Willie Sellars is the Chief of the Williams Lake First Nation, and his writing in Hockey with Dad reflects his belief in teaching young children the values of honour, respect, and sportsmanship. Hockey with Dad is a story about team spirit, respect for self, and respect for others. Playing hockey on their dad’s team reminds brother and sister about family values including respect, honour, and true sportsmanship. With guidance from Elders, players are encouraged to practise honourable behaviour and to come back to family values when things aren’t going their way. The illustrations in this book incorporate animals symbolic to many Indigenous Peoples and complement Sellars’s writing. Willie Sellars’s first children’s book is Dipnetting with Dad (2014).

32 pp., 9.5 × 8.5", colour illustrations

Willie Sellars (Secwépemc) • Kevin Easthope, illus.

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Willie Sellars was born and raised in Williams Lake, BC, and is the Chief of the Williams Lake First Nation. Willie published his first children's book, Dipnetting with Dad, in 2014, which won a Moonbeam Children's Book Award, and was shortlisted for the Chocolate Lily, Shining Willow, and Ontario Library Association awards. Willie currently plays goalie for the Williams Lake Stampeders of the CIHL and enjoys spending time with his three kids, Cash, Milah and Lewis.

Willie Sellars' profile page

Kevin Easthope is an award-winning illustrator. His artistic work spans a variety of mediums including oil painting, graphite and graphic design. While he is an artist and musician, he presently makes a living working for BC Wildfire Service. Kevin grew up in Williams Lake, BC, where he now lives with his wife and two young children.

Kevin Easthope's profile page

“This story takes me back to my memories as a child playing hockey. Each time after I played my father would always ask me if I had fun, and I always replied, ‘I sure did’ with a big smile. Play, have fun and make friends.”

—Ted Nolan, former professional hockey player and head coach for the Buffalo Sabres

“This book is a reminder that the game of hockey is for enjoyment, and enjoyment of this game is for EVERYONE. I encourage those who love this sport to support the players, coaches and officials to create a positive environment for the betterment of everyone involved. Have fun!”

—Carey Price, goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens

“A beautiful and inspiring story about the love of family, culture, and hockey.”

—Monique Gray Smith, author of When We Are Kind

“This story brings me back to my own childhood when my love of hockey first took root. There were many people in my life much like the grandfather in this story who encouraged and supported me. They always reminded me to work really hard, be respectful, and most importantly remember to have fun.”

—Reggie Leach, CM, OM, former right winger for the Boston Bruins