Faceoff!: Hockey Games, Facts and Fun.

Anne Hutchings is a public-school teacher and librarian in Ajax,
Ontario.

Faceoff!, as the title implies, is chock full of games, activities and trivia. It will provide hours of fun and enjoyment for hockey lovers of all ages.

A brief history of the game serves as an introduction and is followed by numerous activities such as mazes, word searches, matching exercises, multiple choice, scrambled words, fill-in-the-blanks, and many more. Interspersed throughout are pages of hockey facts and trivia. Colourful cartoon-like illustrations add to the fun.

The activities fall into two categories. In the first are activities which are best suited to younger readers and those with limited knowledge of the sport and its legendary players. Examples of these types of activities include Minor League Maze, Rookie Recall, Power Play (a “Snakes and Ladders”–type game) and What’s Wrong With This Rink.

The second group of activities requires extensive background knowledge of hockey greats and statistics. For these, some research may even be necessary! Fortunately, solutions for the puzzles are given in the last four pages of the book.

The workbook format requiring readers to write in the book suggests that Faceoff!: Hockey Games, Facts and Fun would be best purchased for individual use. It would be great as a stocking stuffer or included in a travel pack. Highly recommended.