The Mysterious Hockey Player

By Oksanna Crawley

"The Mysterious Hockey Player" is a heart-warming story about a little boy's dream to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs. It's a magical, action-packed, fact and fiction tale of the boy's hopes and of the mysterious hockey player, Maple Leafs legend Bill Barilko, who helps him overcome his fears and pursue his passion.

Bill Barilko scored the Stanley Cup winning goal for the Leafs in 1951 but sadly lost his life a few months later in an airplane crash in northern Ontario. He was only 24 years old.

"Every young hockey player, girl or boy, dreams of being in Niall’s place and having the same results. That’s what makes the story so much fun ... I enjoyed the story very much.”
—David Keon, Honoured Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto, and former Toronto Maple Leafs Captain

“Such a heartwarming hockey story—the magic, the tragic, the mystery—just wonderful!”
—Anne (Barilko) Klisanich, sister of Bill Barilko

“A Field of Dreams for kids ...”
—Peter Carver, Editor and Children’s Writing Instructor

"Most young readers will find something appealing in this story. Though centered around hockey, the message is applicable to any goal...(the book) is sure to hold a place of honor on the bookshelves of all who read it." - Foreword Clarion (5-Star rating)

One of Best Books of 2010 - Canadian School Libraries Association

(Published in print as "So, You Be Keon and I'll Be Mahovlich")

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oksanna Crawley
• Release date: Sep 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370495016

Oksanna Crawley

Oksanna Crawley is a retired kindergarten and Reading Recovery™ teacher with 25 years teaching experience in Canadian schools. In addition to the Super Hammy reading series, she has written and illustrated a children’s hockey story, “So, You Be Keon and I’ll Be Mahovlich”, about Toronto Maple Leafs legend, Bill Barilko. Prior to beginning a career in education, she worked as a radio journalist and newscaster. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto. She is passionate about helping children learn to read.