Victory at Paradise Hill

Dosi Cotroneo is a freelance writer living in Manotick, Ontario.

Danny lives for hockey, but now that the ice is starting to melt, it’s
the end of another hockey season. With spring in the air and the season
over, all Danny can do is think about hockey, read about hockey, and
draw hockey pictures.

As soon as the nearby pond freezes, Danny and his friends are ready for
a new hockey season. But things have changed. Coach Matteau breaks the
news to Danny that he and his friend Anita (the only girl in the league)
can’t play hockey anymore. Danny is devastated.

Then Danny’s brother Bob suddenly returns home, but his homecoming is
unusual. Something strange is going on and Danny can’t figure out
what. When the brothers become stranded in a blizzard that leaves their
vehicle stuck in a ditch, Danny urges Bob to skate on the lake to the
nearest farm for help. The secret Bob’s been keeping from Danny is
that he can no longer play for the Leafs because of his bad knees. And
worse, he doesn’t think he can even skate for help. But Danny insists
that he try and, with the help of Bingo the dog, Bob succeeds, saving
their lives. Though Bob may not be able to play hockey anymore,
there’s nothing’s stopping him from coaching.

Brownridge’s heartwarming tale of two brothers’ passion for the
game of hockey plus his vibrant illustrations make Victory at Paradise
Hill a delightful read for hockey enthusiasts of all ages. Highly
recommended.