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Open Ice
NICKY TAG! NICKY TAG!
All his life, crowds have been cheering for Nick Taglio.
He’s been skating since he could walk, scoring goals since he picked up a hockey stick. He’s only a sophomore but he rules the ice, because Nicky Tag’s a fighter. Which means you have to take some hits; concussions come with the territory. When he gets another head injury, his doctor, his parents, and his coach tell him he can never play again. Too dangerous, they say. He can’t risk his future.
But they don’t understand that without hockey, Nick has no future. It’s not a game, it’s his life. And nobody can stop him from playing.
All his life, crowds have been cheering for Nick Taglio.
He’s been skating since he could walk, scoring goals since he picked up a hockey stick. He’s only a sophomore but he rules the ice, because Nicky Tag’s a fighter. Which means you have to take some hits; concussions come with the territory. When he gets another head injury, his doctor, his parents, and his coach tell him he can never play again. Too dangerous, they say. He can’t risk his future.
But they don’t understand that without hockey, Nick has no future. It’s not a game, it’s his life. And nobody can stop him from playing.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 8, 2005
17 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 5, 2014
Open Ice by Pat Hughes
Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrr GOAL! Nick Taglio is the leading goal scorer of the New England Hockey League (NEHL). This story is about a 21st century 16 year old boy who doesn’t just view hockey as his sport, but sees it as his life. He lives in Shore Haven, Connecticut with his dad, mom, and two younger brothers, Brian and Gabriel. Nick Taglio is a strong, muscular teenager with dark eyes and spiked hair who loves the game of hockey. He has a hot temper and smart mouth and is determined to get back on the ice when his doctor tells him he can’t because of a grade-four concussion. His best friend, Griff, is a tall, thin kid who plays goalie on Nick’s high school team. Griff is good between the pipes until he lets in a few goals then it all goes downhill from there because of his short temper and lack of confidence. Nick’s girlfriend, Devin, is a skinny, pretty girl with brown hair who loves the fact that Nick plays ice hockey more than she loves Nick. She is bossy, conceited and self-centered and dumps him after he is told that he can’t play hockey anymore.
Nick Taglio and hockey have gone together since he was five years old. From the first day he laced up his skates, hockey became his life. Nick is no mediocre player, he is the all-star center who has always led the league in points and mastered the art of hockey. Until one day it happened, a third grade- four concussion, which turned his life upside down. Nick was on a breakaway, when he got checked from behind, and ended up unconscious and was rushed to the hospital. The news that he could no longer play hockey started Nick on a destructive path that affected everyone and everything in his life. Because of his emotions, he can’t seem to get control of his life and his relationships. He has so much anger that builds up inside of him that he becomes depressed and distances himself from his family and friends. The side effects of his concussion lead him to not be able to focus in class and as a result he doesn’t turn in his work and his grades drop. These conflicts in his life cause him to become more depressed every day.
You should definitely read Open Ice, by Pat Hughes. You should read this book if you love ice hockey, or any contact sport, because it provides specific details about the game and a great deal of education about avoiding a concussion and how to deal with a concussion. Another reason you should read this book is because it is humorous and exciting which makes this book easy to relate to. Also the very descriptive details provide the reader with imagery that paints a mental picture in your head. These are some reasons why you should definitely read Open Ice. However, you might not like this book because of the mature language and content. Another reason you might not like this book is if you don’t like to read about ice hockey or sports in general, you won’t like this book.
Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrr GOAL! Nick Taglio is the leading goal scorer of the New England Hockey League (NEHL). This story is about a 21st century 16 year old boy who doesn’t just view hockey as his sport, but sees it as his life. He lives in Shore Haven, Connecticut with his dad, mom, and two younger brothers, Brian and Gabriel. Nick Taglio is a strong, muscular teenager with dark eyes and spiked hair who loves the game of hockey. He has a hot temper and smart mouth and is determined to get back on the ice when his doctor tells him he can’t because of a grade-four concussion. His best friend, Griff, is a tall, thin kid who plays goalie on Nick’s high school team. Griff is good between the pipes until he lets in a few goals then it all goes downhill from there because of his short temper and lack of confidence. Nick’s girlfriend, Devin, is a skinny, pretty girl with brown hair who loves the fact that Nick plays ice hockey more than she loves Nick. She is bossy, conceited and self-centered and dumps him after he is told that he can’t play hockey anymore.
Nick Taglio and hockey have gone together since he was five years old. From the first day he laced up his skates, hockey became his life. Nick is no mediocre player, he is the all-star center who has always led the league in points and mastered the art of hockey. Until one day it happened, a third grade- four concussion, which turned his life upside down. Nick was on a breakaway, when he got checked from behind, and ended up unconscious and was rushed to the hospital. The news that he could no longer play hockey started Nick on a destructive path that affected everyone and everything in his life. Because of his emotions, he can’t seem to get control of his life and his relationships. He has so much anger that builds up inside of him that he becomes depressed and distances himself from his family and friends. The side effects of his concussion lead him to not be able to focus in class and as a result he doesn’t turn in his work and his grades drop. These conflicts in his life cause him to become more depressed every day.
You should definitely read Open Ice, by Pat Hughes. You should read this book if you love ice hockey, or any contact sport, because it provides specific details about the game and a great deal of education about avoiding a concussion and how to deal with a concussion. Another reason you should read this book is because it is humorous and exciting which makes this book easy to relate to. Also the very descriptive details provide the reader with imagery that paints a mental picture in your head. These are some reasons why you should definitely read Open Ice. However, you might not like this book because of the mature language and content. Another reason you might not like this book is if you don’t like to read about ice hockey or sports in general, you won’t like this book.
February 21, 2009
I think that this book is like okay but like if you are under the age of ten you should not read it because it has ALOT of language and some inapropriet things
January 8, 2025
4/5
The book Open Ice by Pat Hughes is a story based on a 16-year-old hockey player Nick Tag who is his school’s superstar ice hockey player. Coming as a hardworking, caring, and down to earth kid, Nick had been a social butterfly within the locker room, classroom and home, until his life took a complete 180. In the middle of his junior year of high school, Nick was in the middle of a hockey game where his life flashed before his eyes. He turned around and got hit into the boards and suffered one of several of his major concussions that he suffered throughout his life, but this concussion changed his life forever. Nick was diagnosed with severe brain trauma for the rest of his life. Which has caused him to break up with his long-time girlfriend, be forced to quit the sport he loves, and has lost interest in his friends, family, and other relatives. In the end Nick realizes that it’s not the concussion that is holding him back from the things he loves, but it’s his heart that says he still loves these people and things to do. I loved this book, because I found it very relatable to students that also play sports and suffer major trauma. It also teaches students lifelong lessons to always follow what your heart desires, not your brain. I think if other students read this book this would also relate to this no matter if you’re an athlete or your not. The culture and plot of this story teaches the same valuable life lessons that this book has taught me.
The book Open Ice by Pat Hughes is a story based on a 16-year-old hockey player Nick Tag who is his school’s superstar ice hockey player. Coming as a hardworking, caring, and down to earth kid, Nick had been a social butterfly within the locker room, classroom and home, until his life took a complete 180. In the middle of his junior year of high school, Nick was in the middle of a hockey game where his life flashed before his eyes. He turned around and got hit into the boards and suffered one of several of his major concussions that he suffered throughout his life, but this concussion changed his life forever. Nick was diagnosed with severe brain trauma for the rest of his life. Which has caused him to break up with his long-time girlfriend, be forced to quit the sport he loves, and has lost interest in his friends, family, and other relatives. In the end Nick realizes that it’s not the concussion that is holding him back from the things he loves, but it’s his heart that says he still loves these people and things to do. I loved this book, because I found it very relatable to students that also play sports and suffer major trauma. It also teaches students lifelong lessons to always follow what your heart desires, not your brain. I think if other students read this book this would also relate to this no matter if you’re an athlete or your not. The culture and plot of this story teaches the same valuable life lessons that this book has taught me.
Read
November 7, 2019“Open Ice,” By Pat Hughes, is about a boy named Nick Taglio. His whole life revolves around hockey and he is quite remarkable at it, even talking MVP at the high school level for him. His hockey career is ended, when he gets a 4th concussion after he gets hit against the boards. After the hit, he sees a neurologist and it turns out, he got a 3rd-degree concussion, which is the worst kind.
“Open Ice,” is definitely worth reading. Pat Hughes is very good at entertaining the audience throughout the book. The book also shows a good life lesson, that nothing is given, you always have to work for it. And if you like external and internal conflict between himself, family, girlfriend, and doctors, this book is for you. The book is also relatable to anyone who has gotten hurt in a sport. The one thing that I disliked was the sheer amount of swearing and vulgar language, despite this, the book is definitely worth reading.
“Open Ice,” is definitely worth reading. Pat Hughes is very good at entertaining the audience throughout the book. The book also shows a good life lesson, that nothing is given, you always have to work for it. And if you like external and internal conflict between himself, family, girlfriend, and doctors, this book is for you. The book is also relatable to anyone who has gotten hurt in a sport. The one thing that I disliked was the sheer amount of swearing and vulgar language, despite this, the book is definitely worth reading.
May 1, 2024
What I Did Like:
+Really the idea here is a teenage boy faced with the possibility of giving up a sport he loves. It’s emotional and powerful in the way it deals with that. A lot of contemporary YA starring a male MC avoids emotion and this confronts it in its own way. I like that.
+Nick is a great character. He’s hard headed and he’s dealing with a lot. I related to him, I wanted good things for him, and I wanted to smack him when he made stupid choices.
+Relatable. Who among us hasn’t been faced with losing something we love? The story is real in the way it confronts that pain.
Who Should Read This One:
-Contemporary fans who like emotional stories that stem from small plots. You don’t need big events, you need ordinary events and big feelings. That’s this book.
My Rating: 3 Stars
For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2024/04/...
+Really the idea here is a teenage boy faced with the possibility of giving up a sport he loves. It’s emotional and powerful in the way it deals with that. A lot of contemporary YA starring a male MC avoids emotion and this confronts it in its own way. I like that.
+Nick is a great character. He’s hard headed and he’s dealing with a lot. I related to him, I wanted good things for him, and I wanted to smack him when he made stupid choices.
+Relatable. Who among us hasn’t been faced with losing something we love? The story is real in the way it confronts that pain.
Who Should Read This One:
-Contemporary fans who like emotional stories that stem from small plots. You don’t need big events, you need ordinary events and big feelings. That’s this book.
My Rating: 3 Stars
For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2024/04/...
October 15, 2018
Open Ice by Pat Hughes in my opinion, wasn't the best book about hockey there is. The book follows a boy named Nick and his struggle with his concussion and wanting to play hockey still. A lot of the book deals with his high school drama. It has the cliche girlfriend who leaves him for another kid on his team after he's not able to play. Minus that, the book was okay. Nick learns to figure out what is important and what isn't from losing and gaining friends.
May 13, 2019
Very good if you like hockey.
Want to read
October 16, 2024I CANT FIND THIS BOOK ANYWHERE!! CAN SOMEONE PLS SEND ME A LINK TO IT I NEED TO READ THIS BOOK. 😭😭😭😭
February 18, 2025
Love this book. I've read it about 5 times or more. Every once in a while, I'll get an itch to read it again.
May 28, 2019
If your interested in hockey and the adversity that they go through this would be the book for you nick the star hockey player on his varsity high school hickey team got hit one game and had a massive concussion and he was told he would never play again but as he was getting better and better he tried getting on the ice but because he hasn’t been on the ice in a while he was a little rusty and he but in the end he ended up playing again and being just as good even with the concussion he fought hard through the pain and was able to come back
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2010
I'm not well-read on juvenile/ young adult books these days, but I found this one easy to read and interesting enough to keep me turning the pages.
The main character, Nick Taglio, or "Tag," is a hockey star in high school. The book starts when Nick gets hit from behind by an opposing player during a game, which results in him getting a grade 3 concussion, which is the worst kind. Turns out that Nick's had several concussions so far and that this is his last--his parents and neurologist won't let him play again. But he is not deterred from trying to get back on the ice.
Along the way, Nick addresses different political issues such as race, gender, and sexuality. There's also plenty of drama between himself and his girlfriend as well as his family.
Among all the different arguments and fights between all the characters, I kept waiting for some blow out that would drastically change all the lives of the characters, or at least Nick's life. But surprisingly, the changes in the characters were gradual, which I think is more true to life--the big life-changing event came right at the beginning of the book. And I think it's pretty impressive that the author was able to sustain interest to the very end of the book considering that.
I would've liked to have seen a little more physical description of the characters. basically, you learn what they look like the first time your encounter them and then that's it.
The story is also told from the point of view of what I think to be a typical white, straight, male jock. There's a lot of swearing, use of the word "faggot," etc. Toward the end of the book, Nick legitimizes the use of the word "faggot" by differentiating between one and someone who is gay. One character is revealed to be gay toward the end of the book as well, and Nick explains to his mom that Lucas is gay, but not a faggot. She asks what the difference is. He explains gay is gay, but being a faggot means being a pussy. Mom doesn't react to either word usage, and so using "faggot" is legitimized much in the same way it was in the movie "8 Mile" if you've ever seen it. It seems like a cop out to me considering the way in which "fag" or "faggot" is still used largely in society, still as an undercut to gay and/ or queer people, a delegitimization or objectification of them. The absence of Nick's mom's reaction to the use of the word "pussy" does exactly the same thing in the book--it legitimizes this use of the word and the use of the word at all in a book that is marketed to and written for young adults, particularly white, middle class, straight male high school athletes.
Nick is also an honest third person narrator, acting the tough guy towards the other characters at first, but revealing his internal thoughts and feelings of insecurity, anger, and guilt. He also eventually reveals these to the other characters, making him, ultimately, a sincere character.
This was an interesting and quick read for me and will help me in my research for writing my own hockey novel.
The main character, Nick Taglio, or "Tag," is a hockey star in high school. The book starts when Nick gets hit from behind by an opposing player during a game, which results in him getting a grade 3 concussion, which is the worst kind. Turns out that Nick's had several concussions so far and that this is his last--his parents and neurologist won't let him play again. But he is not deterred from trying to get back on the ice.
Along the way, Nick addresses different political issues such as race, gender, and sexuality. There's also plenty of drama between himself and his girlfriend as well as his family.
Among all the different arguments and fights between all the characters, I kept waiting for some blow out that would drastically change all the lives of the characters, or at least Nick's life. But surprisingly, the changes in the characters were gradual, which I think is more true to life--the big life-changing event came right at the beginning of the book. And I think it's pretty impressive that the author was able to sustain interest to the very end of the book considering that.
I would've liked to have seen a little more physical description of the characters. basically, you learn what they look like the first time your encounter them and then that's it.
The story is also told from the point of view of what I think to be a typical white, straight, male jock. There's a lot of swearing, use of the word "faggot," etc. Toward the end of the book, Nick legitimizes the use of the word "faggot" by differentiating between one and someone who is gay. One character is revealed to be gay toward the end of the book as well, and Nick explains to his mom that Lucas is gay, but not a faggot. She asks what the difference is. He explains gay is gay, but being a faggot means being a pussy. Mom doesn't react to either word usage, and so using "faggot" is legitimized much in the same way it was in the movie "8 Mile" if you've ever seen it. It seems like a cop out to me considering the way in which "fag" or "faggot" is still used largely in society, still as an undercut to gay and/ or queer people, a delegitimization or objectification of them. The absence of Nick's mom's reaction to the use of the word "pussy" does exactly the same thing in the book--it legitimizes this use of the word and the use of the word at all in a book that is marketed to and written for young adults, particularly white, middle class, straight male high school athletes.
Nick is also an honest third person narrator, acting the tough guy towards the other characters at first, but revealing his internal thoughts and feelings of insecurity, anger, and guilt. He also eventually reveals these to the other characters, making him, ultimately, a sincere character.
This was an interesting and quick read for me and will help me in my research for writing my own hockey novel.
February 11, 2016
This book takes on a complex and controversial topic 13 sports concussions. The author meticulously portrays the science and consequences of repeated head injuries. This information may have been groundbreaking when it was published in 2005. But sports medicine has made huge gains in concussion awareness and treatment since then. The info still stands, but the emotional responses already seem dated and frustrating.
As for everything else about the book, especially the portrayal of relationships, I 19m more disgusted than frustrated. Nick Taglio is a high school hockey star, but a series of blows to the head have put him at risk for permanent brain damage. He has to quit, and can 19t cope. That 19s understandable enough. And maybe the parents would fight each other over whether to let their son risk further injury, like they do here. But I can 19t imagine they would let him keep going to parties and drinking the way he does. Nick is home alone one night with his 2-year-old brother, and takes this opportunity to polish off half a bottle of vodka. Mom wails, Dad screams and threatens to kick him out of the house. Give it a day or two, though, and Nick is free to party again.
Time for the girlfriend to step in as a uniquely psycho buzzkill. She challenges Nick to give his parents, his coach, his doctor, and conceivably the high school sports administration an ultimatum to let him play. This stupid rant doesn 19t deserve two sentences, let alone the repeated paragraphs that Hughes gives to it.
Then there 19s my main problem with Nick himself. He isn 19t just an unpredictable post-concussion head case. He shows all the symptoms of being a life-long jerk. His parents seem to be OK people, totally invested in his athletic ability, and scared for his future. But for some strange reason, Nick typically refers to them as the Mick and the Wop. It 19s not as if these insults only appear when his synapses scramble. That 19s his all-purpose any time put down, and Hughes makes it feel like that 19s been the case for years. The effect is both bewildering and annoying.
The rest of Nick 19s life goes way beyond annoying. He 19s a 10th grader on the prowl for sympathy sex, and his loser girlfriend is happy to oblige. There 19s nothing warm, fuzzy or sexy about that hookup. She soon tires of his sleepiness and mood swings. It 19s already been more than a week since the concussion diagnosis, after all. So they scratch and claw and spit and daggum, just go away, both of you. Forget about Nick 19s concussion. This book makes my head spin.
As for everything else about the book, especially the portrayal of relationships, I 19m more disgusted than frustrated. Nick Taglio is a high school hockey star, but a series of blows to the head have put him at risk for permanent brain damage. He has to quit, and can 19t cope. That 19s understandable enough. And maybe the parents would fight each other over whether to let their son risk further injury, like they do here. But I can 19t imagine they would let him keep going to parties and drinking the way he does. Nick is home alone one night with his 2-year-old brother, and takes this opportunity to polish off half a bottle of vodka. Mom wails, Dad screams and threatens to kick him out of the house. Give it a day or two, though, and Nick is free to party again.
Time for the girlfriend to step in as a uniquely psycho buzzkill. She challenges Nick to give his parents, his coach, his doctor, and conceivably the high school sports administration an ultimatum to let him play. This stupid rant doesn 19t deserve two sentences, let alone the repeated paragraphs that Hughes gives to it.
Then there 19s my main problem with Nick himself. He isn 19t just an unpredictable post-concussion head case. He shows all the symptoms of being a life-long jerk. His parents seem to be OK people, totally invested in his athletic ability, and scared for his future. But for some strange reason, Nick typically refers to them as the Mick and the Wop. It 19s not as if these insults only appear when his synapses scramble. That 19s his all-purpose any time put down, and Hughes makes it feel like that 19s been the case for years. The effect is both bewildering and annoying.
The rest of Nick 19s life goes way beyond annoying. He 19s a 10th grader on the prowl for sympathy sex, and his loser girlfriend is happy to oblige. There 19s nothing warm, fuzzy or sexy about that hookup. She soon tires of his sleepiness and mood swings. It 19s already been more than a week since the concussion diagnosis, after all. So they scratch and claw and spit and daggum, just go away, both of you. Forget about Nick 19s concussion. This book makes my head spin.
June 9, 2014
This book takes on a complex and controversial topic – sports concussions. The author meticulously portrays the science and consequences of repeated head injuries. This information may have been groundbreaking when it was published in 2005. But sports medicine has made huge gains in concussion awareness and treatment since then. The info still stands, but the emotional responses already seem dated and frustrating. As for everything else about the book, especially the portrayal of relationships, I’m more disgusted than frustrated.
Nick Taglio is a high school hockey star, but a series of blows to the head have put him at risk for permanent brain damage. He has to quit, and can’t cope. That’s understandable enough. And maybe the parents would fight each other over whether to let their son risk further injury, like they do here. But I can’t imagine they would let him keep going to parties and drinking the way he does. Nick is home alone one night with his 2-year-old brother, and takes this opportunity to polish off half a bottle of vodka. Mom wails, Dad screams and threatens to kick him out of the house. Give it a day or two, though, and Nick is free to party again.
Time for the girlfriend to step in as a uniquely psycho buzzkill. She challenges Nick to give his parents, his coach, his doctor, and conceivably the high school sports administration an ultimatum to let him play. This stupid rant doesn’t deserve two sentences, let alone the repeated paragraphs that Hughes gives to it.
Nick isn’t just an unpredictable post-concussion head case. He shows all the symptoms of being a life-long jerk. His parents seem to be OK people, totally invested in his athletic ability, and scared for his future. But for some strange reason, Nick typically refers to them as the Mick and the Wop. It’s not as if these insults only appear when his synapses scramble. That’s his all-purpose any time put down, and Hughes makes it feel like that’s been the case for years. The effect is both bewildering and annoying.
The rest of Nick’s life goes way beyond annoying. He’s a 10th grader on the prowl for sympathy sex, and his loser girlfriend is happy to oblige. There’s nothing warm, fuzzy or sexy about that hookup. She soon tires of his sleepiness and mood swings. It’s already been more than a week since the concussion diagnosis, after all. So they scratch and claw and spit and daggum, just go away, both of you. Forget about Nick’s concussion. This book makes my head spin.
Nick Taglio is a high school hockey star, but a series of blows to the head have put him at risk for permanent brain damage. He has to quit, and can’t cope. That’s understandable enough. And maybe the parents would fight each other over whether to let their son risk further injury, like they do here. But I can’t imagine they would let him keep going to parties and drinking the way he does. Nick is home alone one night with his 2-year-old brother, and takes this opportunity to polish off half a bottle of vodka. Mom wails, Dad screams and threatens to kick him out of the house. Give it a day or two, though, and Nick is free to party again.
Time for the girlfriend to step in as a uniquely psycho buzzkill. She challenges Nick to give his parents, his coach, his doctor, and conceivably the high school sports administration an ultimatum to let him play. This stupid rant doesn’t deserve two sentences, let alone the repeated paragraphs that Hughes gives to it.
Nick isn’t just an unpredictable post-concussion head case. He shows all the symptoms of being a life-long jerk. His parents seem to be OK people, totally invested in his athletic ability, and scared for his future. But for some strange reason, Nick typically refers to them as the Mick and the Wop. It’s not as if these insults only appear when his synapses scramble. That’s his all-purpose any time put down, and Hughes makes it feel like that’s been the case for years. The effect is both bewildering and annoying.
The rest of Nick’s life goes way beyond annoying. He’s a 10th grader on the prowl for sympathy sex, and his loser girlfriend is happy to oblige. There’s nothing warm, fuzzy or sexy about that hookup. She soon tires of his sleepiness and mood swings. It’s already been more than a week since the concussion diagnosis, after all. So they scratch and claw and spit and daggum, just go away, both of you. Forget about Nick’s concussion. This book makes my head spin.
March 23, 2021
A boy with a dream trying to make it. In this book Open ice by Pat Hughes there is one of these boys but his dreams end early in the book. Nick was sakitng with a wide open lane to the net and when out of nowhere Nick gets blind sided by an opponent from the other team. One moment he is going to score, the next he is laying on the ice talking to an ER nurse named Emily. How I found the book was in the sports section. I read the back and it seemed pretty interesting to read.
This novel starts off really good with a big injury in the being never to play a sport again or even walk this is big for Nick the star of the hockey team after his 4th counsion his mom and his doctor are sad to say that Nick will never see the ice again. With that news Nick is hearing she is mad just like any other kid. With sports out of the way depression and anger are starting to cover for any that takes his parents car With permission from Mom and starts popping pain pills. Everything starts going downhill from that. Nick also has to deal with his shallow relationship with his girlfriend and he also has some problems with his close friends.
I Liked the book because in the beginning it started off right away with the first page it starts with Nick getting injured. But as i could guess towards the end Nick starts to open up to all of his friends. As you could give a good guess on what happens just like every book and movie i have read everything works out in the end. Which I think is annoying because you could get more people to read your second book ,by making something totally different or a cliff hanger then make a scented book because everyone would be curious to what will happen to Nick .
My personal opinion on this novel is that it's just like every novel something bad happens and it all works out in the end. The good side to this book is there are a lot of plot twists and things that are unexpected that it's crazy, you are just wondering what is going to happen next and what will the outcome be. My rating for this book is I liked it a lot. Similar books would be the sport one a lot by Mike Lupica where a player gets injured and has a comeback. People that would want to read this would be people who like books with lots of drama. All in all I would recommend this book for people that are not sure what to read and like lots of twists throughout the book.
This novel starts off really good with a big injury in the being never to play a sport again or even walk this is big for Nick the star of the hockey team after his 4th counsion his mom and his doctor are sad to say that Nick will never see the ice again. With that news Nick is hearing she is mad just like any other kid. With sports out of the way depression and anger are starting to cover for any that takes his parents car With permission from Mom and starts popping pain pills. Everything starts going downhill from that. Nick also has to deal with his shallow relationship with his girlfriend and he also has some problems with his close friends.
I Liked the book because in the beginning it started off right away with the first page it starts with Nick getting injured. But as i could guess towards the end Nick starts to open up to all of his friends. As you could give a good guess on what happens just like every book and movie i have read everything works out in the end. Which I think is annoying because you could get more people to read your second book ,by making something totally different or a cliff hanger then make a scented book because everyone would be curious to what will happen to Nick .
My personal opinion on this novel is that it's just like every novel something bad happens and it all works out in the end. The good side to this book is there are a lot of plot twists and things that are unexpected that it's crazy, you are just wondering what is going to happen next and what will the outcome be. My rating for this book is I liked it a lot. Similar books would be the sport one a lot by Mike Lupica where a player gets injured and has a comeback. People that would want to read this would be people who like books with lots of drama. All in all I would recommend this book for people that are not sure what to read and like lots of twists throughout the book.
October 15, 2009
This book is about a star sophomore hockey player. He suffers an injury that can threaten his future on and off the ice, but he really loves the game and would do anything to play. His battles with his doctor, his parents, and the injury also affect his personality and relationships.
I really connected to this book because I am a junior and I also play hockey. I strongly felt what he was going through as a teen and as a hockey player. The author did a great job of showing how Nick felt, and it made it very easy for me to become immersed in the book. I couldn't put it down because I always had to know what would happen next. Throughout the book I was able to put myself in his shoes and deeply feel his emotions; sometimes I was even more emotional than him. In one case, he heard some upsetting news about Devin (his girlfriend in the beginning), and he seemed unfazed by it. But because I connected with Nick, and because the author greatly described feelings throughout the book, I got so mad I actually hit my table!
I really liked when the author expressed Nick's inner thoughts and feelings. I thought she effectively described what was going on with him. Knowing, as the reader, what some characters didn't know, made it easy to understand and react to events in the story. For example if Nick didn't actually respond to someone, but his thoughts were shown, I really felt for him in a way the other character couldn't. However, I didn't particularly like the ending. I don't want to give anything away, but some issues were left unresolved. There's a lot to wonder about leading up to the ending, and then it just ends. There are questions I want answered about Nick, and if there was a sequel I would definitely read it.
Teenagers would be the target audience of Open Ice, more specifically high school boys. As a hockey player like Nick, this was a great fit for me, but any athlete who loves his or her sport could connect to him.
I liked the writer's style because it was easy to follow. If you're looking for a challenging read, this isn't it. The vocabulary and sentences aren't very complex, and explicit language and themes are in the book. It's not appropriate for younger ages, but it fits the situation and purpose of the setting. Nick is known for his temper and he's a high school athlete, so it's not surprising that he and his friends use dirty language.
I really connected to this book because I am a junior and I also play hockey. I strongly felt what he was going through as a teen and as a hockey player. The author did a great job of showing how Nick felt, and it made it very easy for me to become immersed in the book. I couldn't put it down because I always had to know what would happen next. Throughout the book I was able to put myself in his shoes and deeply feel his emotions; sometimes I was even more emotional than him. In one case, he heard some upsetting news about Devin (his girlfriend in the beginning), and he seemed unfazed by it. But because I connected with Nick, and because the author greatly described feelings throughout the book, I got so mad I actually hit my table!
I really liked when the author expressed Nick's inner thoughts and feelings. I thought she effectively described what was going on with him. Knowing, as the reader, what some characters didn't know, made it easy to understand and react to events in the story. For example if Nick didn't actually respond to someone, but his thoughts were shown, I really felt for him in a way the other character couldn't. However, I didn't particularly like the ending. I don't want to give anything away, but some issues were left unresolved. There's a lot to wonder about leading up to the ending, and then it just ends. There are questions I want answered about Nick, and if there was a sequel I would definitely read it.
Teenagers would be the target audience of Open Ice, more specifically high school boys. As a hockey player like Nick, this was a great fit for me, but any athlete who loves his or her sport could connect to him.
I liked the writer's style because it was easy to follow. If you're looking for a challenging read, this isn't it. The vocabulary and sentences aren't very complex, and explicit language and themes are in the book. It's not appropriate for younger ages, but it fits the situation and purpose of the setting. Nick is known for his temper and he's a high school athlete, so it's not surprising that he and his friends use dirty language.
November 15, 2010
Open Ice
Sports, injuries, break-ups, and little brothers. What do they all have in common, well nothing really, except in the book Open Ice. Personally I thought the book was great, it was entertaining, and creative. Also it contained one of my most favorite sports, hockey.
In the book Open Ice a Boy named Nicholas Taglio is devastated, when his hockey playing dream goes down the drain. You see Tag was the all star of the team, the guy to beat, the M.V.P. but then it happened, he woke up in the hospital. He found himself lying in the hospital bed, with a doctor standing over him. As he awoke, she told him the bad news, He had a grade three concussion.
In the story there are about six main characters. Nick Taglio, Dr. Blakeman, Nick’s parents, Nick’s little brother Brian, Nick’s best friend Griffin and Nick’s Girlfriend Devin. Nick obviously the star in the book, was the high school hockey player with hopes of following his dreams’. Blakeman was the doctor who helped nick with his concussion telling him what rules to abide by. Nicks parents were important too in the book because they are the ones enforcing the rule in which nick is to follow. Then Brian, he is a rather good kid with a well balanced life. He always does the right thing. Griff is also very important since as a best friend he is always by Nick’s side. Lastly Nicks girlfriend Devin she’s blonde and loves nick and hockey, well watching it at least. Her in Nick seemed pretty serious for awhile.
Despite the problem that Nick encounters with hockey, he also has a few problems with Devin. They were doing pretty well, until Nick was no longer allowed to play hockey. Devin appeared to only want Nick for his talent and great creditability, instead of wanting him for his personality. Nick got mad, and Devin got mad and they both ended up, in quite a sticky situation.
The book Open Ice was a fun book to read I would recommend it to anyone who likes sports, especially hockey, and a little drama. If you decide to read it, I am almost positive that you will like it. I am not a big reader but this book was just so exciting I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I think it created a smooth mental picture, and I was able to see exactly what I was reading. If you decide to read it, which I hope you will, I hope you like it and will share it with someone else, Happy Reading!
Sports, injuries, break-ups, and little brothers. What do they all have in common, well nothing really, except in the book Open Ice. Personally I thought the book was great, it was entertaining, and creative. Also it contained one of my most favorite sports, hockey.
In the book Open Ice a Boy named Nicholas Taglio is devastated, when his hockey playing dream goes down the drain. You see Tag was the all star of the team, the guy to beat, the M.V.P. but then it happened, he woke up in the hospital. He found himself lying in the hospital bed, with a doctor standing over him. As he awoke, she told him the bad news, He had a grade three concussion.
In the story there are about six main characters. Nick Taglio, Dr. Blakeman, Nick’s parents, Nick’s little brother Brian, Nick’s best friend Griffin and Nick’s Girlfriend Devin. Nick obviously the star in the book, was the high school hockey player with hopes of following his dreams’. Blakeman was the doctor who helped nick with his concussion telling him what rules to abide by. Nicks parents were important too in the book because they are the ones enforcing the rule in which nick is to follow. Then Brian, he is a rather good kid with a well balanced life. He always does the right thing. Griff is also very important since as a best friend he is always by Nick’s side. Lastly Nicks girlfriend Devin she’s blonde and loves nick and hockey, well watching it at least. Her in Nick seemed pretty serious for awhile.
Despite the problem that Nick encounters with hockey, he also has a few problems with Devin. They were doing pretty well, until Nick was no longer allowed to play hockey. Devin appeared to only want Nick for his talent and great creditability, instead of wanting him for his personality. Nick got mad, and Devin got mad and they both ended up, in quite a sticky situation.
The book Open Ice was a fun book to read I would recommend it to anyone who likes sports, especially hockey, and a little drama. If you decide to read it, I am almost positive that you will like it. I am not a big reader but this book was just so exciting I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I think it created a smooth mental picture, and I was able to see exactly what I was reading. If you decide to read it, which I hope you will, I hope you like it and will share it with someone else, Happy Reading!
January 20, 2017
Open Ice is about a high school aged boy named Nick Taglio who's life consists of one main focus and that's playing hockey. Nick has been playing the game for years now and "concussion" is a word that Nick has heard far too many times. After his most recent concussion his parents and doctors warned him that if he were to suffer one more grade 3 concussion he would have to give up hockey for the risk of permanent brain damage would be too high. The book begins with Nick taking a dangerous hit from behind in a high school hockey game. Nick was rushed to the hospital and after numerous tests and evaluations Nick's doctor told him the news he had been dreading, it was a stage 3. Nick pushed and pushed his parents until they agreed to let him get back on the ice where he wanted to be. Nick still had to wait weeks and weeks before he was cleared to lace the skates up and play the game he adored. These weeks off were not only painful mentally but the physical throbbing pain in Nicks head was almost unbearable. His only distraction from the pain was his girlfriend, Devin. Nick soon realized that all this time off from school and hockey meant more alone time with her. I'm not going into any details because this is a school assignment but I would not recommend this book for anyone under the age of 12. When Nick gets back on the ice after his injury has "come and gone." His teammates, coaches, and himself notice that his once all-star skills haven't come back yet and Nick is frustrated. He takes this anger out by arguing and yelling at his family and girlfriend. His family even threatens to kick Nick out of the house at one point and Nick almost goes with it. Nick has never been a hard worker and it takes his teammates, friends, and family to motivate him to give the hard work to regain the skills he once displayed so effortlessly. Overall I liked this book because I was able to connect with Nick on many levels. Such as similar age and interests. But most of all I connected myself to Nick that sometimes you have and off day, or in Nicks case a recovery MONTH but there's nothing that a hardworking attitude can't help you achieve.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2009
The most tragic experience an athlete can face is an injury. Whether the injury is offseason or during the season, it is something that all athletes fear. This is especially hard on Nick Taglio, the hockey all star, who played his whole life until he had his series of concussions. By keeping his head down and looking at his moves, being checked in the back caused him to have concussions. Each concussion caused Nick to be closer and closer to ending his hockey career. This book was a fantastic book to read because it was about a high school athlete which is something I can relate to. The author did a fantastic job with understanding how an actual high school student is, the relationships, the school work, the teachers, family circumstances, and as well as the coach and the team. I thought this was great because most authors don’t give a realistic scenario of a high school student or what they go through, but author Pat Hughes made this very relatable. I believe this book can relate to high school athletes of any sport. This book related to me so well because just like Nick, I was so dedicated and loved the sport I played. Lacrosse was something I felt so comfortable with and had so much joy for. But after breaking my shin, I was out for a while and not able to play. It was uncomfortable to watch my team and not be able to contribute. In this case Nick didn’t even want to go to the games or team dinners because he didn’t feel like he was part of the team because he couldn’t play. After his series of concussions, it brings the question if Nick’s head can take another concussion and allow him to play. Overall this book was fun, exciting, and was very relatable to a high school student. I’d recommend this to any athlete, male or female, or any one who wants a great page turner!
January 3, 2008
The title of my book is "Open Ice" and it is by Pat Hughes. This book is about a kid named Nick Taglio. His whole life revolves around hockey. All of his friends are on his hockey team; hockey is the only sport he plays. When he gets his fourth concussion the doctor tells him he can’t play hockey any longer. He begged and begged his parents to let him quit but they stood behind the doctor saying no. Nick had to quit. Nick has to learn how to live a different lifestyle, make new friends, and not play hockey.
In the book there is lots of drama between nick and his girlfriend. She only liked him because he played hockey and now that he doesn’t she wants to break up with him. My favorite part of the book was when Nick’s best friend, Griff, wants to quit hockey ad they get in a big fight because Nick would do anything to play again and his best friend is quitting.
The reason I chose to read this book was because I thought it was going to be about hockey. There is almost no hockey in the book. I still liked the book even though it wasn’t what I expected. The genre of this book is probably realistic fiction because it could happen but is not based on a true story. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read a book that is very realistic. I definitely liked this book.
In the book there is lots of drama between nick and his girlfriend. She only liked him because he played hockey and now that he doesn’t she wants to break up with him. My favorite part of the book was when Nick’s best friend, Griff, wants to quit hockey ad they get in a big fight because Nick would do anything to play again and his best friend is quitting.
The reason I chose to read this book was because I thought it was going to be about hockey. There is almost no hockey in the book. I still liked the book even though it wasn’t what I expected. The genre of this book is probably realistic fiction because it could happen but is not based on a true story. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read a book that is very realistic. I definitely liked this book.
November 21, 2008
Nick Taglio grew up playing hockey. It was his passion. Nick plays on the high school hockey team when he is crushed by another player receiving his 4th concussion. His doctor gives him the life changing news that he cant play hockey. He is devastated. Nick will do anything to keep playing hockey. He tries to defy the doctors advice as well as his parents. After giving up hope Nick has to make a social adjustment. He is jealous that all of his friends play hockey and he, being the best player out of all of them, cant play anymore. At the same time his best friend Griff is talking about quitting. Nick gets so mad because he would do anything to keep playing.
I chose this book because I thought it would be about hockey but really it had not a lot of hockey in it. I liked the fact that I can somewhat relate to Nick. I had been playing hockey since the age of 5 and just recently quit. Although I do miss playing I like to officiate better so I'm still involved in the game. Also the author did a great job of not just showing Nicks problems with hockey but also addresses some decisions teens make every day. In one part of the book Nick goes through a situation where he is pressured to have sex with his girlfriend. Hughes did a great job incorporating teenage elements but the pace is kind of slow.
I chose this book because I thought it would be about hockey but really it had not a lot of hockey in it. I liked the fact that I can somewhat relate to Nick. I had been playing hockey since the age of 5 and just recently quit. Although I do miss playing I like to officiate better so I'm still involved in the game. Also the author did a great job of not just showing Nicks problems with hockey but also addresses some decisions teens make every day. In one part of the book Nick goes through a situation where he is pressured to have sex with his girlfriend. Hughes did a great job incorporating teenage elements but the pace is kind of slow.
August 17, 2011
I started reading this book twice before, and I nearly gave up on it this go round, too, but just as I'd decided to turn it back in to the library, it got very interesting. Go figure.
What I liked about this book:
- the fact that it's about hockey
- the teen angst
- the [i]bildungsroman[/i]
What I didn't entirely like about this book:
- the plethora of swearing (this didn't bother me [i]too[/i] much, but the sheer volume of it did get annoying)
- Devin. She was the main reason I stopped reading before, and after getting through it, it makes sense why she was so annoying (and confirmed my suspicions), but still.
Anyway, I'm a sucker for angst/hurt stories, and this book had plenty of that. And really, yay for hockey, even though Nick's favorite player was Eric Lindros - seriously? Gag.
What I liked about this book:
- the fact that it's about hockey
- the teen angst
- the [i]bildungsroman[/i]
What I didn't entirely like about this book:
- the plethora of swearing (this didn't bother me [i]too[/i] much, but the sheer volume of it did get annoying)
- Devin. She was the main reason I stopped reading before, and after getting through it, it makes sense why she was so annoying (and confirmed my suspicions), but still.
Anyway, I'm a sucker for angst/hurt stories, and this book had plenty of that. And really, yay for hockey, even though Nick's favorite player was Eric Lindros - seriously? Gag.
January 11, 2008
This book is about a teenage boy named nick taglio that plays hockey. Nick plays hockey for his highschool team. he is a center for his team. One game Nick gets blindsided by an opposing teams defensemen. Nick is sent to the hospital and is told that he can no longer play the thing he loves. this book is about his fight to regain the ability to play hockey and how his social life ie being messed up from this tragic accident.
I liked this book because I like to play hockey. also it is just a good book to read because of all the action the goes on in the book. I also like the the boy is not giving up on what he loves and i would not let them take what I love away. From this book I have learned not to give up what you love. Also to fight for what you want.
I liked this book because I like to play hockey. also it is just a good book to read because of all the action the goes on in the book. I also like the the boy is not giving up on what he loves and i would not let them take what I love away. From this book I have learned not to give up what you love. Also to fight for what you want.
September 26, 2009
Nick 'Tag' loves hockey so much, that the many concussions hes gotten from the love of the sport, dont even matter to him. But after a grade 3 concussion that puts Nick at the worse hes been, hes told he cant play anymore. Just imagine giving up something you've spent 11 years working at, and that you love with a passion. It wasnt easy fer Nick at all and this book shows that. Ill be honest, Im not a big reader when it comes to books on sports, but my best friend plays hockey and i was curious to see what this book would be like fer me. I really enjoyed it. Even if you're liek me and you're not into sporty type books, youd still enjoy this one cuz its about more then just the sport. Its about the struggle you go thru when giving up something.
January 27, 2009
Huge surprise- this was a great book. I read "Open Ice" because I read so many girly books, and was hoping to balance the piles a bit. But rather than a Matt Christopher/formula sports story to read and forget, I found a layered story I'm still thinking about.
It WILL hook your sports readers and keep them happy all the way through. But... it's about a sports star who is lonely when he can't be a sports star. It's crazy (to me) how competitive high school sports are. High school students have intense injuries from pushing their bodies for so many years. It's a whole other world that I didn't know about, and that's why I love books!
It WILL hook your sports readers and keep them happy all the way through. But... it's about a sports star who is lonely when he can't be a sports star. It's crazy (to me) how competitive high school sports are. High school students have intense injuries from pushing their bodies for so many years. It's a whole other world that I didn't know about, and that's why I love books!
February 27, 2012
I found Open Ice to be an extraordinary novel. I thought it would be just another book trying to relate to teenage sports, and suprisingly it did. This novel, by Pat Hughes, was right on the money with the teenage text and actions. Nick Taglio, the primary character is very relatable, seeing as I played hockey, and now lacrosse. The events in the book are very similar to those of real athletes in high school sports. It was a great read, time flew by as I read it. What a great book.
dust
January 10, 2014
I've searched hard for a book on this topic and I finally stumbled across this one by chance. After Nicky Tag receives yet another concussion while playing his beloved game of hockey, the doctors inform him that it he has become too vulnerable to the impacts and it's time to hang up his skates. The effects this has on his life are dizzying, as he tries to sort out school, relationships and the persistent symptoms. It's a well written novel that knows it's facts, and is very realistic in most every aspect.
May 13, 2010
Open ice, is somewhat like every other sports book. Only the beginning is like the sport novels, the rest is about a teenager (nick), trying to survive not being able to play hockey, because he has received to many concussions from getting hit. Now Nick has to keep up with school, and his social life, which both right now is going down the drain.
Pat Hughes has done an excellent job, defying the rest of the sport novels.
Pat Hughes has done an excellent job, defying the rest of the sport novels.
November 23, 2012
When I was halfway through this book I was frustrated with it. Not that I am an expert on grammar but i felt there was tense confusion and I did not like all the conversation along wit the third person. At one point this was said in the book, "'Hi mom,' his mother said brightly." page 133. I liked the concept of the book, but I feel it could have been written better. I felt bad for Nick and I read Devin's MO from the beginning. I just expected more from this book.
February 28, 2014
This is my all time favorite book. Being a high school hockey player its easy to relate to. The book is very realistic to real life and what could happen as an athlete. A star athlete that was affected by a concussion who discovered the reality of being an ordinary person without hockey. Nick is having a hard time without hockey. He feels left out. Many athletes no matter what the injury is or sport they play could relate to Open Ice.
November 30, 2015
Totally unimpressed with this story. I love the concept and the overall idea of an athlete struggling with a career ending injury and all of the hardships that brings, but the book lacked substance. Lots of talking heads, choppy sentence structure, poor job drawing on emotions and senses of the reader, etc. It sometimes felt like the character was a Sophomore in college and not high school...mature content and language.
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