The Hockey Sweater (Le Chandail) – Roch Carrier
The Hockey Sweater (Le Chandail in its original French) is not a goalie book but is still a classic for any and all kids who love hockey. I remember reading it in my 7th grade French class and now cherish the opportunity to read it to my son.
Set in post World War II in the small Quebec town of Saint Justine, The Hockey Sweater is the story of a young child’s passion for hockey, the Montreal Canadiens and Rocket Richard. Even if your young hockey player doesn’t cheer for the Habs or the Leafs (the hated enemy in this story) he or she will no doubt identify with the loyalty shown for a favorite team and idolized player.
Is this story becoming out of reach for a generation of kids who have grown up watching their parents order anything and everything online? Maybe, but I hope not. In the same way that “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” is a story we hold onto and recount at the right time to the next generation, The Hockey Sweater should live on as a right of passage for all young hockey players and their parents.
Certainly watch the National Film Board produced short film (embedded below) but I strongly recommend reading The Hockey Sweater with your child and transporting them to a world that may no longer exist. Plus the ending is brilliant!
