Today, I'm reviewing Manon: Alone in front of the net, by Manon Rheaume with Chantal Gilbert.

Manon Rheaume came to prominence with her appearance in the very first training camp with the Tampa Bay Lightning, in the fall of 1992. I personally remember hearing that a young woman was trying out for the team, and ultimately became the first female player to play in an NHL pre-season game. She would go on to play in the International Hockey League with the Atlanta Knights, playing in a couple games.

To many people, she appeared out of nowhere in Lightning camp. But this book chronicles the challenges she faces at every single level of hockey in Quebec, trying to break into what was viewed as strictly a male-dominated environment.

As the book progresses, in an easy-to-follow narrative, you begin to get a sense of the frustration one minute of being told that no, you can't play in this league, and sheer joy the next minute of showing that she can outplay some of the goalies in that very same league.

Along the way, there are paragraphs from key people that helped Manon out on the way through various levels of play; her parents, coaches, upper-level management. They offer their point of view on her play and potential.

I recommend it for several reasons. First, it's a tale of someone who made it in spite of the world shutting her down without a chance. Second, It's a fascinating look at a rookie who's trying to make it with a new team, in a new city.



Amazon Link:    
http://www.amazon.com/Manon-Alone-Front-Net-Rheaume/dp/000638031X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351111543&sr=8-1&keywords=Manon%3A+alone+in+front+of+the+net


Barnes & Noble Link
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/manon-manon-rheaume/1112522674?ean=9780006380290