend/teammate Cam Carter swagger across locker rooms and rink ice, avoiding hip checks and rocket slap shots. Savard and Carter have been tight for years and always thought they would win the Stanley Cup together, but when Savard is unexpectedly traded to the Montreal Canadiens, the two friends must play against each other in a rivalry neither likes. Savard's life gets more complicated when he suffers two concussions, his hated and estranged father reappears and his girlfriend cross-checks their romance with an unexpected career move. Falla's graphic portrayal of a violent sport (and its colorful players) and his insider's view of how hockey is played, coached and officiated is exciting, surefire entertainment.(Jan.)Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.