The Goalie Mask (Hockey Heroes Series)



Last updated Monday, December 27, 2010

Author: Mike Leonetti
Illustrator: Shayne Letain
Date of Publication: 2004
ISBN: 1551927039
Grade Level: 3rd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2010

Synopsis: Grade 2-4 - A young goalie learns about the origins of wearing a face mask while playing hockey and gains confidence in his own skills in the process. After the coach tells Marc to stay in the net during games instead of attempting to handle the puck outside of the crease, Marc's grandfather gives him playing tips and encouragement. He also tells the boy and his friends about a game played at Madison Square Garden in 1959, when Jacques Plante, a famous goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens, was hit in the face with a puck and refused to return unless allowed to wear the special mask he had designed. Through practice and perseverance, Marc develops the skills and assertiveness to approach the coach with a plan to come out of the net and pass the puck to an open player, just like Plante. The illustrations are colorful and action-packed. Black and gray tones are used when Grandpa reminisces about 1959. A brief biography describes Plante's illustrious career. A good choice for hockey fans. - Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Have you ever watched a Hockey Game, in person or on television? The Olympics had a famous match this year.
•  What's a goalie? Why do they wear masks?
•  Have you ever been to a Kings or a Ducks game?
•  Have you ever been ice skating?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Where do you think this takes place?
•  Who are your sports heroes? Why?
•  Where is Canada?

Craft ideas:
•  Use popsicle sticks and pennies for table hockey.
•  Cut out masks from construction paper.
•  Draw a team jersey using your favorite team's colors.

Special activities:
•  Vocabulary: goalie, pads, blocker, catching glove, puck, crease, NHL, atmosphere, Stanley Cup, agile, armature, figerglass and toque.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!