COLUMBUS (Ohio) — Aaron Portzline of The Athletic calls Author Steph West’s sports novel about an aging hockey star who must fight his way back from injury and addiction a “gripping story of triumph—both in hockey and in life.”

The Third Period released Tuesday, July 22, to rave reviews that continue as more readers latch on to this comeback story of addiction, love, rivalry, and brotherhood. The dramatic sports novel is available to order from any major or indie book retailer in the world, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

West is a former Gannett/USA Today and Fox Sports Ohio reporter, who covered the Columbus Blue Jackets and National Hockey League for five seasons. She won first place for her coverage in 2010 from American Community Newspapers and second place for Best Sports Reporter from the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists in 2011.

The Third Period story is entirely fictional, but the struggle of opioid addiction is very real. The Third Period follows Mike Olsky and superstar Teddy Hendrix as they battle to win the ultimate prize in pro sports—and each other—while dealing with personal demons. The story is about more than just hockey, though. As former NHL player and Author of Journeyman Sean Pronger points out in his Foreword of the novel:

“…what makes this book special is that it’s really about everything around the game. It’s a story about family. About teammates. About cities that shape you, communities that rally around you, and the people who pick you up when life slashes you in the back of the knees. It’s about the team—not just the one in the locker room, but the one waiting at home, sitting in the stands, or cheering from halfway across the country. This is a comeback story—the kind we all need. It’s about second chances, redemption, and never giving up. About falling down hard and finding the guts to get back up when no one would blame you for staying down. Steph doesn’t just tell the story—she opens it up and lets us feel the highs, the heartbreak, and the healing. And she does it with honesty, humility, and that sharp, dry wit that all the best hockey people seem to have.”

— Sean Pronger, Foreword of The Third Period

Get your copy today!