On the ice and around the house where he lives with his eleven adopted siblings and distracted parents, Boot, the Wings’ premier left wing, is most comfortable cruising the margins and sneaking in his best shots when they’re least expected. But midway through his first Squirt season Boot discovers that a new weapon is allowed, one that appeals to everyone but him: bodychecking. Suddenly, surrounded by the threat of being hit by anyone at any angle at any speed, Boot finds his game is in big trouble. He can’t check—or won’t. The team is upset and everyone but Boot is getting creamed. Will he hold back so long that he loses not only his teammates’ respect—but his place on the ice as a Wing?