Alex McKenzie is a promising young hockey player with hopes of making the Quebec City junior hockey team. Once Alex and his friend Tommy, who is also vying to make the team, arrive in Quebec City, things begin to change. Tommy becomes sullen and obnoxious, hanging out with a bunch of dubious types. As the boys grow apart, tragedy befalls Tommy and their friendship is sorely tested. A thrilling yet very human story, this novel demonstrates how an unassuming hero deals with powerful peer pressures, budding love, and misfortune while fulfilling the dream that others have for him.