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Ice Chips #1
The Ice Chips and the Magical Rink
The first title in a new chapter-book series by acclaimed author and Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Roy MacGregor and his daughter, Kerry MacGregor, follows a ragtag hockey team that travels through time to witness key moments in the development of the game and some of its star players.
The Chips’ first adventure sees them catching up with a young Gordie Howe as he and his sister learn to skate (with one skate each!) thanks to the generosity of a neighbour.
The Chips’ first adventure sees them catching up with a young Gordie Howe as he and his sister learn to skate (with one skate each!) thanks to the generosity of a neighbour.
144 pages, Hardcover
Published February 27, 2018
7 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Roy MacGregor
125 books92 followersRoy MacGregor is a Canadian author of fiction and non-fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 12, 2018
Great start to a new hockey series aimed at readers who are relatively new to chapter books.
The Ice Chips is a co-ed hockey team that is loosing their home rink. Though they will be moving to a fancy new rink, they want one last skate on their home ice. Once they arrive at the rink, they see that the ice is in bad shape, it needs re-surfacing. This is when the trouble/challenges/magic starts.
Wait, did I say magic. Oh yes, that's what makes this book so special. I love where this magic takes them and what they experience and learn along the way. Not going to tell you a word more since I don't want to spoil any secrets.
It's great the way the team members support each other both on and off the ice. They aren't just thinking about their next goal, but of their friends both old and new.
Young readers will be able to relate to the members of the team even if they don't play hockey. The story is more about friendship and including new friends.
The authors also wrote the Screech Owl series for 9-12 readers.
The team will return in the Ice Chips and the Haunted Hurricane.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Indigo Books & Music Inc., in exchange for an honest review.
#IndigoEmployee
The Ice Chips is a co-ed hockey team that is loosing their home rink. Though they will be moving to a fancy new rink, they want one last skate on their home ice. Once they arrive at the rink, they see that the ice is in bad shape, it needs re-surfacing. This is when the trouble/challenges/magic starts.
Wait, did I say magic. Oh yes, that's what makes this book so special. I love where this magic takes them and what they experience and learn along the way. Not going to tell you a word more since I don't want to spoil any secrets.
It's great the way the team members support each other both on and off the ice. They aren't just thinking about their next goal, but of their friends both old and new.
Young readers will be able to relate to the members of the team even if they don't play hockey. The story is more about friendship and including new friends.
The authors also wrote the Screech Owl series for 9-12 readers.
The team will return in the Ice Chips and the Haunted Hurricane.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Indigo Books & Music Inc., in exchange for an honest review.
#IndigoEmployee
Read
February 26, 2020Cute, but really young. I probably shouldn't have read this right after I finished this is how you lose the time war. *shrug*
Everything is super obvious, black and white, and laid out for kids to pick up on things, I suppose. Maybe I'm just a bitter old 30-something. But it was a fun time, and the kids learned some important lessons. Definitely not about the value of money if Lucas tapes and retapes his stick every time he gets on the ice, but I digress.
A thing that really bothered me was how hard the hits from bullies were, and how Gordon cracked his head on the ice and we just moved on. Concussions are a serious thing in lots of sports, but I think hockey and football get the most attention (high contact sports). I wish we'd taken a minute to get checked out or at least for one of the present-day kids to say something about player safety. It WAS good to see Lucas turn to hit the boards with his shoulder instead of his head - any good youth hockey program should teach kids how to go into the boards when they fall and how to take a hit. I remember some teams had stop sign patches on their jerseys just below the base of the skull when there was a big push for heads up hockey. Again, maybe I'm being a grumpy adult, but I've had a few concussions, and I think kids need to be aware of the risks and such. Also, those damn kids need to get off my lawn *brandishes hockey stick*
The authors are Canadian, so it's possible some terms are different than in the US...but as a hockey human, I got really distracted by some of the words and expressions used. I won't get into it (yes, I kept a running list, lol), but the idea of an impressive player doing a snowplow stop going into a faceoff is ridiculous. What a bender 🤦🏻♀️
Since I didn't give a rating to Grace Lin's Pacy Lin series bc it read really young, I don't think it fair to give this a star rating either. This wasn't written for me - I'm not the target audience, and I wouldn't want to be the reason a hockey munchkin missed out on this book. Not that anyone reads my reviews like they matter LOL but still. This def feels like more of a "children's" book than "middle grade" so idk. No rating. It's a fun time! That is all.
Everything is super obvious, black and white, and laid out for kids to pick up on things, I suppose. Maybe I'm just a bitter old 30-something. But it was a fun time, and the kids learned some important lessons. Definitely not about the value of money if Lucas tapes and retapes his stick every time he gets on the ice, but I digress.
A thing that really bothered me was how hard the hits from bullies were, and how Gordon cracked his head on the ice and we just moved on. Concussions are a serious thing in lots of sports, but I think hockey and football get the most attention (high contact sports). I wish we'd taken a minute to get checked out or at least for one of the present-day kids to say something about player safety. It WAS good to see Lucas turn to hit the boards with his shoulder instead of his head - any good youth hockey program should teach kids how to go into the boards when they fall and how to take a hit. I remember some teams had stop sign patches on their jerseys just below the base of the skull when there was a big push for heads up hockey. Again, maybe I'm being a grumpy adult, but I've had a few concussions, and I think kids need to be aware of the risks and such. Also, those damn kids need to get off my lawn *brandishes hockey stick*
The authors are Canadian, so it's possible some terms are different than in the US...but as a hockey human, I got really distracted by some of the words and expressions used. I won't get into it (yes, I kept a running list, lol), but the idea of an impressive player doing a snowplow stop going into a faceoff is ridiculous. What a bender 🤦🏻♀️
Since I didn't give a rating to Grace Lin's Pacy Lin series bc it read really young, I don't think it fair to give this a star rating either. This wasn't written for me - I'm not the target audience, and I wouldn't want to be the reason a hockey munchkin missed out on this book. Not that anyone reads my reviews like they matter LOL but still. This def feels like more of a "children's" book than "middle grade" so idk. No rating. It's a fun time! That is all.
February 15, 2018
I’m pretty sure I don’t need a time machine—or a certain zamboni—to predict that The Ice Chips and the Magical Rink, the first book in a new series by Roy and Kerry MacGregor, will be a hit with young hockey fans, not when there’s so much to like here.
The writing is polished, the story moves along at a good clip, and the sprinkling of images throughout the book provides the perfect complement to the text. Plus, readers will find it easy to root for Lucas Finnigan, a hockey-obsessed kid with a lot on his plate. Not only is Lucas preparing for team tryouts with less than ideal equipment and against some nasty competition, but he also needs to figure out how and why he was suddenly transported to an icy pond where he finds himself giving skating and hockey tips to a gangly boy and his sister. While I won’t give away which famed Canadian hockey player that gangly boy grows up to be, I do think readers will find it inspiring to know that greatness could develop from such humble beginnings, just as they’ll be inspired by Lucas’ efforts to stand up to bullies, cope through lean times, and believe in himself.
If I do have one small quibble with The Ice Chips, it’s that the first three chapters are a bit disorienting. The story opens with Lucas spiraling away from his hometown hockey rink to that above-mentioned pond. Then, a few pages later, we’re suddenly seated at his kitchen table, watching him flick Cheerios in his little brother’s mouth. It took me a little while to realize that this was the start of the day that would eventually lead to that opening pond scene.
But, like I said, it’s a small quibble. In the end, hockey, history, and a hefty side of magic make for a winning combination.
The writing is polished, the story moves along at a good clip, and the sprinkling of images throughout the book provides the perfect complement to the text. Plus, readers will find it easy to root for Lucas Finnigan, a hockey-obsessed kid with a lot on his plate. Not only is Lucas preparing for team tryouts with less than ideal equipment and against some nasty competition, but he also needs to figure out how and why he was suddenly transported to an icy pond where he finds himself giving skating and hockey tips to a gangly boy and his sister. While I won’t give away which famed Canadian hockey player that gangly boy grows up to be, I do think readers will find it inspiring to know that greatness could develop from such humble beginnings, just as they’ll be inspired by Lucas’ efforts to stand up to bullies, cope through lean times, and believe in himself.
If I do have one small quibble with The Ice Chips, it’s that the first three chapters are a bit disorienting. The story opens with Lucas spiraling away from his hometown hockey rink to that above-mentioned pond. Then, a few pages later, we’re suddenly seated at his kitchen table, watching him flick Cheerios in his little brother’s mouth. It took me a little while to realize that this was the start of the day that would eventually lead to that opening pond scene.
But, like I said, it’s a small quibble. In the end, hockey, history, and a hefty side of magic make for a winning combination.
July 3, 2018
The Ice Chips and the Magical Rink by Roy and Kerry MacGregor is a cute story about a group of friends who play on The Ice Chips hockey team together. Before a new season of hockey is about to begin the Ice Chips learn that their rink is going to be closed because the cooling machines are broken. This means that they will have to play at the plastic fake-ice rink with the Riverton Stars, a team full of bullies.
Rather than being a story about rival teams, The Ice Chips and the Magical Rink explores the topics of friendship, doing the right thing, and the importance of doing what you love. Throughout the adventure with the time-travel mini-ice resurfacing machine, also known as Scratch, friends Lucas, Edge, Swift, and Crunch learn valuable lessons. They are good friends who treat others with respect and do not let bullies ruin their experiences. The MacGregors did an amazing job of writing a hockey story that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Not only does The Ice Chips and the Magical Rink embrace Canada’s national winter sport, but it also showcases how wonderful Canada is. From the game of shinny on a frozen slough in southern Saskatchewan, to the image of a Bennet Buggy, there are descriptions of Canada that create a proud feeling throughout the story.
The characters in The Ice Chips and the Magical Rink are great kids. They display a diverse group of people: male, female, Sikh, bully, poor, and intellectually gifted. The wide-range of characters is welcome and something that is more prominent in modern literature. It allows for everyone to find someone they can relate to, as well as providing a stronger story and different perspectives.
Rather than being a story about rival teams, The Ice Chips and the Magical Rink explores the topics of friendship, doing the right thing, and the importance of doing what you love. Throughout the adventure with the time-travel mini-ice resurfacing machine, also known as Scratch, friends Lucas, Edge, Swift, and Crunch learn valuable lessons. They are good friends who treat others with respect and do not let bullies ruin their experiences. The MacGregors did an amazing job of writing a hockey story that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Not only does The Ice Chips and the Magical Rink embrace Canada’s national winter sport, but it also showcases how wonderful Canada is. From the game of shinny on a frozen slough in southern Saskatchewan, to the image of a Bennet Buggy, there are descriptions of Canada that create a proud feeling throughout the story.
The characters in The Ice Chips and the Magical Rink are great kids. They display a diverse group of people: male, female, Sikh, bully, poor, and intellectually gifted. The wide-range of characters is welcome and something that is more prominent in modern literature. It allows for everyone to find someone they can relate to, as well as providing a stronger story and different perspectives.
March 6, 2018
This book was outstan-delicious! I eagerly await the next one to find out where else Scratch can take the Ice Chips. I think the father daughter duo did an amazing job with this tale. The character building of the Ice Chips was fantastic and the magic Zamboni to meet Gordie Howe was such fun. You really do route for the Ice Chips to get to keep their rink and make the team for the year instead of having to play for their competitors the Riverton Stars. I also loved that they gave Lucas some pregame superstitions. I think that can be a big part of sports and I love that it was added in to the story. This would be such a fun read aloud for a family, both of hockey lovers and those just looking for a fun story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2025
I’ve owned this book in my school library for a couple of years but only just read this now as it’s been selected as part of a list of books for a reading challenge in my area. This is honestly a really great and enjoyable book. I think the back blurb writer underplayed how delightful this book is. Until I read it I didn’t know that the team goes back in time to meet a young Gordie Howe. Now that I know this I will for sure be using it as a hook for some of my sportier students. There’s time travel, sports, a bit of historical facts sprinkled around. It’s really a great story.
October 2, 2018
This was a lot of fun. Great characters & everything ties together really well at the end. The illustrations are wonderful & the book packaging is top notch. This will make a great gift to a young reader that loves hockey!
My only gripe was the pacing of the multi-chapter flashback at the beginning of the book. I can see that confusing kids a little. Regardless, I definitely recommend this series!
My only gripe was the pacing of the multi-chapter flashback at the beginning of the book. I can see that confusing kids a little. Regardless, I definitely recommend this series!
July 12, 2019
I picked this book up after reading the second book in the series. I wish I had read this one first! Enjoyed it a lot more getting to know the characters from the beginning. But I have the same complaint as this one with the book starting in the middle of the action and then flashing back. It was a little jarring and made it more difficult to get into the story.
Would recommend for young hockey fans just getting in to chapter books.
Would recommend for young hockey fans just getting in to chapter books.
December 10, 2021
A magical time travel story involving some beloved hockey heroes from the past and some young up and comers. As part of a series, this book does a good job of introducing the characters and setting the scene for the second book. Any young hockey fan would get a kick out of these books! Who wouldn’t want to meet some of the late greats?!
March 17, 2022
This was a fun, cute read about a team of young time travelling hockey players. I loved the focus on Canadian hockey and the diversity within the characters!
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
January 4, 2019
This is a new hockey series and the first book in it. Found it a bit confusing at first and wonder if young readers will too. Nonetheless, enjoyed the overall story, after all it is about hockey.
February 12, 2019
Cute concept but the writing was choppy. I read it out loud to my kids and I found I was tripping over the sentence structure a lot. The kids enjoyed it.
September 8, 2019
Verry good book
January 9, 2021
This is a very sweet story. I really like the variety of characters and how the story ended. Had some great lessons on character as well.
December 10, 2019
the book that I`m currently reading is called the ice chip and the magical rink, it`s written by Roy MacGregor. My book is about these kids whand these o love hockey and are relly good at it and these older people take it over and it is horible. my favorite part in the book is chapter 17 butter flies i the stumack. My recomonedation is 5 and up.
by Kaytee
by Kaytee
May 7, 2022
This book was very fun! I am trying to segue to chapter books with my 7 year old son and this was a good start. Since time travel is one of my favourite genres I got to enjoy it along with him.
September 7, 2018
This was really fun to read, especially with a nice tie-in to Canadian hockey history.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews