Breaking the Ice
The True Story of the First Woman to Play in the National Hockey League
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- £9.49
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- £9.49
Publisher Description
The inspiring true story of Manon Rhéaume, the first and only woman to play a game in the National Hockey League, featuring an afterward from Manon herself.
“One day, a woman will play in the National Hockey League. If no one prevents her,” said a twelve-year-old Manon Rhéaume. Manon always dreamed of playing hockey. So, when the team her father coached needed a goalie, five-year-old Manon begged for the chance to play. She didn’t care that she’d be the only girl in the entire league or that hockey was considered a “boys’ sport” in her hometown of Lac-Beauport, Quebec, Canada. All she cared about was the game. After her father gave her that first chance to play, she embarked on a spectacular, groundbreaking career in hockey.
At every level of competition, Manon was faced with naysayers, but she continued to play, earning her place on prestigious teams and ultimately becoming the first woman to play a game in the NHL. Including an afterword written by Manon herself, Breaking the Ice is the true story of one girl’s courage, determination, and love for the sport.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
When Manon Rh aume skated onto the ice for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1992, she became the first and only woman to play "in any of the four major North American sports leagues." But her boundary-breaking hockey career started at age five. In Bullaro's telling, Rh aume's coach father puts her in the game wearing a goalie mask, explaining that, "People aren't ready to see a girl play on a boys' team.... But don't let that stop you." This straightforward, inspirational biography emphasizes Rh aume's grit ("She played with bruised arms and pulled muscles") and the sexism she faced ("coaches still cut her from the best teams simply because she was a girl"). Payne's intensely detailed illustrations realistically capture the dull sheen of goalie pads and the thwack of slap shots as Rh aume plays her way to the pros. Includes an afterword by Rh aume, a timeline, and "fun facts." Ages 4 8.
