Themes/Topics
Saul faces hatred and discrimination throughout his entire hockey career, leading to him quitting
What is racism?
The person that is revealed to abuse Saul near the end of the book.
Who is Father Leboutilier?
Saul is taken here after being found on the tracks.
What is St. Jeromes?
The symbol for escape and identity for Saul.
What is hockey?
This hidden trauma explains Saul’s later struggles with alcoholism and isolation.
What is abuse?
The family that takes Saul in and introduces him to hockey
Who are the Kelly's (Martha and Fred)?
Saul attends this place to begin healing and recovery.
What is New Dawn Centre?
The symbol of cultural genocide and the cause of his trauma
What are residential schools?
The effect of abuse and what Saul represses and bottles up throughout the story
What is trauma?
Saul's brother and sister who died at the residential school
Who is Benjamin and Rachel?
Plot twist of the book
What is Saul's abuse by Father Leboutilier?
The symbol was an escape for Saul after he quit hockey.
What is alcohol?
The way Saul was able to recover from his trauma and experiences.
What is reconnection/opening up?
The farmer that takes Saul in while he had drinking problems
Who is Erv?
The feeder team Saul plays for
What are the Marlboros?
A symbol of his identity and how he views the game differently
What is his "vision"?
Saul’s memories of Naomi and his childhood continue to shape him, which he eventually loses but regains
What is family/culture/tradition?
Who is Shaboogeesick?
The girl who commits suicide after losing her sister to the residential school
Who is Rebecca Wolf?
A symbol for peace and refuge, and the only connection left of Saul's family and culture
What is God's lake?