Hoagie, a turtle wants to play hockey. Hockey equipment is a fascination with him. Suited up in his hockey gear and uniform, he quietly sits at the edge of the ice rink ready to play. His chance comes when an injured player, a goalie, is removed from the ice. He is asked to step in and becomes the hero.The impossibility of a turtle playing hockey can be related to anyone achieving a goal with obstacles in the way. Perseverance and conviction in ones belief will empower one to succeed! “Hoagie” is a vehicle to impart this knowledge to young people.“Hoagie” was written because of a need for more literature featuring hockey for children--there are so many children in youth hockey programs all over the United States with very little to read about their sport.It was also written because two young boys had an avid desire to play hockey. Hoagie got his name because one of them thought is was an absurdly funnyword in the English language. Hoagie became a turtlebecause the author’s students called her “Turtle.”
