Young adult book about girls' hockey

The door to hockey is opening more and more to girls and women, and author Maureen Ulrich is helping push it open just a bit more with her new series.

“Power Playsis the first book in my Young Adult girl’s hockey series,” explained the Lampman area author.

Coteau Books of Regina published the series between 2007 and 2012. When Coteau ceased operations in February 2020, “I revised and relaunched the series with Wood Dragon Books of Mossbank, SK.,” she said, adding “all three books (Power Plays, Face Off, andBreakaway) are currently available in print and eBook formats.”

And more is coming from the former teacher, who said she has been writing since age 11.

“I am nearly finished my first draft of Book Four (Shoot Out) — a brand new release — and it should be available in September,” said Ulrich, a former teacher.

And her older books will get a new platform too if all goes according to plan.

“Jeanne Martinson, my publisher, and I hope to release Power Plays as an audiobook in 2021,” she said.

The books are very much about Saskatchewan and the favoured sport of hockey.

“Power Plays is contemporary fiction,” explains Ulrich, who admitted she has never been much of an athlete, but loves going to baseball, football, and hockey games. “It takes place in Estevan. Jessie McIntyre, 14, has recently moved there from Saskatoon, and she’s having trouble fitting in. She’s bullied at school by a popular girl named Kim. Jessie’s parents encourage Jessie to join the local girls’ hockey team so she can make some new friends. But bullies can be found everywhere—even the dressing room.”

For the series Ulrich found inspiration close to home.

“I was inspired mainly by the Estevan Xtreme, the high school team my oldest daughter played for,” she explained. “As a teacher, I’ve also seen my fair share of bullying, and teens struggling to make the right decisions.

“Although Power Plays is not my first manuscript, it’s the first one I published.”

For Ulrich the story was one well-worth penning.

“Power Plays was not only worth writing, it was also worth re-writing,” she said. “Although I didn’t eliminate any scenes in the 2020 Power Plays, I tightened it by cutting 6000 words. I updated the language, technology, and hockey rules -- even added a hockey glossary -- to make it more relatable for today’s teens.”

As for as writing goes, Ulrich said she just goes where the story leads.

“I am a pantser, meaning I write by ‘the seat of my pants’,” she said. “Before I start a manuscript, I have notions of what I want to happen, but I let the characters’ interactions lead the way. This means I have to do a great deal of revision, but it’s the way that works best for me. I like writing to be organic -- like life -- not prescriptive.”

So what does the author think is the best aspect of the book? 

“When I set out to write Power Plays, I wanted to create characters who could be role models for young people” said Ulrich. “When Tara tells Jessie, ‘Don’t bash your teammates,’ she is giving profound advice.

“We need to accept each other, in spite of our differences, and understand that no one — least of all ourselves — are perfect.”

While the book is about girl’s hockey, Ulrich said she does hope for a larger audience.

The books are generally targeted at teens 12-17, “but my books are also appreciated by adults,” she said. “For children younger than 12, I recommend that they read the book with their parents. I bet they have some interesting conversations, based on Jessie’s experiences”

Ulrich added it has been a challenge “getting the word out that a girl’s hockey book is a worthwhile read for anyone.

“Power Plays and the other books in the series are not just about hockey - they’re about life.”

The author is pleased with her effort, noting an update is a nice bonus for a writer.

“I had the chance for a do-over, and I didn’t change much,” said Ulrich. “I eliminated some superfluous words and characters, which I doubt anyone will miss. I retained some iconic buildings that no longer exist — Estevan Junior High and the Estevan Civic Auditorium. I think the books are funny, gritty, and full of heart — just like most hockey players I know.”

The series is available through Sask Books (Regina), McNally Robinson (Saskatoon) and Penny University Bookstore (Regina), Amazon.ca (search Maureen Ulrich), and from the author who noted, “I’ve signed and mailed a number of copies to people across the country and the USA.”