Mike Smith starring in The Hockey Hero

The championship game was only hours away. The Tiger Sharks, Mike's favorite team, were just one game away from being the champs.

Mike had already invited Larry to watch the game on television with him. All that was left to do was check the snacks and, for the fourth time today, study the team line-ups.

Unknown to Mike, the Tiger Sharks were in trouble. The coach had just learned that the star player had a sprained ankle and could not play tonight. No other players were available. The situation seemed hopeless.

"What about that kid, Mike so-and-so, who you just signed," the coach asked the team's general manager.

"You mean that kid who lives in Atlanta? replied the G.M. "He's a little young and inexperienced!"

"Call him," replied the coach, "and get him here any way you can, even if you have to rent a private jet. All we need is a back-up in case of injury. He'll just sit on the bench."

The general manager, a bit nervous about tonight's game, still couldn't remember the player's last name. "Was it Leroux, Lamante, Smith? Yes, Smith, I think that was it," the G.M. said and he quickly looked through the Atlanta phone book for the number.

For Mike, time was moving slowly. When the phone rang, Mike answered.

"Hi," said the G.M. "I know this is unusual, Mike, but we have a game tonight and we need you to play. I'm sending someone to pick you up."

"Sure," Mike said somewhat reluctantly, knowing he would miss the big game on television. "But I'd like to bring along Larry."

"No problem," replied the G.M.

Mike quickly gathered his hockey gear and waited to be picked up.

In no time an official hockey-looking guy rang the door bell. "Is Mike here?" he asked.

"Right here," Mike replied.

"Where?" said the hockey guy looking around the room.

"Right here." said Mike again.

"But! But! You look like you're only 8 years old," replied the surprised official. "Are you that good of a hockey player?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty good," Mike replied.

"Where are we going?" Mike asked as they jumped into a limousine.

"To the home arena of the Tiger Sharks," replied the hockey-type guy. "The game is sold out. There will be thousands of people at the arena and another 10 million watching on television."

"Sure, 10 million watching and me playing at the home of the Tiger Sharks! Does he really think I believe him?" Mike thought to himself. . . .