Pro Hockey News has been afforded opportunities to meet some especially interesting people in hockey. Ryan Minkoff is one of those people. Ryan came to our attention a few years back for his book, “Thin Ice“. 
Where Thin Ice was a revealing look into development of a hockey player from a young age to veteran, Ryan’s latest book, “Nora’s Hockey Dream” is a brighter look into hockey, women’s hockey to be exact.
Nora’s Hockey Dream follows Nora from a young girl discovering hockey with her parents through learning the game, practicing and training, to playing on the local boy’s team.
Nora’s introduction to women’s hockey was a championship game held in her hometown. Her parents take her to the tunnel where the hometown winners meet and greet fans, and Nora meets Lexi from the Wicked Waves.
For hockey fans, there is something magical about getting a puck or a stick from a player. For Nora, the magic is a signed stick from Lexi.
Ryan then traces Nora’s development, culminating in Nora and Lexi icing for Wicked Waves.
We have all gone through so much the last 24 months that we need stories about humanity coming forward, not as redemption, but as reminders of what we really are, human. Nora’s Hockey Dream brings humanity to the pages of this book.
Nora is the wide-eyed new hockey player, her parents are the encouraging and supportive family, and Lexi is the mentor, the one who encourages Nora to overcome the pitfalls and obstacles. 
I found myself reading this book, and taking in the illustrations, several times before sitting down and putting this review together.
This is a book for girls and boys starting out in hockey, or any sport. I suspect that Ryan Minkoff especially wants young girls and young women to see this story as a message. A message of mentorship and guidance by older, experienced player for the next generation.
Everyone needs a “Lexi” in their life and their playing careers.
Every Lexi needs a “Nora” too.
Nora’s Hockey Dream is illustrated by Daniel Hernandez. The beautiful illustrations tell the story, and reinforce Ryan’s narrative. As readers know, I am a sucker for a good illustrated book, and Ryan and Daniel do themselves well in this effort.
There are many subtle messages in Nora’s Hockey Dream. There is a thread of DNA from Thin Ice to Nora’s Hockey Dream.
Nora’s Hockey Dream can be pre-ordered on Amazon.
Ryan Minkoff and his sister Laura, to whom Nora’s Hockey Dream is dedicated
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