The Catechism of Hockey

by Alyssa Bormes

Why does hockey have so many rules? Do we still need to have penalty boxes? Can’t we get rid of offside? And why is practice so important? What’s the big deal with the Commissioner? And coaches? And referees? Why can’t they just let us play?

Anyone involved in hockey – players, parents, fans – would never take any of these questions seriously. Without the rules, there would be no hockey. And without the drills there would be no thrills.

And yet Catholics ask similar questions about the Church all the time. Why does the Church have so many rules? Why do we have to go to confession? Why do we need priests? And what’s the big deal with the Pope? Why does the faith have to be so difficult? Can’t we just play?

If you have ever needed help explaining the faith to your children, your friends and family, or even your foes, this is your new playbook. The Catechism of Hockey is one of the most unlikely, but effective Catholic resources for the New Evangelization.

187 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2013

Reviews

[Samantha Zee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some pros about this book -

Super easy to read, I liked a lot of the comparisons between Catholicism and hockey - many of which made sense, puts a lot of stuff simply, and I liked that I'm from Minnesota and there were a lot of references to Minnesota. And the hockey tidbits and history were fun too.

The cons -

Seemed like it was written for an adult based on the words and examples, but was almost too simple, as if it was for a child to read on their own. Some of the comparisons felt a little thin and the chapters were so short that it was more of a refresher of the basic rules of Catholicism vs anything that would help you grow in your faith because there wasn't much depth to the points.

Honestly, the best way to put this book is that it's for an adult who calls themselves a Catholic but doesn't live as a Catholic and doesn't want to read anything dry/hard. While Bormes explains everything as if telling you how to teach/relate it to your child in terms of hockey, it's feels a lot like she's explaining it to an adult who either strayed from the faith or is very lazy about it. I found myself reading this for the comparsions between Catholicism and hockey that I found were interesting, but I don't think I gained anything faithwise from it.

Not a bad book, but I think it's more for a specific type of Catholic vs all.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for Catholics to better understand the purpose of church rules. Written in a delightful way that is easy and enjoyable reading. I learned more about my Catholic faith and have a little bit better understanding of hockey! It took me a bit longer to read because I did it as a part of a WINE bookclub https://catholicvineyard.com/. Alyssa did weekly talks with members on Facebook. It was wonderful!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Not all of the analogies worked for me. We did use this book as a discussion book in our men’s group at church and it was well received.

[Patrick Alog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Alyssa Bormes did a great job relating the teachings of the Catholic Church to the game of hockey, and not just the teachings but also, how to live out the Catholic Faith. She definitely makes a point that if people could give the same kind of dedication to hockey (or any sport for that matter), we could do the same for living out our Catholic Faith. It's pretty cool how she weaves such subjects as the Stanley Cup and Herbies and Coach Herb Brooks into her book!

[Ramon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is great. The book carries the Imprimatur. I should have known with the Forward written by Dale Ahlquist.(Dale is very humorous and he knows so much about GK Chesterton. He keeps you engaged with humor and wit.) This book written by Alyssa Bormes has the same wit. The points she makes are so right on. I was so impressed how she connected the points to the Catholic Church. I loved the penalty book and team wear. I was an easy read but it contained alot of useful information for that Hockey fan.

[Fr. Peter Calabrese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice. Applies the principals of participation in ice hockey, and by extension all sports, to our attitudes regarding the Catholic Faith. Nice for catechists and faith leaders of all kinds looking for some analogies. May not be as effective for those who need to be moved form lukewarm to fervent unless they have a growing self awareness. I recommend as well worth the time investment. An easy read, that has depth nonetheless.

[Chelsea Moga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING! Well done! It's a good way to relate my catholic faith to sports, especially hockey. It's a great score! :-)

[Kate H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Last few chapters were the most solid.