Oakley Plays Hockey

Lisa Lucas Illustrated by Laurie Stein

A polar bear hockey player faces unexpected chaos during the championship game.

Meet Oakley, a spirited polar bear who plays centre for the Polars, the best hockey team in the league. With his friend Bedford as goalie and his mother as coach, Oakley is ready for the championship game against the Penguins. But when Mom brings hot chocolate onto the ice during the final moments, chaos ensues—the ice melts, the game ends abruptly, and the Polars lose. Through the disappointment, Oakley and his teammates discover that sometimes the sweetest victories come from sharing warmth and laughter together, win or lose. A charming, wonderfully illustrated story about sportsmanship, family, and finding joy in unexpected moments.

Positive message about resilience — Shows children how to handle disappointment gracefully and find silver linings in setbacks
Diverse, inclusive characters — Features a multicultural team with Bedford’s representation and strong family dynamics that reflect modern families
Perfect blend of sports action and humour — Combines exciting hockey scenes with gentle comedy that will appeal to both sports-loving kids and reluctant readers
Delightful illustrations bring the fast-paced hockey action and comedic chaos to life, while enhancing the story's warmth, energy, and playful tone.

ISBN ：978-1-76036-368-0

Release Date ：6th April 2027