A.J. loves hockey. But lately he's started to lose control, to love the violence on the ice better than the play. "The winger was struggling, trying to protect his face. But A.J. was strong. His heart was thumping and the adrenaline was singing and he knew he could have lifted the winger off the ice. Easy. [...] He couldn't stop. Even when his hand came back wet he couldn't stop. [...] The whole world was the rhythm of his arm and the love song descending from the stands." A.J. has made the team after a shaky start, and he's determined to do his best. His confusion when he discovers that his best friend and teammate is gay, and his resentment of his father's dating of a young woman, lead him to exploit his potential on the ice, where his out-of-control violence is encouraged by the coach and fans. Realistic hockey scenes coupled with A.J.'s struggle to stay in control create a credible story for teenagers. (Age 13 and older)