There are millions of hockey moms, and far too many have jumped in without a clue as to how much time the game takes, how much it costs, and how it''s played. Here, in the first book for that beleaguered bunch, veteran hockey mom Melissa Walsh, with three kids on the ice, takes mothers by the glove through every aspect of hockey.

Moms who think icing is for cakes, and boards are for college, will be saved a lot of embarrassing moments in the bleachers, as Walsh goes over the rules and terminology of a sport that is new to many parents. Chapters cover purchasing and caring for equipment, offering advice on the biggest and most difficult buy, the skates, as well as tips on choosing shoulder pads, gloves, shin pads, and helmets. There are tips on safety, basic skills like the stop and turn, drills used in practice, health, off-season conditioning, and dealing with coaches. There''s great advice about connecting with other parents, managing time, choosing leagues, and even basic hockey first aid.

Salted with quotes from hockey players and moms who''ve been there, and loaded with the wisdom that only a real hockey mom can offer, The Rookie Hockey Mom is a must for any hockey-crazy family, and the women who drive them everywhere.