starring in

Title Page

This book was created

especially for

Michael Jeremy Smith

at the age of 8

With love from

Grandma and Grandpa

May 25, 2003

Page 3

The championship game was only hours away. The Tiger Sharks,

Mike's favorite team, were just one game away from being the champs.

Mike had already invited Christian, Jordan and Justin to

watch the game on television with him. All that was left to do was

check the snacks and, for the fourth time today, study the team line-ups.

Page 4

Unknown to Mike, the Tiger Sharks were in trouble. The coach had just

learned that the star player had a sprained ankle and could not play

tonight. No other players were available. The situation seemed hopeless.

Page 7

"What about that kid, Mike so-and-so, who you just signed," the

coach asked the team's general manager.

"You mean that kid who lives in Fort Wayne?" replied the G.M. "He's

a little young and inexperienced!" "Call him," replied the coach,

"and get him here any way you can, even if you have to rent a private

jet. All we need is a back-up in case of injury. He'll just sit on the bench."

Page 8

The general manager, a bit nervous about tonight's game, still couldn't

remember the player's last name. "Was it Leroux, Lamante, Smith? Yes, Smith,

I think that was it," the G.M. said and he quickly looked through the Fort

Wayne phone book for the number.

Page 11

For Mike, time was moving slowly. When the phone rang, Mike answered.

"Hi," said the G.M. "I know this is unusual, Mike, but we have a game

tonight and we need you to play. I'm sending someone to pick you up."

"Sure," Mike said somewhat reluctantly, knowing he would miss the

big game on television. "But I'd like to bring along Christian, Jordan and Justin."

"No problem," replied the G.M. Mike quickly gathered his hockey

gear and waited to be picked up.

Page 12

In no time an official hockey-looking guy rang the door bell.

"Is Mike here?" he asked. "Right here," Mike replied.

"Where?" said the hockey guy looking around the room.

"Right here," said Mike again. "But! But! You look like you're

only 8 years old," replied the surprised official. "Are you that good

of a hockey player?" "Yeah, I'm pretty good," Mike replied.

Page 15

"Where are we going?" Mike asked as they jumped into a limousine.

"To the home arena of the Tiger Sharks," replied the hockey-type guy. "The

game is sold out. There will be thousands of people at the arena and another 10

million watching on television." "Sure, 10 million watching and me

playing at the home of the Tiger Sharks! Does he really think I believe him?"

 Mike thought to himself.

Page 16

When they finally arrived at the arena, and Mike saw all the fans

rushing into the building, he didn't know what to think.

"Follow me," said the hockey-type guy. "And don't sign any autographs -

we haven't got enough time." Mike followed, but now he was

nervous. Christian, Jordan and Justin looked nervous too.

Page 19

"Here's the kid," the hockey-type guy said to the coach when they reached

the dressing room. "Where?" asked the coach.

"Right here," he replied, pointing at Mike. The coach looked down at Mike.

"You can't be serious?" the coach asked.

Page 20

The coach looked at Mike again. "Did the G.M. call you?" he asked.

"Yes," replied Mike. "You must be the best young hockey

player in the whole world," the coach said in amazement.

"Yeah, I'm pretty good," Mike replied.

Page 23

Mike quickly put on his hockey gear and went out with the team for the

pre-game warm up. As soon as the coach saw Mike on the ice he knew a

mistake had been made. Mike was pretty good, but no 8-year-old had

ever played in this league. "I'll just keep the kid on the bench," the

coach thought to himself.

Page 24

The game was incredibly exciting. There were hard hits,

scoring chances galore, end to end action and great saves. As the

third period wound down, the score was tied 2-2.

Mike was happy. These were the best seats he had ever had to watch

his favorite team. The game ended in a flurry with

both goalies making incredible saves. Overtime was next.

Page 27

In the dressing room some of the Tiger Sharks started to complain about

their stomachs. One by one, they went into the trainer's room. And, they

didn't return. When the buzzer sounded to start

overtime, the coach had only seven players still standing. And Mike was

one of them. Christian, Jordan and Justin whispered to Mike. "You may

have to play." "Awesome," replied Mike.

Page 28

The game seemed out of reach. With only six players, the team was

wearing down. And then it happened! The referee called coincidental minor

penalties. "Get another player on the ice," the referee yelled to the coach.

The coach looked at the trainer. "Anyone ready yet?" he asked.

"Sorry coach - no one can even stand up," the trainer replied.

"Mike - just how good are you?" he asked. "I'm pretty good,"

Mike replied. "Out you go," said the coach. "Do your best."

Page 31

Mike was a pretty good hockey player but these players were the

biggest, strongest and fastest he had ever played against. By the time Mike

skated into one end, the puck was already back in the other end.

Mike was still struggling out of the opponent's end when one of his

teammates shot the puck down the ice. The other team had forgotten about

Mike. He had a breakaway!

Page 32

Mike skated as fast as he could. A defenseman was breathing down his

neck. As he reached the net, Mike looked up and saw the biggest goalie he

had ever seen in his life. Mike let go with his best shot.

The burly defenseman took Mike into the boards with a thud. As Mike

got up, he heard the fans cheering and saw his teammates (all 6 of them)

skating towards him. The game was over. Mike had buried the shot in the

top corner. They had won in overtime. Mike was interviewed on

television. He only remembered answering one question.

"Yeah, I'm pretty good," he said.

Page 35

Mike's Hockey Statistics for this year:

_________________ Team

             _________________ Coach's Name

          _________________ Goals scored

_________________ Assists

   _________________ Penalties

         _________________ Trophies won

        __________________________________ Best play of the year

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