Shoot for the Goal

by Justin Abdelkader, Mary Cindrich (Illustrator)

Overview

Justin Abdelkader always knew he wanted to be a professional hockey player. From a very young age, he channeled all of his energy and focus towards making it to the NHL. Getting there wasn't without its obstacles, though. It meant having to leave home to play junior hockey while he was in high school. It meant having to leave college before he was able to finish his bachelor's degree when he was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings, who won the Stanley Cup the season he joined. Still, he went back to take classes in the off-season to finish his degree. Today, he's the Red Wings' alternate captain and in this book, shares his story as a way to show young people that perseverance and hard work do pay off — that dreams do come true.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940161525104
Publisher:	Momentum Books, L.L.C.
Publication date:	12/10/2018
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	14 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Justin Abdelkader was born to Sheryl and Joe Abdelkader in Muskegon, Mich., on Feb. 25, 1987. As a kid growing up on the west side of Michigan, he discovered his love for ice hockey and the Detroit Red Wings.
While attending Mona Shores High School, Justin was named captain of the high school hockey team and earned several honors including being named Michigan’s Mr. Hockey in 2004.
Determined to become an NHL player, he made the tough decision to leave home during his senior year of high school and play junior hockey. He joined the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders and went on to win the 2005 Clark Cup.
Later that year, Justin committed to Michigan State University to play on the varsity ice hockey team. In 2007, Justin scored the game-winning goal in the NCAA championship game and earned the title of Frozen Four’s Most Outstanding Player.
Justin was drafted 42nd overall by the Detroit Red Wings in 2005. After spending three years at MSU, he joined the Red Wings. Detroit then went on to win the 2008 Stanley Cup. Justin is currently in his 11th year with the organization and serves as the Red Wings’ alternate captain.
He proudly earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Michigan State University after years of taking classes in the off season. Justin is passionate about the importance of education for youth, and he helps act as a mentor for education through his Abby’s All Stars reading program. Justin lives in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and spends his summers in his hometown of Muskegon with his wife, Julie. They had their first child in September 2018.