The Youngest Goalie: The Adventures of a Hockey Legend

Ian A. Andrews is editor of the New Brunswick Teachers’ Association’s Focus and co-author of Becoming a Teacher.

This historical novel by Brian McFarlane, writer, journalist, and
television interviewer with Hockey Night in Canada, is based on the
exploits of Albert Forrest, a 17-year-old from the Yukon. Albert played
nets for the Dawson City Nuggets, a team that challenged the famous
Ottawa Silver Seven for the Stanley Cup in 1905. The nuggets were easily
defeated in the nation’s capital—their youthful goaltender was their
star performer.

The strength of this novel lies in its descriptions of Canada a century
ago. Young readers will learn about the Klondike gold rush; about the
difficulty of traveling by road, sea, and even railroad; about Ottawa in
the winter; and about the courtship rituals of young adults. Although
McFarlane writes well, and has created realistic characters, The
Youngest Goalie is marred by poor editing. Recommended with
reservations.