Maureen Ulrich

Shootout Maureen Ulrich

Courtney McIntyre navigates Grade Nine at Estevan Comprehensive School while playing boys hockey for the first time. Meanwhile her sister Jessie is in her second year with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, discovering the hard way what it takes to be an elite player in an elite league. Will the McIntyre girls have positive impacts on their teams? One thing's certain. Life-and hockey-are bound to throw some blindside hits.

Shootout explores contemporary teen issues like substance abuse, hazing, bullying, and relationships. Two sisters, while balancing family, school, and friendships, are challenged by their teammates and coaches to contribute and excel on the ice. Told through dual perspectives, this young adult, realistic fiction novel is about standing up, stepping out, and letting go. Other topics presented are mental health, Indigenous culture, racism, and inclusivity for trans athletes. Crammed with plenty of teen angst and hockey action, Shootout is a compelling, fast-paced coming of age story.

Shootout is Book 4 in the award winning #jessiemachockeyseries. Power Plays (Book 1) won a Moonbeam gold medal and was a finalist for the Saskatchewan Book Awards, Snow Willow Awards, and BC Young Reader Choice (Stellar) Awards. Face Off (Book 2) was a recipient of a Moonbeam silver medal.