The Greates A Brite Star Sports and Recreation Copyright © 2023 by The Brite Star Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c)3 All rights reserved. Published by The Brite Star Foundation, Inc. 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway Suite 338 Las Vegas, Nevada 89141 Vincent W. Goett, Publisher ISBN Paperback
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The Brite Star Kidsfavorite winter sport is skating and playing hockey at the Brite Star Park. After skating the kids and their parents sit around the fire pits drinking hot chocolate and eating s’mores.
One day when the kids were drinking hot chocolate and eating s’mores, Jimmy noticed one boy still on the ice. “Why does Wayne always stay on the ice and not come for hot chocolate and s’mores?” he asked. Miles replied, “Wayne wants to play hockey in Madison Square Garden someday.”
Some of the kids laughed. “Youhave to be one of the best hockey players in the world to play at Madison Square Garden,” said Miles. “If dedication matters Wayne will makeit. At least that’s what Ithink,” said Hudson.
Wayne’s father and mother, Walter and Phyllis owned the Brite Star Ice Rink. Wayne and his brothers and sister helped around the ice rink. Wayne waited for the hockey teamsand figure skaters to finish their games or practices so he could go on the ice. Wayne also loved riding on the Zamboni when his dad cleaned the ice. “Dad, when can Iplay on a hockey team?” asked Wayne. “I’ve told you, Wayne, when you’re five years old you can try out for the Brite Star Stars,” his father said. “Okay,” Wayne said witha big smile. “Can I drive now?” Wayne climbed on his father’s lap and they laughed and talked asthey cleaned the ice.
Every morning Wayne looked at the calendar on his bedroom wall. Itwasnext to a poster of his favorite hockey player, Gordie Howe. He grabbed a marker and put an X on today—January 23rd. There were two days circled on the calendar, January 26th and February 24th. These were twospecial days. One wasWayne’s fifth birthday and the second wasthe day of try outs for the Brite Star Stars.
Wayne’s bedroom, hockey sticks, etc. Picture of calendar and x with circles, next to a poster of Gordie Howe
Wayne’s family gathered around the breakfast table for his birthday breakfast and there were lots of presents, too.
“After lunch we’re going to the Brite Star candy shop for ice cream,”Wayne’s mother announced. When they went inside the ice cream shop there wasa loud, “Surprise!” Wayne’s friends were there to celebrate with him. “Blow out the candles,” yelled Alex and Miles. The cake on the table looked like an ice rink withfive candles. Ithad a hockey player on it withthe number 99 on his jersey.
After ice cream everyone went to the park and played games all afternoon. Wayne took the little hockey statue from the cake withhim. “Wayne, whydoes the jersey number say 99? Ithought your favorite player wasGordie Howe. His number is 9,” said Jimmy. “My Dad said if Iwork twice ashard as the other hockey players Ican be twice asgood so Iadded another 9,” said Wayne. “Oh, that’s why you’re always the first one to get to the rink and the last one off theice,”said Miles.
For the next month, Wayne and his dad spent hours at the ice rink skating and doing hockey drills. The whole family sat in the stands watching. Wayne’s momalways brought a lunch for the family to enjoy. While the other kids enjoyed the last few days of winter break, Wayne practiced hockey every day to be ready for the hockey try outs.
Brite Star School started the first week of February after winter break. Everyone was excited to be back in school. “Welcome,” said Ms. Betty.
“I would like each of you to tell the class about your winter break and the most fun thing you did.”
Students talked about having ice cream, bike riding and fishing.
“Wayne, how wasyour winter break?” asked Ms. Betty. “I helped mydad and momat the ice rink and Ipracticed hockey every day,” said Wayne. “I watched old hockey films at night with my dad. He pointed out what the players did right and wrong,”said Wayne. “Wow, that doesn’t seem too fun,” said Miles.
“For Wayne, practicing is fun, just as eating pizza is fun to you,” said Ms. Betty. “Yeah, except pizza isn’t a professional sport,” said Alex.
Finally it wasthe day for the Brite Star Stars tryouts. The kids were nervous as they went through the drills. When the drills were done, Coach Wade said, “Now we’re going to break into groups and play a scrimmage.” Wayne wason the red team and his jersey had the number 9 on it. Wayne stood out right away.But it wasn’t for his goals, speed or passing. Wayne wasthe smallest kid on the ice! “Who’s number 9?” someone asked. “He’s muchbetter than the other kids.” Wayne’s family looked at each other and smiled.
Wayne made the Stars team and he led themto the first Mini Mites championship game.
The score wastied going into the third period. That’s when Wayne’s dad pulled him aside and said, “Pucks that aren’t shot at the goal never go in.”
Wayne scored the winning goal of the game! Itwasonly the beginning of his championships and record setting career. After the game everyone congratulated Wayne and his teammates. “I guess hard work does pay off, Wayne. Congratulations,” said Miles.
Think About It
1. What did Wayne’s friends like to do after skating? 2. What did Wayne like to do withhis dad at the ice rink? 3. Who wasWayne’s favorite hockey player? 4. How old did Wayne have to be to play on a team? 5. What wasWayne’s jersey number?
Let’s work together! Being very good at something takes a lot of work. What do you wantto be good at?How canyou improve your skills?
I will . . .
• • •
Practice my skill so Icanbe mybest. Be willing to workhard. Understand that sometimes Iwill need to practice instead of play withfriends.
Being the greatest at something, like all great athletes takes a lot of work. Youmayneed to spend time practicing instead of doing things like video games or things withfriends. Are you willing to work that hard?