B.E. Russell
Doug Mansfield’s journey begins on a frozen pond in a small town in Ontario, where an unremarkable boy first tastes the rush of skating. From that moment, hockey becomes his life’s calling, igniting a dream to bring the Stanley Cup back to his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. In this sweeping, heartfelt novel, follow Doug’s rise from childhood pick-up games to the pressure-packed world of professional hockey.Across twenty-six vivid chapters, Doug’s path weaves through backyard rinks, the cauldron of Junior hockey, and the intense scrutiny of Canada’s biggest hockey market. He faces early trade rumors that nearly derail his dream, learns hard-won lessons from veteran mentors, and eventually claims the spotlight as a pivotal piece in Toronto’s quest for a championship. From wild bus trips and bruising rivalries to the dizzying media frenzy and the triumph of lifting the Cup, Doug’s story is a testament to grit, loyalty, and the simple wonder that first sparked his passion for the game.As the seasons pass and his body begins to show the wear of countless battles, Doug wrestles with the looming specter of retirement. Yet amid injuries, leadership changes, and the relentless demands of a Cup-starved city, he discovers that his impact runs far beyond goals and assists-he has inspired a new generation to lace up skates and chase their dreams. In his final moments on the ice, Doug Mansfield-forever tied to the city’s hockey tapestry-leaves behind a legacy that shines as brightly as the championship banner hanging in the rafters.
