The Third Period

WINNER 2025 Gold Medal for Excellence from the North American Book Awards in sports fiction

"THIS IS REDEMPTION, SURVIVAL, AND PERSEVERANCE. WEST EFFORTLESSLY CREATES A PAGE-TURNING CRESCENDO, RELAYING A GRIPPING STORY OF TRIUMPH - BOTH IN HOCKEY AND IN LIFE." -Aaron Portzline, THE ATHLETIC

From award-winning author and former Gannett/USA Today and Fox Sports Ohio journalist Steph West comes her hockey drama The Third Period. In this gritty novel, Mike Olsky is an aging hockey star on the cusp of retirement with one last shot to win the ultimate prize in pro sports. But on a fateful November night, he suffers a knee injury that sends his life into a tailspin. As he battles his way back from injury, his family, teammates, and fans stand helplessly on the sidelines watching the once beloved hero skid out of control. Will he be able to win big in the third period of his life? Or will his demons cost him everything-including his life?

Foreword by Sean Pronger, Author of Journeyman and former NHL player

West spent five seasons covering the Columbus Blue Jackets and the National Hockey League. She is a lifelong sports fan who played sports, coached sports, and covered sports. She's also bled a few times on the ball fields after her brother's pitches missed her catcher's mitt. She believes there's nothing better than third period comebacks and die-hard fans who believe in miracles.