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Matt Martin as Comic Book Hero? |
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Could be! It all depends on how you look at Howard Shapiro’s new graphic novel “The Hockey Saint.” At first glace, the main character is young, tall, thin, with a sick flow. So, of course, as Mr. Shapiro’s was the first graphic novel I have ever read, I attached a real live hockey player to Jeremiah Jacobson, the “superstar hockey player” who has an edge on the ice, and a soft spot for the less fortunate.
Oh, yeah. Matt Martin fit the bill in my head. But as I read page after page, that image faded away and was replaced by the colorful illustrations by Marica Inoue and Andres Mossa took over and the characters on the page became just as real for me as Matty.
The book is only the second graphic novel to feature a hockey theme, and we know I am interested in any book related to hockey. That and cookbooks are all that are in my home library. And I don’t mean on a kindle.
As I had the great pleasure of reading The Hockey Saint before it’s actual release date of 10/14/14, I read it on my netbook and was sucked in by Chapter three. And I only experienced half of the value as Mr. Shapiro also included song titles that would compliment the mood of the chapter. BRILLIANT!
I can only imagine how completely immersed one’s senses could become in the Hockey Saint while rock songs are seeping through ear buds. The story itself is a character study with a few good lessons for any young adult, which I would imagine is the target audience even though I thoroughly enjoyed it.
You can check it out Animal Media Group’s website at http://www.animalmediagroup.com/shop/the-hockey-saint/ or Amazon’s page http://www.amazon.com/hockey-Saint-Howard-Shapiro/dp/0991255011/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1396561171&sr=1-1&keywords=the+hockey+saint But if you order from the Animal Media Group site, Howard will be able to personalize the books and throw in a few bonus items.
How about gaming? You like arcade games? Maybe those classic 8-bit games from the 80s and 90s? Well, “The Hockey Saint” Arcade game is now live at www.thehockeysaintgame.com and will even hold an all day tournament on October 4th. With NHL camps opening on September 18, you’ll already be in full blown hockey mode!
I thought the summer would drag without hockey, but actually, it flew. Actual live action hockey will be here soon, but until then, you may want to let your imagination skate with the likes of The Hockey Saint.
Sideboard: These ALS water challenges have taken on a life of their own. The Isles players and staff have done a fine job at accepting the challenge and donating to the cause. As silly as they may be, if it helps the charity, it's a good thing. And we all know how NHL players are when it comes to charities.
The Ice Girls tryouts were this past weekend. So as far as the Islanders go, the squad is not going away anytime soon. Then again, I don't really see any protests against them, and there shouldn't be.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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