Iceman

by Chris Lynch

The other guys on Eric's hockey team call him the Iceman, because he's a heartless player, cold as ice. Only Eric knows the truth -- he's not cold, he's on fire, burning with a need he just can't explain. Least of all to his fanily -- not to his dad, whose only joy in life id watching Eric smash other hockey players to a pulp. Or his mom, who starts every conversation with "Your problem is..." Or even his brother, Duane, once a star athlete, now a star slacker. Can Eric find a way to make them understand how he feels -- before the fire inside consumes him completely? "At 14, Eric still loves his parents, but knows they are incapable of giving him the warmth and honest emotion he seeks. He slams out his anger and suffering in the hockey rink, where he's the Iceman, 'the animal,' so out of control even his own teammates shun him. Only time spent at the local mortuary—with the taciturn recluse who works there—gives him some measure of comfort. . . . Much better than the usual sports novel . . . a thought provoking book guaranteed to compel and touch a teenage audience."—BL. "Eric's narrative voice is clear and distinctive. . . . Iceman will leave readers smiling and feeling good." —SLJ.
1995 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)
1995 Recommended Books for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (ALA)
1995 Books for the Teen Age (NY Public Library)
Books for Youth Editors' Choices 1994 (BL)
English Journal Young Adult Literature 1994 Honor List

Genres: Sports, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Teen, Fiction, Contemporary, Hockey

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Chris Lynch is the Printz Honor Award-winning author of several highly acclaimed young adult novels, including KILL SWITCH, ANGRY YOUNG MAN, and INEXCUSABLE, which was a National Book Award finalist and the recipient of six starred reviews. He is also the author of FREEWILL, GOLD DUST, ICEMAN, GYPSY DAVY, and SHADOWBOXER, all ALA Best Books for Young Adults; EXTREME ELVIN WHITECHURCH, and ALL THE OLD HAUNTS.

He holds an M.A. from the writing program at Emerson College. He mentors aspiring writers and continues to work on new literary projects. He lives in Boston and in Scotland.

Reviews

[EricW_D1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about how this Eric plays hockey and is called Iceman. He is called Iceman because people say he has no heart and is cold like a stone. Currently I'm where the big brother goes against his Dad's will and the house is a little chaotic. I noticed that one word can make someone smile because Dad was trying to find something and he looked a bit sick. So Eric asked if he is ok and his dad kind of gets emotional. His dad wanted Duane (big brother) to keep playing football but sells his gear. I can relate to the part where the big brother taunts the younger one and sometimes gets in trouble. I dislike the part where I am at because it is basically explaining how the house kind of work. What I like about this book is that it has few humor (at least I find it funny). I really liked the first game Eric plays because it explains why Eric is called Iceman and one part where I didn't expect.

[Shoshana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The unspeakable part is on page 152.

[Mickey Keil]

First of all I thought this book was very deep. I really like the idea of showing a teenager going through his life of high school trying to make a place for himself. Even though playing hockey helps him it really showed how difficult finding your place is in high school. Eric has no real friends and hangs out at the funeral time and talks to the closest person he has to a friend, Mclaughlin. Eric is really tense when it comes to sports and is actually very good. Although that doesn't matter socially. I like this book because of the sports mainly but the events dragged me in more. Normally hockey isnt my most favorite thing to watch but if you enjoy the sport i think this is an amazing read for you. I really thought the ending was really good and well though out. Although your gonna have to read it yourself to find out what happens.

[Jeffrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

i did not appreciate this book at all

[Ethan Stiles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iceman by Chris Lynch is an amazing story about a 14-year old hockey lover: Eric. On the ice, he is a violent animal that destroys anything in his path. With a tough family life, he starts to spend time around the mortuary, and questions his violence, along with himself.

[Brenda Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Intense portrait of a driven boy getting eaten alive by his anger. Great hockey descriptions. Terrific writing. One teensy little scene pushes it out of my students' (middle school) league and more for high school. Totally on board for its rerelease and its companion, Pieces, due out in early February.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iceman

Iceman is a all around solid book; That is if you are into hockey. The book is based off of a character with the nickname iceman the character is a gruesome “cold hearted” player that he aggressive tendencies while playing. I personally like how the author connects the characters home life to the hockey life. For example the author talks about how the ice mans dad is not very supportive with the characters hockey lifestyle. This is due to icemans dangerous and aggressive style of play. While icemans dad fears that the iceman may possibly hurt others or even himself. The character iceman comes from how he is as cold as the ice which means that he doesn't try to be nice he just does what needs to be done to win. I liked how in the story the iceman had a character that was against him and was like the iceman’s rival. The character was the only other player that the iceman played against that gave him trouble and a struggle while playing. I liked how the iceman had his ups and downs with his trouble player like all books and he also major conflict with the character. Over all I think that this book was very well thought out and I would recommend to people to read it. I was interesting during some parts and even though it had its ups and downs/ boring and fun parts it still was an overall interesting and fun book to read.

[Christine Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always looking for books for my reluctant readers and I think this book would fit the bill. It is a short and sweet book on hockey and one player's internal struggle with his own violent actions on the ice. Called "Iceman" 14-year-old Eric is a young person who only knows how to play hockey violently and with little regard to who he hurts. Under it all, he hates it and would love to give up the game like his older brother Duane, however, he also feels the need to please his father who only finds happiness watching his son play and encouraging his violent behavior. At the heart of this book is Eric trying to find out who he is, how he can calm that "burning need" with him and finally find his voice. My issue with the book is that I am unsure students would understand the subtle nuances of Eric's questioning and the deep connection with a homeless/introverted handyman/gardener at the local mortuary.

[Nana Dona · Rating 1 out of 5]

p. 85: I broke a new Christian Brothers hockey stick. I broke it on somebody's head. He was a teammate of mine. A friend, sort of, someone I pass to occasionally. It was only practice. There was some blood, but I; think he was all right. The funny part is I don't really remember being that angry. After he got up, the kid screamed all over the place about me being some kind of animal and how somebody better do something about me. It's like I know in my head, that I feel bad, but I don't quite feel, in my guts, that I feel bad.

I don't like any of Chris Lynch's books.

[Steven]

first of what a great book to read. the book is full of excitement and sarcasm but its about hockey and family let alone duane and eric. duane used to play hockey for years then he quit when he was 17 and his little brother eric is starting to play there dad always buys the best equipment for any sport they play like hockey, football, baseball, soccer. but eric was just starting so his dad took him to New Jersey to watch a pro hockey play so eric can get an idea i don't know i just love this book for how all the characters act.

[Zack Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my personal opinion I believe this book is GREAT! My favorite character in the book is obviously the main protagonist Eric. He is my favorite because of the way he adapts and just because something went wrong he doesn't really let that change who he is. The only part of the book that was kind of disturbing was in the middle of the book he started to go visit the cemetery... Not because he had family in there, but more because he found it to be peaceful and soothing. The pace of the novel was great and it was very easy to follow. The only connection that I could really make to Eric is to thrive and not to give up. Overall this is an amazing book from Chris lynch and I would recommend to everyone.
-Zack Miller

[LPMS Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iceman is a very intense book that will appeal to readers who prefer anti-hero protagonists, especially those who undergo complicated struggles and change throughout the course of the story.

While the novel captures the unique struggles children from neglectful and abusive homes may face, Iceman also focuses on the pressures and messaging kids face while playing youth sports. Despite Erik's journey through a violent hockey season being relatable and well-written, there are certain elements of the story (the funeral home component) that seemed (grossly) unnecessary.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric has problems:
His older brother
Dad
Mom

But he’s confused about what style of hockey player he should be.

A rock’em sock’em style bruiser/fighter
A goal scorer/puck handler (leads team in scoring)

Eric’s coach and teammates call him the Iceman because he is cold when it comes to putting the hurt on the opposing players.


Caught in between who he should be on the ice and off, can Eric overcome the demons that surround him?

[Jacob L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iceman was a decent book, it was kinda hard to keep with it though. Throughout the book it felt like it was talking about a lot of things and it was kinda getting off track. It was either hockey, a funeral home, school, or a graveyard. People who enjoy sports and a little bit of mystery would definitely enjoy this book. There is some bad words in this book just for a heads up.

[Ferdinand C · Rating 4 out of 5]

i think of the book like if i was in it. it made me feel like and hockey player and what i would go through if id play hookey but is not much different from other sports from my point of view. also i loved duane how he is like super honest and i liked when the seen were hes dad was in the bathroom and the boy asked have you seen my dad in the bathroom and duane said yeah he does that every sunday morning when moms not here and she is in church i though it was funny my least favorite would be the hockey team they just didn't understand hoe the main character is going through and how he really is i feel like they judge to mooch i really enjoy how is well writing and is easy to read and understand

[Joshua Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it shows how this kid makes his life very happy and plays hockey and that what he really likes and what makes him very happy!

[Haileyreads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

I love hockey 🏒 so I really thought this would be a book for me.... sadly the MC was a weird kid that I didn't ever feel connected to. Honestly I only liked the older brother.

[Nick]

It was good

[Nicky]

NOT GOOD

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt like I was there, felt like I was really connected to him. Nice.

[alia ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

now what did i just read....

first of all...a chapter titled "naked"?? like hello?? and of course the contents of the chapter were fitting-- but...um what an odd find in my schools library!

[Kate N. Ewing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brutal, gruesome in places, bad language through-out, but it's raw, honest, fascinating reality - very powerful. The adults are imperfect - kids are angry and sad. Grades 8 - 12.

[Gavin Shawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

My favorite character would probably have to be Eric. The reason for that is because he plays really hard and he likes to fight people in hockey. My favorite event that happened is when Eric faught that kid in the beginning of the novel. I thought that the pace of the novel was really slow. A connection I can make is that I also play sports and my father really enjoys watching my brother and I play.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favortie part about this book was when Eric was skating around and playing hockey.He was also was skating and hitting lots of people and then people got mad at him for hitting people witch doesnt make any sence because thats what you are supposed to do in the sport hockey. The pace of this novel is very quick and start to get quicker and quicker.I can make many connections with this because of the actions Eric faces. this book was very good though.

[Mat · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a good book. It was very boring. I thought it would have more about hockey, but it was more about death. Would not recommend.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric is known as the Iceman on the hockey team because he is vicious and remorseless to the opponent and, sometimes, to his own team. Crowds boo him everywhere he goes, but his dad is very proud of him. You see, Dad plays hockey vicariously through Eric, especially since Eric's brother Duane has given up on athletics altogether to take up the guitar. Eric has no friends and finds it difficult interacting with people and expressing emotion. Is it any wonder when he comes from a family with mottoes such as Suck it up, boy!, Take it like a man, No bellyaching and I don't want to hear about it. Eric becomes hungry for emotion and finds that being around a cemetery and mortuary where real people grieve openly and unashamedly is very peaceful. It is there he meets McLaughlin, a mortician's assistant with whom he seems to have a lot in common. As Eric works his way through hockey season, he makes some interesting discoveries about himself and his family.

Excellent characterization of a very tense, unhappy young man who feels void of all emotion and doesn't like physical contact. At first, Duane seems obnoxious, but you come to understand that he's just trying to get his family to communicate - even if it's negative. Kind of a "pat" ending but the characters make it a worthy read.

[Ashley Rodriguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book, Iceman, is about a young teenager named Eric who plays hockey. His teammates call him “Iceman” because he is a heartless player. He is very physical when he plays. However, he feels like that he has something missing from his life. His dad loves to watch Eric play. His mom is always nagging how Eric can improve as a better person. Eric’s brother was a hall of fame athlete who became a slacker. Throughout the story, Eric struggles to tell his family on how he really feels.
I did not like the book. The only reasons I did not like it because it did not have enough hockey for me, and I thought it viewed hockey in a negative light. It just showed the violent side of hockey. It was also really weird. The characters and the plot were unusual. I feel like this would rarely happen in real life.
I would recommend this. Even though I did not like the plot because it was different, it is still pretty good. I would recommend this to teenagers, especially the ones who are not sports fans. This is a book that everyone can relate to, whether they play hockey or not. This is a coming-of-age book. This story has a lot of drama dealing with family issues. Young adults would definitely enjoy this.

[Nick C · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was absolutely awful. I read this book through only for a class and it was painful. If it was not mandated I would have stayed away. This book is very slow and most of the time is not eventful. He makes things drag out for almost chapters, this making the book go very slow. I would like to warn anybody looking to read a hockey book that this book is absolutely atrocious. It should have been left in the 80's. It depicts events that in todays hockey would not be happening. This is probably the worst written book I've ever had the misfortune of reading. I am not a huge reader but when I do I look to read things that interest me such as hockey books and have been fortunate enough to have found strong novels. But this book is not near that the plot was very poor, the wording was sometimes off and after reading only a chapter I had no interest in continuing to read. Chapters like when they are at the funeral are filler to make the novel longer because it had no connection to the book whatsoever.

[Alex Schilling · Rating 1 out of 5]

I honestly disliked this book. I usually don't enjoy fictional sport books and this strengthened my opinion towards these books. The main character is Eric who is a hard hitting hockey player with the nickname "iceman" because of how he plays the game. The 14 year old is really trying to find his identity in life with a rough and tough (just like his game) family structure with mom, dad who's trying to relive is teenage years threw his son, and a brother who used to be a star athlete but now is a bum. This book seemed really dated and old and the hockey terms aren't used today. This book was also under my reading level which is part of the reason I didn't like this book.

[Linden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hickey is important to Eric's family, especially his father, and Eric is the iceman--both as the one on the ice and the one with ice in his veins, necessary for the violence of the sport. The author explores the dynamic of the family and the effect of all the things not being said, while Eric suffers from the cold. (152 p.)